How catching a barra could snag you a $500 fishing voucher

Barramundi season is officially open. Find out how fishing in Mackay could land you a big reward >>>

Dean Silvester holding a barramundi he caught in Mackay. Picture: Contributed

A new competition will reward two lucky fishers a $500 Tackle World Mackay voucher to celebrate the official opening of barramundi season.

Mackay Tourism and Mackay Regional Council have teamed up to entice locals and visitors to head out on the water and share a photo of their catch for a chance to win.

You can fish in the ocean or at any of Mackay’s three stocked impoundments at Kinchant, Teemburra and Eungella dams.

Mackay Tourism CEO Tas Webber said he hoped the Best Barra Competition would build fishing tourism and increase exposure for the Hooked on Mackay campaign.

“Mackay is an incredible recreational fishing destination and this competition will help promote that to one of our key tourism markets, the four-hour drive market,” Mr Webber said.

Tackle World Mackay store manager Andrew Elworthy said they were proud to be involved with local anglers always excited for barramundi season to open.

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There are two ways anglers could land a voucher in the competition.

The first is to post a photo of their best catch in the Mackay area on Instagram tagging the @hookedonmackayofficial and @tackleworldmackay pages and using the hashtag #hookedonmackay.

The second way is to like and follow the @HookedonMackay, @VisitMackay and @TackleWorldMackay Facebook pages and tag three friends in the comments of the special competition post shared to the @VisitMackay page.

There is also a special bonus prize for somebody who shares the post to their own newsfeed, though it must be set to public to be eligible.

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Mackay Regional Council Mayor Greg Williamson said he was keen to see barra photos flooding social media and showcasing Mackay as a great fishing spot.

“Mackay has terrific fishing, from our stocked impoundments to creeks, estuaries and the nearby Great Barrier Reef,” Cr Williamson said.

“But when fishing, we want people to make sure they are respecting the environment and ensure proper handling of any fish being released to maximise survival rates.”

He urged boaties to fish responsibly and follow the Net Free Zone from St Helens to Cape Hillsborough.

Barramundi season will close in Queensland on October 31.

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