New Rules are in
Submitted by Jackfrost80 on Tue, 2022-12-06 13:10
Demersal fishing will now be banned:
1 Feb- 31 March
1 Aug to start of Term 3 school holidays
Start of school Term 4 to Dec 15
Only 4 demersals per boat will be allowed and looks like a voluntary buyback of commercial licences will be offered
____________________________________________________________________________
Officially off the Pies bandwagon
Mick C
Posts: 605
Date Joined: 26/12/13
Media Statement
Measures to protect future of iconic WA fishFollowing extensive industry and community consultation, Fisheries Minister Don Punch today announced a significant funding and management package to boost the recovery of demersal scalefish stocks and protect the future of Western Australia's iconic fish species.
The announcement comes after the latest scientific stock assessment found that key fish species remain under severe threat, and the stakeholder-led Harvest Strategy Working Group recommended that the State Government reduce total catch limits from 750 to 375 tonnes annually to recover the fishery.
The current two-month demersal closure will be extended by four months for recreational fishers in the West Coast Bioregion from Kalbarri to Augusta.
The closure period has been significantly reduced from the initial eight or nine-month proposal, following consultation with recreational fishers.
The open seasons have been timed to allow people to catch these prized fish during all school holiday periods. Land-based demersal fishing will now be able to take place year-round.
Catching demersal scalefish from a boat will be prohibited from:
Recovery will be supported by a range of new measures, including a boat limit of four demersal scalefish per vessel, wilderness fishing at the Abrolhos Islands, expanded spawning protections and gear limits.
The commercial sector will have its available fishing hours in the West Coast Demersal Scalefish Fishery (line fishery) reduced to achieve a 50 per cent reduction in total allowable catch. The number of days spent fishing will reduce to an average of 20 days per year for a commercial line boat.
Commercial fishing will remain closed across the Perth metropolitan coast, from Lancelin to south of Mandurah.
For charter operators, a quota system (tags) will be introduced with specific limits on the number of demersal fish that can be kept each year. This gives charter businesses the flexibility to allow fishing for a limited number of demersal scalefish all year round. Funding has been set aside to help charter operators adjust and provide alternative marine tourism experiences.
The McGowan Government is further boosting sustainability by investing $10 million across a host of supporting measures. Key initiatives include:
The funding represents the biggest investment in the recovery of a fishery in WA history and was developed during close consultation with industry.
As outlined in the proposal, the new rules will come into effect for recreational fishers on 1 February 2023, supported by an extensive education campaign. Until then, the current rules will remain in place.
For the commercial and charter sectors, changes will align with licence renewal periods, with changes to the commercial sector coming into effect on 1 January 2023 and the charter sector on 1 July 2023.
The 20-year recovery plan is due to conclude in 2030.
The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development will monitor the impact of the new management changes on stocks and will finalise the next stock assessment at the end of next year.
For more information on the management changes visit www.fish.wa.gov.au/demersal.
Comments attributed to Fisheries Minister Don Punch:
"Western Australians have always demonstrated their desire to preserve the State's fisheries, and I am confident that as a community we can work together to recover our demersal scalefish stocks for the future.
"We have listened to the feedback - recreational fishers asked for more time on the water. We've been able to achieve this by putting in place more rigorous secondary measures, like stricter boat limits and wilderness fishing at the Abrolhos Islands.
"I understand the changes will be difficult for recreational fishers. I appreciate the feedback I have received, and I say to you that I have delivered the very best recreational package possible while also ensuring that you have sustainable fish stocks going forward.
"We know Western Australians love eating demersal fish, with 99 per cent of the commercial catch consumed here in WA. I am committed to making sure Western Australians continue to have a year-round supply of fresh, local fish at retail outlets, restaurants and fish and chip shops.
"The changes being introduced balance the fishing experience with the action needed to protect these fish. There is simply no other way."
Minister's office - 6552 6900
Ability is what you are capable of doing. Motivation determines what you do. Attitude determines how well you do it - LH.
Mark_M
Posts: 158
Date Joined: 10/04/15
Press release
beaten by Mick, post deleted.
Rob H
Posts: 5745
Date Joined: 18/01/12
Yes released. Summary attached
Yes released.
I'm still digesting it all, especially the Abrolhos stuff.
Last day of swing though so very busy with other shit unfortunately.
Theres some good and bad in there.
221205_Demersal_Scalefish_summary.pdf
Give a man a mask, and he'll show you his true face...
The older you get the more you realize that no one has a f++king clue what they're doing.
Everyone's just winging it.
XF347
Posts: 101
Date Joined: 02/06/17
Me too Rob, I don't
Me too Rob, I don't understand how after demersal stock assessments and ban they also throw in a pelagic limit of 1 aswell?
Spicey
Posts: 215
Date Joined: 17/01/11
Bag limit changed for Dhufish
So two anglers on a boat can catch 4 Dhus with no size limit...
sea-kem
Posts: 14857
Date Joined: 30/11/09
That's the way I read it.
That's the way I read it.
Love the West!
uncle
Posts: 9353
Date Joined: 10/02/07
How f...... stupid
Now more will go back dead for upgrades, shake my head
all aggressive fish love bigjohnsjigs
Oldbull
Posts: 175
Date Joined: 21/09/15
The undersized that you previously released
most likely died anyway while you attempted to catch a legal fish. Most fishers will now keep that 45cm dhui as one of there 2 allowable demersals. Baldies were worse..........too many baldies come up with their guts hanging out.
Oldbull
Posts: 175
Date Joined: 21/09/15
The undersized that you previously released
most likely died anyway while you attempted to catch a legal fish. Most fishers will now keep that 45cm dhui as one of there 2 allowable demersals. Baldies were worse..........too many baldies come up with their guts hanging out.
Sea goat
Posts: 941
Date Joined: 26/03/17
This would be great if only
This would be great if only we could rely on people to do the right thing. Too many people upgrade, and I'm not sure how this could be effectively stopped. Think there will be a lot of muppets throwing back or upgrading from the smaller ones and just keeping more big ones. And they will likely justify it in their narrow minds by only having a small amount of time to fish for them :/
Im not the greatest fisherman, but based on my experience, I'd be pretty suspicious that if I saw a boat come back with 4, 10kg plus dhues, that they had probably caught a lot of ones smaller than that before getting what they want. Are they breaking the rules? Well no. Good for the fishery? Absolutely not.
hopwfully people do the right thing.
uncle
Posts: 9353
Date Joined: 10/02/07
I beg to differ oldbull
The fishing club I was in had heaps of certificates handed out for recaptured demersals, one blackarse was named yo yo as it was released 3 times, before braid and no skull dragging.
all aggressive fish love bigjohnsjigs
Curndog
Posts: 443
Date Joined: 21/11/16
Is this because it just says
Is this because it just says 4 demersal per boat with no other outlines? You don't think previous size limits apply?
still trying
Posts: 1020
Date Joined: 27/06/17
Im pretty sure that is the
Im pretty sure that is the case. It says removal of size limits for dhuefish baldchin and blackarse. They hope we will just take the first fish we catch.
rather be fishing
Curndog
Posts: 443
Date Joined: 21/11/16
Ahh got to follow the link.
Ahh got to follow the link. Thought I was going crazy
Brock O
Posts: 3164
Date Joined: 11/01/08
Straight away the school
Straight away the school holiday dates gave me the shits, and I've good 2 kids one still in school.
So my search for 2023 has the below for WA
1st Feb - 31st March - 2 months
1st August - 23rd September - 7 weeks
8th Oct - 15th December - 7 weeks
Fk I hope I got that right....better than the original proposal, I only fish one other on my but might be a few others down sizing.
