Fisherman wins Golden Tag prize for catch at Tullaroop Reservoir, near Maryborough

Eltham man Nick Jenkins won the prize as part of the state government's Golden Tag competition.

Four recreational fishers have caught tagged fish worth $10,000 each since the Golden Tag competition restarted in June last year.

Read other news: Man admits to damaging door at Bendigo courier service, driving while disqualified

Mr Jenkins said he was targeting trout at the Tullaroop Reservoir when his lure was taken by a 48cm golden perch carrying a $10,000 tag.

"When I saw the golden tag, I just couldn't believe it," he said. "That was until I called the phone number, which confirmed I had won."

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

Read other news: Victoria's active coronavirus cases grow as state increases vaccination capacity

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

Member for Western Victoria Jaala Pulford said there were still hundreds of fish out there with Golden Tags, some worth $10,000 and others $2000.

"Nick's story is a great example of someone who's travelled to go fishing a few hours from home, spent money in local businesses, then been rewarded with the ultimate prize - a big fish and a big cheque," she said.

Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can access our trusted content: