Let’s Fish hooks whopping benefits for city

Published on 16 November 2023

Lake Macquarie is set to lure more than 700 anglers to the city for a weekend fishing festival, netting hundreds of thousands of dollars in tourism dollars in the process.

The Let’s Fish Lake Mac festival will be contested from boats and shore fishing spots around the lake and along the coast on Saturday and Sunday, with prize packs on offer in junior and adult categories.

Lake Macquarie City Council Manager Arts, Culture and Tourism Jacqui Hemsley said the last Let’s Fish instalment attracted almost 1000 entrants, more than half of whom were from outside the area.

“These anglers need places to stay, to eat, to buy bait and to enjoy themselves once the fish have stopped biting,” she said.

“We estimate the economic impact for the city to be well over $200,000 over the two days.”

Event organiser Michael Guest said fishing-friendly conditions were expected across the weekend.

“Late spring is a cracking time of year to fish Lake Mac,” he said.

“Warmer water temperatures increase fish activity across the lake and on the ocean beaches, and the four target fish in this year’s competition all start to hunt in the fringes closer to shore.”

“This movement into the shallows plays into the hands of our shore-based competitors.” 

The four target fish species are bream, flathead, tailor and whiting.

“It’s a catch and release competition, so competitors take a photo of the live fish alongside a measuring tape then release it,” Mr Guest said.

“Prizes are on offer not only for the biggest fish caught, but also for mystery lengths, so everyone who catches something is in with a chance.”

Cr Adam Shultz said Let’s Fish showcased the jewel in the city’s crown.

“We’re so lucky to have the lake as our centrepiece, and this is a wonderful opportunity to get out there and enjoy it,” he said.

The competition includes draw prizes just for entering, with 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 entrants are eligible for a hat and sticker from sponsor Berkley.

There’s still time to sign up and participate in the event - head to letsfishlakemac.com.au for more information and registrations.

Meanwhile, local boaties are invited to share feedback on how they use boat ramps across Lake Macquarie to help Council better plan for future maintenance and upgrades.

An online survey is open at shape.lakemac.com.au/boat-ramps until 15 December 2023.