Fisheries inspection.

[fragmeister]

Hi Raiders,

Took the boat for a de-stress run on Thursday... work has been unusually hectic and that and the school holidays have messed up my regular Friday Fishing Session. Don't you hate it when work gets in the ways of fishing!

Did a bit of exploring, caught a few trevally and bream but returned them all as the freezer is pretty full at the moment. Left about 2pm and motored back to the ramp.

I had backed the trailer in to the water and was about to put the boat back on when a fisheries dept boat arrived.

They were quite friendly but very thorough.

Are you just leaving or just returning Sir? Returning.

Can I see your fishing licence? Sure I said I have 2 ( accidentally renewed before one expired)

Did you catch any fish? Yes

Do you mind if we get onboard? Sure, but once you do will need to follow my commands as the owner and master of the vessel! Now get of my effin boat! (No I didn't say that).

Can we look in your esky? You already are I thought but said sure...its just my lunch.

Do you have a kill tank? Yes.... but I don't use if for that.

Can we look anyway? Sure, its right there.

What is under this hatch? Thats another storage area ... open it up if you like.

Can we look in the storage area up the front? Sure...go for it.

Can we look in your live bait tank? Yep.

These pilchards are for bait. Burley actually, I defrosted them in there.

What is in that bucket? Rubbish

Can we just look under the transom area. Yes I guess so

Whats in these bags Sir? Thats a tackle bag and that's a lure bag

I'll just have a look in those if thats ok. Sure

Well, you're a bit of a tackle rat eh? I guess so... I though I was a pretty conservative.

This little esky here.. what in that. Drinks... take a look

No worries.

We will just take a look in the anchor well. OK... But I would really like to put the boat on the trailer and get it off the ramp.

Was it just you fishing? Yep

In the end they found a hand line in a side pocket that had a hook on it for catching lives.... that put me over the limit of rigged lines.

They were ok about that... they asked me to remove the hook on the spot. That was bit silly I thought given everything else was in order and I was clearly finished for the day.

On that subject of maximum number of rigged lines, has anyone ever tried to run 6 rigs at once on a boat under 6 meters? Fine if you want an unmanagable mess of tangled lines and missed hookups. I get that they are trying to limit the number of lines catching fish but these days many of us have dedicated rods for dedicated jobs but rarely use more that two at once.

Anyway, it certainly occurred to me that the fisheries department running up the Parramatta ( muddy as it was this week after the rain and virtually devoid of fisho's) is a total waste of resources.

I mentioned to one of the fisheries guys that I have not been pulled over in 2 years and they replied " thats because there are very few of us around and such a large area to patrol" which adds to my belief that they are under resourced and this was a fairly pointless exercise.

Anyway, that was my experience. Any one had a similar one?

Cheers

Jim

[Linc]

You must have looked pretty suss mate, maybe it was the lack of fish in the esky when you look like such a keen fisho, surely you couldn't have come home empty handed? I've definitely never had such a thorough check.

I agree it sounds like a complete waste of time when they could have been in more productive spots no doubt finding countless undersize catches.

I also agree on the idea of limits on rigged rods on board, as long as you're not fishing more than 4, what does it really matter? When you're fishing alone you don't have time to be rigging up a bait rod, then pulling the hooks off and setting up another rod for another purpose, I guess the key is to have things rigged up but leave the hooks off?

[Sydneyfisher12]

I was checked by fisheries not too long ago in cowan creek at jersuleam bay in the dark. I had about 4 or 5 rods set out and another 3 or 4 set up in the rocket launcher and I wouldn't even know how many hand lines I had set up probably about 2 there were 3 of us fishing. They said nothing to us about the lines. Usually I have it least 5 rods set up for different purposes bait, plastic, jig, unweighted, downrigger and never have I had a problem with the fisheries

I've never had them search my boat like that fragmiester under the back and everything

Your right they should be out in the main harbour searching boats in popular spots rather than right up the river.

