NEWSCAST - Recreational Fisheries News July 2024

[mrsswordfisherman]

NEWSCAST an information bulletin for recreational fishers July 2024

 

REMINDER: Gone Fishing Day Grants Close Monday July 8!  Gone Fishing Day is on again, Sunday 13 October 2024!   Recreational fishing clubs and organisations are encouraged to host their own events around Gone Fishing Day. Clubs can apply for a fishing package or a grant of up to $2,000 to host fishing activities such as casting and fishing workshops and information sessions as part of their event.   The fishing package consists of rod and reel sets, some giveaways/prizes and advisory information. Alternatively, clubs can apply for grants to purchase items such as fishing gear, bait, food and non-alcoholic drinks, equipment hire, etc. to run a local Gone Fishing Day event!   Application forms and grant funding guidelines are available on our website - https://bit.ly/4bcJDry   Grant applications close Monday 8 July 2024.   Free community fishing events will also be hosted by the Department across the state to celebrate our love of fishing and encourage everyone to get out on the water. Event locations will be announced soon, so stay tuned...  Gone Fishing Day is run in collaboration with the Australian Recreational Fishing Foundation. Activities in NSW are supported with funding from the Recreational Fishing Trusts.   This is all part of ‘Fish for life – Building a healthy fishing future’.

 

 

ATTENTION: Buying a fishing licence in NSW? Read this first!   Please be aware that the only official Government site for purchasing a NSW fishing licence is the Service NSW website. There are currently several non-government websites offering to purchase a NSW recreational fishing licence online on your behalf. Please note these non-official websites may charge additional fees for this service.   The official Service NSW website DOES NOT charge any additional administration or service fees. Official Costs for fishing licences in NSW are:   🔹 $7 for 3 days;  🔹 $14 for 1 month;   🔹 $35 for 1 year;  🔹 $85 for 3 years.   If you only want to pay the official licence fee, make sure you use the Government’s ServiceNSW website. The online application process is very efficient and only takes an average of 3 minutes to complete online. At the end of the transaction, you will receive a receipt that permits you to fish instantly.   If you have any questions about buying your fishing licence, please call our dedicated recreational licensing team on 02 4424 7499 or email us at recfish.licensing@dpi.nsw.gov.au

 

 

Help Us 'Keep It Clean' Are you passionate about keeping your local waterway clean and healthy? Why not join a local ‘clean up’ event, grab a bag, have some fun and make a difference! As apart of the DPIRD Keep It Clean initiative, Ozfish are running the following clean up days across the coast from next month. 🔹 Port Macquarie, Hastings River – 6 July 2024; 🔹 Yamba, Clarence River – 6 July 2024; 🔹 Wingham Brush, Manning River – 31 August 2024; To join in on the fun, or for more information on these events, register here - Keep It Clean | OzFish Unlimited By taking part, you're not only lending a helping hand in cleaning up the environment, you are also contributing to building the social fabric of your community and recreational fishing  Fish for Life - Keep it Clean is a partnership project between OzFish Unlimited and DPIRD. It is made possible using funding from the Recreational Fishing Trusts and the Marine Estate Management Strategy.

 

 

Building Better Fishing Experiences With Fresh Facilities Exciting news for NSW anglers! The Mid Coast Council, Shoalhaven City Council and Bega Valley Shire Council have upgraded fishing infrastructure across some of your favourite fishing spots using Recreational Fishing Trust grants! 🎉 Check out what’s new: 🔹 Upgraded fishing platform at Hawksnest on the northern shores of Port Stephens 🔹 Upgraded fishing platforms at Greenwell Point and on the Shoalhaven River at West Berry Street, Terara and Paringa Park, Nowra 🔹 New fish cleaning facilities at Lake Conjola, Conjola Park, and Fishermans Paradise 🔹 New fish cleaning facilities at Bermagui Harbour, Bermagui River, Quarantine Bay and Pambula   We’re committed to building better fishing experiences in NSW! 🎣 These fishing facility upgrades are another example of your fishing fees at work. Head out and enjoy these upgraded facilities today!

 

 

 

 

Using Wire Fish Traps To Take Murray Crayfish Is Unlawful  Fisheries Officers from the states South West have apprehended a man from Gooramadda, allegedly using an unlawful wire trap to take Murray Crayfish from the Murray River near Howlong. As a result of a surveillance operation, the man was observed and recorded using the trap to take four Murray Crayfish. Upon inspection by Fisheries Officers, two of the Murray Crayfish were a prohibited size.   The alleged offending comes only 4 weeks after a man was apprehended at Howlong using two wire fish traps to take Murray Crayfish. Murray Crayfish are a threatened species in NSW with a vulnerable status. In recent years, this iconic species has declined in range and abundance, with unlawful traps detrimentally affecting their recovery.   Murray Crayfish can be taken from prescribed waters of the Murray and Murrumbidgee Rivers between 1 June and 31 August. They can be taken with up to 5 hoop nets or pyramid lift nets only. The use of any form of trap to take Murray Crayfish is unlawful. The daily limit is two per person with a minimum carapace size of 10 cm and a maximum carapace size of 12 cm.  Investigations are continuing into the matter.  Fisheries Officers are asking for the community to be vigilant and report any suspected illegal fishing activity to Fishers Watch on 1800 043 536 or via the online form here - https://fal.cn/3gJWh