Edit - Yes the school holiday dates change from year to year...few days
Willlo
Posts: 1490
Date Joined: 07/10/11
Is the school holiday thing
Is the school holiday thing to benifit the fish or the voters, i mean do any of these ban times coincide with fish spawning times ?
Call Sign - BZ785
Haynes Hunter Prowler CC
Oldbull
Posts: 175
Date Joined: 21/09/15
Its to support regional
Its to support regional tourism such as holiday locations, caravan parks etc at their busiest times. Kalbarri, Port Gregory, Horrocks, Jurien etc over easter school hols are packed out with anglers.
sea-kem
Posts: 14857
Date Joined: 30/11/09
Stop making perfect sense
Stop making perfect sense Willo, we all know if they were deadly serious about this that's what would would happen. But do these clowns seriously know when optimum breeding times are. Their voter appeasement is showing.
Love the West!
pelagicyachts
Posts: 1301
Date Joined: 23/02/11
why not provide a date - my
why not provide a date - my kids go to two different schools and the school holidays for each are not actually the same?
WTF
selthy
Posts: 287
Date Joined: 27/05/11
I'm with you, but assumed
I'm with you, but assumed they mean public school holidays and exclude all the pupil free days that normally come before or after.
Rob H
Posts: 5745
Date Joined: 18/01/12
8th Oct to 15 Dec is 69
8th Oct to 15 Dec is 69 days, 10 weeks not 7
Give a man a mask, and he'll show you his true face...
The older you get the more you realize that no one has a f++king clue what they're doing.
Everyone's just winging it.
little johnny
Posts: 5330
Date Joined: 04/12/11
Typical government
Don’t stop pros fishing ( they get cut off moneys) . Going to be heaps of local businesses go down. Long line on dhues yep that’s going to help . Should be ban for all . It’s a joke
Jackfrost80
Posts: 8050
Date Joined: 07/05/12
Tackle HQ had already shut
Tackle HQ has already shut down shop and gone online
Officially off the Pies bandwagon
Brock O
Posts: 3164
Date Joined: 11/01/08
Metro remains closed to Pros
Metro remains closed to Pros Lancelin to south of Mandurah.
Markie
Posts: 2141
Date Joined: 06/08/10
Yep
Time for continuous pestering rallys
Bodgy 79
Posts: 264
Date Joined: 04/08/22
Are these all the changes?
Are these all the changes? Only skimmed over it but didn't see a mention of the north or south regions
stricko
Posts: 222
Date Joined: 10/05/10
Abroulus becoming a no take
Abroulus becoming a no take zone what was the science behind that .just ticking boxs for the greens as usual f#cking w#nkers.
Oldbull
Posts: 175
Date Joined: 21/09/15
Not a no take zone
now 1 demersal, 1 pelagic and 5kg possesion limit or 1 day bag limit of whole fish if you crack a 20kg Dhui.
Oldbull
Posts: 175
Date Joined: 21/09/15
Not a no take zone
now 1 demersal, 1 pelagic and 5kg possesion limit or 1 day bag limit of whole fish if you crack a 20kg Dhui.
stricko
Posts: 222
Date Joined: 10/05/10
Yeah jumped the gun a bit
Yeah jumped the gun a bit there when i read wilderness fishing but 1 demersal and 1 pelagic or 5kgs of fillet will be a end of it for me not much scope for catch and release when spearfishing I'm afraid. Got to dive it for 20 plus years and it's definitely got busyer last ten years but no reason to increase the restrictions already in place the weather out there keeps the amount of fishing days down enough
selthy
Posts: 287
Date Joined: 27/05/11
"Land based demersal open all
"Land based demersal open all year round". Drone sales will go through the roof.
still trying
Posts: 1020
Date Joined: 27/06/17
Thats exactly what i
Thats exactly what i thought
rather be fishing
Willlo
Posts: 1490
Date Joined: 07/10/11
Glad i sold the boat.
Glad i sold the boat.