[GoingFishing]

Mate I respect the fisheries inspectors and what they stand for .... but I would have been pretty insulted by that kind of behaviour. And forcing you to cut off the hook off your livie handline ? What a joke. Also my understanding is that your only allowed to be operating 4 fishing lines at any one time, never heard anything about number of lines set up.

I respect the fact that they have a job to do but they shouldn't make people feel like criminals when they're not

[SgtBundy]

http://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/fisheries/recreational/regulations/sw/prohibited-methods-and-activities

Line Fishing

You are not permitted to:

• Carry excess fishing lines in, on, or adjacent to waters. Spare lines should not be rigged and should be properly stowed.

I would guess the rigged lines is for the guys who have 10 rods out on a pier, and then wind 6 of them in when inspected and say they are compliant. I would also like to think the inspectors can read some common sense into that rule, but I guess public servants are not known for being permitted lateral thinking.

I have only been inspected walking back from North Entrance along the beach. Two polite female inspectors escorted by a burly police sergeant - I guess they have plenty of customers who don't like getting inspected. Nothing untoward - can we see your license, may we look in your bags, catch anything? etc.

[fragmeister]

I was checked by fisheries not too long ago in cowan creek at jersuleam bay in the dark. I had about 4 or 5 rods set out and another 3 or 4 set up in the rocket launcher and I wouldn't even know how many hand lines I had set up probably about 2 there were 3 of us fishing. They said nothing to us about the lines. Usually I have it least 5 rods set up for different purposes bait, plastic, jig, unweighted, downrigger and never have I had a problem with the fisheries

I've never had them search my boat like that fragmiester under the back and everything

Your right they should be out in the main harbour searching boats in popular spots rather than right up the river.

Like I said mate, no many boats out for them to check so they went the whole hog on mine.

Mate I respect the fisheries inspectors and what they stand for .... but I would have been pretty insulted by that kind of behaviour. And forcing you to cut off the hook off your livie handline ? What a joke. Also my understanding is that your only allowed to be operating 4 fishing lines at any one time, never heard anything about number of lines set up.

I respect the fact that they have a job to do but they shouldn't make people feel like criminals when they're not

Agree completely. You are right ofcourse with the 4 rigged rod limit. They didn't actually count two rods terminated in swivels... still not 100% certain if that counts but based on the inspection no hooks means its not rigged.

http://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/fisheries/recreational/regulations/sw/prohibited-methods-and-activities

Line Fishing

You are not permitted to:

• Carry excess fishing lines in, on, or adjacent to waters. Spare lines should not be rigged and should be properly stowed.

I would guess the rigged lines is for the guys who have 10 rods out on a pier, and then wind 6 of them in when inspected and say they are compliant. I would also like to think the inspectors can read some common sense into that rule, but I guess public servants are not known for being permitted lateral thinking.

I have only been inspected walking back from North Entrance along the beach. Two polite female inspectors escorted by a burly police sergeant - I guess they have plenty of customers who don't like getting inspected. Nothing untoward - can we see your license, may we look in your bags, catch anything? etc.

Yes... I agree. I must admit that I sort of expect that someone will look at me and the boat setup and make a pretty quick judgement that I am not likely to be hiding undersized fish and do a quick skim and leave. Probably too much to ask and maybe I shouldn't expect that.

They were polite and respectful but I guess it can seem less respectful the more questions they ask. Unzipping my tackle bags and lifting up each plastic case to check for stashed undersized fish is a silly I think. Anyway mate, if it was a couple of female inspectors I would probably have enjoyed the attention!

The days of women showing any interest in me (or at least me thinking they were) are long gone!

Edited October 17, 2014 by fragmeister

[fragmeister]

You must have looked pretty suss mate, maybe it was the lack of fish in the esky when you look like such a keen fisho, surely you couldn't have come home empty handed? I've definitely never had such a thorough check.

I agree it sounds like a complete waste of time when they could have been in more productive spots no doubt finding countless undersize catches.

I also agree on the idea of limits on rigged rods on board, as long as you're not fishing more than 4, what does it really matter? When you're fishing alone you don't have time to be rigging up a bait rod, then pulling the hooks off and setting up another rod for another purpose, I guess the key is to have things rigged up but leave the hooks off?

