Inaugural Doug Burt’s Tackle World Ladies Flathead Shootout
Fearless. Focused. Unforgiving. The flathead fear her.
Get ready to hit the water for a day that’s as much about the experience as it is the fishing. The inaugural Doug Burt’s Tackle World Ladies Flathead Shootout brings together women and junior girls of all skill levels for a competition built on connection, confidence and a bit of competitive edge.
Fish hard, back your skills, and enjoy the freedom of being out on the water with your crew!
Teams of two or three can enter as skippered, charter, or independent ladies’ teams. Flying solo? No worries — we’ll help match you with a team. Just jump onto our Gold Coast Sportfishing Club Facebook Community Page and add a post.
Choosing the “skippered” option? Here’s the fun part — your skipper can drive the boat, but is not allowed to fish! Your skipper will keep the drinks cold, hand out snacks, and cheer you on…
While the fishing is sure to be competitive, there’s more to this day than being out in a boat.
Back on shore, the energy shifts as we roll into presentations with a Veuve Clicquot vibe, celebrating the day in the way every participant deserves. Whether you’ve landed a winning fish or just had a cracking time on the water, everyone’s part of it. There are lots of random draw prizes. Desert Bloom Yeti, anyone?
And then there’s the Best Dressed boat. One of the biggest prizes of the day, this is your excuse to go all out. Themes, costumes, colour, chaos — we want to see it. Bring the fun, bring the creativity and make your boat impossible to miss.
Every entry includes a goodie pack, and did I mention the other great prizes up for grabs across the board?
From first cast to final cheers, this is a day designed to be memorable. It’s not just about the fishing, it’s about showing up, getting involved and having a bloody good time doing it.
STEP 1. FILL OUT THE TEAM ENTRY FORM
Please complete this team entry form and then please pay for each of your team members using the relevant senior/junior/member/non-member category.
Doug Burt’s Tackle World Ladies Flathead Shootout
Tournament Rules & Conditions
25 July 2026
Important times:
• 6.30am – Judging of Best Dressed Boat
• 7.15am – Fishing starts
• 2.30pm – Fishing finishes
• 3pm – All fish to be submitted to Games Master
• 5pm – Verve Cliquot After Party, BBQ and Presentations (must be present to win random prizes).
• Event briefing will be on 22 July (see below).
Event Format
The 2026 Ladies Flathead Shootout is a one day, catch and release lure fishing tournament targeting flathead within the Gold Coast Broadwater. It will be held on 25 July 2026.
Teams will compete for the combined length of their biggest five flathead.
1. Team Eligibility
Teams must consist of two or three anglers.
Junior anglers are permitted, provided Queensland maritime regulations are followed.
All anglers must be fully registered and paid entrants.
Any additional persons onboard must receive prior approval from the Tournament Committee.
Skippered Teams are permitted. Non-angling skippers may operate the vessel only and must not assist with fishing activities. They may serve snacks and clean up the boat after the event.
Any further assistance provided by a non-entrant may result in team disqualification. If you are disqualified, you are not eligible for any random draw prizes.
2. Boat Safety & Insurance
• All boats must carry valid insurance.
• All vessels must comply with Queensland maritime safety requirements.
• Competitors are responsible for ensuring their vessel is safe and seaworthy.
3. Fishing Rules
• This is a strictly catch and release tournament.
• All fish must be released alive and in healthy condition.
• Artificial lures and flies only.
• No live bait, dead bait or burley permitted.
• Commercial scents are allowed.
• Trolling is permitted.
Each angler may use one rod at a time only.
Anglers must personally cast, retrieve and manage their own rod and fish.
4. Scoring
• Teams score their biggest five flathead.
• Flathead of any legal size may be submitted.
• Fish lengths are rounded down to the nearest centimetre.
• In the event of a tie, the first fish recorded will determine the winner.
• All fish are to be photograph and submitted to the Gold Coast Sports Fishing Club community Facebook page.
5. Measuring & Photo Requirements
All fish must be photographed on the official tournament brag mat.
To qualify:
• Nose must be placed on zero
• Tail must be clearly visible
• Tournament token/tag must appear in every photo
• Fish must be clearly measurable and photographed flat
The official brag mat for the event is the club-sponsored Liquor Legends brag mat.
6. Fish Submission Process
Fish photos must be submitted via the Gold Coast Sportfishing Club Community Facebook Page
At the close of fishing, teams must text their biggest five fish lengths to the Gamesmaster for verification. Details will be provided at the briefing.
All fish submissions must be received by 3.00pm Saturday 25 July 2026
If competitors experience technical difficulties, they must contact the Gamesmaster before the submission deadline.
7. Tournament Boundaries
• Fishing boundaries extend from the entrance to the Pimpama River (near Couran Cove) down to the Gold Coast Bridge (Sundale Bridge) at Main Beach. You may fish in the Pimpama River.
• All government gazetted closed areas and Marine Park Green Zones must be always obeyed.
