Shades Fishing News

By GERARD WALSH

TERRY Duggan doesn’t claim to be the world’s top angler but he was the best in this year’s Hinchinbrook Family Fishing Classic at Lucinda.

On the first day of the two-day competition at the start of the summer season, Terry went fishing with his brother Tony, and family members, and the fish they were catching were all being chased to water level by several big fish.

They noted the position from day one on a GPS and returned to the same spot on the Saturday where Terry caught a 29.8kg trevally on a floating pilchard bait.

“Knowing there were big fish in the area, we sailed out on the second day to the same spot with bigger rods and reels,” Terry said.

“It took me 30 minutes to haul the big trevally in.

“The biggest surprise is that I am not really an angler, I just go out with other anglers.

“My son Timothy and Tony’s children, Matthew and Samantha, just couldn’t believe the size of the trevally.

“It was strange when other people were taking photos of me at the weigh-in.”

They caught the big fish only 10km from the coastline after having no luck early on day one when they sailed 50km out to the reef.

His catch was 10kg bigger than the next biggest in a competition in which 400 fish were weighed before the presentation of trophies.

The winning fish was so big the Duggans used a wheelie bin to transport it to the weigh-in.

For his win, Terry won a weekend for four in North Queensland which he gave to his brother Tony.

“We try to go up to see Tony and his family each year and usually go out in the boat fishing to the reef. Tony is a mad keen fisherman, he fishes any chance he can,” Terry said.

“He just tells me what to do when we go fishing.”

Before the Herbert River competition, Terry had a biggest catch of 5kg, a coral trout off Hinchinbrook Island.

Source: Warwick Daily News

A Department of Primary Industries (DPI) study has confirmed the belief of many anglers that, if handled correctly, most black bream and snapper survive after release.

When releasing undersize fish, many anglers assume that all or most of them survive. It is important to know if this assumption is correct to help determine the effective management tools, such as size and bag limits, in protecting fish stocks from the effects of fishing.

Fisheries scientists investigated how many released black bream and snapper survive post release and ways to improve their chances of survival. A group of expert volunteer research anglers were enlisted to catch and release bream and snapper under a variety of conditions.

The study found that many factors could affect the survival of hooked and released bream and snapper, but the most significant one was whether the fish were shallow-hooked (mouth) or deep-hooked. Researchers found the mortality rate among mouth-hooked bream and snapper was about 1 to 2 per cent compared to 22 to 23 per cent for both species when deep-hooked.

Rod fishing trials were also undertaken, comparing fishing with a tight line to using a slack line. A slack line gave the fish a greater chance of swallowing the bait before the angler reacted and hooked the fish. This meant there was a greater chance of the fish being deep-hooked and not surviving.

Further work is needed to determine the proportion of shallow-hooked to deep-hooked fish in Victorian recreational bream and snapper fisheries, but it is anticipated that overall survival of released undersize fish would be at least 85 per cent.

As a result of the study, DPI fisheries scientists recommend that anglers:

- Fish with a tight line because this leads to more shallow-hooked fish;
- Fish with a larger hook because this reduces the chances of deep-hooking undersize fish; and
- Cut the line if a fish is deep-hooked instead of removing the hook.

This study was jointly funded by Fisheries Victoria, the Recreational Fishing Licence Trust Fund and the Fisheries Research and Development Corporation. It was conducted as part of the National Strategy for the Survival of Released Line-caught Fish.

Source: Vic DPI

A man has been washed away by a giant wave while fishing on rocks on Tasmania’s east coast.

The man was fishing alongside another man at Cosy Corner near Binalong when a wave swept him off the rocks at about 12.40pm (AEDT) on Friday.

“One of the pair had his fishing line caught in some kelp and went to the water’s edge in an attempt to retrieve his line,” said Tasmania Police’s Inspector Shane LeFevre.

“Bystanders were in the area at the time and witnessed the person struggling in the strong surf after being knocked off his feet by waves.

The Westpac rescue helicopter, marine police, SES volunteers and a rescue aircraft from Victoria searched for the man, but he could not be found.

“Police and SES have been deployed overnight in the immediate vicinity with further resources to be deployed at daybreak,” Inspector LeFevre said.

“Police divers have arrived at St Helens and will be ready to deploy as soon as weather conditions allow on Saturday morning.”

A full-scale rescue operation will continue on Saturday.

Saturday’s weather conditions are expected to change, with 25-knot winds and a 1.5 metre swell before a southerly change.

Source: The Age

The use of abalone gut as bait or burley is now illegal in NSW.

NSW Department of Primary Industries, Bill Bardsley, said the ban has been put in place to protect NSW abalone stocks from a virus currently spreading in Victoria.

“Abalone viral ganglioneuritis, or AVG, has killed up to 90% of stock in affected regions in Victoria.

“The use of abalone gut as bait carries a high risk of introducing the disease into NSW, threatening both the $5.5m commercial fishery, and recreational harvesting of abalone. If this disease were introduced to NSW it would almost certainly decimate abalone stocks here,” he said.

