Fishing

AVOIDING crocodiles and hunting mussel DNA are two priorities as the surveillance effort continues in the hunt for Asian green mussels around Weipa, following the discovery of a single mussel south of the town in May 2017. Biosecurity Queensland officers have spent time working with local businesses and the community to check areas where the mussels may take up residence, …

Operation NASSE, a multi-lateral regional maritime surveillance operation between Australia, the US, France and New Zealand, ran from July 3-13 and covered the waters between Exclusive Economic Zones of regional countries. Its aim was to deter illegal fishing in some of the most intensely fished sea-lanes in the region, the Western and Central Pacific Oceans. Together, the operation resulted in …

It wasn’t a bad run to the islands, but as we pushed out past them we became really exposed to the swell, so we just took our time and anchored up on the first rock. Almost as soon as the bait hit the bottom, the boys were on, with a couple of solid fish of about 3kg coming over the …

With yellow rain jackets donned by all, guests were rewarded with splendid samson fish and amberjack that were released. Maori cod and moses perch were added to the dinner menu. Gold FM asked Fish the Deep if we would we take some of their radio personalities out for a competition of ‘which announcer could catch the biggest fish’. With all …

ABOUT 5500 barramundi have died in the cold weather of southern Australia. Victorian Fisheries Authority confirmed all but 1500 of the 7000 fish placed in a discharge pond connected to the now-defunct Hazelwood power plant late last year have died. Winter water temperatures dropped to 12C — less than half the desired 26C to 32C temperature range barra prefer. However, …

ARTIFICIAL reefs and fish-attraction devices could be on the cards to boost the Northern Territory’s recreational fishing experiences and enhance its reputation as a world-class fishing destination. A tender recently released by the NT Government has called for advice on the design and engineering specifications required to create scientifically developed and managed artificial reef systems and FADs. Primary Industries Minister …

SIGNIFICANT flooding events following the impact of tropical cyclone Debbie may have further enabled the spread of tilapia, a pest fish species, throughout the Fitzroy Basin. Characterised by an aggressive nature, highly successful breeding patterns and few predators, tilapia, nicknamed the ‘cane toad of the waterways’, are defeated only through human intervention, according to Fitzroy Basin Association senior project officer …

AUSTRALIA has lifted the ban it imposed in January on importing uncooked Vietnamese shrimp products. Vietnamese companies may resume importing raw prawns caught in Australia for processing and export them to Australia for consumption. The decision was made after the Australian Department of Agriculture and Water Resources received written confirmation by the National Agro-Forestry-Fisheries Quality Assurance Department under Vietnam’s Ministry …

ON November 1, 2015, three net-free zones were established in Cairns, Mackay and Rockhampton. QLD’s net-free zones The objective of the NFZs is to increase recreational fishing opportunities in Queensland, thereby supporting tourism and economic growth. Surveys undertaken in 2015 and 2016 examined whether recreational fishers’ satisfaction and expectations of fishing in NFZs changed following the introduction of the NFZs. Recreational …

A lot of the plastics cast and jigged at flathead will be engulfed, which will have your leader rubbing across the flathead’s raspy teeth. Anything under a 10lb leader will struggle to stand up to the sharp teeth of a flatty. Always check the leader after every fish, especially if the lure has gone down the flatty’s throat. A worn …