Sooty grunter

My FFF (FIRST FRESHWATER FISH)… ⤵️ Oh my goodness!!!! I finally did it. What a surprise would be an understatement. Came down to the water for a walk with doggo (took my rod with)….traipsed up and down the river front (sketchy as all heck)… Super chilly but beautiful morning. Unassuming…. About 45min in after not so much as a nibble…I felt interest on my line and I did not hesitate and BAM….fish on hook. Holy heck I was pooping myself as I didn’t want to loose it. I fully thought it was a catfish but then as it got closer it wasn’t! My heartbeat could be heard all the way up to Cairns I reckon! 😝 Managed to get it out on shore. Doggo had a sniff…took some pics (realised I left my Brag Mat on dads boat)…so lined it up against my rod. Measured when I got home - So roughly 26cm. Then it went back in the water. So so happy! Still couldn’t believe it! Best part - I caught in on the good old chicken mix 😝 You know what the funny thing was…the whole time it was on my line it felt like I was a newbie fisherman again but this time in freshwater…’what kind of fish is it…should I touch/hold it…does it have spikes…what’s the legal size’ etc etc…was a nice flashback! Went home a very happy girl! Anyhoo that’s all folks!! ❤️ Tight Lines my friends 🐟💪🏻

My workmate Craig fished the Mary River near Gympie and scored this nice Sooty Grunter. All Sooty Grunter from this catchment must be kept as they aren't native to the area.

Nice sooty grunter from the Andromache.