Most abalone harvested from NSW are exported live, meaning abalone gut sourced for bait is mainly imported to NSW from other States, including from Victoria. The inability to distinguish where abalone gut has been harvested makes it necessary to also ban the small amount of gut produced by NSW processors.

“Abalone gut is a specialist bait used mainly by people fishing for black drummer.

“As drummer and abalone share the same habitat this ban is necessary to prevent the inadvertent spread of potentially infected baits into areas where it could possibly do the most harm. Fortunately, there are a number of other highly effective baits that can be used,” Mr Bardsley said.

Aside from endangering the future of abalone stocks in NSW, anglers found using abalone gut as bait or burley in NSW risk severe penalties.

Media contact: Kelly Stevens (02) 8289 3949 or 0438 247 571

Source: NSW DPI

SEALS are facing early deaths in waters off Queenscliff after becoming entangled in fishermen’s discarded debris.

The operator of a local fishing charter, Andrew Malouf, this week helped Melbourne Zoo veterinarians save one young seal from prolonged pain and possible death but he said many more were suffering from the selfishness of fishermen.

Dumped fishing lines, rope, plastic bags and other rubbish were threatening the safety of local marine park inhabitants as well as polluting some of Victoria’s most spectacular underwater scenery, Mr Malouf said.

Chinaman’s Hat, a custom-built habitat that is home to about 40 seals, was the scene of a dramatic surgical procedure on Tuesday when vets and local charter operators cut fishing line from around the neck of a 60kg seal.

Mr Malouf said it was obvious the seal was being choked by some kind of wire as its fur was not hanging as it should.

“You could see from the indentations the fishing line was really choking it so we notified the zoo and a lot of other charter boat operators,” he said.

“They darted the injured one with tranquilliser . . . and all the other seals scattered.

“It put this one to sleep pretty quickly and they surgically removed and cut the fishing line, which was imbedded quite thickly into its neck.”

Mr Malouf has since checked on the seal to ensure it survived its ordeal and was confident it would soon return to its normal playful self.

“She’s doing all right _ the water temperature is about 13 or 14C and cold salt water is the best thing for it.

“It will heal up in no time.”

He said it was likely the seal would have become entangled in the fishing line as a pup after a frolic with some of the rubbish that people threw overboard went wrong.

“It had some pretty gruesome battle scars,” Mr Malouf said.

Gamerec Charters employees have saved three seals ensnarled in fishing nets in four years and warned the creatures would likely starve to death when their plastic or wire prisons became too oppressive to fight.

Mr Malouf urged people to take their rubbish back to shore with them instead of dumping it into the ocean and call Parks Victoria, the police or local charter operators if they spotted an animal entangled in rubbish.

Source: Geelong Advertiser

The Dubbo community has opened its heart to 15-year-old Matthew Barnes who had his brand new fishing rod stolen while rescuing three people from the Macquarie River at the weekend.

One of the three people rescued by 15-year-old Matthew Barnes from the Macquarie River on Sunday has applauded his saviour’s bravery.

“Little Matt saved our lives,” 35-year-old Justin Dixon said. “I can’t praise Matt enough. He was cool and calm under pressure and I was on my last breaths when he dropped the boat down in front of me.”

Mr Dixon became trapped in turbulent water below South Dubbo weir about 3pm Sunday while attempting to rescue one of the other two victims.

Matthew, who had been fishing with his new rod and reel, lowered his good friend Josh Lee’s inflatable boat down to the trio who were able to use it to push away to safety. Matthew then called an ambulance.

After the ambulance had left with two of the victims, Matthew discovered his fishing rod had been stolen during the event.

The Dubbo public has collectively shown their appreciation of Matthew’s quick thinking and bravery, as well as their disgust at the sickening theft and offered to replace the stolen items.

Peter Blackman selflessly gave Matthew his own rod, reel and lures yesterday.

“I’m a fisho and if my son had his pinched I’d do the same thing,” Mr Blackman said. “He saved people and did a good thing, meanwhile a coward took gear he had been saving hard for.”

Tony and Sheri Dunn of Explore Outdoors showed similar compassion and offered Matthew a new tackle box.

Dubbo Bait and Tackle, who sold Matthew his original rod, has offered him an $80 gift voucher. Other Dubbo businesses including Southern Cross Ten, Joyce Mayne, SSS BBQs, Furney’s Building, the Daily Liberal and LA Wardrobes also made donations.

A lady who has a grandson of similar age gave him $100. Matthew immediately split the money with Josh Lee, who was also involved in the rescue effort.

Matthew’s proud father Graham said he was not surprised at his son’s actions because of his laidback nature.

“When he got home on Sunday he said a couple of people fell in the river and he helped them,” Mr Barnes said. “He is laidback and simply does whatever needs to be done and doesn’t panic.

“A lady called us when she read the story and said she wanted to thank him. When we went to her place she gave Matthew a cheque for $120 to replace the rod.

“It is an unbelievable response from the public and shows there are a lot of good people out there.”

