Daniel Ringer is Victoria’s top fly-fisherman after winning state championship

DANIEL Ringer is hooked on fly-fishing — and the recently crowned Victorian champion has his eyes set on competing internationally.

Daniel Ringer, 23, is Victoria’s fly-fishing state champion for 2016/17. Picture: Steve Tanner

A MOOROOLBARK fisherman has his eyes set on competing internationally after becoming Victoria’s fly-fishing champion.

Daniel Ringer, 23, won the state championship after three rounds of competition in Ballarat, Falls Creek and Stawell from October to June.

Each round consisted of three four-hour fishing sessions where competitors had to catch as many fish as possible.

Daniel said his experience being a squad member of the Australian fly-fishing team at last year’s World Championships in Colorado, USA, inspired his successful state championship campaign.

“That really lit the fire to do well,” he said.

“The previous few years I’d been consistently OK but not up there winning it and this year things came together a bit better.

“A couple of things went right for me, there were definitely better fisherman there but I was lucky enough to take it out.”

Daniel Ringer has been fly-fishing since he was eight and hopes to compete internationally. Picture: Steve Tanner

Daniel was first introduced to fly-fishing when a neighbour showed him a video when he was eight years old.

He then joined the Yarra Valley Fly Fishers when he was 13 and has competed professionally for nine years.

Daniel is eligible to be a Lilydale and Yarra Valley Leader Sports Star nominee.

Leader Local Sports Stars medallists will be named in seven categories including juniors, teams, individuals, and encouragement.

The program is now a national celebration, and junior category winners will be judged for national awards.

Cash prizes as well as vouchers from our sponsor Sportsmart are up for grabs.

For full details and to nominate an athlete, go to localsportsstars.com.au