I think there is something in that... Well setup boat, quality gear and plenty of bait and no fish and an accommodating guy in his 50's .

Lets get into the mind of a Fisheries Inspector

Option 1 - Crap fisherman -

Option 2 - Values the catch a release principles

Option 3 - He's hiding undersized fish at the bottom of his pristine tackle box! I know they are here somewhere!

Cheers

Jim

[chocolate]

When I fish up at Coffs , South West Rocks and here in Sydney , I carry about 10 to 12 rods for all different fishing styles , And most of the time I fish on my own. I have been check by fisheries officers but never been questioned in that way. Lets face it there only after those who break the law, And if you don't break the law you have nothing to worry about. Its good to here what happens to others out there , But its good to see the fisheries are out there checking , It sh--s me when people break the law and they think they can get away with it.

[fragmeister]

When I fish up at Coffs , South West Rocks and here in Sydney , I carry about 10 to 12 rods for all different fishing styles , And most of the time I fish on my own. I have been check by fisheries officers but never been questioned in that way. Lets face it there only after those who break the law, And if you don't break the law you have nothing to worry about. Its good to here what happens to others out there , But its good to see the fisheries are out there checking , It sh--s me when people break the law and they think they can get away with it.

Hi Chocolate,

Well that was the first time for me but I am right on board with the inspections and I am glad they are out there.... just think they should be in a more productive place.

No different to the police targeting speeding or drink driving ... you want your tax dollar to be spent where it is most effective and the two hours they spent up the river that day was not a good way to use three inspectors and $150,000 rig.

Good luck on your solo fishing trips... I fish midweek so its pretty much always a solo trip for me. It has its challenges doesn't it?

Cheers

Jim

[Flickn Mad]

I do recall a couple of middle aged fishos in the woollongong area being pulled up and inspected. A good haul of legal kingys they said, measure them all they said. Please don't look under the bunk in the cabbin they said. No all those under size fish aren't ours they said. No idea how they got there they said.

We all Know looks can be deceiving and that fishos generally are a crafty bunch.

I have been checked a few times at ermo on a week day in crappy weather and recon the idea that they will turn up any where any time is a good thing. I would like to see them more often even if they annoy me a bit.

[Guest hawkesbass]

Read there are plans in place for the water police and maritime officers soon being allowed to act as fisheries officers and inspecting licenses and catches and issuing fines for offences.

Cannot remember where though.

[Ojay Samson]

Read there are plans in place for the water police and maritime officers soon being allowed to act as fisheries officers and inspecting licenses and catches and issuing fines for offences.

Cannot remember where though.

Dont they already have that power?

i remember fishing at a wharf one night with a mate and saw the water police do a drive by... 5 minutes later they came back but this time docked at the end of the gangway and asked to see my fishing licence along with my mates.

I have also seen standard general duties officers who were bothered enough to get out of their cars and check licences at popular wharves too... I have no complaints about this btw... i actually like this fact that they check people. what they dont seem to check are the catches people have which are generally in their buckets etc and undersized.

[Guest hawkesbass]

You will find the police were only patroling known trouble spots for noise and anti social behaviour and would move along anyone causing issues or without a fishing license to reduce residents complaints in those areas

[bluebottle18]

Yes I love when the police visit a certain area around Meadow Bank. They have cleaned up that spot and the regular Europeans/Middle East that frequent this spot have moved on.

None have had a Fishing licence and we now have less pollution left behind. I gave the police another spot to check out and that is now pollution free.

Even the wharf is a little cleaner with the reduction of fisho`s.

I am not being racial with my comments but it was a known spot and factual. If you visit the spot now you will notice a big difference.

Unfortunately it is now a dumping ground for well known takeaway litter.

You can not win.

I have also found that most inspectors are polite and friendly. They are also very thorough. But I do object to such scrutiny of your tackle. I was warned about having a tailor chopped up as bait fillets by on zealous inspector and another one that was butterflied. Interpretation of the rules can sometimes be elastic.

