Fishing Report – September 20, 2018

ANGLESEA

» Fishing conditions are poor due to weather conditions over the past week
» Still some salmon to be caught off local beaches
» The occasional pinkie is still around but few and far between
» Still whiting reports close in but they are pretty scarce
» A few gummy sharks have been caught.

BARWON HEADS

» No current reports on mulloway but still worth a try
» Offshore, some snapper catches have been reported
» A few trevally are still being caught in the river
» Salmon to be caught off the beaches.

TORQUAY

» A few King George whiting are still being reported in close
» Catches of pinkies and snapper continue but not in numbers
» Still flathead offshore in deeper water to be caught
» Salmon reports off most local beaches still continue
» Some gummy shark catches have also been reported
» Bream in Spring Creek are still being caught.

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 is still seeing reports of King George whiting, flathead and squid
» Clifton Springs, whiting, flathead and squid catches are still being produced
» Queenscliff, whiting, flathead, pinkies and squid have been reported
» The creek is still seeing some small trevally and salmon
» Swan Bay reports of a few squid and whiting being caught at the entrance
» Point Lonsdale, trevally and salmon continue to be caught
» The White Lady is still reporting whiting and squid
» Indented Head has reports of flathead, King George whiting and squid are still being received.

A RECENT phone call from a member of the public to 13FISH has alerted Fisheries Officers to a Sunshine North grocery store allegedly unlawfully offering for sale more than 300 abalone.

Victorian Fisheries authority director of enforcement and education, Ian Parks, said the abalone were seized by officers and the store owner has been interviewed and will be charged on summons.

“Abalone are a ‘priority species’ in Victoria and there are strict rules in place for retailers offering them for sale, which ensures they are sourced legally from licenced commercial abalone fishers or aquaculture businesses,” Mr Parks said.

“Among the seized seafood were five small unlabelled bags containing 257 individual abalone.

“In addition, officers seized 13 individually quick-frozen black-lip abalone that were unlabelled and 36 individually quick-frozen abalone with false labels.”

Mr Parks said retailers wanting to sell seafood including abalone and other priority species such as rock lobster and Murray cod should familiarise themselves with Victoria’s rules that protect our wild fisheries and the interests of legitimate commercial fishing operators.

“Our Fisheries officers are dedicated to exploring all avenues and technology to investigate offences and protect our fisheries resources.”

ROCK FISHING: KEEP SAFETY IN MIND

Rock fishing is popular but is one of Australia’s most dangerous sports. On average there are about eight rock fishing related deaths per year.

It is important to follow some basic safety tips when rock fishing. Make good choices.

Some basic tips for staying safe while rock fishing:

• Remember to use the right gear
• Always wear a life jacket
• Wear shoes with non-slip soles
• Wear light clothing
• Carry a mobile phone, rope and float with you.

Always have back up

• Never fish alone – always fish with a group or a friend
• Tell someone where you are and when you will be back
• If your plans change, let someone know.

Know the conditions

• Know the tide and weather. If conditions worsen find a calmer, more sheltered spot – or go home
• Ask local people for advice
• Watch first, fish later
• Plan an escape route in case you are washed in
• Never turn your back on the sea. This is extremely important as you never know when a rogue wave may come through.

Survive

• Do NOT jump in if someone is washed into the water
• Dial 000 or 112 on your mobile phone or go get help
• Use a rope or something that floats to rescue the person
• If you’re swept in, don’t panic. Stay calm and swim away from the rocks
• If there’s an Angel Ring (life ring, life buoy) nearby, know how to use it.

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

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.