The 2006 Lake Moondarra Fishing Classic is on again and will be taking place over the weekend of October 27, 28 and 29. The Mount Isa Fish Stocking Group (MIFSG) in conjunction with Mount Isa Water is launching a $25,000 tagged Barra – the largest amount of prize money for a Barra catch in all of Queensland.

The Lake Moondarra Fishing Classic is an annual event held in Mount Isa. The first competition was held in 1999 and organised solely by the Mount Isa Fish Stocking Group (MIFSG). Since then, the event has significantly grown in size, reputation and prize money and keen anglers from all around the state travel to the city to sink try and hook the catch of the weekend.

The MIFSG sets up a weigh-in station under a marquee out at Lake Moondarra to collect and collate the data on the Sunday. The weigh-in station assembled for the Fishing Classic uses extremely sophisticated technology and is one of the best stations in Australia

In addition to fishing, the MIFSG also provides other forms of entertainment and recreational activities to keep anglers and patrons interested throughout the weekend. Local bands normally provide musical entertainment and catering facilities are set up to provide people with food and drink. A majority of competitor’s also camp at Lake Moondarra over the weekend and the MIFSG maintains the camping area to a high standard for that period.

Mount Isa Water general manager Iian Wilson said the 2006 Fishing Classic will be one of the largest events that has been planned to date, with the addition of a Lake Fun Day at Warrina Park (located directly beside Lake Moondarra) to be held on the Sunday.

“The fun day will be primarily focused on providing quality family entertainment for patrons and a range of activities and games for people of all ages will take place throughout the day,”.

“The Mount Isa Fishing Classic is therefore a weekend for the whole family to enjoy and a worthwhile event to attend,” Mr Wilson said.

Lake Moondarra is situated just 20 kilometres north of the city centre of Mount Isa. Access to the lake is reached by sealed road and it offers a picturesque shoreline drive on a well formed dirt road.

The lake's safe still water encourages swimming, waterskiing, sailing and canoeing. It has also been stocked with barramundi to lure the anglers for an excellent spot of fishing.

In addition to barramundi, the lake is an excellent fishing spot for sooty grunter, cat fish, long tom, sleepy cod and archer fish.

For more information on the event or accommodation and travel enquires please contact Patricia O’Callaghan on 0405 737 641 or --e-mail address hidden-- , or Iian Wilson on 4740 1000 or --e-mail address hidden-- . – MIFSG