Call Sign - BZ785
Haynes Hunter Prowler CC
uncle
Posts: 9353
Date Joined: 10/02/07
Wondering what the sense
Is on that one Selthy
all aggressive fish love bigjohnsjigs
Sea goat
Posts: 941
Date Joined: 26/03/17
Could have been worse I
Could have been worse I guess :( must admit I usually try to avoid school holdiday periods due to the crowds etc, but can see why it's only fair they are fishable. Would suck for the kids to
miss out. I do feel that the charter and commercial
chmages should have been a bit tougher, not just on money side, but catch limits etc.
also I really feel for the small businesses. Already have to compete with online and big chains. This is going to make it near impossible for them. They should be getting no end of support.
I missed the part about the Pelagics. Is there no to be a bag limit of 1?? That will truly suck especially if cutting demersal. Long way to go to the fads for 1 dolly.
will be an interesting year :/
ricey
Posts: 734
Date Joined: 24/12/09
bye bye paternoster?
A maximum of one bait or lure per line can be used when fishing from a boat for demersal scalefish.
really ?
Wise man says - first take the plank out of your own eye before trying to take the speck out of somebody else's.
Sea goat
Posts: 941
Date Joined: 26/03/17
Hang on. Think the pelagic
Hang on. Think the pelagic thing is only for the Abrolhos?
Sea goat
Posts: 941
Date Joined: 26/03/17
Hmmm hoping that doesn't
Hmmm hoping that doesn't rule out bottom meat type rigs. If u wanted to be freshly pedantic it's a lure and a bait.
I'll be doing more jogging. The amount of rebaiting I'll be doing with only 1 bait and all the bloody wrasse will get annoying.
bgozzy
Posts: 1
Date Joined: 19/10/14
Landbased / Drone / Kayak / Jetski / Boat
Seems like Drones are going to be in demand as you'll be able to catch demersels using a drone anytime of the year.
Powered Boats - already outlined. Might be some cheap powerboats around.
How does this apply to kayaks and sailboats? Our recfish fishing licenses are linked to "powered boats"... so is fishing for demersels from an unpowered sailboat and/or kayaks allowed?
rob90
Posts: 1522
Date Joined: 06/02/13
Shhhhhh!
Shhhhhh!
Hi my name is rob............. and I'm a........... fishaholic
rob90
Posts: 1522
Date Joined: 06/02/13
.
.
Hi my name is rob............. and I'm a........... fishaholic
C.P
Posts: 345
Date Joined: 04/01/12
One bait or lure per line
Yes ricey, some new rigs to consider. I assume i can still have two rods, each with a single bait rig.
little johnny
Posts: 5330
Date Joined: 04/12/11
What about
Deep drop?
straith
Posts: 400
Date Joined: 25/11/13
my boat limit now 2 incl me
max 4 demersal per boat, yeah go n get @#$##ed
still trying
Posts: 1020
Date Joined: 27/06/17
Where are you guys finding
Where are you guys finding the bag limit changes I can't find them.
rather be fishing
Walfootrot
Posts: 1386
Date Joined: 23/07/12
Changes for recreational
Changes for recreational fishersMore drum lines, kill the bloody sharks!
beeroclock
Posts: 733
Date Joined: 22/08/12
Definitely could be worse......but.......
what does BlueKiaser think about the new rules? (Joke, im just bored at work right now, no disrespect intended)
still trying
Posts: 1020
Date Joined: 27/06/17
I hope he doesn't chiime in
I hope he doesn't chiime in its been a nice break from utter bs
rather be fishing
Faulkner Family
Posts: 17868
Date Joined: 11/03/08
I can see a lot more boats
I can see a lot more boats going north for their fishing trips away.
I can't seem to find the bit about 1 bait or lure allowed tho.
