King competed at the Australian Bass Tournaments (ABT) Bass Cat Bass Pro Series at Bjelke-Petersen Dam in Queensland on the weekend of September 10 and 11.

He competed in the non-boater division grand final and finished second in the field of 31 anglers.

The Bass Pro Series consisted of four rounds: Glenbawn Dam, Lake St Clair, Richmond River, (Lismore) and Boodooma in Queensland, before the grand final at Bjelke-Petersen Dam.

This was King's first year in the Bass Pro Series as a rookie non-boater. He weighed in 12 out of 12 bass weighing a total of 13.8kg. 

The non-boaters were paired with boaters for the professional anglers for the competition.

King drew Terry Allwood from Queensland, who took out the pro division with 15.68kg to win a month-long fishing trip to the USA valued at $10,000.

King took home about $1500 worth of equipment and vouchers for his efforts.

The 44-year-old mine operator has been has been fishing for most of his life but only took up tournaments two years ago.

“I’d encourage other anglers to give the tournament bass fishing series a go, as we have some of the best bass dams and rivers in the country,” he said.

“Using plastics and lures is totally different to bait.

“I just want to keep getting better and better.”

King is not just a skilled fisherman – he also won the Miner of the Year competition at the Lightning Ridge Easter Festival in March this year.