FISHING REPORT – December 27, 2018

ANGLESEA
» Salmon off most local beaches
» Reports of Pinkies continue but not in great numbers
» The occasional snapper has also been reported
» Whiting are few and far between
» The occasional gummy shark has also been reported
» Flathead reports continue offshore.

BARWON HEADS
» A few snapper and pinkies are being reported offshore
» A few flathead are also being caught offshore
» Whiting and trevally as well as a few small salmon have been reported in the river
» Reports of salmon off local beaches continue.

TORQUAY
» King George whiting catches are being reported in close
» Offshore reports of pinkies and snapper continue
» Flathead are still being reported as being caught off the beaches
» Still reports of squid offshore
» Gummy shark catches have been reported offshore
» Still salmon to be caught off local beaches
» Spring Creek is still producing some bream.

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

QUEENSCLIFF
» St Leonards: reports of King George whiting, flathead and squid
» Clifton Springs is seeing pinkies, whiting and flathead still being reported
» Queenscliff is seeing reports of whiting, flathead, salmon and squid
» The creek has reports of trevally and salmon continuing to be caught
» Swan Bay has seen reports of squid and salmon still being caught
» Point Lonsdale, continues with reports of trevally, salmon and snapper being caught
» The White Lady has reports of whiting, pinkies and squid
» Indented Heads: snapper, flathead, King George whiting and squid are still on the go.

FROM My Big Catch, I want to wish all a Happy New Year and a safe one.

All the Christmas festivities are over, and the New Year is just around the corner. Maybe it’s time to start thinking about the New Year approaching.

Is it time maybe to start thinking about that next beaut’, fishing holiday and where that may take you? Or the new gear you may need to enable you to continue chasing after your own elusive “big catch”.

But the one thing to remember is that in this time of social media and public scrutiny there is always time to re-educate yourself regarding the local fishing rules and regulations that apply not only in Victoria but in any other part of Australia or the world you may travel to fish.

Just because you are no longer in Victoria it doesn’t mean that there are not regulations that apply. The regulations in Victoria themselves are quite strict and enforced to their fullest.

Recently Fisheries Officers apprehended another four men allegedly in possession of 80 abalone, half of which were undersize.

The daily catch limit is five abalone per person.

Victorian Fisheries Authority director of enforcement and education Ian Parks said Fisheries Officers from the Warrnambool station responded to the call and inspected the men’s catch, which at the time was six abalone between them.

“Officers asked the foursome if they’d caught any more abalone that day. Their answer was no,” Mr Parks said.

“Officers undertook surveillance of the men, who after visiting the main street of Port Fairy, drove their car to several locations and allegedly retrieved hidden bags of abalone collected earlier that day.

“A short time later, the four men were intercepted by officers on the Princes Highway, where they allegedly tried to escape.

“The men were apprehended and interviewed by officers. All the abalone and dive equipment were seized on the spot.

“The four men will appear in court charged with exceeding the abalone catch limit, taking undersize abalone and hindering authorised officers.

“They face heavy penalties up to $30,000 and/or 12 months imprisonment.”

Mr Parks said most abalone divers do the right thing and abide by recreational catch limits which ensure a sustainable fishery that can be enjoyed by all.

Meanwhile, if you see or suspect illegal fishing activity any time over summer please phone the 24-hour reporting line 13 FISH (13 34 74).

PHOTOS

I would also like to remind everyone to keep those photos coming in of your big catch! Please forward them to [email protected], with type of fish, weight, length, location and your name. I am more than happy to place your photos in My Big Catch.