$25,000 catch on the menu as lake serves up fishing fest

Published on 20 November 2024

Lurking in the depths of Lake Macquarie are four fighting fit fish whose capture could net lucky anglers up to $100,000 this weekend.

The four healthy adults – a flathead, tailor, bream and whiting – were released earlier this week under the watchful eye of Let’s Fish Lake Mac organiser Michael Guest at popular fishing spots across the lake.

Tagged with a unique label, the four fish will each be worth $25,000 if landed by registered anglers participating in the two-day catch-and-release challenge.

Mr Guest said the $100,000 total cash bounty added to more than $34,000 worth of prizes on offer across junior and open categories for the largest specimen of each target species, along with ‘mystery length’ prizes and other prize packs.

“The four tagged fish have now been released, allowing them time to settle back into a normal feeding routine, ready for a lucky competitor to catch,” he said.

“We’re set for two days of cracking spring weather with light winds and no rain in sight. The lake is going to be busy with keen fishos getting there fishing gear ready to chase the four target species.”

Let’s Fish Lake Mac requires anglers to photograph fish on a measuring mat supplied to all participants before being released back into the lake.

Fish must be caught either in the lake or from shore along the city’s coast.

Lake Macquarie Mayor Adam Shultz said it was a fun, sustainable way to get outdoors and enjoy the city’s spectacular lake and beaches.

“The lake is central to so much that we do here. It’s why so many families are moving here and it’s why hundreds of thousands more visit every year,” he said.

“Almost every one of us who has grown up here has a core memory of catching their first fish in Lake Macquarie and I’m sure many more of those memories will be made this weekend.”

Let’s Fish encourages people to get outdoors, supports families to get out and enjoy our lake together and promotes low-impact fishing that maintains healthy fish populations.”

This year’s contest also focuses on providing fishing options for people of all abilities.

All-inclusive fishing will be on offer at Lake Macquarie’s first fully accessible fishing platform at Bolton Point, with wheelchair access and disability parking onsite.

Day Trippin Charters is offering 90-minute fishing trips from 9am-3pm over the weekend for NDIS participants, with each trip accommodating up to four people including a parent or carer for each person.

Mr Guest urged anyone catching a $25,000 tagged fish to ensure they don’t remove the tag from their catch.

“You must keep the fish alive and in good condition, and call the event hotline number provided when you register,” he said.

Entry to this year’s Let’s Fish is $30. Fish can be caught any time on Saturday 23 and Sunday 24 November.

Go to letsfishlakemac.com.au for more information.

Let’s Fish Lake Mac is proudly sponsored by BCF, Abu Garcia, Berkley, Lowrance and Mako.