Record-breaking turnout at Wyndham’s Brown Water Classic as 496 anglers compete for top fishing prizes

A record number of anglers took part in the St John WA Brown Water Classic at the weekend, reeling in some impressive catches including six barramundi measuring over a metre. However, it was Kevin Buiting who managed to edge out the competition with a 110.5cm fish caught at the Pentecost River, claiming the price for the biggest overall barramundi catch. Event organiser Simon Turnbull said although there weren’t any record-breaking catches this year, competition was fierce among the 496 people who registered. “It was hotly contested in a lot of the categories, actually. We’ve came down to just a couple of 10- 15mm in some instances,” he said. The biggest land-based barramundi caught was 107cm by Dylan Morgan, while the largest caught from a boat was 105cm landed by Dave Wilson. Karen Blunt caught the biggest dhufish at 120cm, while Frazer Grieve reeled in the largest salmon at 87cm. The biggest catfish was caught by Kurt Hunter at 115cm, and Jimmy McInerney landed the biggest fingermark at 71cm. The junior winners were Chance Francis who caught an 81cm barramundi, Sierra Purdie with an 89cm catfish, Ace Griffiths with a 65cm dhufish, and James Ross, who reeled in a 45cm salmon. Mr Turnbull said organisers were “absolutely stoked” with the record number of participants in this year’s Brown Water Classic and there were about 70 more competitors than last year. “Considering we had the awesome Lake Argyle Swim at the weekend as well, we are absolutely amazed that we got the record-breaking number,” he said. More than $43,000 worth of prizes were handed out, contributed by local sponsors including Tackleworld Kununurra, Kununurra Home Hardware, Wyndham Caravan Park, TAS Industries, Hotel Kununurra, Vaggs Wyndham Liquor, Wyndham Oasis and Wyndham Supermarket and Butchers. All money raised will go to the St John Wyndham sub-centre and a new paramedic vehicle which will be arriving next year. “This event will significantly help fund the new ambulance, and in future years it will continue to fund the sub-centre to maintain up-to-date training and equipment for our volunteers,” Mr Turnbull said.