• Competitors fish Green Zones at their own risk and are responsible for understanding all boundary regulations.
• No casting or drifting outside tournament boundaries while lines are in the water.
8. On Water Etiquette
• All team members must fish from the same boat.
• Multiple teams may fish from one vessel.
• Maintain a respectful distance from other competitors.
• Stay at least one cast length (approximately 30m) from nearby boats.
• Do not cut in on another boat’s drift line.
• Boats motoring against the current must give way to boats drifting naturally with the current.
Good sportsmanship is always expected.
9. Shore Based Fishing
Teams fishing from shore must remain within line of sight of each other at all times.
10. Equipment Rules
• Gaffs are prohibited.
• Fish-friendly landing nets are strongly encouraged.
• All line classes and reel types are permitted.
11. Protests & Committee Decisions
• Any protests must be lodged with the Tournament Committee or Marshals on the day of the incident.
• All decisions by the Tournament Committee are final regarding rules, scoring, prizes and trophies.
12. Briefing & Registration
Wednesday 22nd July at 6:30pm at Doug Burts Tackle World, Unit 11/8 Centre View Dr, Biggera Waters QLD 4216
13. The start of a Ladies Flathead Shootout tradition
When an angler catches their first flathead:
• It gets filmed
• Uploaded to the GSCFC community page
• Best video wins a prize
14. Best Dressed Boat Competition
Meet at 6.30am at the foreshore in between the Gold Coast Sports Fishing Club and the boat ramp at Southport.
The Ladies Flathead Shootout takes boat styling very seriously. Or not seriously at all.
Teams are encouraged to decorate themselves and/or their boats with as much flair, colour, chaos and creativity as possible.
Themes, fairy wings, inflatables, disco balls, accessories, costumes and questionable fashion choices are highly encouraged.
A prize will be awarded for Best Dressed boat based on:
• Creativity
• Team spirit
• Overall presentation
• Ability to make other boats jealous
Keep it fun, safe and respectful. Decorations must not interfere with the safe operation of the vessel.
15. General Conditions
By entering the tournament, competitors acknowledge they participate at their own risk.
The Tournament Committee reserves the right to amend rules, boundaries or conditions if required for safety, weather or operational reasons.
Fish hard. Respect others. Have fun.
STEP 2. PAY YOUR ENTRY FEES
Members may be asked to verify membership number at check-in.
Please note the number of anglers in your team before you hit the ‘Enter my Team’ button.
Save $ by becoming a member of Gold Coast Sports Fishing Club
Please note the number of anglers in your team in this category before you hit the ‘Add to Cart button.
Members may be asked to verify membership number at check-in.
Please note the number of anglers in your team before you hit the ‘Enter my Team’ button.
Save $ by becoming a member of Gold Coast Sports Fishing Club
Please note the number of anglers in your team before you hit the ‘Enter my Team’ button.
STEP 3. ORDER YOUR SHIRT
Built for long days on the water and designed to stand out, the official Doug Burt’s Tackle World Ladies Flathead Shootout event shirt from Switchbait look as good as they perform.
• Premium performance fabric
• UPF50+ sun protection
• Lightweight and breathable
• Moisture wicking and quick drying
• Comfortable athletic fit for all day wear
• Designed for Australian conditions
The event logo is on the front while a very important message appears on the back.
Fearless. Focused. Unforgiving.
The flathead fear her.
Limited sizes available across the range. First in best dressed.
Join the Gold Coast Sportsfishing Club to receive discounted fishing competition entries, be in the draw for monthly prizes at our meetings and lots more. We are the friendliest fishing club on the Gold Coast!
![liquor_legends[2018-2013].png](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/66399c38a14e4b05f316117b/1775642382116-5SJU662V8WXIN9QU4YLG/liquor_legends%5B2018-2013%5D.png)
Seminar and Briefing:
Wednesday 22nd July 2026 at Doug Burt Tackle World
Starts at 6 pm to 8.30 pm
Simano Lucky door prize valued at over $400
Talks from the experts on how those flatheads operate.
Tips, hints, and the latest gear will be on sale in the store for the evening.
Light snacks provided
Doug Burt’s Tackle World Ladies Flathead Shootout - Tournament Rules & Conditions
Important times:
Saturday 25 July 2026
• 6.30 am to 6.45 am – Judging of Best Dressed Boat, meet at 6.30 am at the foreshore between the Gold Coast Sports Fishing Club and the boat ramp at Southport.
• 2.30 pm – Fishing finishes
• 3 pm – All fish to be submitted to the Games Master
• 5 pm – Verve Cliquot After Party, BBQ and Presentations (must be present to win random prizes).
• Event briefing will be on 22 July (see below).
Event Format
The 2026 Ladies Flathead Shootout is a one-day, catch-and-release lure fishing tournament targeting flathead within the Gold Coast Broadwater. It will be held on 25 July 2026.
Teams will compete for the combined length of their five biggest flathead.
