Fish Species Guide

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 …

The campgrounds were impeccable, proof that all who visit this place respect its beauty and leave it the way they find it. At this point I should probably point out that you don’t exactly need to rough it over there. I didn’t know this at the time, but the island is well equipped with running water, toilets and a great shower facility. I …

School holidays are now in full swing and we has so far had a few hit and miss days with strong wind warnings at times. That being said we have seen an increased amount of traffic on the water with a several reports of good whiting and flathead being caught along the Tin Can Bay foreshore. The flats in front …

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 …

The Mooloolah River mouth has continued with the same over the last few weeks as the School Mackerel seem to travel between Pt Cartwright Headland to Old Woman. They have been accompanied by a few Tailor and beneath them are some big Bream, Grunter and Squire. The Basin and towards the boat ramp has seen some good winter Whiting in …

The Noosa River has been performing exceptionally well over the last week with good numbers of quality whiting being taken on live worms and yabbies along Gympie Terrace and around the dog beach. Whiting have also been taken on surface lures like the River2sea Skinny Dogs in the 65mm size. The Frying Pan and the shallows of Weyber Creek are …

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 …

IF you’re taking the kids fishing this school holidays, don’t forget to check the rules before dropping a line in. Queensland Boating and Fisheries Patrol district manager Rob McDonald said it’s important everyone sticks to the rules because they are in place to ensure the sustainability of our fisheries for future generations of Queensland fishers. “Taking the kids fishing is a wonderful …