Baird brothers reel in top honours Local Doonan brothers Billy and Jack Baird have delivered standout performances in the latest Aussie Junior Fishing Classic (AJFC), earning multiple podium finishes and showcasing the skill, sportsmanship and environmental values celebrated by the national junior fishing competition. The AJFC ran from 27 June to 19 July, encouraging young anglers across Australia to get outdoors, fish responsibly and care for the waterways they enjoy. In the 8-12yrs division, Billy Baird claimed 1st Place in the Trevally category, with his 2 largest Trevally measuring a combined 881mm. He also placed 2nd in the Most Fish category, helped by a 50cm flathead caught in the Noosa River at Tewantin. Older brother Jack, competing in the 13-17yrs division, was awarded 1st Place for Collecting Rubbish and Keeping Waterways Clean. He also finished 2nd in the Most Species category after catching 32 different fish species, as well as 2nd in both the Trevally and Whiting categories. His catches included a personal-best 47cm bass at Lake Macdonald and a 54cm giant trevally from the Noosa River. AJFC Co-founder Sam Beckmann said the brothers’ results reflected the heart of the competition. “Billy’s impressive trevally result highlights the skills he is developing, while Jack’s commitment to both fishing and caring for our waterways perfectly represents what the AJFC is all about. We’re proud to provide a platform where young
people can challenge themselves and inspire others to enjoy fishing responsibly.” Billy aged 11 and Jack 14, have been fishing since they were 3yo, learning the basics from their dad before spending countless hours on Sunshine Coast rivers, dams and waterways. The brothers fish together most weekends, often before or after school, and are especially passionate about kayak, tinny and land-based fishing. Most of their catches are released. The pair are also developing their own wooden lures with the help of master craftsman Eruch Rowan of Frequent Flash Lures. Jack hopes to one day represent Daiwa as a sponsored angler in bass tournaments, while Billy has his sights set on bream tournaments. The next Aussie Junior Fishing Classic will run from 19 September to 10 October, offering more than $6,000 in prizes across more than 15 categories. Open to anglers aged 3-17, the Australia-wide event is run through the 2 Bent Rods app, allowing participants to fish anywhere and submit catches directly. Visit:2bentrods.com.au.
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