Shades Fishing News

A MAN lost two litres of blood from a gash in his leg after an encounter with a shark off Darwin Harbour.

Geoff Johnson, 50, needed 30 stitches in his right leg after his run-in with the 1.8m reef shark.

He hooked the shark while out fishing with his partner, Jacky Lamb.

Mr Johnson, of Wanguri, reeled in the fish and tried to grab it by the tail so he could free the hook from its mouth about 3pm on Sunday.

But the shark fought back, biting Mr Johnson on his right knee.

The fishing hook then became stuck in his leg, and as the shark thrashed around, the hook ripped a huge gash in the his leg.

“I just pulled it on board and thrashed around a little bit and the hook sliced my leg,” he said.

“The hook did more damage than the shark.”

Mr Johnson said blood started gushing out of the huge gash below his knee.

“I told Jacky to cut the rope on the anchor,” he said.

“There was blood going everywhere.”

“I reckon I would have lost litres.”

“I had to lay down and Jacky had to drive the boat back in.”

Ms Lamb said she was shocked by the sight of Mr Johnson’s blood.

“It looked like somebody had been murdered,” she said.

It took the couple about 45 minutes to make it back to shore.

They arrived at the Darwin Trailer Boat Club and onlookers watched in amazement as Mr Johnson ran to shore with a blood-soaked towel wrapped around his leg.

Ken O’Brien and Chris Young, who had just come in from their own fishing trip, ran to Mr Johnson’s aid.

A female employee from the Trailer Boat Club also came and gave first aid.

Mr O’Brien and Mr Young then put the wounded fishermen in the back of Mr O’Brien’s car and drove him to Royal Darwin Hospital where doctors stitched up his leg.

Mr Johnson said he wanted to thank the people who had come to his aid in the true Territory way - by buying them a beer.

“They did a great job,” he said.

Source : NT News

7 SPIRIT Bay is located on the northern most part of the top ends mainland; the Coburg Peninsula.

You cannot drive into 7 Spirit Bay, it is surrounded by vast reserves of thick bush land.

But those who do their home work will find a hidden oasis: a full on Peppers Resort complete with its own fly in service from Darwin Airport.

The area is so magical and far removed from every day life that even local Northern Territorians dream of getting there ‘one day’ Our flight aboard the Direct Air 8 seater revealed exactly why the sea water at 7 Spirit Bay is so clear: the big estuarine rivers and flood plains so common in the NT really petered out as we drew nearer to our destination.

It was already looking like full on blue water fishing turf as opposed to the more typical big river barra country and as the plane descended for landing I got to lay my eyes on perfect beaches and bays the crispness of which I had never seen before.

A few buffalos watched us touch down and we were greeted by staff from the Peppers Resort who drove us 30 min through the bushland to our accommodation.

So far we had been spoilt with a great flight, a warm welcome, and the resort looked extremely inviting, but it was time for business: I had come to catch a big jewfish and with out one my adventure would not be complete.

On a mission we stepped aboard the 7 meter ‘in house’ charter boat skippered by head guide Paul Kroes.

Paul regularly catches good sized jewfish around the 10 kilo mark, but you have to get past all the other fish like emperor, cod, and coral trout first, which as strange as it sounds is actually problem when you have jewies on the brain.

Amongst the pick pick pick of the smaller fish I did get a few dull thuds that had me more sparked up.

The thuds happened just as each fresh squid bait was dropped to the bottom, after that the pickers would take over again.

I am no expert on the northern black jewfish, but the dull heavy bites were very suspicious stuff.

I had that feeling these were jewfish.

Soon afterwards Paul got some similar bites and agreed they were more than likely jews.

I was hoping we hadn’t missed our chance.

We received no more dull thuds and as so often happens up north the sharks moved in.

Paul figured that even though he usually anchors up to catch the jews, they were not going to co operate the usual way so we pulled in the anchor and set about plan B.

Paul slowly sounded over a few of his marks while I trolled a bait in short ready to drop right on their noses.

