MORE than $20,000 in prizes will be on offer in an inaugural Lake Macquarie fishing competition next month.
Lake Macquarie council is encouraging amateur anglers to enter Let's Fish Lake Mac across November 13-15.
Fishers must catch one of four species in either Lake Macquarie or along the city's beaches between 7am on the Friday and 2pm on the Sunday. The species are bream, flathead, tailor and whiting.
The competition is strictly catch-and-release and prizes will only be awarded for fish that are still alive when photographed.
Participants will receive a "brag mat" to show the size of their fish. Each entrant will also receive a unique codeword to ensure the photographs they enter are taken during the event period.
Entry is $20 per person.
Participants can also win one of two $1000 prize packs or one of two $500 prize packs from Berkley/ABU Garcia just by entering.
In the senior category, prizes are also on offer ranging from $1000 to $300 fishing packs for the longest fish caught and fish closest to an undisclosed mystery length.
Junior prize packs range from $800 to $200.
Event director Michael Guest, from Reel Action TV, said all entrants over 18 must have a NSW Fishing Licence.
"I'm keen to see serious anglers, families and mates all fishing for $21,000 in prizes across the three days," he said.
Let's Fish Lake Mac is the council's first major event since COVID-19 hit. Lake Macquarie mayor Kay Fraser said the event would encourage people to get outdoors and enjoy the "sparkling blue centrepiece of our city".
To enter the event, visit: letsfishlakemac.com.au.
.png?w=600)
