What’s happening
The SIPS 25 fishing competition wrapped up after two exciting weeks during the September school holidays, marking 25 years of Queensland’s Stocked Impoundment Permit Scheme (SIPS). More than 460 anglers fished across 61 stocked dams and weirs, catching over 2,100 fish statewide.
The competition recognised recreational fishers, SIPS volunteers and local communities, with more than $30,000 in prizes awarded. Among the haul were 37 tilapia and 3 carp, which were removed as pest species, highlighting participants’ commitment to sustainable fishing.
Fisheries Queensland spokesman Joe Boyle said the milestone event captured the essence of Queensland’s freshwater fishing. “The SIPS 25 fishing competition has been a fantastic way to celebrate 25 years of this program, bringing together families, friends and communities to enjoy Queensland’s incredible stocked waterways,” Mr Boyle said.
Why it matters
SIPS has supported recreational fishing, regional tourism and habitat restoration for 25 years. “It’s inspiring to see so many participants, including young fishers, come together to support sustainable fishing right across our great state,” Mr Boyle added.
All funds raised through SIPS permits go back into fish stocking and environmental improvement projects, ensuring Queensland’s freshwater fishing remains vibrant for future generations.
By the Numbers
• More than 2,100 fish were caught across 61 stocked dams and weirs statewide.
• Over 460 anglers participated during the two-week competition period.
• Around $30,000 in prizes were distributed across multiple categories and age groups.
• The event marked 25 years of the SIPS program, Queensland’s flagship freshwater initiative.
• 37 tilapia and 3 carp were removed as pest species, supporting native fish populations.
Zoom In
The statewide competition recognised standout anglers from every region.
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South-East Queensland: Amy Richards led the way with an incredible 326 fish, followed by Khean Mak with 208 and Michael Thomsen with 189. Other notable competitors included Mervyn Woods (108), Neng Lor (106) and Johannes Deysel (74).
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Murray–Darling: Neng Lor topped the region with 20 fish, followed by Jake Durrington and Rylan Hurle (5 each).
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North Queensland: Layla Hubbard caught 61 fish to secure first place, ahead of Thippaporn Kaewsuk (34) and Degan Wilkinson (32).
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Central Queensland: Kris Lassig led with 20 fish, with David Martin (15) and Fiona Lassig (3) also among the top finishers.
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Wide Bay: Nelson Philips dominated with 100 fish, followed by Gavin Penn (29) and Josh Allan (25).
In the Shimano Australian bass category, Josh Allan won for catching the most bass over 50 cm.
Hero Fish awards went to both senior and junior competitors who landed the longest fish in each species:
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Senior winners: Ethan Bright (Murray cod – 76 cm), Daniel Clifton (golden perch – 58 cm), Robert Hurle (silver perch – 41 cm), Clint Wilkinson (sooty grunter – 46 cm), Neng Lor (Australian bass – 55.5 cm), John Reddicliffe (saratoga – 81 cm) and Kris Lassig (barramundi – 116 cm).
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Junior winners: Mackennah Vidler (Murray cod – 61 cm), Oliver Clifton (golden perch – 55 cm), Amy Richards (silver perch – 38.5 cm), Degan Wilkinson (sooty grunter – 47 cm), Dallas Brown (Australian bass – 49 cm), Noah Hopf (saratoga – 41 cm) and Marlu Warren (barramundi – 106 cm).
The Charlie’s Pick Photo Competition, named after Freshwater Fishing and Stocking Association Queensland (FFSAQ) President Charlie Ladd, also awarded Kris Lassig, Fi Lassig, Mav Woods, Paul Byrne and Maree Amon for their standout fishing photos shared through the Qld Fishing 2.0 app.
Zoom Out
Charlie Ladd said the competition showed just how passionate Queensland’s young anglers are about fishing. “The junior anglers have shown the seniors how to catch fish! These outcomes give me great confidence that our youth understand and enjoy the pleasures of freshwater fishing and hopefully they will be the caretakers of our waterways into the future,” he said.
Local Impact
SIPS 25 boosted tourism and recreation across Queensland’s inland and coastal regions, from Rockhampton to Toowoomba and the Sunshine Coast. The event encouraged families to explore stocked dams, support local businesses and reconnect with the outdoors. Every permit sold under SIPS contributes to fish restocking and habitat improvement projects in regional waterways.
What to look for next
Although the SIPS 25 competition has ended, celebrations continue throughout the year. Queenslanders can support sustainable fishing by purchasing SIPS permits, with all funds reinvested into fish stocking and restoration projects. Details are available on the Queensland Government’s official fishing page.
