Fishes and fuels
A GROUP of Dubbo mates took advantage of the eased COVID-19 lockdowns to head up to the far north coast and try their luck dropping a few lines into the deep blue sea.
Inland Waterways president and long-time sustainable fishing advocate Matt Hansen said it’s not only great for blokes’ mental health to get out of town and have a sociable weekend, there are regional economic benefits as well.
“It’s great to see smiles on people’s faces in small, regional towns who have had a rough time through COVID, rolling
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into a small country servo on the far north coast and simply filling the boat and car with fuel was enough to put a smile on the dial of the owner, just happy to see some visitors,” Mr Hansen told Dubbo Photo News.
That sort of economic boost was part of the underlying reason for Inland Waterways’ formation – as well as creating viable and connected fish habitat for ecological reasons the group was determined to see more fish in the western rivers to create tourism and jobs around Dubbo and out west.
Mr Hansen said the few days on the open water were mentally refreshing.
“Our Dubbo crew of keen fishers enjoyed a few days on the ocean with our mate Chris Vandermaal christening his brand-new boat with his first ever Mulloway, that was a great catch at just over a metre long,” he said.
“Snapper, Kingfish, Mulloway and Pearl Perch- our crew was just as happy as the locals were to see us after some very quiet months.
“Recreational fishing is a $3 billion-dollar industry, creating 14,000 jobs, with traveling fishers supporting not only tackle shops, but often booking out accommodation and enjoying the local restaurants and shops.”
Chris Vandermall and Wayne Gilbert in Chris’ brand-new Stacer Crossfire 539 powered by a 130hp Yamaha which he recently purchased from Dubbo Marine and Water Sports
Chris Vandermaal celebrates his new boat with his first Mulloway