Catch of the year
THE lake fished extremely well for the 2018 Boondooma Dam Yellowbelly Fishing Competition with 278 fish going through the catch and release section and another 252 in the gilled and gutted section.
The biggest yellowbelly of the event was weighed in at 2.215kg.
The competition set new records for the third year in a row with a massive attendance of 1123 entrants including 272 juniors.
Cash and other prizes were presented at the end of each of the three sessions as well as overall competition winners at the conclusion of the event.
Event spokesman Terry Allwood said the water level of the lake was at 44 per cent which together with the clear blue skies set the scene for a great weekend of camping, fishing and family activities. Profits from the event are used to supplement fishing permit funds from the Queensland Government and to date approximately 5.1 million fingerlings have been stocked into Lake Boondooma. The catch and release category of longest native targeting Australian bass and yellowbelly was won by John Francis of Kingaroy with a bass measuring in at 535mm and taking home over $500 cash, prizes and trophy.
Chloe Manthey put in a solid effort under some guidance for her dad Shaun Manthey, to walk away with the most fish (bass and yellowbelly) caught and released throughout the competition with a total tally of 10 fish presented to the weigh-master. The heaviest yellowbelly title was claimed by Scott Johnston of Proston with a yellowbelly of 2.215kg. Scott took home over $410 cash plus prizes and trophy. Sponsored by Corey and Nikki Goldie of the Lake Boondooma Kiosk.
The winner of the heaviest bass section sponsored by Wondai Accounting and Tax Services was D. Rutch of Mooloolah with a bass of 1.370kg to secure a pay cheque of $350 plus prizes and trophy.
Hanwood Fish Hatchery champion junior anglers for yellowbelly were Lucy Stead of Kingaroy with a yellowbelly of 1.8kg. The bass was claimed by Benson Graham of Wallumbilla with a bass weighing in at 1.315kg.
The 3.6m Quintrex boat motor and trailer package was won by Ryan Daley of Clifton. Proudly sponsored by South Burnett Regional Council. The Dragon Kayak was won by Keith Smith of Highfields. All profit made from the weekend goes back into purchasing more fingerlings, the future for Lake Boondooma fishery is looking very healthy. The annual competition for 2019 will be held on February 9 and 10, 2019. Entry costs for the February event will remain at $20 for adults and $5 for juniors aged 16 years and under.
The ongoing support from sponsors ensured that a wide range of prizes and lucky draws were available for all competitors giving away over $40,000 worth of cash and prizes. Food and drinks stalls were provided by local community groups over the weekend and the great camping facilities provided by the South Burnett Regional Council was put to great use for campers staying at the lake.
All profit made from the weekend goes back into purchasing more fingerlings, the future for Lake Boondooma.