Officials from bushfire-struck areas have attached prize tags worth up to $10,000 to fish in an attempt to attract tourists after deadly fires have ravaged the land.
The innovative solution to the tourism crisis was brought forward by the Victorian Fisheries Authority who attached one thousand prize-winning tags to fish in an attempt to lure more tourists into the region.
The fish that yield great rewards will be released in several areas ravaged by the fires. While the lucky ten will get $10,000 each for catching the fish with a golden tag, 990 will take home $2,000 each if they manage to reel in the lucky catch.
“These communities are doing it tough so we want to get almost a million anglers in Victoria to pack the bag, pack the esky, but also pack the rod and reel,” Jaala Pulford, the Minister for Fishing and Boating, said in an interview with 3AW.
Fortunately for the reward hunters, no registration will be required to participate in the competition.
“No registration is required. The prizes are eligible for any recreational fisher with a Victorian fishing license (unless they are exempt) who catches a tagged fish by legal methods. The $10,000 prize will be limited to one per individual,” the VFA announced on their website.
“Victorian Fisheries Authority staff members and contractors, including family members, are excluded from claiming the prizes.”
As the officials explained, those who manage to catch the lucky fish will have to record their length and take a picture of the prize tag before claiming their reward at the VFA.
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Replaced!