Going to see more dead fish on the surface . Oh wait . No there won't as all the sharks will be well fed
RUSS and SANDY. A family that fishes together stays together
uncle
Posts: 9353
Date Joined: 10/02/07
Remember punch
Next election.
all aggressive fish love bigjohnsjigs
rob90
Posts: 1522
Date Joined: 06/02/13
Forget the bastard now!
Forget the bastard now! Just a puppet with a green hand up his arse
Hi my name is rob............. and I'm a........... fishaholic
Rob H
Posts: 5745
Date Joined: 18/01/12
Do you live in Bunbury?
Do you live in Bunbury?
Give a man a mask, and he'll show you his true face...
The older you get the more you realize that no one has a f++king clue what they're doing.
Everyone's just winging it.
still trying
Posts: 1020
Date Joined: 27/06/17
Hopefully that is the case ,
Hopefully that is the case , unfortunately I'm not sure if it's enough.
rather be fishing
BlueKiaser
Posts: 422
Date Joined: 22/04/15
Not sure it is Punch
I think the McGowan government know that they can make these unpopular (for some/us) changes now without hurting them politically, given their current political power and security (and their green vote and lobbyists supporting these changes).
I was pointing the blame at Punch early with these new ban proposal discussions, but after reading so many of the fisheries papers and reports I think this is being driven by the WA Fishing department career bureaucrats and scientists who do not change with a change of government.
If we do see a change of state government next election, I very much doubt we will see any relaxing of these rules (or plans) ... history tells us that after major changes to our recreational fishing rules, a change in government means very little.
still trying
Posts: 1020
Date Joined: 27/06/17
Holy crap bk you actually
Holy crap bk you actually are being realistic for a change
rather be fishing
BlueKiaser
Posts: 422
Date Joined: 22/04/15
Hehe ... don't encourage me.
With my generally sceptical mindset on these topics I like it when I end up finding I was wrong.
So I'm not sure how to feel after telling friends that we were going to get a minimum 6 months ban given what I was reading in the reports ... while I was glad to be wrong, it's hard to be glad with a few days short of 6 months.
The reports also clearly state that even if stock sustainability is successfully achieved by 2030, they plan to have another 10 years of restrictions as part of their "Resillience" phase. So 2030 becomes 2040 ... let's all hope I'm wrong there too.
little johnny
Posts: 5330
Date Joined: 04/12/11
So question
I read it many ways . 2 people on board a vessel . Can you have 4 dhues ? Then I read 1 person can have 2 dhues ? So that in itself is promoting unsafe boating .
still trying
Posts: 1020
Date Joined: 27/06/17
Yes 2 people on board 2
Yes 2 people on board 2 dhues each no size limit 3 people on board 4 demersals total 4 dhues max
rather be fishing
Messiah
Posts: 96
Date Joined: 19/05/13
Unsafe boating???? How do
Unsafe boating???? How do you come to that conclusion, and what is unsafe about it?
It's simple
4 demersal boat limit
2 dhu per person bag limit
No dhu size limit
1 bait per line
Assume 2 rods per person still (no mention of changes)
Pinky ban extended in the Sound to how it should have always been
Pro commercial still banned from metro areas
I don't see much wrong with it given my circumstances.. I jig and fish solo or 2 up, we still get to fish good weather months, and I double my dhu trip limit. Still won't take under 50cm tho, the little buggers are all head and ribs..
The NW pressure won't change, the weather is mostly crap up there when WC Bioregion ban is on.
The way Recfish are carrying on you'd think they shut down the entire fishery.
20 year rebuild, they should rename it The Dockers Plan...
Fair bump, play on.
Markie
Posts: 2141
Date Joined: 06/08/10
...
Not everyone fishes solo or with only 2.
eziliving
Posts: 865
Date Joined: 30/12/09
most people have mates
most people have mates
Get busy living, or get busy dying!