 

 

 

Record Distance For Recaptured Cobia!    Back in February, a keen angler Taigan Heath and a few mates headed to South West Rocks to target some warm water pelagics. Fishing offshore of Grassy Head, Taigan and his crew managed some consistent catches of Spotted Mackerel. After noticing some larger marks deeper in the water column on the sounder, they decided to change their fishing tactics and send live bait to the bottom. Shortly after, Taigan hooked and landed a solid 15kg Cobia, which happened to be tagged. The details of the tag were recorded and despite being fond of Cobia feeding, the decision was made to re-release the fish with the original tag still in place.   Taigan reported the recapture via the online recapture form on the DPIRD website. A quick search of the database revealed that the Cobia had been tagged by Hervey Bay Game Fishing Club member, Glen Radunz. The fish was originally tagged offshore of Rooneys Point, K’gari (Fraser Island) in November 2023 and measured in at 120cm and an estimated 12kg. Despite only being at liberty for 84 days (nearly 3 months), the Cobia had moved a minimum distance of 358 nautical miles (~663 km) south before it was recaptured, making this the new record for the furthest distance travelled by a tagged Cobia since the Game Fish Tagging Program’s inception. A total of 1,486 Cobia have been tagged under the Program, with 43 recaptures reported.   The previous longest recorded distance moved by a Cobia within the Program was 300 nautical miles. That particular fish moved in the complete opposite direction (north) having been tagged at South West Rocks (Northern NSW) in July 2022, then recaptured off Double Island Point (QLD) in November 2022.   If you are lucky enough to catch a tagged fish, be sure to report it online by using the online recapture form here.  The Game Fish Tagging Program is a great example of your fishing fees at work!

 

 

Book A NSW Charter Fishing Boat Over The Upcoming Winter School Holidays Winter offers excellent fishing opportunities with typically settled weather. It's a perfect time to chase many iconic species such as bream in the estuary, snapper on the nearshore reefs and tuna on the deep blue. Our experienced and licensed charter fishing boat operators have the knowledge and equipment to ensure a great day’s fishing. Whether you're seeking a relaxing day catching estuary species or the thrill of game fishing, there's something for everyone. Visit the ‘Go Charter Fishing NSW’ webpage at https://fal.cn/3ggee to find and book your ideal fishing charter. Don't miss out on this adventurous and fun experience these school holidays!

 

 

Supporting Future Marine Champions Are you a NSW primary school educator? If so, we’d love to see you at one of two webinars we’re hosting to support you to implement the NSW Marine Estate Agents Program, at your school. The webinars will be held on: Wed 3 July, 3:30 - 4:00pm Thu 4 July, 3:30 - 4:00pm Please register via the website here on your preferred date.  The new primary schools Marine Estate Agents Program will assist young people to build knowledge, skills and motivation to be environmental custodians of the marine estate, use the marine estate in a safe and sustainable way and better understand the benefits of connecting with nature. The program is free and is an initiative of the NSW Marine Estate Management Strategy. To jump straight into the program, visit our webpage which includes teacher guides, activity books, fact sheets and presentations. There are even six great marine estate career videos to check out! Alternatively, feel free to email us at contact.us@marine.nsw.gov.au.

 

 

Grab Your Free 'Go Fishing' Guide Today! Packed full of useful info including easy-to-read maps, tips and techniques for common species as well as rules and regulations, our free “Go Fishing” handbooks are handy resources when you’re planning your next fishing expedition. These popular fishing guides can be downloaded to your mobile or computer and cover 21 popular locations in both fresh and saltwater, including our latest edition which  covers the fishing options around Port Macquarie on the NSW Mid North Coast. Other locations in the series include Wyangala Dam, Burrinjuck Dam, Blowering Dam, Snowies Trout Waters, Lake Windamere, Lake St Clair, Burrendong Dam, Ulladulla, Botany Bay, Jervis Bay, St Georges Basin, Bermagui, Coffs Coast, Hawkesbury River, Tuross Head, Lake Macquarie, The Great Lakes, Parramatta and Lane Cove Rivers Wharves and Parks, Middle and North Harbour Parks and Reserves, and Sydney Harbour’s Wharves, Piers and Parks.  To download your copy today please visit our website here.