February 4, 2019
Keen anglers are getting ready to descend on Lake Boondooma this weekend for one of the region’s biggest annual fishing competitions.
During the past three years the Boondooma Yellowbelly has smashed all previous attendance records, welcoming 1123 senior and junior competitors in 2018 – the biggest roll-up in the competition’s 31-year history.
The Boondooma Fish Stocking Association (BFSA) is hoping for even more this year.
Competition spokesman Terry Allwood said the lake was fishing “extremely well” and he was looking forward to seeing new records set in both the long-standing gilled and gutted section, as well as in the catch-and-release component.
Cash and other prizes will be presented at the end of each of the three fishing sessions on Saturday and Sunday, as well as overall competition winners at the conclusion of the event at lunchtime on Sunday.
Random lucky draw prizes will also be a big drawcard for the many Yellowbelly entrants, with one lucky person walking away with a new boat, motor, trailer package.
“The ongoing support of our many generous sponsors will ensure a wide range of prizes and lucky draws are available for all competitors,” 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 Fish Stocking Association’s clubhouse, not far from Lake Boondooma’s main kiosk.”
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.
Profits from the event are used to supplement fishing permit funds from the State Government to restock the dam.
About 4.5 million Australian native fingerlings have been released into Lake Boondooma so far, ensuring great fishing for anglers all year round.
The catch-and-release category – targeting Australian Bass, Yellowbelly, Silver Perch, Jew and Spangled Perch – is open to all anglers who nominate.
This category will now be a catch, photograph and release activity to improve fish sustainability.
Entry costs for the 2019 Yellowbelly remain at $20 for adults and $5 for juniors aged 16 years and under.
For more information, contact Terry Allwood on 0400-860-122.
- The cost of camping fees and details of accommodation options at the lake can be found on the Council’s website or by phoning the Lake Boondooma kiosk on (07) 4168-9694.
- A flyer about this year’s Yellowbelly can be downloaded here (4.5Mb PDF)
- Extra information about the local area and past fishing competitions can be found on Proston Online
