Fresh off the completion of its $25 million-multi-stage redevelopment, Rockhampton’s Frenchville Sports Club has already been casting its sights on even bigger catches.
The 2025 Fitzroy River Barra Bash, held 28-31 October this year, is a premier fishing event attracting anglers from across Australia to compete for over $90,000 in cash and prizes.
This year’s Bash was another record-setting event, with competitors landing 764 barramundi measuring a total of 597.1 metres, including 273 fish over one metre, proving the Fitzroy River as a top Australian barramundi fishery.
Not stopping there, anglers also reeled in 111 king threadfin salmon, totalling 98.7 metres.
Winners from the competition included Darrin Macfarlane from team MMT, snagging the Biggest Threadfin Salmon at 134cm. This team also snagged the Most Metres Threadfin Salmon, with a total of 942cm.
The Biggest Barramundi winner was Matthew Zahl from team Fish Goop, at 131cm, while the Most Metres Barramundi was won by team Panic Stations, at 3,415cm.
Damien Massingham, the club’s CEO, said the Barra Bash continues to deliver outstanding experiences for competitors while creating lasting benefits for the wider community.
“Each year the Barra Bash grows stronger,” he said.
“More anglers, more metres of fish, and more energy on the water. The Fitzroy’s reputation as a world-class fishery is undeniable, and it’s fantastic to see so many visitors experiencing what our region has to offer.”
Planning is already underway for next year’s Barra Bash, to be held 18-21 October 2026.
Not stopping there, the club is also currently running this year’s Rocky’s Ultimate Cash Catch, where anglers from across the continent compete for a cash prize of $20,000 between 1 November 2025 and 31 January 2026.
This time the target is a tagged King Threadfin Salmon.
Anglers who catch one of the thirty-three tagged fish are to immediately call InfoFish and provide the tag’s serial number before release.
Chairman of Frenchville Sports Club Graeme Brady OAM said the club is proud to bring the sustainable fishing event back bigger than before, as it highlights community spirit.
“Rocky’s Ultimate Cash Catch is all about celebrating our incredible region and providing an opportunity for locals and visitors alike to experience the thrill of fishing the Fitzroy River,” he said.
“Whether you’re a seasoned angler or just out for some fun, there’s something for everyone.”
Mayor of Rockhampton Tony Williams also praised the impact of the competition.
“It’s fantastic to see this event generating excitement on our river and promoting Rockhampton as one of the nation’s leading recreational fishing destinations.”
The competition also offers a bonus prize of $2,500 if a tagged prize is caught outside the competition period, along with a $1,000 prize draw for registered entrants who are members of the club.
“Sporting clubs are where regional communities thrive – where people matter, where sport shines and where those who need a helping hand will always be welcomed,” said The Honourable David Crisafulli, Premier of Queensland.
