NINE-year-old angler Riley Vallance took on a barramundi that was bigger and heavier than himself and still managed to reel in a world record catch.

“I battled the fish for 20 minutes, it was a big struggle for me,” the Year 4 Yungaburra State School student said.
“My arms are still sore three days later.”

Riley, who weighs in at 25kg and measures 131cm, managed to master a massive 27.6kg barramundi that measured 132cm after playing the fish into submission during a weekend competition at Lake Tinaroo.

Now the Mission Beach Game Fishing Club, which ran the event, is applying to have Riley’s catch listed as a small fry (eight to 11 years) world record.

The club is also applying for Queensland and Australian records.

Club secretary Barbara Leptig said Riley, who lives at Lake Eacham, had beaten every other Australian record in all categories including male, female and under-16 junior classes.

“All the committee members’ jaws dropped to the ground,” Mrs Leptig said.

Riley’s father, marine biologist Terry Vallance, said his son had been fishing since he was a baby.

“He has been fishing since he could go in a boat with me,” he said.

“We have a picture of him as a baby in a life jacket.”

Last year, Riley caught a barramundi measuring 111cm.

“I never thought I would catch another one like that,” he said.

Riley's fishing tips:

● Find a good spot
● Pick a lure that is yellow with black stripes that looks fluorescent
● Go fishing near the time of a full moon
● Have loads of patience to catch something on Lake Tinaroo
● Lots to eat while you are waiting

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