The Cairns Hardware 2013 Cardwell Barra Bonanza, held from October 24-26, was a great success. Around 150 anglers took part from as far away as Weipa and Mackay in the 6th annual catch-and-release event. Some great barra were caught, with a few over 1m. Other winning species were grunter, salmon and mangrove jack.

Local businesses pitched in to make a fantastic prize pool, including an entrant prize of a 3.6m tinny and motor from QLD Steel and Equipment, Tully.

Champion Angling team The Godfathers, comprising Trent Palmer, Marty Price and Adam Hill, were delighted to win iceboxes, rods and vouchers to the value of $500 each from Cairns Hardware and Bendigo Bank, plus accommodation vouchers, sun shirts and bait tables. Top angler Trent Palmer netted the Longest Barra prize, releasing a barra at 1.09m.

Top junior team The Little Nippers, comprising Phoebe Jamieson, Brianna De Ash and Brett Jacobs, outfished some of the seniors with Phoebe receiving the overall runner-up prize for the heaviest mangrove jack and Brianna the winner and runner-up of the heaviest salmon. Chris Stoter, the president of the Cardwell Sportfishing Club, said it was encouraging to see so many youngsters not only take part, but also do so well in the competition.

After fishing Friday and Saturday, anglers and their families danced the night away to Innisfail band Riff Raff. The Club committee was delighted to receive feedback from competitors, who left with parting comments such as “fantastic prize pool’ and “we’ll be back!” - CSC