Anglers converge on Mackay for international fishing comp

All eyes were on Mackay and the Whitsundays this week as the best national and international anglers converged on the region for the 2016 Australian Fishing Competition (AFC) Series.

The event, which started at Peter Faust Dam in Proserpine on Monday, will wrap up tomorrow after three days of fishing at Eungella Dam.

The AFC matches international anglers with Australia’s finest across three popular tournament series which includes the iconic sooty grunter and barramundi. The aim of the Series is for the anglers to catch the biggest fish in the time allowed. All fish are released once they are caught.

Mackay Tourism Ltd General Manager, Tas Webber, said the event could increase the popularity of recreational fishing across The Mackay Region.

“The AFC Series brings the best anglers from around the world to experience the excellent fishing that The Mackay Region has to offer,” he said.

“There are great spots for fishing in The Mackay Region, but they are best kept secrets among the locals and not heavily promoted to tourists or travellers.”

Mr Webber said it would also be an opportunity to raise awareness in the Asian markets, with the AFC Series being broadcasted internationally throughout Asia into 20 markets and 300 million homes on Fox Sports Asia and CCTV 5 in China.

It will also be shown to a national audience on the Nine network and Fox Sports.

Mackay Airport General Manager, Rob Porter, said the excellent exposure the AFC Series offers The Mackay Region to international and domestic fishing tourism markets is really exciting.

“Mackay Airport is proud to support the AFC in Mackay. It puts our region right in the spotlight of a huge global market as it showcases the high quality fishing grounds we have to offer here,” Mr Porter said.

“There is great potential for the AFC to spark interest in travel to Mackay that will in turn create demand for additional flights from key Australian cities and, potentially, direct international links from New Zealand and beyond.”