Fishing Report: June 7, 2017

Weather conditions are still poor and limiting reports

ANGLESEA

» Pinkies continue being reported
» Flathead and whiting are being caught but not in great numbers
» Salmon continue at most beaches.

BARWON HEADS

» Reports of pinkies continue
» Some reports gummy and school shark catches continue
» Tiger flathead are still being caught as well offshore
» Some whiting, trevally and salmon have been reported in the river.

TORQUAY

» Whiting are still being caught along with some pinkies
» Salmon catches continue off local beaches
» A few gummy shark have been reported
» Flathead reports are still being received
» Spring Creek continues to produce the usual bream.

Remember Torquay Tackle and Sports. For all the best available advice in Torquay on tackle and bait, drop in and see Ross or Josh. They will do their best to ensure you get the most up-to-date information available. Phone 5264 8207.

QUEENSCLIFF

» St Leonards: whiting, squid, pinkie and flathead are being reported
» Indented Head is still seeing reports of whiting, squid and a few flathead
» Clifton Springs: some garfish being caught off the orckwall
» Swan Bay continues to produce flathead, King George whiting and salmon
» Point Lonsdale pier has reports of salmon, whiting and the odd trevally continuing
» The White Lady is still seeing reports of a few squid and whiting
» The creek continues to produce a few trevally and salmon.

VICTORIANS can try their hand at catching some tasty Murray spiny freshwater crayfish for the table.

The three-month fishing season north of the Great Dividing Range started on Friday June 1.

Victorian Fisheries Authority chief executive officer Travis Dowling said that fishing for Murray spiny crays is a fun, family-friendly activity.

“Spiny freshwater crays are not only a great delicacy sought by many, but also a fantastic excuse to take the kids camping and get the whole family outdoors. We want to encourage everyone to get out there and give it a go!”

Mr Dowling would also like to remind people in search of a fresh feed of Victoria’s prize freshwater crayfish, to know their limits and remember to clearly label their hoop nets if using them.

“We want everyone to enjoy themselves but also do the right thing, so it’s important to read up on bag and possession limits, carefully measure the size of crays caught and fish with the right gear. This includes clearly labelling your nets with name and address.

“It’s also really important to return female crays with eggs attached to the water so the fishery remains sustainable in the long run for all to enjoy.”

Murray cray fishing rules include a:

• daily bag limit of 2 crays per person on or near Victorian waters;
• total possession limit of 4 crays anywhere in Victoria including your car, boat or home;
• minimum carapace length (the hard-upper shell) of 10cm and a maximum of 12cm;
• valid recreational fishing licence, unless exempt;
• requirement to immediately release female crays with eggs or young attached, and any oversize crays.

Mr Dowling said equipment restrictions also applied, which govern how Murray crays may be caught by fishers.

“They can be taken by hand, up to 10 baited lines without hooks, or with 5 or 10 hoop nets depending on the waterway.”

Mr Dowling said Operation Denim would target Victoria’s north central and north east river systems this season, particularly over the Queen’s Birthday long weekend.

“Sixteen officers from across the state will be conducting uniformed and plain-clothed patrols of rivers and lakes over that long weekend to ensure fishers are fishing sustainably.

“It’s also important to keep in mind that a New South Wales fishing licence is required to fish the Murray River.”

For more information about Murray cray fishing rules visit vfa.vic.gov.au/fishingguide or download the free smartphone app ‘Vic Fishing’.

PHOTOS

I would also like to remind everyone to keep those photos coming in of your big catch!

Photos: Please forward them to the email address below, with Type of fish, weight, length, location and your name. I am more than happy to place your photos in My Big catch. Email photos to [email protected].