More than 2.5 million fish have been released into Mackay freshwater areas by Mackay Area Fish Stocking Association Inc. (MAFSA) since 1994, including 59,745 fingerlings stocked in the Pioneer River. Those river fish comprised 57,105 barramundi and 2,370 sooty grunter released at various points.
The remaining 2,460,114 fish have been distributed between Eungella, Kinchant and Teemburra dams and a minor release of barramundi in Plane Creek. The dams need continuous restocking as barramundi in particular will not breed in freshwater, so MAFSA undertakes various fundraising activities to generate funds for the purchase of fingerlings and also to run the Association’s freshwater hatchery operation where sooty grunters are bred by volunteer members.
The INDT 2022 World Sooty Championship at Eungella Dam on 30 April and 1st May is the major fundraiser for the Association during 2022. This event attracts anglers from all over Queensland, interstate competitors, as well as local anglers and is always keenly contested, with anglers vying to become the World Champion.
Anglers wishing to compete in the event can nominate online at https://www.trybooking.com/BWZRH and numbers are limited to 120 anglers.
To date, roughly 50 per cent of nominations have already been filled and the event is expected to be fully subscribed, so early nominations are recommended to avoid disappointment. Tournament shirt order cutoff will be March 28th, don’t miss out. Tournament entry cutoff date for anglers will be April 22nd and anglers are reminded to have a current SIP permit to enter.
MAFSA’s target for this event is to raise $20,000 and all funds raised go directly to improving and expanding Mackay’s fisheries and enhance our growing reputation as the premier freshwater fishing destination in Queensland.
The tournament shirts feature a photograph of Eungella dam by well-known local photographer Lenore Hansen which provides a spectacular backdrop for the shirts. Again, all profits go directly into our local fisheries.
MAFSA Inc is extremely grateful to all sponsors, many of whom are longtime local supporters of the event which is now in its 17th year. Without its many sponsors and support from Mackay Regional Council the event would not be such a resounding success.
With more than 2.5 million fish released, MAFSA Inc has and will continue to live up to the Association’s motto “MAFSA For A Better Fishing Future”
Contributed: Keith Day
Brendan Pollard and Mark Gifford from Casting Cowboys with some quality catches of Eungella Sooties. Images supplied: Casting Cowboys
