Fishing for barra in remote and atmospheric Kimberley waterways is one of the great northern WA fishing experiences.
The Apex Kununurra Barra Bash is the ultimate celebration of barra fishing in the Kimberley with hundreds of anglers taking part every year and this year’s 23rd edition of the event is a little bit special.
Imagine entering a fishing competition and having the chance to take home a brand-new tinnie valued at $13,000, even if you don’t land a fish!
It sounds too good to be true, but those entering the Barra Bash in less than a fortnight will have the chance to win a fantastic barra bashing tinnie — the F370 Quintrex Outback Explorer.
The East Kimberley’s biggest fishing comp
Powered by a 25hp Suzuki four-stroke outboard and equipped with alloy trailer, all fishers who buy a $60 door ticket and fish the comp are automatically in the draw for the dinghy package.
The awesome prize adds to the excitement of this year’s Barra Bash, with Apex Kununurra – the comp organisers – expecting a bumper event from Friday, 24 September to Sunday, 26 September.
But wait there’s more! A quality Lowrance Elite FS 9 Active Imaging 3-in-1 Transducer, purchased from East Kimberley Marine, is also up for grabs for the biggest barra caught from Lake Kununurra during the comp.
The prize is being sponsored by Recfishwest through our East Kimberley Barra Promotion project, supported by the State Government’s Recreational Fishing Initiatives Fund (RFIF).
In the comp fishers can wet a line at their favourite East Kimberley barra spots during the Barra Bash in search for the revered northern species, including anywhere within the 55km-length of Lake Kununurra.
Lake Kununurra – a fishing gem
Lake Kununurra, a must-visit sportfishing location, is home to many brute barra, some of which measure more than 1m, thanks to a well-managed stocking program.
Since 2013, Recfishwest has been working alongside the Lake Kununurra Barramundi Stocking Group, North Regional TAFE – Broome and the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) to stock barra into the lake.
One million barramundi have been released into Lake Kununurra over the past eight years through the program, backed by the RFIF.
The stocking program proves how true fish abundance not only promotes great fishing experiences, but also benefits regional communities, with 1m barramundi fairly regularly caught on the lake.
Catching a trophy 1m barra in a safe and accessible wilderness setting, without the worry of big tidal movements typical of Kimberley rivers and saltwater crocodiles – you can’t beat that.
Many more prizes up for grabs
In addition to the biggest fish categories in the Barra Bash, a three-night stay for people at Kununurra’s stylish Kimberley Coastal Camp will be claimed by the winner of the Mystery Barra category.
Any fisher who lands a barra measuring 55cm or more during the competition will go into the draw for a chance to claim this awesome three-night getaway.
So, if you’re fishing the Barra Bash, flick a hardbody lure or two around Lake Kununurra to try catch a 1m-plus barramundi and possibly win the Lowrance Elite FS 9 Active Imaging 3-in-1 Transducer.
Enter this year’s Barra Bash at Ski Beach from 9am on Friday, 24 September.
