For the second year running, this weekend’s Apex Kununurra Barra Bash has smashed the State record for most entrants in a fishing competition with 1,412 anglers registering for the popular community fundraising angling extravaganza!
The East Kimberley competition has gone from strength to strength in recent years attracting all ages (more than 300 juniors), genders, backgrounds and fishing abilities with anglers coming from as far as Tasmania to participate!
And despite high tides and the odd tropical downpour, the fishing did not disappoint with 393 barra entered – five of which were over the magic metre mark – with the biggest fish caught by Ben Quinlivan measuring in at a hefty 1.085m.
The comp, supported by a Recfishwest community grant, also had 207 catfish entered – one measuring 1.1m falling to Kelly Ejai – along with 136 sooty grunter.
The awards ceremony was filled with excitement as local lad Harry Flatt won the 4.18m Seajay Creek Masta with a 30HP Suzuki engine, while Susan Swan claimed a luxury three-night stay at Kimberley Coastal Camp for the mystery barra prize. A Quadbike and other great prizes added to the draw, with the modest entry fee of $60 for seniors and free for juniors, making it a hit for fishing families.
Organiser Aaron Macnamara credited the event’s success to the high-quality competition and fantastic fishing on offer. “We’re thrilled to have smashed the record with 300 more entrants this year,” he said. “It’s become a destination event with participants from across the country including Broome and the NT and as far away as Tassie. The Lower Ord and the lake are fishing brilliantly, offering plenty of great, accessible spots for anglers.”
“It’s a really great event for the town and we’ve got to thank our incredible sponsors. As our main fundraiser for the year, the event growth has meant we’ve been able to donate more than $75,000 to the community over the last couple of years from the proceeds of entry fees, shirt and food sales – so it’s a win-win-win for everyone.”
Recfishwest CEO Dr Andrew Rowland praised the Apex team for their efforts, highlighting the event’s role in supporting regional communities and the benefits of the long-running barra stocking program in Kununurra. “The Barra Bash keeps getting better and shows how vital fishing is to Kununurra. Long may it continue!”
