Community
30 April, 2025
Karumba locals rapt to win new boat at fishing comp
It was good karma for the community's "professional volunteers".
Long-time Karumba residents Jockey and Rose Bouwens were on cloud nine on Sunday after they were named as the winners of the lucky draw prize – a new boat – at the inaugural Karumba Runoff Fishing Tournament.
“I had a feeling we were going to win,” an elated Rose told North West Weekly.
“We had two offers from people wanting to buy it before we even got home.”
Rose and her husband Jockey, both of whom will be in their 80s later this year, purchased four tickets in the fishing competition at $40 each, giving them four chances to win the $17,000 Quintrex tinnie.
“We also went fishing in the tournament and caught about 20 jewfish, even though we were chasing barra,” said Rose, who said Jockey landed a 96cm jewfish, while her biggest was 74cm – both well short of the 142cm beast that landed first prize.
“It was a great event and thanks to the organisers and sponsors.”
Winning the boat was perhaps good karma for the Karumba locals of 32 years, who describe themselves as “professional volunteers” for being involved in a range of groups and events in the Gulf community.
The newly formed Karumba Fishing Club’s inaugural event drew more than 500 competitors from across the North West, as well as visitors from interstate.
“It was a fantastic weekend, we couldn’t have asked for better,” said club president Jemma Probert.