Monster croc lurks in creek

A TOWNSVILLE fisherman has spotted what he believes to be a 5m saltwater crocodile at a local creek, reminding people to be careful around our waterways.

Fishing Warehouse staff member David Hodge said the reptile, snapped in a creek at Nome, was one the biggest he had seen.

But the sighting was no surprise to him.

It did, however, bring back memories of when he was nearly taken by one when fishing at Ingham.

“He was a big animal,” Mr Hodge said.

“I’m not sure what was in his guts, but it looked like he would be able to go without a feed for a while.

“One thing they do do is give the pig population a bit of a knock.”

The keen angler said he had seen crocodiles in every Townsville river, and got a little too close for comfort to one when fishing Cattle Creek about three years ago.

“Three times he came out and had a go,” he said.

“He was six inches away, too close for comfort.”

Mr Hodge said he was fishing from a boat, believing he was safe four feet above the water level, when the reptile launched.

He still fishes regularly but is far more conscious of what lurks below.

“We don’t hold fish over the side unless we can do it on a nice, clear shallow bank,” he said.

“If you spear them in first, you give ( the fish) a rush of oxygen and it’s better for their survival. The people who do a lot of fishing, it becomes habit.

“It’s a matter of fact that every single river around here has crocodiles. North or south of Townsville, I’ve seen crocs big enough to kill you.”

Mr Hodge moved from Tamworth a few years ago, in part to get closer to crocs – but not too close.

“We love wildlife. Animals just don’t get much wilder than a crocodile,” he said. “But they scare the s-- t out of me.”

He said people needed to be more aware of their surroundings and their actions to avoid becoming another attack victim.

“It’s not something you sensationalise,” he said.

“You don’t drag your boat through knee- deep water or you don’t throw your cast net in waist- deep water.

“You’re going to see crocs no matter where you go.”

He urged residents to report problem crocs to the Department of Environment by phoning 1300 130 372.