CORAL reef fin fish will be off limits from this Saturday, October 10 as part of the first of two annual closures that protect these fish during spawning season. Queensland Boating and Fisheries Patrol District Manager Bob Russell said the two five-day closures coincided with the new moon when key coral reef fish species aggregate to spawn. “October and November have been found …

WITH less than four weeks remaining until all the action of the 2015 Clancy Corporation Lake Moondarra Fishing Classic commences, organiser Mount Isa Fish Stocking Group is kicking things into high gear. Requiring hundreds of hours in volunteer man power to turn what is famously crowned as Queensland’s richest freshwater fishing event into a reality, the organising committee is busily preparing everything …

THE smallest in Stacer’s Assault Pro range, the 409 features all the best parts of its bigger brothers in a compact, user and budget-friendly size. The 409 Assault Pro is rated to 40hp and is easy to tow and store, measuring in at 5.2m on its trailer. Stacer national account manager Drew Jackson said the Assault Pro range offered the complete …

MORE and more boat owners across Australia are moving to Mercury FourStroke technology – and now there are literally hundreds of additional reasons to make the switch. For a limited time, participating Mercury dealers are offering up to $700 off FourStroke engines from 2.5-75hp. Boat lovers can now enjoy the many benefits of world-class, leading-edge technology at even more affordable prices. Better …

THE designers from BlackWolf are well versed in the art of adventure on all levels, from the smallest expedition to the longest journey. But if you’re travelling alone or don’t want to share, you can zip up the sides and instantly transform it into a roomy single-sized sleeping bag fit for a king. Made with super-tough TC canvas, the BYOQ …

TARGETED compliance patrols in high-risk areas of the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area have detected a four-fold increase in recreational fishing offences over three years. In 2014-15, 538 recreational fishing offences were reported, representing the highest annual number recorded. The incidences were among 1161 reported breaches of Commonwealth and state laws in the World Heritage Area for the year, covering …

A RECREATIONAL fisher was fined $7000 for multiple fishery offences in Townsville Magistrates Court recently. “His Esky also contained two tilapia. “While no nets were located, the barramundi and tilapia displayed signs around the gills consistent with being netted.” All nets (except landing nets, scoop or dip nets and dilly nets) are illegal to use in Queensland fresh waters. “Barramundi have …

MINISTER for Agriculture and Water Resources Barnaby Joyce today announced a boost of more than $930,000 for small seafood exporters under the Government’s Package Assisting Small Exporters program. The program continues to deliver on the Government’s election commitment to support small exporters through its $15 million four year program. “This funding gives practical help to drive real export returns for our nation’s …

HOUSEHOLD vinegar could soon be called on for its most important mission yet: saving the Great Barrier Reef. Researchers at Queensland’s James Cook University have described in a new paper the effectiveness of vinegar in killing crown of thorns starfish. Outbreaks of the venomous, coral-eating animals are considered one of the most significant threats posed to the Great Barrier Reef. The paper’s …