FAQs

Registration

  • Senior Entry: $495 for early bird entries up until 15 June 2026 or until sold out. $550 after early bird allocation is exhausted.
    Junior Entry:     $225 for early bird entries and then $250.

    Juniors anglers must be aged under 16 on the first day of competition.

  • Visit flatheadclassic.com.au/register and follow the step-by-step process to enter your team details and pay securely.

  • Your entry includes competition access, event shirt for each angler, dinner each night, team bag valued over $700, eligibility for major prizes including a beautiful new 450 Top Ender from Surf Coast Marine, nightly entertainment, drinks at club prices, and daily giveaways.

  • The Classic is a team-event. We welcome entries from two and three angler teams.

  • No, all registrations are non-refundable. Please ensure you can attend before registering. However, under extreme situations, the committee will make decisions based on individual scenarios.

  • Yes – flexible payment options are available at checkout.

Device and Browser Support

  • Some older mobile devices may not be compatible with our registration platform. If you're experiencing issues, we recommend using a computer or laptop and opening the registration link in a fresh browser (like Chrome, Safari, or Firefox).

  • It’s likely a compatibility issue. Please try the following:

    • Use a desktop computer or laptop

    • Open a new tab in a modern browser (Chrome, Firefox, Safari, or Edge)

    • Ensure your device software and browser are up to date

  • This often happens with outdated mobile phones or unsupported browsers. If the page isn’t responding, switch to a desktop or laptop for the best experience.

  • Unfortunately, all registrations must go through the online portal. If you're still having trouble after switching devices, please contact us and we can walk you through the process.

  • Try these steps:

    1. Clear your browser cache

    2. Open a new window in Chrome or Safari

    3. Use a desktop or newer mobile device
      Still not working? Email us directly for support.

  • Most modern tablets will work, but we strongly recommend using a computer for the smoothest experience, especially when completing payment.

  • Great question! When you open a registration link from Facebook or Instagram, it often loads inside the app’s built-in browser, which can block certain features — like Afterpay.

    To fix this:
    ✅ Tap the three dots or share icon in the corner of your screen
    ✅ Choose “Open in Browser” (like Chrome or Safari)
    ✅ The full payment options, including Afterpay, will then be visible at checkout

    For the best experience (especially for payments), we always recommend opening the registration page in a dedicated browser outside of social media apps.

Junior Teams, Senior Teams and Eligibility

  • Teams can consist of 2 or 3 anglers. All team members must be listed during registration.

  • Yes – juniors can enter as a team; however, they will only be eligible for junior category prizes. Junior-only teams are not eligible for senior or overall team prizes.

  • A junior angler is anyone who is under 16 years of age on the first day of competition (September 30, 2026).

  • In Queensland, a junior can operate a boat only if the motor is 6 horsepower (4.5kW) or less and the boat meets all safety requirements. If the motor exceeds 6 horsepower, the operator must hold a valid Recreational Marine Driver’s Licence (RMDL).

  • Yes – teams are allowed to fish from the bank or shore as long as all team members remain within line of sight of each other at all times. This ensures fairness and team accountability.

  • Yes, but changes must be made before September 1st, and there is a $50 processing fee.

  • No – kayaks are not permitted in the Flathead Classic. Only registered boats or land-based (bank) fishing is allowed within the event boundaries.

  • Please complete the team change request form for any team changes. Please note that fees do apply.

    REQUEST CHANGES HERE

Event Schedule

  • The event extends from Tuesday 29 September to Friday 2 October.

    Registration, welcome event and team briefing is on the afternoon/evening of Tuesday, 29 September.

    Fishing extends from Wednesday 30 September until Friday 2 October.

    Nightly presentations and prize giveaways.

    Major prize draw on Friday night.

  • Northern Pavilion, Broadwater Parklands on the corner of Marine Parade (Gold Coast Highway) & North Street, Southport.

    • Day 1: 6:00am–3:30pm

    • Day 2: 6:00am–3:30pm

    • Day 3: 6:00am–2:00pm

  • Yes – at least one team member must attend to collect shirts, showbags, and receive the rules.

    It’s a fun night to catch up with everyone or make new friends.

  • Yes. All flathead must be photographed and released safely using the official tournament ruler and Track My Fish app.

  • Boundaries extend from the Nerang River in the south to the powerlines at Russell Island in the north. See the official map for exclusions.

  • Scoring is managed through the Track My Fish app. Teams submit photos of their fish with the official measuring mat, and points are awarded based on the length of each flathead.

  • Photos must:

    • Show the entire fish on the official measuring mat

    • Have the nose at the zero mark

    • Be clear and well-lit

    • Include no hands or fingers covering the length

  • No worries! The app works offline. Your entries will save to your device and automatically upload when you return to service.

  • A live leaderboard is updated throughout each fishing day and displayed each night at the event hub. You can also view it within the app. The leaderboard goes dark at 11:00 AM on Day 3. After this time, no scores will be visible to competitors until the final presentation, adding to the excitement of the results announcement.

  • Visit the help desk at the event hub each evening, or contact the Track My Fish support team via the app during fishing hours.

  • No – all people onboard during the competition must be officially registered as part of the team. Non-fishing skippers or crew are not permitted on competing boats.

  • Yes – all boats must be registered.

  • Lifejackets must be:

    • Carried for each person on board

    • Worn by anyone under 12 years old when in a moving, open boat under 4.8m in length

    • Worn by all passengers when crossing a coastal bar in an open boat under 4.8m

    • In good condition, the right size, and compliant with current safety standards

    Read more about approved lifejacket types at Maritime Safety Queensland.

  • All boats must carry the required safety equipment based on the vessel’s size and area of operation. This typically includes:

    • Approved lifejackets (PFDs) for every person on board

    • Anchor and rope

    • Bailing device or bilge pump

    • Flares and V-sheet (where applicable)

    • Waterproof torch for low light

    • Fire extinguisher (if applicable)

    Important: All team members must know where safety gear is stored and how to use it.

  • Always check weather conditions before and during fishing.

    • Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) provides accurate forecasts

    • You can also call:

      • All of Queensland: 1300 360 426

      • Marine Warnings: 1300 360 427

      • SE Queensland: 1300 360 428

    • Weather updates are broadcast on VHF Channel 67 by local marine rescue groups

  • Complete a trip preparation checklist, including:

    • Checking fuel, batteries, lights, and steering

    • Confirming all safety gear is on board and accessible

    • Ensuring your marine radio or mobile is charged

    • Letting someone know your trip plan (and check-in time)

Fishing Rules, Safety and Scoring

Support and Contact