The recent 2022 Humminbird Lake Monduran Barra Classic was not only a great weekend out on the water for anglers, its success will also help to revitalise the population of barramundi at the popular fishing spot.
Each year, Monduran Anglers and Stocking Association members release more than 100,000 fingerlings into Lake Monduran to keep the population thriving.
Treasurer Julie Whalley said it was an integral part of making sure the ecosystem of the lake was in top condition and the area fully stocked.
“Barramundi can only change sex from male to female in saltwater, and of course, Lake Monduran is fresh water,” she said.
“This means all of the fish are male and cannot breed, so instead we release fingerlings into the lake each year.”
Julie said the weekend's competition raised money through registrations, which would go towards the stocking of Lake Monduran.
She said this year, the event saw anglers travel from across the state to compete for the $10,350 in cash and prizes.
“The event was held in perfect weather conditions as anglers competed in teams of two to catch a ‘bag' of five barra to be eligible for first prize,” she said.
More than 30 teams participated in the event, with competitors ranging in skill hoping to reel in the heaviest and best fish.
“The event allowed for the everyday angler to test their skills against the best in the businesses, with some of Queensland and Australia's best anglers attending,” Julie said.
“86 barramundi were caught over the weekend with nine teams successfully catching their bag of five fish.
“The overall winners were Luke Farrell and David Lawler with their barra measuring at 109cm, 103cm, 103cm, 101cm and 100cm.
“In second place was Chris Kaminski and Kyle Holznagel with a combined bag length of 503cm.
“The prize for the longest single barra went to Chris Kaminski, with his fish measuring 112cm.”
Julie said the 2022 Humminbird Lake Monduran Barra Classic was a great success for all involved and garnered plenty of support.
“All catch records from last year were broken this year,” she said.
“Monduran Anglers and Stocking Association would like to thank their major sponsor
Humminbird for their support.
“Thank you also to our minor sponsors – BDS Mechanical, Tackle World Bundaberg, Barrier Reef Corals, Queensland Computers, Laser Cut Designs, and SunWater.
“We would also like to thank the Bundaberg Sportfishing Club for their support by cooking breakfast for our competitors – it's great to have clubs in the same local area working together!”
