The annual Karumba Community Angler’s Classic, to be held on 5th and 6th April, is generating a lot of excitement. The prize pool is valued over $25,000 for this year’s event. Organisers are excited with the high level of interest and support including several major corporate sponsors and many local and regional businesses.

The inaugural event held in 2007 saw over 460 nominations and raised over $20,000, which was shared amongst several key community projects.

“Run by a strong local volunteer base, the event attracted rave reviews from all those who took part last year,” said Bill Rutherford, one of the event organisers.

“The event is organised through the Karumba Progress Association and we were thrilled to be awarded the Carpentaria Shire Best Community Event award on Australia Day for the fishing classic,” Bill added.

“With lots of fun, activities, entertainment and a view to being a family and community based event, we just want everyone to enjoy themselves.”

Funds raised this year will support the important ongoing work of the Gulf Barramundi Restocking Association, which runs the barramundi hatchery. This not for profit organisation strongly supports restocking in the gulf rivers and waterways. In addition funds will also go towards a new research initiative looking at breeding grunter.

Other projects to be supported by the event in 2008 include the Karumba Ambulance Service and Children’s Centre.

The weekend will include categories for senior and junior barra, king and blue salmon, grunter, queen, jew, mackerel and other scaled fish. In addition there will be mystery weight fish and crab.

Strong emphasis this year is placed on the team aggregate length for barramundi. There will be up to four people on a team and all participants must use catch and release practices. The winners will determined by the team’s aggregate length of barra.

The organisers and members of the Karumba Progress Association will be promoting best practice in catch and release, environmental care and responsible and sustainable recreational fishing.

For further information please contact by email on --e-mail address hidden-- or phone Yvonne on (07) 4745 9751. – KCAC