Russell Island fisherman Max Claridge-Tighe wants to turn his weekend hobby into a professional career.
The nine-year-old has been reeling in monster sized snapper since joining Russell Island Fishing Club earlier this year as he looks to make a name for himself as one of the best young fishermen in the region.
His mother Georgina Claridge said his red-hot form on the water had seen him trump experienced adult fishermen during the club's weekend competitions.
"It's something he has stuck to because he's winning," she said.
"...This kind of individual sport really suits him because he's not the kind of kid to play rugby.
"He doesn't mind going out fishing with a mate or two but he likes individual sports like fishing, swimming and surfing."
Ms Claridge said Max had shown a commitment to improving his fishing since picking up the sport as an 8-year-old.
"He'll go out on a Friday, Saturday and Sunday and stand in the rain all day just to catch fish," she said.
"Whatever he catches during those few days he puts in the fridge and brings to fishing club on Sunday."
Ms Claridge said Max was a regular at Russell Island's most popular fishing spots but kept tight-lipped about his favourite place to pull in snapper.
"He gets his best catches at the moment off Wahine Drive," she said.
"He also goes to 'snapper hole' but only tells me it's between Stradbroke and Russell.
"I guess it's a secret."
Ms Claridge said Max travelled to the Gold Coast every Friday to take surfing lessons on Main Beach.
She said he was also a keen swimmer.
- More local sport here.
