AN international study led by Monash marine ecologists has found that large fish are much more important to feeding the planet than previously thought. The new research, published in the prestigious journal ‘Science’, has major implications for how fisheries are managed and the value placed on marine protected areas. Most theories on how reproductive output increases with body size assume …

THE ICAST award-winning Minn Kota Ultrex is now available in Australia! Minn Kota has introduced the trolling motor anglers have only dreamed of – a hybrid that merges the body of a Fortrex with the brains of i-Pilot, complete with Spot-Lock electronic GPS anchoring and more. The Ultrex gives anglers the control and responsiveness of a Fortrex, plus effortless Power …

THINK twice next time you consider interfering with someone else’s crab pot. A man was prosecuted in Mackay recently and fined $10,000 for interfering with fishing apparatus. There are multiple operations and investigations into illegal crabbing activity across Queensland, with day and night patrols on waterways and at boat ramps including the use of specialised surveillance equipment like hidden cameras …

FISHERIES Queensland has fined three people thousands of dollars for illegal netting after fisheries officers seized a net measuring almost 130 metres at Nudgee earlier this month. Queensland Boating & Fisheries Patrol District Manager Brett Depper said a tip off to the Fishwatch hotline number 1800 017 116 led to the seizure. “We rely on the community reporting suspected illegal …

BUSH ‘n Beach has brought Nautilus Marine Insurance on board to expand the fine print and provide readers with clear, easy-to-understand and helpful tips on protecting their boating assets. The scenario Home is anywhere you hang your hat, according to scores of musical artists over the past 50 years, particularly those with a country music focus. But when it comes …

HAINES Signature Boats is excited to introduce a new fishing model to its world-class range of fibreglass trailer boats with the launch of the 545F. The new release model is aimed at fishers and families looking to get on the water with its superior performance and practicality, underpinned by massive deck space. Measuring 5.45m in length and 2.13m across the …

VMR Bundaberg is holding its 13th Family Fishing Classic from June 29 to July 1, 2018. The prize pool for lucky draws again includes the three Quintrex boats with outboards and trailers, with the total prize pool for lucky draws and fishing category prizes exceeding $70,000. The Classic runs from Burnett Heads over the three days, and the registration form …

A NEW program was today launched to further develop responsible recreational fishing of southern bluefin tuna. Assistant Minister for Agriculture and Water Resources Anne Ruston launched the Tuna Champions Program at Hobart’s Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies. “This initiative will work to improve stewardship, fish handling and responsible fishing practices in the SBT recreational sector,” Minister Ruston said. “Sustainability, …

“WE’RE so confident in the reliability of our outboard engines we’re extending our warranty to six years – simple.” That’s how Mercury senior director of Engine Products (Australia, New Zealand, Pacific) Nicholas Webb neatl y summed it up, following Mercury’s announcement of a new extended six-year warranty for all recreational outboards. That means a six-year warranty for every outboard from …