Corey catches a big win in China

OCEAN Grove fisherman Corey Gallagher has snagged the 2017 China Open at Shengzhong Lake.

Gallagher, also a teacher at Our Lady Star of the Sea, returned home on Sunday after a week away with his Australian Hobie Fishing Team.

“Twenty-four hours of flights, airport stays and bus rides had me questioning if it was all worth it,” Gallagher said.

“The opening ceremony was mind-blowing and way beyond anything I expected.

“At the beginning of the competition I had been told by the other Australian anglers who had fished the event that one big fish is often enough to win and it turns out that’s exactly what panned out.”

Gallagher said on the second morning of the competition, a massive fish took his Cyber Vibe lure and after several very tense moments and almost losing the fish due to a net that was too small, he had it in the well.

“I was forced to paddle back and weight the fish straight away as it barely fit in the live well and would have perished if left in there for the remainder of the day,” he said.

“Pulling the scales down to 1.4kg I knew I was in with a massive chance and headed back out to try and fill my bag, still requiring two more fish.

“Turned out I was only able to land one more keeper for the day, with nerves getting to me and dropping several keepers at the net.

“Turned out it didn’t matter and I had done enough to secure my first international win on what is a very prestigious and lucrative event.”

Gallagher said the closing ceremony was another huge show and a little nerve-racking but exciting nonetheless, particularly when he received his trophies for biggest fish and the championship cup.

“On our final day we had the privilege of fishing a private lake owned by one of the Chinese competitors.

“We had a great day competing among ourselves catching largemouth bass, a first for most of us, the perfect way to end what was one of the most remarkable weeks of my life.”