Cairns Hardware Cardwell Barra Bonanza 2026

Winner Makayla Eves with her barra. Photo supplied

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The Cairns Hardware Cardwell Barra Bonanza has wrapped up another successful event, with hundreds of anglers taking to the water despite wet weather and more than 500 people attending the presentation evening.

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The competition attracted 300 senior entrants, a record number of female competitors and more than 50 junior anglers, bringing fishing enthusiasts and their families together for several days of competition.

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Held at Cardwell, the event saw 309 barramundi caught, measuring a combined 18,015 centimetres, alongside 97 barred javelin (grunter), 46 threadfin salmon and 183 mangrove jack.

The biggest barramundi of the competition was caught by Makayla Eves, measuring an impressive 104 centimetres.

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Meanwhile, Glenn McCulloch wasted little time getting on the scoreboard, catching the first barramundi at 6.03am, just three minutes after fishing officially commenced at 6am.

The presentation evening at Cardwell Community Hall drew an estimated crowd of more than 500 people, celebrating the competitors and recognising the efforts of those who helped bring the event together.

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Organisers thanked the committee members, volunteers, anglers, their families and everyone who contributed to the event's success.

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They also acknowledged the support of naming rights sponsor Cairns Hardware and the many businesses and organisations that backed the competition, including Garmin, Anaconda, Kai's Signs, Cav's Marine and Outdoor, Shimano, Economic Development Queensland, Fishfeen, Tackle World Tully, BWS Cardwell, Lanotec, Cassowary Coast Council, Solahart Cairns, Queensland Steel and Equipment, Aussie Lure Buddies, Barrier Reef Boats, Hinchinbrook and Cassowary Coast Life, Crystal Brook Gifts, Cardwell Country Club, MGM Civil, Cardwell RSL, Coast Guard Cardwell, Work Injury Solutions, Ob la di and Ryan Moody Fishing, alongside numerous other sponsors.

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With additional statistics expected following the committee's next meeting, organisers say there is more to come from this year's competition.

The Cairns Hardware Cardwell Barra Bonanza once again demonstrated the strength of the region's fishing community

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Cairns Hardware Cardwell Barra Bonanza 2026 Results

Photo credit: Vince Sofia of HDeVolution

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Grand Champion – Largest Barramundi and John Carter Perpetual Trophy
Makayla Eves – 104cm

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Champion Senior Male
Jason Masters – 6 fish for 398cm

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Champion Senior Female
Emily Pedrola – 5 fish for 353cm

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Runner-Up Senior Male
Nelson Tilley – 6 fish for 362cm

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Runner-Up Senior Female
Taylah Leibel – 5 fish for 315cm

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Champion Veteran – Largest Barramundi (Angler Over 60)
Vicki Fechner – 79cm

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Champion Senior Team
Boofheads – Jason Masters, Adam Royle and Kirra Royle – 9 fish for 577cm

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Runner-Up Senior Team
Yamaha EBM DBM – Dylan Brier-Mills and Emily Pedrola – 7 fish for 508cm

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Senior Mangrove Jack Champion – Colive Ollermann Perpetual Trophy
Christine Johnson – 5 fish for 223cm

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Senior Grunter Champion
Mark Brady – 5 fish for 270cm

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Senior Salmon Champion
John Andrejic – 5 fish for 266cm

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Junior Grand Champion – Largest Barramundi
Logan Jeffrey – 85cm

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Champion Junior
Fischer Richards – 2 fish for 130cm

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Runner-Up Junior
Logan Jeffrey – 1 fish for 85cm

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Champion Junior Team
Fischn Freaks – Fischer Richards and Cooper Auden – 2 fish for 130cm

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Runner-Up Junior Team
The Mud Skippers – Ryan Accornero and Nate Ihle – 1 fish for 71cm

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Junior Mangrove Jack Champion
Isaac Hubert – 5 fish for 173cm

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Junior Grunter Champion
Deagan Cutler – 1 fish for 48cm

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Junior Salmon Champion
Kian Kaesehagen – 2 fish for 108cm

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First Barramundi Caught
Glenn McCulloch – 6:03am

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Peter Munt Lure Pack – Junior Angler
Tate Morris – caught three gold spot cod on his new lure

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See more photos here: www.hinchinbrooklife.com/social-pics/cairns-hardware-cardwell-barra-bonanza-2026

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