Frequent fisher of Lake Monduran Will McNee landed a whopping 102cm barramundi while hunting for the elusive Bundaberg Toyota Golden Barra.
Lake Monduran Holiday Park lessee Rob Howell said big barra are back on the bite at Lake Monduran.
“This is the first reported metre-plus barra since 2017 floods devastated the barramundi population in the dam,” he said.
“Before the floods Lake Monduran was known for big barramundi and it brought people from all over Australia with the lure of landing a Monduran barra,” Rob said.
“To see a metre-long barra being caught makes it all worthwhile and is sure to tempt fishos from around the world to try their luck at landing a new world record.”
He said the timing was perfect for Will to land the fish as there is still time left in the Bundaberg Toyota Golden Barra season for anglers to get the best of both worlds.
“This has shown anglers that we have big fish and adds to the fact that they have the chance to land the Bundaberg Toyota Golden Barra and claim the $150,000 prize pack,” Rob said.
Bundaberg Toyota, Sea Jay Boats and Bundaberg Marineland have come on board as sponsors for this season’s prize, offering a Toyota Landcruiser and Sea Jay Boat package.
Lake Monduran shot to international fishing fame in 2010 when a 135cm world-record barramundi was caught by Denis Harrold.
At the time it tipped the scales at a whopping 44.6kg and had a girth of 107cm, according to Brisbane Times.
Fish for the future
Throughout 2019, Monduran Anglers and Stocking Association have been hard at work ensuring that Lake Monduran fish stocks are bolstered, helping to replenish the dam post floods.
MASA treasurer Julie Whalley said the association had ordered approximately 85,000 barramundi fingerlings in 2019.
“MASA’s committee is a growing, strong and passionate group of people who are striving to keep restocking and maintaining this waterway,” she said.
“Our focus is to have a thriving waterway for future generations of anglers.
“Metre-long barra will bring an influx of tourists, dollars and media to our area. Bigger the fish the bigger the tourist trade.
Julie said Gin Gin relies on tourist business and Monduran is the southern-most lake to catch these amazing sport fish.
Many people come from Brisbane, Sunshine and Gold Coast and as far south as Victoria and NSW to be able to cross a metre-long barra off their bucket list.
The Bundaberg Toyota Golden Barra competition runs until 19 Feb 2020.
Monduran Anglers and Stocking Association annual competition will be held on 18-19 October 2020 with all funds raised supporting the restocking of Lake Monduran. Visit their Facebook page for more information.
- Earlier report: Golden Barra released at Lake Monduran
