Last weekend’s Lions Lake Awoonga Family Fishing Festival saw the fruition of around ten years of work by the Gladstone Area Water Board fish hatchery.

Supported by the Central Queensland Ports Authority, the hatchery’s efforts have resulted in releases of more than 2.2 million barramundi, 430 000 sea mullet and 13 000 mangrove jack.

GAWB’s Chief Executive Officer, Rod Hayes said, “It is pleasing that our efforts to contribute to the local community by offering the recreational facilities at Lake Awoonga, is now providing the region with an increasingly popular tourist destination for anglers from all over Australia.”

“Congratulations to those who gained awards in each of the different fishing categories, especially to James Leach who has gained a new record for the heaviest barramundi caught at Lake Awoonga.”

“During the weekend, GAWB held a competition to guess the weight of the largest barramundi to be caught during the festival. Thanks to generous donations from the Lake Awoonga Caravan Park and Kalinda Restaurant, Ann and Bob Knight of Rosedale won a weekend for two at the Lake Awoonga Caravan Park, and a lure package, as well as a meal at Kalinda Restaurant.”

“I’m sure that the Lions Club’s annual fishing festival will continue to grow in popularity and reputation,” Mr Hayes said, “I commend the Lions Club on their hard work and on the success of the 2005 Lions Lake Awoonga Fishing Festival.” – GAWB