Record prize pool on the line at Let’s Fish Lake Mac

newy.com.au – Anglers from across NSW are expected to converge on Lake Macquarie this weekend for the Let’s Fish Lake Mac festival, with a record prize pool of almost $150,000 on offer across 22-23 November.

The catch-and-release competition will be staged on the lake and nearby coastline, with Lake Macquarie City Council saying it will draw fisherfolk in junior and adult categories and contribute hundreds of thousands of dollars to the local economy.

For the first time, eight tagged fish will be released into the lake ahead of the festival, with four carrying a $25,000 prize and another four linked to major prize packages. Target species for the event include bream, whiting, tailor and flathead.

Lake Macquarie Mayor Adam Shultz said the festival highlighted the central role the lake played in the city’s identity and lifestyle.

“The lake is the heart of our community – it brings people together, fuels our local economy and inspires a love for the outdoors,” Cr Shultz said.

“Let’s Fish is a celebration of everything that makes Lake Macquarie such an incredible place to live and visit.”

Lake Macquarie City Council Manager Arts, Culture and Tourism Jacqui Hemsley said the event had quickly become a key fixture on the city’s tourism calendar.

“Last year’s Let’s Fish drew in more than 1800 competitors, with more than two-thirds travelling from outside the area,” Ms Hemsley said.

“That influx of visitors means an uptick in accommodation bookings, dining out and local spending, injecting more than $500,000 into the city over the two days.”

Event organiser Michael Guest said conditions should favour anglers chasing fish in the shallows.

“Late spring is a cracking time to fish Lake Mac,” Mr Guest said.

“Warmer water brings fish into the shallows, and I’m looking forward to seeing some great fish caught by both boat and shore-based anglers.”

Competitors will target bream, flathead, tailor and whiting, photographing each live fish on a supplied competition brag mat before releasing it back into the water. Prizes will be awarded across both junior and adult divisions.

Guest said the prize structure was designed to reward participation as well as the largest fish.

“Prizes aren’t just for the biggest catches,” he said. “Mystery length prizes mean anyone who reels a target species in has a shot at winning.”

This year’s competition offers 13 prize packs, including a Lowrance pro-grade sounder worth more than $5000, ABU Garcia rods and reels, Mako sunglasses and BCF gift vouchers. All junior competitors who sign up for the Berkley Fishing Squad will receive a Berkley hat and sticker.

Registrations for Let’s Fish Lake Mac remain open, with entry details available at letsfishlakemac.com.au.