Anglers, ready your rods – Mackay Isaac’s Lucky Catch and Snap opens tomorrow!
Fishing fever is about to sweep the Mackay Isaac region as the 2025 Lucky Catch and Snap competition officially opens tomorrow, Saturday 5 April – with a record-breaking surge in registrations and over $10,000 in prizes up for grabs.
Held during the Easter school holidays until April 26, the much-loved event invites anglers of all skill levels to cast their line in one of 20 stunning locations across the Mackay Isaac region for a chance to reel in a jackpot-winning catch.
Mackay Isaac Tourism CEO Jeff Stewart-Harris said the buzz around the event is unlike anything we’ve seen before.
“Registrations are already up more than 400% compared to this time in 2023, with participants registered from Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria and the Northern Territory,” Mr. Stewart-Harris said.
“The word is out – Mackay Isaac’s Lucky Catch and Snap is now one of Australia’s most exciting regional fishing competitions. It offers families, seasoned anglers and first-timers alike the chance to experience our world-class estuary, dam and coastal fishing spots and win big while doing it.”
Participants can fish each day at one of the pre-promoted daily locations, revealed earlier this year to help competitors plan their fishing holiday and make the most of the regional adventure.
To win the jackpot, participants need to:
- Fish at the correct daily location.
- Catch the correct species.
- Land it at the correct length.
- Log the catch in the Mackay Isaac Lucky Catch and Snap app before 5pm.
The daily cash prize starts at $500 and jackpots by $500 each day, reaching a total of $10,000 if unclaimed.
A region made for fishing (and fun)
While recent wet weather has impacted the ability to hold a community open day on the 5th of April, the competition’s first lucky location is still at Theresa Creek Dam in Clermont tomorrow, with daily fishing locations thereafter spanning from coastal favourites like Sarina Beach, Clairview and Cape Hillsborough to freshwater escapes like Kinchant, Eungella and Teemburra Dams, finishing with a big finale and community day, sponsored by Sunwater on Saturday 26 April at Kinchant Dam.
Mackay Regional Council Mayor Greg Williamson said Mackay Isaac’s Lucky Catch and Snap has quickly become a seasonal highlight for the region.
“This event celebrates our incredible outdoors lifestyle and the diversity of fishing experiences right here in Mackay,” Mayor Williamson said.
“Whether it’s chasing barra in our dams or hauling in a Spanish mackerel offshore, there’s something here for every type of angler.”
Isaac Regional Council Mayor Kelly Vea Vea echoed the sentiment.
“From Theresa Creek Dam to the pristine coastline of Carmila and St Lawrence, we’re proud to showcase the rich fishing lifestyle that makes our part of Queensland truly special,” Mayor Vea Vea said.
“Mackay Isaac’s Lucky Catch and Snap isn’t just about prizes – it’s about community, adventure and discovering hidden gems in our backyard.”
For a full list of daily locations, jackpot updates, and to register (it’s free!), visit www.luckycatchandsnap.com.au or follow @luckycatchandsnap on social media.
Download the Campaign Promotional Toolkit: Lucky Catch and Snap Promotional Toolkit_FINAL.pdf.
Lucky Catch and Snap is supported by Queensland Government through Tourism and Events Queensland.
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