Prize catch of Golden Tag fish at Tullaroop Reservoir

Tullaroop Reservoir is a fishery on the rise and it’s now a favourite place to cast a line for one lucky man who landed a $10,000 golden perch.

Four recreational fishers have now caught tagged fish worth $10,000 each since the Government’s Golden Tag competition recommenced in June 2020.

Nick Jenkins from Eltham was targeting trout at Tullaroop Reservoir when his lure was taken by a 48cm golden perch carrying a $10,000 Golden Tag.

The competition began in February 2020 to encourage visitors back to Gippsland and the northeast where regional communities were in the early stages of recovering from summer bushfires.

The competition was paused due to pandemic travel restrictions, then relaunched in June 2020 with extra tagged fish released throughout Victoria.

There are still hundreds of fish out there with Golden Tags, some worth $10,000 and others $2,000.

To find out more visit www.vfa.vic.gov.au/goldentag

Quote attributable to Minister for Fishing and Boating Melissa Horne

“The Golden Tag competition has been a wonderful success, supporting regional businesses that depend on tourism and getting Victorians outside and active again after a challenging year.”

Quote attributable to Member for Western Victoria Jaala Pulford

“Nick’s story is a great example of someone who’s travelled to go fishing a few hours from home, spent money in small town businesses along the way, then been rewarded with the ultimate prize – a big fish and a big cheque.”

Quote attributable to Golden Tag winner Nick Jenkins

“When I saw the golden tag, I just couldn’t believe it. That was until I called the phone number, which confirmed I had won!”