My Big Catch

Extinct fish back from the dead  

An extremely rare fish thought to be extinct has been reportedly spotted for the first time in over two decades during a lake recovery project in regional Victoria.

Two southern purple spotted gudgeon (Mogurnda adspersa) are believed to have been identified during fish population surveys at Third Reedy Lake, Kerang.

If confirmed, this would be the only remaining population of the species in Victoria after it was declared extinct in 1998 under the Victorian Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988 (FFG Act).

The two fish were spotted on October 29 by crews engaged by the Connections Project to restore Third Reedy Lake to its original state as a deep, freshwater marsh.

The fish were safely returned after photos and a small sample from a fin were taken for further analysis, with the test results expected to determine their origin within coming weeks.

If confirmed, the state government will work with water corporations, catchment management authorities, Victorian Fisheries Authority, environmental consultants, fish experts and the community to develop an appropriate strategy to protect and recover the species.

Minister for Water Lisa Neville said the sighting was a “major environmental discovery”.

“This rare sighting shows the work we’re doing to protect our waterways and their precious ecosystems is working.”

 

I would also like to remind everyone to keep sending photos of your big catch. Please forward all images to [email protected] with type of fish, weight, length, location and your name.

 

If you see or suspect illegal fishing activity over summer, please call the 24-hour reporting line 13 FISH (13 3474).

 

Fishing Reports

 

Anglesea

With a bit of luck, you may catch the odd snapper if you can get out

Still reports of a few small odd flathead offshore

The occasional gummy shark has been reported

A few odd salmon off the beaches

Thanks to the Rusty Angling Club Anglesea   

 

Barwon Heads   

Still the odd snapper and the occasional pinkie when fishos can get out

A few flathead catches are still being reported

The occasional trevally and some salmon reported in the river

A few salmon off local beaches

Thanks to the Ocean Grove Angling Club

 

Lorne

Some big snapper about but not in big numbers yet

Plenty of decent sized flathead being caught

The yakkas and slimy mackerel have disappeared but the silkies are so thick they are biting all the way to the surface, which is a nuisance

Gummies and school shark have been a bit scarce

King George whiting have arrived early and there’s been some good numbers being caught

There’s been a few big blue Morwong being landed

The pier has been good lately, with some big snapper around 4kg being caught. Big calamari have been in good numbers.

Sammy the seal is back but he took off last week when a huge white pointer appeared and swam around the pier for a while

Thanks to the Lorne Angling and Aquatic Club

 

Torquay  

Still a few reports of snapper being caught

Flathead are also still being reported

The odd gummy shark continues to be caught

Local beaches are still seeing some salmon being produced

A few squid continue to be caught

Spring Creek is still seeing a few bream being reported

Thanks to the Torquay Angling Club

 

Queenscliff

St Leonards is still a seeing a few reports of King George whiting, flathead and squid

Reports from Clifton Springs: a few good snapper being caught as well as a few whiting

Reports from Queenscliff: the odd whiting, a few flathead and squid being caught

The Creek has reported a few trevally

Swan Bay reports a few calamari and whiting at the entrance

Point Lonsdale reports of salmon, trevally the occasional whiting and squid off the pier

The White Lady is producing a few whiting and calamari

Indented Head reports a few flathead, some King George whiting and calamari

 

Club Corner

No reports

Remember: If you are an angling club and would like to let people know what’s going on within your club as well as promote it, email mybigcatch.com.au and we will post your club news here.