A slow start to the fishing season has turned into one to remember for young angler Shanae Dance, who has reeled in a remarkable collection of club, state, Australian and world records.
Shanae capped off her 2025/26 season with an impressive haul of awards from the Tuna Club of Tasmania, recognising achievements ranging from record catches to her contribution to tag-and-release fishing.
Among the highlights was a massive 115.10kg southern bluefin tuna caught on 37kg line, which earned Shanae record recognition and the club’s Royal Swan Trophy for the heaviest tunny fish captured in southern Tasmanian waters by a club member.
Her season was about much more than landing big fish.
Shanae tagged and released 54 southern bluefin tuna to claim the Wood and Baillie Trophy, while also receiving the Shane Banks Trophy for the highest individual tag-and-release points score by a junior angler.
She collected the Graham Artley Junior Trophy for the highest aggregate points scored for gamefish during club rallies and contests, and the McConnon Cup for a 30.50kg southern bluefin tuna caught on 8kg line.
The achievements are the result of countless early mornings and long days on the water for a young angler whose passion for fishing has continued to grow.
Shanae’s family said they were particularly proud of what she had achieved in a sport traditionally dominated by men.
Rather than allowing that to discourage her, Shanae has continued to compete, put in the hours and demonstrate what young female anglers can achieve.
Now she hopes her success can encourage others to follow her onto the water.
Shanae wants to become an ambassador for young anglers, particularly encouraging girls to pick up a rod, have a go and never believe a particular sport is not for them.
For her family, that potential to inspire another young person is just as significant as the growing collection of records and trophies.
After a season that began slowly and ended in the record books, there may still be plenty more to come from the talented young angler.
Royal Swan Trophy
Heaviest tunny fish captured in southern Tasmanian waters by a Tuna Club member
115.10kg southern bluefin tuna
Wood and Baillie Trophy
Most southern bluefin tuna tagged and released in Tasmanian waters
54 tuna tagged
Shane Banks Trophy
Highest individual tag-and-release points score by a junior angler
175,000 points
Graham Artley Junior Trophy
Highest aggregate points scored for all gamefish captured during club rallies and contests
2583.10 points
McConnon Cup
Highest points-scoring southern bluefin tuna captured on a boat over six metres
30.50kg tuna on 8kg line, scoring 571.90 points
The International Game Fish Association
World Record
39kg Southern Bluefin Tuna of 15kg line class
The Game Fishing Association of Australia
Junior Australian Record
55.30kg Southern Bluefin Tuna of 37kg line class
The Game Fishing Association of Australia
Junior Australian Record
50.30kg Southern Bluefin Tuna of 37kg line class
The Game Fishing Association of Australia
Junior Australian Record
115.10kg Southern Bluefin Tuna of 37kg line class