After receiving his new fishing gear Matthew and Josh said they were off to go fishing.

“There are a lot of nice people out there,” they said.

“People have been calling us, saying they appreciate what we did and giving us gifts.”

Source: Daily Liberal

New restrictions on catching murray cod will apply from the new year in South Australia.

The daily bag and boat limits for recreational fishing will decrease from two fish to one and the minimum size will be increased to 60 centimetres.

The annual closed season for murray cod will be extended to run from August until December.

SA Fisheries Minister Rory McEwen says the tougher restrictions are a response to a reduction in the species because of the drought.

Source: ABC Riverland SA

More than 400 recreational fishers were checked by NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) Fisheries Officers during an operation prior to and over the Murray cod opening weekend.

NSW Minister for Primarv Industries, Ian Macdonald, said five Fisheries Officers participated in the operation from 29 November to 2 December, which checked 418 fishers in the south west of the State, predominantly along the Murray River.

“Fisher numbers were lower than expected, and of those who were checked, there was an overall compliance rate of 88 per cent compared with 91 per cent last year.

“This operation is a timely reminder to fishers that NSW DPI Fisheries Officers regularly patrol waterways across the State and compliance with fisheries legislation is strictly enforced” he said.

“Fishers should check fishing rules and related closures. If people observe fishers doing the wrong thing they should report this illegal activity to the nearest Fisheries Office or contact Fisherman’s Watch on 1800 043 536.”

NSW DPI Manager Fisheries Compliance Glenn Tritton said 51 people were reported for fishing offences, mainly for fishing in the Trout Cod Protection Area before it opened. This area is closed during September to November to protect trout cod during their breeding season.

“Trout Cod Protection Area offences indicate that fishermen are not stopping to read the signage placed at most access entrances that promote angler awareness of the closure. Fishing guides and other advisory information also contain this important information,” he said.

On a positive note, Mr Tritton said it was pleasing to see that there was a high level of awareness of the new fishing rules, including positive feedback on banning of setlines and the increase in the size of Murray cod to 55cm.

After the operation, 32 infringements were issued ranging from $200 to $500. The maximum fines for matters that go before the courts are up to $22,000 or imprisonment for six months or both.

Offences included taking or attempting to take Murray cod during the closed season, taking fish from closed waters and the use of illegal fishing gear were detected during the operation.

Further reading: Summary of change to NSW size limits, bag limits and fishing methods

Media contact: Sarah Chester (02) 6036 2110 or 0417 207 669

Recreational anglers and members of the community are being invited to have their say about an inland fishery management plan being developed for the Wimmera region.

A public meeting is being held in Stawell this Thursday night from 7pm, at the University of Ballarat campus to discuss the plan.

Executive Director of Fisheries Victoria, Dr Peter Appleford, said the plan will identify measures to manage fishing in the lakes and rivers of the region.

“The region supports freshwater blackfish, Murray cod, redfin, brown trout and rainbow trout fisheries in the region’s rivers and lakes,” Dr Appleford said.

“These fisheries provide significant social and economic value to the region’s communities.”

Popular recreational fisheries include the Wimmera River and lakes such as Wartook, Bellfield and Fyans.

An important part of developing the plan is to identify the values associated with recreational fishing across the region.

“I urge all interested fishers to attend one of the meetings and contribute to the future of fishing in their community,” Dr Appleford said.

A steering committee, established to assist with the preparation of the plan, is keen to know:

- What fish species are most important to recreational fishers in the region?

- What fishing locations are most important to you?

- How can recreational fishing be improved in the region?

The steering committee will be independently chaired by Kevin Drinkell and will have representatives from the Victorian Recreational Fishing Peak Body (VRFish), the Fisheries Comanagement Council, Indigenous interests, the Wimmera Catchment Management Authority, Parks Victoria, GWM Water, the Department of Sustainability and Environment (DSE), and the Department of Primary Industries (DPI).

A public meeting is also planned for tomorrow night in Horsham.

If people cannot attend a public meeting they can provide their views in writing to Fisheries Victoria. Written submissions should be sent to

Luke Cromie,
Manager Fisheries Resource Planning,
GPO Box 4440 Melbourne VIC 3001
or email luke.cromie@dpi.vic.gov.au, by 5pm Friday, 11 January 2008.

Fisheries Victoria says expected changes in water levels in the Wimmera’s waterways will be a challenge for the organisation.

Public meetings are being held at Horsham and Stawell this week as Fisheries develops a five-year management plan for the region’s waterways.

The Wimmera-Mallee pipeline is expected to deliver increased flows to some rivers and streams, while it is planned that some reservoirs will be kept at lower levels.

Dr Peter Appleford from Fisheries Victoria says his body needs to talk to anglers about what they want from the region’s fishing spots.

“We need to determine what sort of fish they want to fish for and then we need to have a look at what bodies of water are available,” he said.

“[We need to] negotiate with the water management authorities [on] whether we can stock into those waters and what the angler access will be like in those waters.”

Source: ABC South West Victoria