Matthew Taylor claimed $6,250 on May 5 for catching the first eligible fish in the Wyaralong Dam, which is one of the new additions to this year’s Fish ‘n SIP$ competition.
He also claimed second prize when the Southeast Queenslander snared the tagged bass in Wyaralong Dam, which brought his total prize money up to $16,250.
Fish ‘n SIP$ 2024 extended to two new fishing spots, Wyaralong Dam and Leslie Dam, with prizes up to $20,000 for 15 lucky fishers who catch eligible tagged fish until November 30.
Fisheries Queensland has partnered with Freshwater Fishing and Stocking Association of Queensland and InfoFish teams to tag and release 20 fish in each listed location.
Fish N SIPS 2024 consists of 140 tagged fish released into seven of Queensland’s stocked impoundments with a $20,000 prize for the first tagged fish caught and reported.
The first prize winner was 17-year-old Tate Gowan, from Tolga south-west of Cairns, after he reeled in a 92 centimetre barramundi on April 25.
His catch was the first fish to be caught in Lake Tinaroo which netted his $20,000 first prize up to $26,250.
Fisheries Queensland Executive Director Dallas D’Silvia is pleased with how the competition is going so far with a total of $48,000 in prize money already been claimed by 13 catches across the four dams during the inaugural competition.
“It’s great to hear that a new addition to the competition has already given joy to one lucky fisher,” Mr D’Silvia said.
“For all the other fishers, never fear – there’s still $57,500 in prize money to be claimed across the eight impoundments.”
“So, grab a Stocked Impoundment Permit (SIP) and join in the fun while supporting our world-class fisheries, which contribute $333 million to the Queensland economy each year.”
There are more than 60 impoundments in Queensland that require a Stocked Impoundment Permit (SIP) to fish with a line as the scheme provides a sustainable fishing option that reduced fishing pressure on wild fish stocks.
Tagged fish must be caught and reported by November 30 to be eligible with the first 15 fishers in the draw to win various prizes.
For more information on the competition, visit https://www.daf.qld.gov.au/news-media/campaigns/fish-n-sips-tagged-fish-competition
