The 2013 Xstrata Lake Moondarra Fishing Classic near Mt Isa has come to a close with standout crowds and catches recorded over the three days.
The event saw huge numbers in attendance, with 426 competitors nominated and 333 fish (the 2nd highest number since records dating back to 2004) weighed in from 6:15pm Friday through to weigh station closure at 12pm Sunday.
Warm water temperatures saw four large barramundi weighed in over the competition; along with numerous reports of missed hook-ups. The infamous $50,000 Mount Isa Water Board Tagged Barra once again eluded capture, leaving a $1,000 bounty on its capture if within the next twelve months. (Mount Isa Fish Stocking Group to publish the tag number in the coming week)
Luke North snagged the prestigious title of the Heaviest Barramundi with a 3.87kg beauty caught from the bank being, weighed in at roughly 9am this morning (Sunday). Other major category winners included Chris Kirikos taking out the Champion Senior Angler and Lachlan Winter the hotly contested Champion Junior Angler title for a second year running.
Numbers were up in the popular Champion Team and Kayak Angler categories with 86 nominations in total. “Team Anything” took out the team title; while Travis Chirio took out the kayak category with a 1.88kg Sleepy Cod.
Annette Swaine won the lucky senior nomination prize of a Skytrans and Parker Travel flight and accommodation package and Kerry Cronin took home a cool $750 for snagging the Mystery Weight Barra with a 3.08kg cracker.
The major annual fundraiser of the Mount Isa Fish Stocking Group Co-Event Managers Jessica Bandiera and Lyn Holmes-Kidd were thrilled with the results.
“2013 has been a challenging year for our team with low Lake levels putting the event in jeopardy. As volunteers we really work hard in our own time for eight to ten months to make the event a stand out and successful fundraiser so it was hugely gratifying to see the competition and camp sites filled to the brim with smiling children and happy families.”
Anglers travelled from as far away as Maffra Victoria and Atherton and Rathdowney in Queensland to compete for the state’s richest freshwater prize purse.
The full list of winners and results will be posted on the Lake Moondarra Fishing Classic website www.lakemoondarrafishingclassic.com.au.
Champion Team winners “Team Anything” featuring Michael and Jody Reader and Trevor Crawford with Andrew Hart and Nick Duigan from Hook, Line and Sinker.
Champion Junior Angler Lachlan Winter (centre).