Within about 10 minutes the little Lowrance showed a perfect arch about 10 feet off the bottom in 40 feet of water.

Hoping it wasn’t another shark I dropped down and ‘BANG’ I was on.

It really felt like a big jew and when we finally confirmed this was the case all and sundry began cheering.

After several massive power dives near the boat a magnificent 12 kilo jewfish graced the landing net.

What a sight, and what a start to the trip.

The WOW fish was secured in the boat on tape and the sun was yet to go down on the first afternoon of fishing! We went on to catch more huge jewfish over the next few days, too many to fit into one show.

Most times we saw them on the sounder first; it was text book jew fishing.

The bait rig was 80 pound mono line a one ounce running ball sinker and a whole or piece of squid on a 8/0 circle hook.

For lure fisho’s 30 pound braid main line, 30 pound fluro carbon leader, a white buck tail jig and a slam soft bait in the tail worked best.

While jewfish were my personal target there are stacks of other fish that also fight and taste exceptionally good.

We didn’t even make it to Orrontess reef further out where the jewfish are even more abundant along with mackerel, red emperor, sailfish and even marlin.

The Spanish mackerel grow huge up there; one mackerel caught 4 days earlier was a staggering 40 kilos! During the trip we also visited gorgeous Trepang Creek where we caught jacks, cod and tarpon on lure.

The area was mystical with huge crocs and birdlife to gaze at the whole time.

Our guide Ranger Tom takes regular tours to Trepang and his knowledge of the landscape, flora and fauna made the trip extremely satisfying.

I had not come for barra because the area is not really known for them, but rest assured if you want to catch some the guides know where to get them.

I can’t finish this article without mention of the accommodation, or what Peppers call ‘habitats’.

These wonderfully designed cabins give you the chance to soak up the scenery and landscape of this ancient land in privacy.

I loved the way the rooms blended in with the bush, and I couldn’t help but think this was the best way to take in the sunsets that indigenous people have been privileged to for thousands of years.

Enchanting is the best word to describe the experience.

I felt especially lucky to get to this place, and if your partner is making you save hard for a 5 star resort and you want the fishing to match, make no mistake this is it!

For more info check out www.peppers.com.au and follow the links to 7 Spirit Bay or check out www.travelnt.com

Source: North West Star

TERRITORY anglers now have safer access to the Daly River mouth and the Peron Islands, with the opening of a boat ramp and camp site at Channel Point, 240km southwest of Darwin.

At the official opening, NT Fisheries Minister Kon Vatskalis said the Government had spent more than $1 million establishing the new facilities at Channel Point Coastal Reserve.

“The investment included construction of roads, camping areas, toilets and showers, picnic and parking areas and visitor information,” he said.

“As the weather warms up and barramundi begin to bite, I expect the new ramp to be well used by anglers looking for a new fishing destination that allows them to chase a variety of fish species.

“To ensure the Channel Point Coastal Reserve retains its unique atmosphere, access will be limited to a maximum of 10 vehicles and 50 persons at any one time. This will provide the best possible visitor experience.”

People need to apply for a permit from the Parks and Wildlife service before accessing the site. For information, visit www.nt.gov.au/parks/bookings.

Source: NT News

The Amateur Fishermens’ Association says it will oppose any proposal to introduce special no fishing zones in Northern Territory waters unless conclusive research can prove it is worthwhile.

The idea of introducing special no fishing zones was raised at a meeting of the Marine Protection Advisory Committee last night.

The “no go, no take” zones aim to act as a safe haven for threatened species of fish and marine life, and have already been imposed in several areas interstate, including parts of the Great Barrier Reef, Ashmore Reef, Lord Howe Island and the Great Australian Bight.

The chairman of the Marine Protection Advisory Committee, professor Bob Wasson, says while no take zones are unpopular with many fishermen, it is worthy of consideration in the Territory.

But the Amateur Fishermens’ Association’s Chris Makepeace says there has been little scientific process involved in setting up marine protection areas interstate.

