The first Rocky Barra Bounty was due to be held in 1998 however flooding in the Fitzroy River in September that year saw the event cancelled and it did not start until 1999. It has been held every year since then during October.
The Bounty is a tag and release event and was the first event to introduce photographing then releasing of fish instead of having the fish weighed or bought back for the event site. This was initially through supplying a disposable camera but technology caught up with us and now digital cameras are used.
The event has another unique feature in that fishers are required to phone in their catch and tag details when they tag a fish. This allows progress in the event to be tracked in real time and creates additional interest among competitors. There have been over 1,400 Barramundi tagged during Bounties with 185 recaptures.
In 2007 the Bounty was audited under NEATFish (National Environmental Assessment of Tournament Fishing) and received a 5 star rating. This rating has been maintained each year with our accreditation being valid through to 2011.
The Bounty is considered to be one of the premier Barramundi competitions in Queensland and welcomes Carlton and United Breweries as it major and naming rights sponsor.
Proceeds from the Bounty go to enhancing recreational fishing in the Fitzroy River.