Curndog
Posts: 443
Date Joined: 21/11/16
I always have ppl wanting to
I always have ppl wanting to come out. It will be 1 mate only for now on. Going to be a bit harsher on the hip pocket
clayd
Posts: 126
Date Joined: 07/12/15
10 of us going to the
10 of us going to the Abrolhos on a rec boat. Will be fun when we drop a line and we can only keep 4 fish for the day. Maybe catch a tuna or 2 to top it up. Start to wonder what the point of going is?
sea-kem
Posts: 14857
Date Joined: 30/11/09
That's the point, they
That's the point, they don't want you to.
Love the West!
Swompa
Posts: 3786
Date Joined: 14/10/12
ding ding ding ding!
ding ding ding ding!
eziliving
Posts: 865
Date Joined: 30/12/09
take 5 boats and catch 4
take 5 boats and catch 4 10+kg dhuiez a day per a boat, That's the other way of looking at it if it's kilos you are after.
Get busy living, or get busy dying!
little johnny
Posts: 5330
Date Joined: 04/12/11
unsafe ( I corrected myself)
I miss read . Rules .
sea-kem
Posts: 14857
Date Joined: 30/11/09
Looking forward to the
Looking forward to the opposition's response and their proposals if voted in at the next election (no chance of that)
The cynic in me says they won't change a thing.
Love the West!
Swompa
Posts: 3786
Date Joined: 14/10/12
Spot on...because it isnt it
Spot on...because it isnt it the minister making this shit up, it is the Fisheries department who are telling the government what needs to happen.
Regardless of the government, the same people will still be pushing the minister.
tot
Posts: 1150
Date Joined: 31/01/10
From Recfishwest
The small team at Recfishwest has worked tirelessly over the past few months with the goal of landing a better outcome for west coast demersal fishing than the Government’s proposed nine-month fishing ban.
Our aim has been to support action required to speed up the rebuilding of demersal fishing stocks while still allowing fishers the freedom to spend more time on the water fishing with families and friends.
Our science-backed alternative proposals to Government would have delivered this outcome with five months of closure and a range of other measures that would have reduced our sector’s catch by more than 50 per cent.
Instead the Fisheries Minister today has chosen to shut out 700,000 West Australians from being able to catch dhufish and pink snapper for six months of the year. This is a completely unnecessary overreach. Below we give our reaction to this ill-advised decision.
-->Recfishwest media statement
Recfishwest is deeply disappointed by the Fisheries Minister’s decision to impose a six-month ban on west coast demersal fishing.
Recfishwest has always supported action but shutting out 700,000 West Australians from being able to catch dhufish and pink snapper for six months of the year is completely unnecessary.
Recfishwest CEO Dr Andrew Rowland said, “Our sector has a strong-track record in putting the fish first and we agree there needs to be some changes to help stocks continue to rebuild.
“We presented clear, science-backed alternative proposals to Government which would have reduced recfishers’ catches by 50 per cent, met sustainability targets and allowed people the freedom to spend more time fishing with families and friends.
“Yet, the Minister has decided on extended bans for the recreational fishing sector and has put commercial profit over the public good with the lion's share of this fishery given to a small number of commercial operators.
“Today’s announcement restricts recreational fishers to an annual catch of 115t, a reduction of more than 50 per cent on current catches, while commercial operators will be able to catch 240t, a reduction of only 12 per cent on current catches.”
Recfishwest’s proposals were developed during months of consultation with the recreational fishing community and a specially convened West Coast Demersal Expert Working Group.
One of these proposals aimed at speeding up the rebuilding of demersal fish stocks included a closure during the dhufish spawning period.
“The fact that this closure will not apply to the commercial fishing industry does not reflect best practice fisheries management,” said Andrew.
“Recfishwest also called for a buy-back of commercial fishing licences and welcomes this element of the Minister’s package. A commercial licence buy-back will help deliver a fairer, more equitable outcome which will deliver the greatest benefits for the greatest number in the community.
“The Government has a golden opportunity to fix a broken and outdated fisheries policy by ensuring the prompt and effective implementation of this buy-back and reduce its ill-advised six-month ban.”
