Fishing Report – October 25, 2018

ANGLESEA

» Salmon are being caught off most local beaches
» A few flathead have also been reported
» Reports of a few pinkies
» Whiting are still being reported but not in numbers.

BARWON HEADS

» Reports of a few snapper and pinkies offshore
» A few good reports of gummy sharks offshore
» The occasional whiting and trevally are being caught in the river
» Salmon being caught off local beaches.

TORQUAY

» Still a few King George whiting in close
» A few pinkies and snapper are being reported
» Squid have also been reported
» Flathead offshore have been reported
» The odd gummy shark has also been reported
» Plenty of salmon being caught off local beaches
» Bream catches continue in Spring Creek.

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 reports of King George whiting, flathead and calamari continue as well as a few snapper
» Clifton Springs: a few whiting, pinkies, flathead and calamari continue to be reported
» Queenscliff still a few whiting, flathead, salmon and calamari being caught
» The creek reporting a few trevally and salmon
» Swan Bay producing calamari and salmon and a few pinkies
» Point Lonsdale has reports of trevally, salmon and snapper in the evening
» The White Lady is still seeing a few whiting, pinkies and calamari
» Indented Head: reports of snapper, flathead and King George whiting as well as squid.

New plan to manage Victorian pipis

THE Victorian Fisheries Authority (VFA) has unveiled the state’s first Victorian Pipi Fishery Management Plan to ensure the fishery remains productive and sustainable for future generations to enjoy.

Victorian Fisheries Authority chief executive officer Travis Dowling said the plan will ensure the fishery remains viable, profitable and sustainable for all users of the resource.

“The new plan sets out the management objectives for the fishery over the next five years in accordance with the requirements of the Fisheries Act 1995.

The key objectives of the Management Plan are to ensure the long-term sustainability of the pipi fishery, equitable resources access and use and cost effective and participatory management. Some of the actions to achieve these objectives include:

• Transitioning the commercial fishery to a quota-managed fishery with individual transferable quotas set by management zones;
• Developing a harvest strategy within five years as information from the fishery and research projects becomes available;
• Establishing a forum that involves flora, fauna and public land management agencies and stakeholders to ensure identified risks are appropriately managed;
• Working collaboratively with Aboriginal organisations, groups, individuals and recognised Traditional Owners to support Aboriginal and Traditional Owner participation in pipi management;
• Retaining the ‘recreational pipi fishing only’ areas in eastern Victoria where recreational harvest of pipi is most popular; and
• Maintaining recreational bag and possession limits.

Mr Dowling said the plan was prepared in consultation with an independently-chaired, stakeholder-based, steering committee comprised of representatives from the commercial and recreational fishing sectors with input from Traditional Owners, conservation representatives and other stakeholders.

“The implementation of these strategies will occur in partnership with all relevant stakeholders including land and water managers within government.”

“Victoria’s pipi fishery is a relatively small, but high value fishery. It is vital we continue to look after this important fishery by ensuring it remains sustainable.”

A QUICK REMINDER FOR CLUBS

Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries Jaala Pulford has announced the 2018/19 round of Recreational Fishing Grants Program is now open – returning money collected through fishing licence fees back recreational anglers.

Project proposals between $5,000 and $100,000 qualify for the large grants part of the Program, which has four categories:

* Fisheries sustainability and habitat improvement
* Fishing access and facilities
* Fisheries related education, information and training
* Recreational fisheries research

Previously funded projects include fish cleaning tables, signage, stiles over fences to improve access, fishing platforms and jetties, and re-snagging to improve fish habitat in rivers and lakes.

The Program is open to fishing clubs, community groups, incorporated bodies, and government and statutory bodies. Application for large grants close on 28 February 2019, with small grants of up to $5,000 available year-round. For more information, or to apply online, head to vfa.vic.gov.au/fishinggrants.

I would also like to remind everyone also 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].

Also, if you see or suspect illegal fishing activity any time over summer, phone the 24-hour reporting line 13 FISH (13 3474)