This year’s Kununurra Recfishwest Apex Barra Bash once again showcased the sensational fishing on offer in Lake Kununurra, the Lower Ord system and the East Kimberley.
Article snapshot:
- Barra Bash draws a record 1,650 entrants, cementing its place as the state’s largest and most popular fishing competition.
- Anglers participate from across Australia, providing a major late-season tourism and economic lift for Kununurra and raising tens of thousands of dollars for local community projects.
- With the State Government yet to announce the future of the barramundi stocking program that underpins the fishery, Recfishwest and local advocates are urging renewed funding to secure the fishery’s long-term sustainability and the event’s continued success.
Now the need for answers to questions around the future of the barramundi stocking program that underpins the fishery and the competition has become even more pressing.
This hugely popular, family-friendly event smashed the WA record for most entrants in a fishing competition, with 1,650 anglers of all ages and backgrounds wetting a line as part of the competition.
And the 3,000-plus crowd that rocked up for the Sunday prize prezzo shows this event goes beyond fishing and is big draw in the Kununurra social calendar.
Fishers from across Australia also participated in the event, with anglers from the NT, Queensland, New South Wales and even Tasmania contributing to the economic boost the Bash provides to the town at the tail end of the tourism season in the region.
With the multiple social and economic benefits that flow on to the region, there is growing concern that the future of the fishery is in jeopardy with the Government giving no signals yet that the stocking program is to be revived.
Recfishwest CEO Dr Andrew Rowland said on 6PR, “We see metre-plus barra’s caught here regularly and some of the best barra fishing in Australia is right here in WA, so it’s important the stocking program continues.”
Lake Kununurra Barramundi Stocking Group’s Damien Thomas, agreed, “The waterways here allow the barramundi to thrive and grow very quickly, so relaunching the stocking program would be a win-win situation for the fish, the people who come here to wet a line, and the local community.”
Metrey barra’s, catties and sooties galore
The fishing at the comp lived up to its reputation, with 373 barra – including at least ten ‘metreys’ – 305 catfish and 182 sooty grunter landed throughout Lake Kununurra, the Lower Ord system and all around the East Kimberley.
It was also good to see women figuring highly in the competition too with five of the biggest barras caught by female fishers.
Event organiser, Aaron Macnamara, said the competition grows from strength to strength every year.
“There was an amazing turnout of locals, but it’s fantastic for attracting people into our community as well. Thanks to word of mouth and Recfishwest’s promotion and support, it has grown by around 200 competitors every year for the past five years,” said Aaron.
“Apex Kununurra is just a group of lads who volunteer as a fundraising group, so this event also provides a huge opportunity for funds to go back into the community.
“Last year’s comp saw over $80,000 go back into the community. It takes a lot of organisation, but it’s directly benefiting the community on many levels.”
Winners and grinners
The $30,000, 4.2m Fever CJ Avenger tinny door prize went to Ryan Chinnery, while the mystery barra prize went to an ecstatic Garry Bronca (pictured below), who went home $10,000 richer! The largest barra was a solid 1.24m monster landed by Gilbert Cox on a handline – that would’ve put his biceps to the test!
A special Recfishwest thanks to all competitors who officially made this WA’s biggest ever fishing comp, all sponsors, and the Apex crew for their amazing volunteer support in delivering another brilliant event.
Mark your calendar for 24-27th September 2026 for when the 28th edition of the Recfishwest Apex Barra Bash returns over the long weekend!
