News in this week that the federal government has approved “pair trawling” in Australian waters, giving the green light for two fishing vessels based in Eden and Ulladulla to carry out the controversial practice, which recreational fishing groups and conservationists say will deplete fish stocks and pose a threat to protected species.
Pair trawling is carried out by two boats with each vessel towing two cables that connect it to the net; two vessels effectively doubles the horsepower enabling the use of smaller vessels. The proposed vessels are the 35-metre Eden-based trawler Lukina II and 31-metre Ulladulla trawler Saxon Onward, both significantly shorter than the 95-metre factory trawler Geelong Star.
Public consultation closed February; 67 submissions were received, the majority of which were opposed to pair trawling. The Eden Amateur Fishing Club and Merimbula Big Game and Lakes Angling Club have strongly condemned the trial. NSW Greens fisheries spokesperson Justin Field said the trial “opens the door that bit further to unsustainable commercial fishing in Australian waters”. Click here for full story
Now to the fishing. Staff at Bermi Bait and Tackle on the weekend reported the water on the shelf was a pretty nice colour again at 20.8 degrees so hopefully we see some tuna really soon.
Local anglers are heading down to Lakes Entrance to go after the swordfish, including Dick Brown and Matt Verde who got an awesome 276kg fish. Here is a video shot by local Bermagui lads Andy and Dave with the boys on Entourage.
Graham from Tackle World Moruya reports the water temperature is getting colder but the fish are still biting. Bream are being caught in the deeper sections of the river on blades, and baits such as worms and prawns.
Some great perch are schooling up around the Moruya River bridge and flathead are still on the bite. Try focusing on the drop-offs from the shallows to the deeper water. Live poddy mullet and frozen pilchards are catching a few, and soft plastic are working too.
On the Tuross River, there are stacks of smaller flathead are being caught down the front of the system drifting bait such as prawns and tuna fillet. Good size bream are hanging around the oyster racks and soft plastics are producing some quality fish. Using blade/vibes is also working very well in the deeper water out the front of the boatshed. For the bait fishos, try using worms or mullet fillet in the same areas.
On the rocks and beaches, salmon and tailor are still running. Pillies are working a treat with windsock beach and the break wall the spots to be. Sand flathead and bream are also being caught off the beach using worms and prawns. A few reds are in close and can be caught off the rocks up and down the coast. Try using pillies or soft plastics.
Offshore, some descent reds are hanging around the Pedro Point area. Soft plastics are getting the job done. Pillies and squid are also working on a paternoster rig. Some small kingies are being caught around Montague island, just watch your size restrictions.
Flathead are on the bite drifting the sand flats just off Windsock Beach. Again the paternoster rig is working very well. Try using two different baits on each hook and you'll be sure to get good results. Thanks Graham!
NSGFC News – Club members Mick and Rebecca Roberts ventured out to the shelf for the first time on Sunday after hitting a large sunfish about four months ago resulting in extensive damage to their boat. The trip out paid off and they caught and released a couple of nice marlin. Mick tells me that the marlin were working the edge of a school of baitfish. A good start back from Fiji for Mick and Rebecca where they caught several yellowfin tuna.
It seems that the boys down south Bob Hirs, Rick Ziarkowski and Warren Horrigan have worked out the swordfish off Lakes Entrance getting two Sunday, as well as two makos. One sword took seven hours to land on 37kg tackle. As usual the Narooma Sport and Gamefishing Club rooms will be open for fish stories, drinks and snacks from 4pm till 9pm on Friday. Visitors are most welcome. Send your fishing pictures to me Jan Hemmingsen at nsfc1@bigpond.com – Jan H.
Bermagui Club Anglers – Members of the Bermagui Country Club Social Anglers Club are reminded that this coming weekend May 19-21 the on and offshore fishing competition is on. Meeting up on Sunday at 12.30pm for the social barbecue, winners of the comp will be announced, so let’s GO FISHING!