Reverse cycle a/c supply and install - Ducted and wall splits
tot
Posts: 1150
Date Joined: 31/01/10
From Recfishwest
double up soz..
Reverse cycle a/c supply and install - Ducted and wall splits
still trying
Posts: 1020
Date Joined: 27/06/17
I think that the thing most
I think that the thing most fishos are worried about is that the new rules are alot worse in terms of fishing for the future and stocks will suffer greatly.
rather be fishing
little johnny
Posts: 5330
Date Joined: 04/12/11
It’s not about fish for future
It’s about who can government make most money off . Can you go to local iga / coles and buy fresh dhue ? Do you see our dhue hanging up ? Where does it go ? I have good idea . All about money . I don’t mind new rules . All I can see is pros making shit load more money on undersized dhue they kill on long lines and normally throw back , will it save stock ? Up to everyone to make their mind up .are all these undersized fish counted that they sell under their total quota? Or bycatch ? No science needed . People need to open eyes and see real agenda . Think about our local tackle shops ect .
little johnny
Posts: 5330
Date Joined: 04/12/11
It’s just bull crap
So I fish solo many times ( not smart) The way I read it . Boat limit of 2 dhues ,one baited hook per rod . So instead of me using 1 rod ,I will go to 2 or 3 rods to cover all fish sizes and targets ( keep in mind landbased 2 rods only ) they really have no idea . Anyway back to subject they are promoting unsafe rec fishing . You by your lonesome you can have 2 dhues . Go with 2 or 3 other fisherman . And you can still have 2 dhues and a bonus of black ass / baldie undersized .mmmmmm . No friggin idea .
bodes
Posts: 25
Date Joined: 05/02/10
4 per boat limit
No LJ you can take 2 or 3 mates but you can bring in 4 dhus of any size and nothing else,or a mixed bag of 4 total for the boat.Thats just going to be great for the stocks
little johnny
Posts: 5330
Date Joined: 04/12/11
thanks bodes
I read different . I study there new rules and regulations very often . I’ve heard exactly what you have said from many people .( had many calls) It depends on how you read it .once again many people interpret it differently. I have no idea atm . Cheers
Rob H
Posts: 5745
Date Joined: 18/01/12
How are you interpretting it
How are you interpretting it as reading?
Genuinely curious, as i can see holes in it but not what your seeing?
Give a man a mask, and he'll show you his true face...
The older you get the more you realize that no one has a f++king clue what they're doing.
Everyone's just winging it.
stricko
Posts: 222
Date Joined: 10/05/10
Rec fish were aware of these
Rec fish were aware of these changes before the last election but say thay can't get political if you can't inform you're members and the general fishing population or try to do anything about it what good is your organization. Asking for a friend
Rob H
Posts: 5745
Date Joined: 18/01/12
You are saying that RFW knew
You are saying that RFW knew about this prior to March 2021 but didnt say anything?
Who told you this?
I am on several committees with RFW and get plenty of information that is "in confidence".
But I have never heard what you are saying, that RFW knew about this even before Fisheries did
Give a man a mask, and he'll show you his true face...
The older you get the more you realize that no one has a f++king clue what they're doing.
Everyone's just winging it.
Sea goat
Posts: 941
Date Joined: 26/03/17
Yeah when u think about it
Yeah when u think about it this isn't really going to help the stock much. Now instead of me coming home with nothing, I will likely be coming home with 2-4 "undersize" fish. Now I for one will adhere to keeping the first fish I catch, within reason,( I have caught some extremely small dhues before)and so will everyone on my boat., but i can guarantee there are a lot of people out there who just don't care and will continually upgrade until
thwy are ready to come home. This is where the damage will be done.
for some of the fishos who really know what they are doing, this has potentially doubled their take, just in a shorter time frame. How does this reduce the catch rate?
bodes
Posts: 25
Date Joined: 05/02/10
Reduced catch rate
Yeah goat you're absolutely right, its going to flog the dhu stocks to death! They are the aggressive feeders if you drop into a patch that holds different species! Whether its the fisher that will take the little ones because its the iconic dhu,or the greedy bastards that will upgrade,guarantee the dhu stocks will be decimated! These flogs (DPIRD) have lost the plot!
