The East Kimberley town of Kununurra is again set to host WA’s biggest fishing competition when the Apex Recfishwest Kununurra Barra Bash returns for its 27th year from 25–28 September – in the article below, Recfishwest Communications Coordinator Jarrad Lawford takes a look at the story behind the competition and what makes Kununurra such a must-go destination for avid barra fishers and travelling families alike.
It may be 11 hours’ drive from Broome and far off the beaten track for many WA fishers, but last year’s event drew a staggering 1,412 entrants – smashing the 2023 record by more than 300. That makes the Barra Bash the largest fishing comp in the State, bigger in terms of participants even than Exmouth’s GAMEX, Onslow’s Mack10K or Busselton’s Mandalay beach classic.
A community-run celebration
Run entirely by volunteers from the Apex Club of Kununurra, the Barra Bash is proudly inclusive and family-friendly. More than 300 juniors took part last year alongside mums, dads and keen fishers from across Australia. With thousands of dollars in prizes on the line – including a $10,000 mystery cash prize for any barra over 55cm – the 2025 event is shaping up to be another huge success.
“This is a great competition showcasing the fantastic fishing on offer in the East Kimberley and is run by the Kununurra community for the benefit of the community,” said Recfishwest CEO Dr Andrew Rowland. “If you want to experience fishing for a true Aussie icon in a spectacular setting, we encourage you to come and join in the fun.”
Big fish in big country
Thanks to the 1.5 million barramundi stocked into Lake Kununurra since 2013, the waterway has become renowned for producing trophy-sized barra at an astonishing rate. With abundant food and a unique environment, the average “small” barra tips 70cm, while fish pushing 130cm are regularly caught – and they’re still growing.
Local angler Jack Furzer, who moved his family from Broome to Kununurra, landed and released a 1.41m barra earlier this year, followed by another measuring 1.37m just weeks later. “It’s mind-blowing that these barra go from fingerlings to metries in six to eight years,” said Jack. His tip? Fish a couple of days either side of the full moon with an Irukandji Sicario lure.
“I’ve only got one of these colours left that keeps landing the bigger fish, so now every time I hook a monster, I’m terrified I’ll lose it,” he laughed.
Safe place, great event for all the family
Unlike many barra fisheries across the north, Lake Kununurra is saltwater croc-free and tide-free, making it safer and more accessible. That accessibility helped draw hundreds of juniors into last year’s event – giving kids and families a chance to experience one of WA’s most exciting fisheries without the risks faced elsewhere.
It’s also a major boost for the local community. The Barra Bash is the biggest event on Kununurra’s calendar, bringing visitors, tourism dollars and social value that goes far beyond the fishing itself.
A perfect partnership
Organiser Aaron Macnamara credited the event’s success to great fishing, accessibility and strong community backing. “Apex Kununurra is thrilled to have Recfishwest on board again as the naming rights sponsor,” he said. “Their support helps us continue the Barra Bash’s reign as one of WA’s premier fishing events.”
With a $25,000 Sea Jay tinny door prize simply for entering, great prizes, big barra and unbeatable East Kimberley scenery, expectations are sky high for 2025.
As for Jack’s lucky coloured Irukundji Sicario DTF lure? “All I’ll say is it’s dark in colour,” said Jack.
Join us in Kununurra from 25 – 28 September for the 2025 Apex Recfishwest Barra Bash – a celebration of fishing, family and ‘barradise’ in the East Kimberley.
This is an abridged version of a full length feature written by Jarrad which appears in the Spring edition of Western Angler magazine, available in all good newsagents and stockists.
Click here for visitor info on Kununurra and click here for fishing info on Lake Kununurra.
