As the highly anticipated barramundi season kicks off, fishing enthusiasts, families, and holidaymakers across the country are invited to gear up for Mackay Isaac’s Lucky Catch and Snap fishing competition, set to take place from April 5 to April 26, 2025, across the breathtaking Mackay Isaac region.
Mackay Isaac Tourism Interim CEO Jeff Stewart-Harris said Mackay Isaac’s Lucky Catch and Snap has established itself as a significant fishing event in Queensland.
“In just two years, it is the largest fishing event in the Central and North Queensland region and second only to the Boyne Tannum Hookup in scale,” Mr Stewart-Harris said.
“At its core, Lucky Catch and Snap is an adventure that celebrates the thrill of fishing in our region while offering anglers of all skill levels the chance to win a share of an incredible $10,000 Lucky Fish jackpot.
“In 2022, we saw over 1,000 total participants with 782 direct registrations in the event submitting over 2,000 catches in the Lucky Catch and Snap app.
“The competition, which now falls over the Easter school holidays, is expected to attract visitors from across Australia, boosting tourism and showcasing the natural beauty of the Mackay Isaac Region.
“Unlike some of our neighbouring regions, the Mackay Isaac region is fortunate to have access to coastal, estuary and dam fishing locations teeming with barramundi, threadfin salmon, and more, providing the opportunity to target many species all year around.
“We did a soft launch of the competition earlier in the month into Southeast Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria and we’ve already seen a strong uptake in registrations from keen anglers, mostly from across Queensland but also into New South Wales.
“With Barra Season opening tomorrow (1st February), there’s a real buzz around the region so it’s timely to launch Lucky Catch and Snap locally today”.
Mackay Regional Council Mayor Greg Williamson said the Lucky Catch and Snap fishing competition is the perfect opportunity for visitors to ‘reel in’ a new adventure.
“Our region is Australia’s premier recreational fishing destination, offering everything from iconic barramundi in our dams, to hard-hitting offshore deep-sea fish like tuna and Mackerel,” Mayor Williamson said.
“Held in the April school holidays; Lucky Catch and Snap introduces a whole new generation to the thrill of fishing but also invites visitors to our region to experience what we have for themselves”.
Isaac Regional Councillor Viv Coleman said fishing is more than just a pastime in the Mackay Isaac region — it’s a major lifestyle attraction.
“Camping, boating, and fishing are at the heart of Mackay Isaac life, and we’re inviting everyone to experience the magic of our backyard with a rod and reel,” Cr Coleman said.
“From the breathtaking coastal gems of St Lawrence, Clairview and Carmila to the outback paradise of Theresa Creek Dam near Clermont, there’s an adventure waiting for everyone — and a great chance to land your catch of the day.
“A massive shoutout to the Clermont Fish Stocking Group for their incredible efforts over the last 20-odd years. Thanks to their dedication, Theresa Creek Dam has become a go-to destination for freshwater fishing enthusiasts.”
Lucky Catch and Snap Details
The Lucky Catch and Snap competition features the exciting Lucky Fish draw, where participants could reel in cash prizes starting at $500 and jackpotted by $500 daily, reaching a maximum of $10,000.
Each day, anglers are encouraged to fish in one the 20 pre-promoted destinations across the region. Each day at 6pm, a random draw will determine:
- A fish species available at that location
- A specific length for the selected species.
Catch a fish that matches all three criteria and register it via the Lucky Catch and Snap app to claim the prize!
Key Event Dates:
- Open Day: April 5 at Theresa Creek Dam
- Closing Day: April 26 at Kinchant Dam
For more information, visit www.luckycatchandsnap.com.au or follow @luckycatchandsnap on social media.
Lucky Catch and Snap is supported by the Queensland Government through Tourism and Events Queensland.
Mackay Isaac Tourism Interim CEO Jeff Stewart-Harris encourages locals to join the Lucky Catch and Snap fishing competition in Mackay Isaac from April 5-26, 2025, for a chance to win a share of the $10,000 jackpot. Photo supplied