[Yowie]

I was warned about having a tailor chopped up as bait fillets by on zealous inspector and another one that was butterflied. Interpretation of the rules can sometimes be elastic.

If the tailor is legal size, so what if you use it for bait. FFS. You need some of those baits at times if you are looking for something bigger, or if you want fresh bait strips and cannot catch yakkas. Have done it myself with tailor or trevally.

As for the number of rigged lines, you are only allowed 4. One inspector told me to have 4 rigged, with the other rods having a swivel tied on so you can quickly add a hook or lure if needed.

My old fishing mate from school, who just retired as a fisheries inspector, did not worry about the 4 rigged rods rule. He knew who was fishing with more than 4 rods, keeping the fish to sell, and he could see them with high powered binoculars. He used a bit of common sense.

[NaClH2OK9]

I agree with yowie. I called them last year when a related thread came up. I asked for a specific definition of rigged and was handed to the dept manager. All he could do was quote legislation. But he did say that it's the hook that makes it rigged.

Sound like a pretty vigorous inspection.

Edited October 18, 2014 by NaClH2OK9

[GoingFishing]

You will find the police were only patroling known trouble spots for noise and anti social behaviour and would move along anyone causing issues or without a fishing license to reduce residents complaints in those areas

You will find the police were only patroling known trouble spots for noise and anti social behaviour and would move along anyone causing issues or without a fishing license to reduce residents complaints in those areas

Iv heard a couple of times around entrance way that fisheries inspectors were assaulted by people who kept undersize fish and aren't happy to be told they're breaking the law. Hence the police escort

[Linc]

Read there are plans in place for the water police and maritime officers soon being allowed to act as fisheries officers and inspecting licenses and catches and issuing fines for offences.

Cannot remember where though.

The one and only time I've had my catch inspected in Sydney was by water police in botany bay, they asked me to hold up my catches from the esky, then one leaned over and had a peak in to see if I wasn't forgetting to hold up any and they moved on after a quick license check (boat and fishing). They also asked me if the sarsaparilla in my drink holder was a beer but were happy not to pull out the breatho when I showed them the label

[Jocler]

The one and only time I've had my catch inspected in Sydney was by water police in botany bay, they asked me to hold up my catches from the esky, then one leaned over and had a peak in to see if I wasn't forgetting to hold up any and they moved on after a quick license check (boat and fishing). They also asked me if the sarsaparilla in my drink holder was a beer but were happy not to pull out the breatho when I showed them the label

And here is me thinking I am the only one who drinks that stuff......are you also an ex Queenslander?

I have also been pulled over and inspected in Botany Bay. They checked every bit of safety gear to make sure it was compliant and being carried. They watched me drop my partner off as on the wharf not 10 minutes before and I was waiting for them to come back but still told me I had to many rods rigged (6) so I had to cut the hooks off, while they watched. I was sitting about 50m out from the wharf fishing while I waited.

I don't have an issue with water police or inspectors but I do have an issue with inconsistency in their determinations.

J

[Linc]

And here is me thinking I am the only one who drinks that stuff......are you also an ex Queenslander?

Haha nah I'm an ex Victorian actually, must be a North/South thing, we (sars drinkers) are few and far between, my old man passed down the taste to me and now my son loves it too, everyone else I know says it tastes like medicine.

[Guest no one]

You had 2 licenses which should double your rigged line amount. I'd have thrown that in their faces.

[fragmeister]

Interestingly, the guy who actually got in the boat to inspect everything had to ask his mate if the rods terminated in a swivel counted as rigged lines.

So the inspectors are also unclear on the rules.

[tyrone07]

A police officer is listed as an authorised person under legislation so has the exact same powers as any fishiries officer

[Dalucius]

Maybe one of the inspectors was new and it was a training exercise. Good to see them out there doing their job.

[luderick -angler]

Okay I believe the NSW police have jurisdiction

To issue fines for fisheries and maritime offences and have always had such powers!