LOCALS and visitors to the Riverland enjoyed a “fantastic catch” at South Australia’s biggest carp fishing event last weekend.
A total of 810 fishers caught 2277 carp and raised $18,838 at the 2021 Carp Frenzy held in Barmera last Saturday.
Event organiser Kym Manning said unfavourable weather conditions meant the number of fish caught was a surprise.
“I really didn’t expect that many people to come, and I didn’t expect to catch that many carp,” Mr Manning said.
“The weather wasn’t looking the best for us early, with showers and strong winds, but the good fishermen turned up.
“They don’t care if it’s sunshine or rain, they hang in there and they know with fishing anything can happen.
“It started out flat calm… but lot of people said when the change came in, the fish fired up.”
Colin Higgs won the biggest overall carp award with an 80cm catch, with Bonnie Klinge’s 73cm carp winning the women’s category, while Marijan Birjan claimed the most carp award with 74 caught.
Mr Manning said both local and visiting participants ensured all camping areas were kept clean.
“Two groups went around the lake and nearly every single campsite on Sunday, and we did not find a scrap of rubbish,” he said.
“It was a great example by the campers.”
Mr Manning said the expanded competition area – to now include Loch Luna and Chambers Creek – would be maintained for future events.
“Now the event is growing, having the extra area is good for us,” he said.
All results from the 2021 Carp Frenzy can be accessed by visiting the Facebook page (www.facebook.com/SACarpFrenzy).