Ernest Bowen, 13, gives a thumbs up after winning a new boat at last year’s Sovereign Hotel Resort Barramundi Fishing Competition. Photo: Chisa Hasegawa.
More than 1000 anglers are expected to go head to head in the hunt for a new boat at the 2025 Sovereign Resort Hotel Barramundi Fishing competition on 24-26 October.
The all-tackle Cooktown fishing competition has exploded since starting in 2015 with just 82 competitors – only punctuated by COVID-19 in 2020 when the event was put on hold.
A record 1016 anglers fought challenging fishing conditions in the hunt for a new boat last year.
Bradley “Chook” Michael was named adult winner of the mystery weight barramundi with his 5.45-kilogram effort securing him bragging rights and a new boat. Thirteen-year-old Ernest Bowen was the inaugural winner of the second boat in a section especially for junior competitors.
Two boats are again up for grabs this year. Anglers aged 12 and under will be competing for a Quintrex F370 Yamaha 15, while the 13 and overs will be hoping to take home a Quintrex 4.60 SC Renegade and trailer.
Sovereign Resort Hotel general manager Rachael Webber said more than $15,000 in lucky door prizes was also to be won.
Bradley “Chook” Michael is congratulated by nieces Marika and Nyurin Snider after he won the mystery weight barramundi major prize at last year’s Sovereign Resort Hotel Barramundi Fishing Competition. Photo: Lyndon Keane.
The competition is part of the Sovereign Resort Community Day, which features live entertainment all day Sunday with the Road Trippers.
“It’s a great weekend for the whole family and friends,” Ms Webber said.
“Entry into the Sovereign Resort Community Day will get you a sausage sizzle, free lunch (burgers, fish and chips, pizza or salad) and a free drink plus free entry into the barra competition.
“Adults are $60 and kids under 12 are $10.”
Fishing starts at 7 am on Friday, 24 October. The last weigh-in is at noon on Sunday, 26 October.
Registration forms are available at reception in the Sovereign Resort Hotel and on the website www.sovereignresort.com.au.
The official weighing station will be in operation in the Sovereign Resort Hotel car park from 2 pm to 4 pm on the Saturday and 9:30 am to noon on the Sunday.
The adult champion angler will be determined by the closest barramundi to the random mystery weight. In the event of a tie, the angler’s second barramundi closest to the mystery weight will determine the winner.
Juniors must be aged 12 or under as at midnight on 24 October 2025.