“The way in which it seems to work in other places is that percentages are being plucked out of the air and then for each of these mini bio-regions that your going to have around the coast, we’ve got to have a percentage of this and a percentage of that.”

Source : ABC Darwin

NICK CALACOURAS

TERRITORIANS are taking “stupid risks” by fishing waist-deep in crocodile infested waters.

Rangers have warned that another Kakadu croc attack is imminent.

Park ranger Gary Lindner said there were reports of a large croc “nudging” boats and getting close to visitors at Cahill’s Crossing, on East Alligator River.

“This unusual behaviour is a sign of a people problem, not a croc problem,” he said.

Two four metre salties were recently caught in the area — but another five have been seen acting aggressively in these areas.

Jabiru storeman Kerry McLoughlin, 40, was decapitated by a five metre croc at this same fishing spot in 1987.

Witnesses reported he threw a can of beer at the croc’s head as it moved to attack him. Mr Lindner said fishermen have become lazy and blase about croc safety.

“People have been caught standing in the water to fish for barra, throwing fish carcasses back along the water line, and fishing late at night without proper croc-spotting lights,” he said.

Mr Lindner said this was dangerous because the crocs were associating the fishermen with food.

“That’s when you get crocs acting inquisitively like this, and we have to come in and modify their behaviour before someone gets hurt,” he said.

Most of these “stupid” fishermen were born and bred Territorians.

Mr Lidner said capturing a croc can be a traumatic experience for the animal — despite the rangers’ best efforts to be humane.

“Once we release the crocs, they generally stay as far away from humans as they can,” he said.

One recently released croc has moved 40km downstream to avoid human contact. But the remaining five crocodiles, between 3.5 and 4.5 metres, remain a danger to fishermen.

“People are too close to crocs now for comfort, and if people fail to take basic safety precautions around the water, it is only a matter of time before an accident or near accident occurs,” he said.

“Crocs are part of the landscape … and if people do the right thing, they are usually not a problem.”

“But when people start attracting them with this sort of thoughtless behaviour, they put everyone in danger.”

Source : Northern Territory News

AN average day out on the water on the last day failed to stop the Classic Nitro Boys from claiming outright victory in the 2008 Barra Nationals.
The team of John Millyard, Trevor Robb and Justin Jones held the front runner position from day two of the

Palmerston Game Fishing Club’s annual five-day catch-and-release fishing tournament held on the Daly River, 220km southwest of Darwin.

But despite scoring just 126 points in a tough final day on Friday that saw only 143 fish caught overall, the Nitro Boys finished 987 points clear of the rest of the field on 2940.

Nitro Boy Trevor Robb, who scored almost half his team points, also claimed champion angler of the tournament.

The biggest fish award went to Colin Storer of team Bleeding Mullets, with a 105cm — one of only two metre-plus fish netted during the tournament — caught on day two.

DS Constructions’ Darren Crawley, Emil Plej and David Pears managed a stronger performance on the final day on the water — which including Pears netting the biggest fish of the day (at 88cm) — to overtake river rival Reel Easy (Skevos

Politis, Eddie Carroll and David Kears) to finally slip into outright second and claim the champion local team award with 1953.

The champion interstate team was VB Bandits.

More than 1375 fish were caught overall during the five days of competition.

Don’t miss tomorrow’s Northern Territory News for full results, pictures.

Source: Northern Territory News

PHOEBE STEWART

TWO fisherman “from the desert” have been left high and dry after losing their boat and utes — and being fined $2500.

Alice Springs Fishing Club members Paul Coffey, 55, and Scott Davenport, 37, were caught with an illegal bounty of barramundi, golden snapper and fillets as they left King Ash Bay.

They asked police to settle the matter over “a beer”.

“Can’t we just have a beer and forget about this … so we can get on our way,” Coffey asked Constable Wade Rogers on the side of a road, about 40km from Borroloola in the Gulf of Carpentaria.

The beer offer was rejected — and yesterday the pair were found guilty in the Darwin Magistrates’ Court of possessing 65 barra, 46 golden snapper and 157 fillets from a fishing trip in December 2006.

