Thursday, June 19, 2025

Issue:

Mackay and Whitsunday Life

New Year Begins For Whitsunday Game Fish Club

The Whitsunday Game Fish Club’s new season kicks off on July 1, with an exciting program planned for all members.

First up is the Mackerel and Reef Fish Rally, taking place on July 19–20. (Reef fish have been added due to Queensland’s mackerel bag and boat limits.) A briefing and educational workshop will be held at 6pm on Thursday, July 17, at the Marine Club on Altmann Avenue, Cannonvale. Topics include rigging trolling baits, lure presentation, and angling techniques for Spanish mackerel and reef fish.

The workshop is a great opportunity—especially for juniors—to join the club, learn new skills, and get involved in the fun, family sport of light tackle game fishing.

Membership is $70 for adults and $35 for juniors, with half going to the Queensland Game Fishing Association, which advocates for anglers, helps protect fisheries, and manages the tag-and-release program.

The club’s competitions are designed around the wide variety of game fish available throughout the year in Whitsunday waters. The major three-day Light Tackle Tournament is set for October when sailfish, tuna, and juvenile black marlin are most active.

Game fishing clubs promote ethical and sporting angling, with a focus on juniors, workshops, and shared knowledge in a welcoming club environment.

Contributed with thanks to Ashley Moore

In other news