‘Tis the season to land barra and a prize

Published: 31 Jan 2022

Dust off those rods and reels – barra season is upon us.

And to mark the start of the new barramundi open season tomorrow (February 1), two new competitions have been launched.

Mayor Greg Williamson said the region was gaining a reputation as a fishing and barramundi mecca.

He said the new barramundi season, from tomorrow until October 31, meant saltwater barramundi could once again be targeted and kept in accordance with size and bag limits.

“Of course, when fishing, we must all remember size and catch limits and only keep enough for a feed.”

Data from the Mackay Recreational Fishers Alliance shows the average length of caught barramundi has grown from 624mm in 2015 to 713mm, despite more anglers targeting the fish.

“It's great to see more barra growing to breeding size,’’ said Mayor Williamson.

“Mackay has a growing reputation for being Australia’s best fishing destination, offering visiting anglers the ability to target, not just barramundi, but a multitude of exciting fish species,’’ he said.

“Our region’s net-free zone from St Helens to Seaforth, the Recreational Fishing Strategy and the Voluntary Code of Practice all contribute to making the Mackay region a desired destination for travelling anglers.

“We are also fortunate here in Mackay to have three stocked impoundments where metre-plus barra can be captured all year round.”

Mayor Williamson and Cr Belinda Hassan also launched a new land-based fishing brochure today.

No boat, no worries – the region is home to a diverse range of land-based fishing options, from purpose-built fishing pontoons to remote beach and creek access.

Council and Mackay Isaac Tourism have produced a land-based fishing brochure featuring the top 20 hotspots across the Mackay region.

Copies of the brochure are available at our region’s Visitor Information Centres and an online version will soon be made available.

To celebrate the opening of the barramundi season, Mackay Isaac Tourism and Mackay Regional Council have combined to run two competitions.

The first is aimed at teenagers and adults and the second at children. Both competitions will run from tomorrow (February 1, 12am) and close February 28 at 11.59pm.

Details of the competitions are below:

Competition 1: Your Best Barra caught in the Mackay Region Photo Competition

< This competition is targeted at young teenagers and adults. We’re giving away two prizes for two lucky winners!

< 1st prize includes one full-day fishing charter for two people with Inshore fishing Mackay

< 2nd prize is a day discovering the islands for two people with Wildcat Mackay

<  If you’d love to win a day of adventure, simply like and follow the Hooked on Mackay and Visit Mackay, Queensland pages. Post your photo of your best barra catch and tag #hookedonmackay

< Winners will be chosen at random.  

< Please respect the environment while fishing and ensure proper handling of any fish being released to maximise survival rates. Be sure to take pledge to support Mackay’s Net Free Zone today.

Competition 2: Hooked on Mackay Colour It In Competition

> This competition is targeted at children aged three to 12 and features a barramundi splashing out of the water.  We know there are many young budding artists out there!

> We’re giving away two prizes for two lucky winners!

> 1st prize – one day trip island tour for one adult and one child with Wildcat Mackay

> 2nd prize -one $100 Tackle World voucher

> To enter download and colour in your colouring sheet from the Mackay Region website or visit Tackle World Mackay for a copy.  

> To submit an entry, please take a photo or scan the completed artwork and email a copy to communications@mackayregion.com

> Entries are limited to one (1) entry per person