THE AJFC Aussie Junior Fishing Classic has wrapped up its April competition, with young anglers from across the country reeling in an impressive range of catches and one local standout making waves in the national event.
The month-long competition, which continues to grow in popularity each year, drew strong participation from junior fishers aged 6 to 17.
Organisers said the April round delivered some of the closest results yet with many categories decided by just millimetres as competitors submitted their best catches from waterways around Australia.
Among the top performers was Blake Smith, competing in the 13-17 years division, who delivered an exceptional set of results across multiple categories.
Blake secured first place in Bream, Flathead and Snapper, showcasing both skill and consistency.
His Flathead entries were particularly impressive, with his two largest fish reaching a combined 1677mm, a standout achievement that helped cement his win.
Blake also picked up a $50 Ultimate Pro Crab Pot voucher for his strong showing in the crab category, adding to an already successful competition.
AJFC co-founder Sam Beckmann said the April event highlighted the enthusiasm and talent of Australia’s next generation of anglers.
“We saw a huge variety of quality fish caught right across the country, and many categories were decided by only a few millimetres,” Ms Beckmann said.
“Blake had an exceptional competition and should be very proud of his achievements.
“It’s great to see young anglers getting outdoors, developing their skills, and enjoying fishing with family and friends.”
The AJFC continues to grow as a supportive national platform for young people to build confidence, learn new skills and spend more time outdoors, which is something.
Following the success of the April round, organisers are now gearing up for the next competition, running in July.

