Published: 7 April 2025

Michael Lawrence-Taylor wants more young people to feel the thrill of reeling in a fish.

“Whether it’s the allure of the mighty mulloway or the hooking humble mullet, casting your line is great way to get out and experience nature in our beautiful shire,” Eurobodalla Council’s youth development officer says.

To that end, Eurobodalla Council is hosting a free land-based fishing competition at Wagonga Inlet, starting from the Narooma Sport and Game Fishing Club (near the Quarterdeck) on Thursday 17 April from 10am to 2pm. And Council’s youth development team have gone to the best for help, with local and national fishing legend Steve ‘Starlo’ Starling along to lend a hand.

“Starlo is a world-record holder, writer and TV personality and he knows this estuary like the back of his hand. Beginning and seasoned young anglers alike can hit him up for those top tips and secret tricks for reeling in a beauty,” Mr Lawrence-Taylor says.

Starlo says Wagonga Inlet is wonderful, vibrant estuary that’s chock-full of fish.

“You can hook just about anything that swims in this part of the world from these crystal-clear waters. I reckon we’ll see some great catches on the day!” says Starlo.

Mr Lawrence-Taylor says the fishing competition is targeted at people aged 12 to 24 and is one of the Council run, youth-focused events as part of state-wide Youth Week celebrations.

“But we really hope families come along too. It’s a great chance to tackle a new sport while learning from the best and maybe even hook a prize or two – with some absolute keepers on offer, like a fishing-charter voucher and an estuary-rod-and-reel package,” he says.

“All registered competitors receive a free tackle pack plus some bait to get them started. And we’ll wrap it up with a free barbecue. This will be such a fun day. You definitely don’t want it to be the one that got away!”

Registrations by Monday 14 April. For more information visit Council’s events webpages or contact youth development officer Michael Lawrence-Taylor on 4474 1276. The Youth Fishing Competition is proudly supported by Narooma Sport and Game Fishing Club, Youth Police Officers, local tackle shops and Shimano.

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