The dealership’s director Paul Malouf said that the local economy had been “flat” but that it was showing signs of strengthening. It allowed the dealership to support the community more. 

“We are supporting anything we can to make sure events grow,” Mr Malouf said. 

“It is too good an event to not be involved in it.” 

Mr Malouf said that the fishing classic’s new events manager Jeff Magnus had a “long chat” with him persuading him to support it.

 “I thought it was a good way to be involved in something a bit spectacular," Mr Malouf said. 

“These guys (Mount Isa Fish Stocking Group) do a lot of work to get things happening and there is not a lot of thanks in it, I do not imagine.”  

To acknowledge his sponsorship Mr Magnus and the fish stocking group’s hatchery coordinator Graeme Parsons helped Mr Malouf release barramundi fingerlings into Lake Moondarra. 

They released 20 fingerlings roughly the length of 200 millimetres out at Black Rock last Wednesday. 

Mr Magnus said the organisation of the three day fishing event was on target. 

“We are just going to stop looking for sponsors in a couple of weeks,” he said. “We are just starting to look at getting the actual event ready.” 

One of the new events planned for the fishing classic would be the release of more fish fingerlings. “So people can come down and have a look at it,” Mr Magnus said. 

Kids can enjoy it and get involved.” 

Recorded measurements of fish during the winter showed promise for good results during the fishing classic. 

“There has been a few big catches recorded,” he said. 

“Which is unusual, in the colder months. It has been a good winter. 

“A few are catching the big barras. We are talking about catches over 120 centimetres.” 

The Lake Moondarra Fishing Classic will be held on October 27 to 29.