Yibbida yibbida, Rex loves Torquay’s FADs

THE waters off Torquay will be the first to get Fish Aggregating Devices (FADS), which will be attached to the artificial reef off the coast near the Torquay Angling Club.

Agriculture Minister Jaala Pulford announced last week alongside fishing personality Rex Hunt and South Barwon Labor candidate Darren Cheeseman, that that the devices would get a two-year trial on the reef.

The FADs, which are being deployed by the Victorian Fisheries Authority, are large surface buoys attached to a long rope connected to concrete reef modules below.

A smaller sub-surface buoy on the rope will act like a pathway that guide fish to the surface, increasing fishing opportunities in its vicinity.

The Torquay artificial reef – installed in mid-2015 – now offers good fishing opportunities for snapper, but the FADs are aimed at bringing in kingfish and other larger species.

FADs have been used in New South Wales and around the world for many years and have proved successful in improving recreational anglers’ chances of catching bigger fish.

They will be deployed as a two-year trial during the warmer months of the year but removed during winter to avoid being damaged during large swells and reduce the chance of migrating whale entanglement.

Mr Hunt said the FADs were a great initiative and he had fished next to one at Narooma for many years.

“I can just envisage out here people bringing in record-breaking yellowtail kingfish that are right on our door.”

He was effusive in his praise for Ms Pulford and the Labor state government.

“If I was voting as an angler, my goodness me, the Andrews government has taken fish management and listening to the community to the next level.”

Torquay Angling Club commodore Trevor Doolan said kingfish had already been caught near the reef, but installing the FADs would attract more.

“They’ll be an added extra.”

The FADs will be deployed over the next few weeks, once weather conditions and water clarity are suitable for divers.