And to add a sting to the trip, the fishos have surrendered to police their 600 Ocean Sport Quintex boat, Coffey’s LandCruiser and Davenport’s Holden Rodeo worth $70,000.

Magistrate Vince Luppino said the pair “colluded” in their evidence, including their excuses that they did not see or properly read bag-limit signs.

He also criticised the men for evidence given by Davenport’s 14-year-old son Brandon, who was also on the fishing trip, which showed “he was coached” in his answers, leading to an important slip-up when the teen was under pressure.

“Both (men) lack credibility and I reject their evidence,” Mr Luppino said.

Prosecutor Georgia McMaster said the pair had shown “deliberate dishonesty” after being “caught red-handed by police”.

Defence lawyer Alan Woodcock said the five-barra bag limit disadvantaged Alice Springs fishermen, who could not transport their daily catches home.

“They are men from the desert who have gone out and done what could lawfully be done by two fishermen from Darwin in a week,” Mr Woodcock said.

Mr Luppino said he was “troubled” by the legislation.

“The first time I heard of this legislation I was a bit troubled by it because it is so easy to thwart the intention of the legislature,” Mr Woodcock said.

He fined the men $2500 each, and the pair have to pay $590 each for prosecution costs.

Source : Northern Territory News

Two Northern Territory fishermen have forfeited their cars and a boat, and been fined $2,500 each for exceeding fishing bag limits.

Alice Springs based Paul Coffey and his stepson Scott Davenport were caught red-handed in December 2006 with 80 barramundi and 61 golden snapper after an extended fishing trip to King Ash Bay, near Borroloola.

The pair were fishing with Davenport’s son and legally the trio were allowed 15 of each species in total.

The defence argued that the men had done what lawfully two fishermen in Darwin could catch over 8 days, so long as they returned home each night.

Magistrate Vince Luppino said he was initially troubled by the case because of how easy it is to thwart the intention of the legislation.

The men also have to pay $590 each in court costs and a $120 victims levy.

Source : ABC Northern Territory

THE Nightcliff Jetty will reopen today after receiving a much-needed facelift.
The popular fishing and recreation spot needed extensive repairs after suffering damage caused by high tides and big storms.

The maintenance works, which began six months ago, were the first major upgrade for the jetty since 2001.

Earlier than expected wet weather conditions in October and November delayed the reopening for a month.

The NT Government provided up to $180,000 for the renovation project.

The funding was used to replace corroded posts and stair railings.

The maintenance works also included painting and sand-blasting.

Member for Nightcliff Jane Aagaard said the reopening came on time for Christmas.

“The Department of Planning and Infrastructure conduct maintenance work to keep the facility in good shape,” she said.

“Now Nightcliff Jetty is reopened I encourage families to make the most of this wonderful recreation spot.”

The reopening will be particularly welcomed byrecreational fishermen, as the jetty is one of Darwin’s most popular and accessible fishing spots due to its length and closeness to residential areas.

Source: The Australian

THE Nightcliff Jetty will reopen today after receiving a much-needed facelift.

The popular fishing and recreation spot needed extensive repairs after suffering damage caused by high tides and big storms.

The maintenance works, which started six months ago, were the first major upgrade for the jetty since 2001.

Earlier than expected wet weather conditions in October and November delayed the reopening for a month.

The NT Government provided up to $180,000 for the renovation project.

The funding was used to replace corroded posts and stair railings.

The maintenance works also included painting and sand-blasting.

Member for Nightcliff Jane Aagaard said the reopening came right on time for the Christmas period.

“The Department of Planning and Infrastructure conduct maintenance work to keep the facility in good shape,” she said.

“Now Nightcliff Jetty is reopened I encourage families to make the most of this wonderful recreation spot.”

The reopening will be particularly welcomed by recreational fishermen, with the jetty one of Darwin’s most popular and accessible fishing spots due to its length and proximity to residential areas.

Source: Northern Territory News