General News
3 November, 2026
Barra bonanza on the water
TORRENTIAL downpours failed to deter eager anglers over the weekend as the annual Cardwell Barra Bonanza returned for another spectacular year on the water.
Organised by the Cardwell Sportfishing Club, the beloved fishing tournament proved to be a resounding success, drawing massive participation and delivering impressive catches across the board.
Event organisers reported a stellar turnout, with 300 senior entrants, a record number of women competing and over 50 juniors casting their lines.
The excitement culminated at the Cardwell Community Hall, where an estimated crowd of over 500 people gathered for a lively presentation evening to celebrate the weekend’s achievements.
Despite the wet conditions, the action on the water was fast and furious right from the start.
Just three minutes after the official 6am kick-off, Glenn McCulloch reeled in the very first barramundi of the tournament at 6.03am. By the end of the weekend, competitors had logged a staggering total of 309 barramundi, combining for a total length of 18,015cm.
The coveted title for the largest barramundi went to Makayla Eves, who landed a monstrous 104cm fish.
In addition to the prized barra, anglers brought in a diverse mix of species, including 97 grunter (barred javelin), 46 threadfin salmon and 183 mangrove jack.
Younger participants received a special boost thanks to custom lure maker Peter Munt of HDT (Heavy Duty Timber) Lures, who donated 70 handmade lures – ensuring every junior angler walked away with one.
Mr Munt also awarded a 10-lure prize pack to the junior who proved they caught a fish using his creation. Young Tate Morris took home the prize after submitting photographic proof of his three goldspot cod.
Wendy Duff of the Cardwell Sportfishing Club expressed deep gratitude to the committee, volunteers, families and supporters who made the weekend possible.
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