November 21, 2017
Last year’s record roll-up of 1003 anglers to the Boondooma Dam Yellowbelly Fishing Competition could be beaten in 2018.
Fishing Competition spokesman Terry Allwood said that with the lake fishing extremely well, next year’s event could set new records again in both the long standing gilled and gutted section, as well as in the catch and release component.
Last year’s Yellowbelly was run during a heatwave which saw the highest February temperatures ever recorded.
But the weather had no effect on crowd numbers, which smashed the previous record by almost 25 per cent.
The competition’s catch and release category, which targets Australian Bass and Yellowbelly, is open to all anglers who nominate and has been sponsored by Stanwell Corporation and the Swickers bacon factory.
Cash and other prizes will be presented to winners at the end of each of the three sessions, as well as to overall competition winners at the end of the event.
Profits from the Yellowbelly are used to supplement fishing permit funds from the Queensland Government to help keep the dam stocked with fish.
To date, approximately five million fingerlings have been released into Lake Boondooma.
The popular annual fishing competition will be held on February 10-11, 2018 and will be preceded by a briefing on Friday night, February 9
Entry costs for the event will remain at $20 for adults and $5 for juniors aged 16 years and under.
“The ongoing support of our many sponsors will ensure that a wide range of prizes and lucky draws are available for all competitors including a Boat, Motor and Trailer package,” Terry said.
“Lucky draws are held at the end of each fishing session and at the Friday night briefing.
“All presentations and lucky draws are conducted at the event headquarters at the stocking association’s clubhouse overlooking Lake Boondooma.”
Food and drinks stalls will be provided by local community groups over the weekend and camping facilities provided by the South Burnett Regional Council will be available for campers staying at the lake.
The cost of camping fees and details of accommodation options at the lake can be found on the Lake Boondooma website or by phoning the Lake Boondooma Kiosk on (07) 4168-9694.
Additional information on the local area and past fishing competitions can be found on the Proston Online website.
For more information, phone Terry Allwood on 0400-860-122.
