Fishing Report – June 28, 2018

Weather conditions are still poor and limiting reports

ANGLESEA

» Weather has been ordinary again to say the least
» Reports of pinkies when fishos do manage ot get out
» Flathead and whiting are reported as being around but hard to come by
» Beach fishing for salmon is still producing some good results in some instances.

BARWON HEADS

» When boats can get out, reports of pinkies and flathead have been reported
» The occasional gummy shark has also been reported
» The Barwon River has slowed but some whiting, trevally and salmon catches have been reported.

TORQUAY

» Offshore, reports are pretty much the same when fishos do go out, consisting of whiting along with pinkies being caught
» Those fishing our beaches are still reporting good salmon catches
» Gummy shark offshore were being caught prior to the poor weather
» Flathead reports were still occurring but not in great numbers
» Spring Creek is seeing catches of bream continuing with the mouth recently being opened naturally to the ocean.

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 has whiting, squid, pinkies and flathead still being reported
» Indented Head has whiting, squid and flathead continuing
» Swan Bay sees flathead, a few squid, King George whiting and salmon still being reported
» Point Lonsdale pier, “when weather permits”, is still seeing salmon, whiting and the odd trevally
» The White Lady is still reporting catches of a few whiting and calamari
» The creek continues to produce a few trevally and salmon.

GAME-FISHING anglers who chase Mako sharks offshore will benefit from an education and awareness campaign on the species to be led by VRFish.

Victorian Fisheries Authority CEO Travis Dowling said recent consultation on the proposed introduction of a 120cm minimum size for Mako sharks had not been widely supported by anglers and would not proceed.

“Feedback through the consultation process suggested that an education and awareness campaign would do more for juvenile Mako sharks and the survival of released Mako sharks,” Mr Dowling said.

“We took the VRFish proposal for a Mako minimum size to the fishing community and received nearly 200 submissions during the public consultation period, which closed recently on Friday June 8.

“The overwhelming majority of submissions supported an education campaign rather than regulation.

“We have listened to the recreational anglers on this proposal and decided that a different path will reach a similar outcome, which is a win-win for anglers and the species.”

Mr Dowling said that saltwater fishing in Victoria was currently in great shape.

“We have fantastic fishing in our marine waters for Southern Bluefin Tuna, Kingfish, Gummy sharks, Snapper, King George Whiting and game-sharks like Makos.

“We’ve also brought an end to commercial net fishing in Corio Bay, which will be extended to all of Port Phillip in 2022, leaving more fish for recreational anglers and their families.

“That and other improvements to fishing access, facilities and record fish stocking are being funded by the State Government’s Target One Million plan, which is investing a record $46 million, including $9 million from fishing licence fees, to get more people fishing, more often.”

OPERATION RAYON NETS RESULTS

Operation Rayon was successfully conducted over the recent Queen’s Birthday long weekend of June 9 – 11, with Fisheries officers reporting a high level of compliance.

Senior Fisheries Officer Charlie Cooper said the operation focused on anglers fishing for Southern Bluefin tuna out of the ports of Portland, Port Fairy, Warrnambool and Apollo Bay.

More than 250 vessels fished out of the ports each day over the long-weekend providing a boost for the local regional economy.

“Approximately 350 fisheries and marine inspections were conducted by seven staff over the three day long-weekend.

Mr Cooper said 16 offences were detected resulting in ten infringement notices and six official warning being issued, as well as six Southern Bluefin tuna seized.

Mr Cooper said some people are choosing to fish without a current Recreational Fishing Licence, those found without a current RFL risk a fine and their catch being seized.

He congratulated anglers on their behaviour saying the overwhelming majority of people are doing the right thing and complying with licensing and catch limits.

Anyone with information relating to illegal fishing is encouraged to ring the illegal fishing reporting number on 13FISH (133474).

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.