If you haven’t fished Kununurra, there’s one million reasons why you should – barramundi!
It will be a momentous occasion once the fish are released, lifting the total number of barra fingerlings stocked into Lake Kununurra since 2013 beyond one million fish. Seriously, how good is that?
Minister Tinley confirmed a spawning project at North Regional TAFE in Broome was underway, with plans to release the barra into Lake Kununurra before Christmas as part of the three-year program.
“The McGowan Government’s $6 million funding package for recreational fishing unveiled by the Premier in August includes scope for ongoing stocking of barramundi in Lake Kununurra,” he said.
Full to the brim with big barra
Kununurra is home to amazing fishing, attracting avid fishers to the East Kimberley to try and land a barra.
Recfishwest CEO Dr Andrew Rowland said there was good reason as to why anglers travel to Kununurra – the abundant barramundi stocks literally on the town’s doorstep.
“Lake Kununurra’s barramundi population is something Recfishwest is very proud of, given we’ve consistently pushed for barra stocking in this system since 2013,” he said.
“In the past eight years, more than 850,000 barramundi fingerlings have been stocked into Lake Kununurra to help boost its barramundi population.
“Adding another 200,000 barramundi into what is already a world-class barra would further solidify Kununurra as a must-visit fishing location.”
Abundant barra stocks benefit all
Dr Rowland said today’s barra stocking confirmation was a major win for WA’s recreational fishing community and, of course, Kununurra’s locals.
“Just last week, I was in Kununurra for the 22nd annual Kimberley Coastal Camp Apex Kununurra Barra Bash during the Queen’s Birthday long-weekend,” he said.
“A record 510 fishers entered, many of whom caught fantastic-sized barramundi.
“The competition’s success highlighted how true fish abundance not only promotes a great fishing experience, but also benefits regional communities.
“With 1m-plus barra already regular catches within Lake Kununurra, we can’t wait to see more big trophy fish caught within the freshwater system in the years to come.”
