The 2026 Lake Tyers and Gippsland Lakes Flathead Challenge is set to reel in fishing enthusiasts on February 7–8, promising two days of competitive fun on the region’s iconic waterways.
The popular teams event welcomes groups of two to four anglers. Each team will receive a 2026 Bragmat and the chance to compete for prizes and giveaways, while shirts
for this year’s event are no longer available.
Organisers have streamlined the competition, with photos of each flathead submitted via the official REEL IT IN App – meaning no long check-ins or queues at the ramp.
Event Schedule
Registration for all teams will take place at the Waterwheel Hotel on Friday from 4–6pm. Late arrivals will incur a 50-point penalty. A briefing is scheduled for 7pm.
Fishing begins on Saturday with the day code issued at 7am. Teams can choose from three starting locations: Lake Tyers main boat ramp, Skate Park boat ramp in Lakes Entrance, or Metung boat ramp, with access to the Metung and Paynesville areas. All photos must be uploaded by 3pm when the app closes. Sunday follows the same schedule, with the presentation and prize-giving from 6.30pm.
Competition Rules
The challenge is strictly artificial-lure only, with no live or dead baits or burley permitted, although artificial scents are allowed. Points are awarded for the team’s ten best flathead, with two points per centimetre – for example, a 43.5cm fish scores 87 points.
All flathead must be photographed alive on the official 2026 Bragmat using the day code, and claimed fish must meet the Victorian legal minimum of 30cm.
Teams must fish from the same boat, with only one rod per person in use at a time. All boat operators must hold a current licence and safety gear, while all anglers must hold a valid Victorian fishing licence. Current maritime regulations must be followed, and teams are responsible for monitoring weather conditions to ensure safety on the water.
In addition, all teams must email a copy of their current boat insurance, including third-party and public liability, to the team at Reel It In.
The Lake Tyers and Gippsland Lakes Flathead Challenge offers an exciting opportunity for anglers to test their
skills, enjoy the local waters, and compete for bragging rights across one of East Gippsland’s premier fishing events.
