More than 6500 fish have been released into Lake Gregory and Sandy Hook to help keep the environment replenished with natural species.
Sunday’s event was part of a joint endeavour by Bundaberg Sportfishing Club Inc, Abington Aquaculture and the Department of Agricultural and Fisheries through the Stocked Impoundment Permit Scheme.
BSFC member Nelson Philips said the group of about 30 helped to stock Lake Gregory and Sandy Hook (Ben Anderson Barrage) annually as part of the program.
“We had approximately 4500 Australian bass and 2000 silver perch stocked on Sunday,” he said.
“Stocking juvenile native species of fish into waterways in our area tremendously improves the natural ecosystems where native fish may not be able to reproduce efficiently.
“It also generates a great deal of benefits to recreational and commercial fisheries as well as tourism to the area.”
Nelson said the day was a huge success, with members of all ages joining in.
“It was a very successful day with great weather and very healthy baby fish being released for the future population of the lake,” he said.
Fish release and competition keep members busy
Nelson said the Stocked Impoundment Permit Scheme came off the back of a busy weekend for the organisation, with members having just competed in the Bill Proctor Memorial Competition.
“This competition is held each year in the memory of Bill Proctor who had the foresight to help improve local waters with his knowledge in fish breeding and this region,” Nelsons aid.
“For many years the Proctor family have continued to support BSFC and each year they still make the time to join us at the lake for a short while in his memory.”
Nelson said this year’s competition day featured glassy conditions with clear water making for some tough fishing.
“Just 10 bass were caught with three elusive Saratoga (also stocked by BSFC) as missed captures on the day,” he said.
The competition categories included Senior Longest Bass, taken out by Jordan Stoddart with his 41cm catch.
“With the Seniors, only 1cm stood between first and second place.
“While there was no winner for the Junior Longest Bass category, the title was given to Hugh and Isaac McUtchen for their fantastic participation and catching some Catfish and Banded Grunter.”
To find out more about Bundaberg Sportfishing Club Inc click here.
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