1. Team Eligibility
Teams must consist of two or three anglers.
Junior anglers are permitted, provided Queensland maritime regulations are followed.
All anglers must be fully registered and paid entrants.
Any additional persons onboard must receive prior approval from the Tournament Committee.
Skippered Teams are permitted. Non-angling skippers may operate the vessel only and must not assist with fishing activities. They may serve snacks and clean up the boat after the event.
Any further assistance provided by a non-entrant may result in team disqualification. If you are disqualified, you are not eligible for any random draw prizes.
2. Boat Safety & Insurance
• All boats must carry valid insurance.
• All vessels must comply with Queensland maritime safety requirements.
• Competitors are responsible for ensuring their vessel is safe and seaworthy.
3. Fishing Rules
• This is a strictly catch and release tournament.
• All fish must be released alive and in healthy condition.
• Artificial lures and flies only.
• No live bait, dead bait or burley permitted.
• Commercial scents are allowed.
• Trolling is permitted.
Each angler may use one rod at a time only.
Anglers must personally cast, retrieve and manage their own rod and fish.
4. Scoring
• Teams score their biggest five flathead.
• Flathead of any legal size may be submitted.
• Fish lengths are rounded down to the nearest centimetre.
• In the event of a tie, the first fish recorded will determine the winner.
• All fish are to be photograph and submitted to the Gold Coast Sports Fishing Club community Facebook page.
5. Measuring & Photo Requirements
All fish must be photographed on the official tournament brag mat.
To qualify:
• Nose must be placed on zero
• Tail must be clearly visible
• Tournament token/tag must appear in every photo
• Fish must be clearly measurable and photographed flat
The official brag mat for the event is the club-sponsored Liquor Legends brag mat.
6. Fish Submission Process
Fish photos must be submitted via the Gold Coast Sportfishing Club Community Facebook Page
At the close of fishing, teams must text their five biggest fish lengths to the Gamesmaster for verification. Details will be provided at the briefing.
All fish submissions must be received by 3.00 pm Saturday, 25 July 2026
If competitors experience technical difficulties, they must contact the Gamesmaster before the submission deadline.
7. Tournament Boundaries
Tournament Boundary Compliance: Anglers must fish within the designated tournament boundaries. Even if your boat is within the boundary, casting or drifting beyond it while lines are in the water is not permitted.
Understanding Boundaries: Boundaries may appear differently from various perspectives and distances. If unsure, it's advisable to approach the boundary directly for clarification
Adherence to Green Zones: All Green Zones must be strictly adhered to. Fishing in these areas is at risk of the authorities. It is the responsibility of every boater to be aware of Green Zone boundaries. Read our factsheet about being Green Zone Aware.
Purpose of Boundaries: Boundaries are established to ensure compliance with laws, promote safety, and maintain fairness in the competition.
8. On Water Etiquette
• All team members must fish from the same boat.
• Multiple teams may fish from one vessel.
• Maintain a respectful distance from other competitors.
• Stay at least one cast length (approximately 30m) from nearby boats.
• Do not cut in on another boat’s drift line.
• Boats motoring against the current must give way to boats drifting naturally with the current.
Good sportsmanship is always expected.
9. Shore-Based Fishing
Teams fishing from shore must remain within line of sight of each other at all times.
10. Equipment Rules
• Gaffs are prohibited.
• Fish-friendly landing nets are strongly encouraged.
• All line classes and reel types are permitted.
11. Protests & Committee Decisions
• Any protests must be lodged with the Tournament Committee or Marshals on the day of the incident.
• All decisions by the Tournament Committee are final regarding rules, scoring, prizes and trophies.
12. Briefing & Registration
Wednesday 22nd July at 6:30 pm at Doug Burts Tackle World, Unit 11/8 Centre View Dr, Biggera Waters, QLD 4216
Minimum of one registered angler from each team to attend.
13. The start of a Ladies Flathead Shootout tradition
When an angler catches their first flathead:
• It gets filmed
• Uploaded to the GSCFC community page
• Best video wins a prize
14. Best Dressed Boat Competition
Meet at 6.30 am at the foreshore between the Gold Coast Sports Fishing Club and the boat ramp at Southport.
The Ladies Flathead Shootout takes boat styling very seriously. Or not seriously at all.
Teams are encouraged to decorate themselves and/or their boats with as much flair, colour, chaos and creativity as possible.
Themes, fairy wings, inflatables, disco balls, accessories, costumes and questionable fashion choices are highly encouraged.
A prize will be awarded for Best Dressed boat based on:
• Creativity
• Team spirit
• Overall presentation
• Ability to make other boats jealous
Keep it fun, safe and respectful. Decorations must not interfere with the safe operation of the vessel.
15. General Conditions
By entering the tournament, competitors acknowledge they participate at their own risk.
The Tournament Committee reserves the right to amend rules, boundaries or conditions if required for safety, weather or operational reasons.
Fish hard. Respect others. Have fun.