AUSTRALIA has a new Bayer Rural Angler of the Year – Port Lincoln-based angler Jacob Wilkins.
Jacob enjoyed his first ever trip to Tasmania for the competition, held at Currawong Lakes recently.
This is only the sixth year of competition however Jacob became the second person in his family to win the title. His father, Mark “Wilko” Wilkins won two years ago.
The Rural angler of the Year is the culmination of the Bayer Big Fish Challenge, which brought together nine anglers from across the country.
The Bayer Big Fish Challenge is a friendly fishing competition that supports rural mental wellbeing through a partnership with The Fly Program.
Bayer Crop Science donates $1 per centimetre of the largest fish of each species caught by each team to The Fly Program, funding additional places for rural Australians on life-changing AgSpirit Retreats.
“I’m stoked to win,” Jacob said.
“The fish weren’t playing the game, so the fishing was quite difficult really.”
It was Jacob’s first time fly fishing, but he managed to learn quickly.
“It was quite difficult to pick up. There’s a bit of a trick to it and a bit of patience needed.”
Jacob caught five brown trout and one rainbow trout.
“I also made a heap of new friends, learnt a heap about fly fishing and had a great time meeting people from all around Australia.”
Bayer Crop Science national key account manager, Ben Thompson, said Jacob caught the biggest fish of the event – a 52.5-centimetre trought.
“Jacob had two days of consistently catching fish in each session, while half of the field of participants caught nothing,” Ben said.
“Despite the disappointment for some it was great to see the camaraderie that developed among participants.
“A key part of this program is raising money and awareness of mental health in rural Australia.
“Mental health is a serious problem, particularly in regional and rural Australia. People living in these areas face more barriers to accessing health care than those in major cities, making it harder for them to maintain good mental health.
“With the funds raised through the challenge we aim to provide respite and early intervention to people in rural Australia through places on Bayer AgSpirit retreats run by The Fly Program.
“It’s great to see Jacob crowned the Rural Angler of the Year in what is to be an exciting year for the program. Bayer has big plans to further expand the competition and we look forward to announcing further details in the future.”