Rob H
Posts: 5745
Date Joined: 18/01/12
Seriously, if people are
Seriously, if people are going to do that, dont you think they are ALREADY DOING WITH 1 dhuie on their limit now?
Give a man a mask, and he'll show you his true face...
The older you get the more you realize that no one has a f++king clue what they're doing.
Everyone's just winging it.
still trying
Posts: 1020
Date Joined: 27/06/17
I catch a fair few dhues in
I catch a fair few dhues in less than 15m fishing for snapper in the winter around the 50cm mark would never think of bringing one home as they don't have much meat and certainly don't want a fine ,but with new rules it may be a moral dilemma if its the only fish I have caught. Will probably still send it back as stuff all fillets off of them at that size and always seem to take off like a rocket back to the bottom.
rather be fishing
selthy
Posts: 287
Date Joined: 27/05/11
"1 hook per line when fishing
"1 hook per line when fishing for demersals" now how will this be policed??? If i'm targeting Whiting I can use 2 hooks. I know a fellow fishwrecker whose only size dhu in recent years came when chasing sand whiting ;) how will fisheries interpret this?
No size limit, what about those pesky little pinkies that you sometimes can't get away from, are you meant to keep these now?
Oldbull
Posts: 175
Date Joined: 21/09/15
undersize fish
is only dhui , baldy and blackass. Pinkies have not changed as they release quite well.
Oldbull
Posts: 175
Date Joined: 21/09/15
undersize fish
is only dhui , baldy and blackass. Pinkies have not changed as they release quite well.
selthy
Posts: 287
Date Joined: 27/05/11
Ah, thanks for clarifying.
Ah, thanks for clarifying.
Ush
Posts: 196
Date Joined: 04/04/14
its legal fiction - its cant
its legal fiction - its cant be Policed to any serious level, unless a fisheries vessel pulls up side you on the water and see's you actively fishing or reeling up a demersal. Absolute rarity. If you have multiple hooks intended for baits rigged up at the ramp before going out and they ask the question? Give them the answer they want to hear. Fishing for whiting. Nothing they'd be able to say other then tight lines.
Got keen?
sstevee
Posts: 466
Date Joined: 15/11/11
Unfortunately the slow
Unfortunately the slow erosion of rec fishing is underway. There will be a short lived uproar and then it will fade. Until next year, when they go again, possibly only after a specific group of fishos. They may decide that next year the line fisherman will get a short ban. They then only have to face their back lash, and so it will continue, picking off small sub sections one by one. Have a look at shooters, the real concern here is that if they privatise fish stocks they can make a bomb selling it overseas.
The no size limit absolutely baffles me! There has been a huge increase in spearfishing popularity with all these 'influencers' and I get the barotrauma argument, but there is now nothing stopping inexperienced and uneducated spearo's plugging something (x4) which hasnt had the chance to reproduce yet. If you have speared before you will know that those fish which now dont have a size limit are very susceptible. My inner conspiracy theorist worries that this could be the next arguement and the next sub group to be targeted will be spearfishers.
As has been pointed out on these forums before, if fisherman as a whole (freshwater, demersal, pelagic, line fisher, boat fisher, spearfisher, and all others) dont stand together, the erosion wont stop.
I have genuine concerns for the future of the rec fisher. What power do we actually have to stop an overzealous government claiming all natural resources for themselves and to simply sell it on?
Oldbull
Posts: 175
Date Joined: 21/09/15
Not many states
allow spearing on scuba. Sure there will be some dhuies and baldies in shallow free dive zone get hit but fairly minimal i would think. ex spearo.