Elps track down barra

wheel nuts were of a different size to the tow vehicle and no accommodating wheel brace or socket was at hand.

Finally finding a way to change the spare, after it was also found that the welds holding the jockey wheel to the trailer had come adrift, the tyre was also deemed flat and the portable compressor most likely sitting beside the wheel brace in the garage at home.

Harveyson, fishing with mate Brian Weston, also noted that bait within the river was in short supply. However, in spite of the adversity, he did not give up, the pair landing a procession of bream, cod and grunter or javelin fish, albeit mostly undersized.

There was, though, a silver lining to Harveyson’s yarn, the old timer pinning a fine barramundi on one of just three live mullet snared in his cast net.

At a very palatable 66cm, the barra was deemed more than just reward for a horror start to the day and was happily slipped into his icebox.

Well played Keith.

Classic day out for kids

EXTENDED winter-like conditions pushing well into spring have done little for the comfort factor of local anglers – wind, dust and smoke haze only adding to what many have described as a displeasing experience.

Weather forecasts though are encouraging, with conditions to ease and clear significantly this weekend – just in time for the 2019 Children’s Fishing Classic.

Townsville youngsters might enjoy their first taste of competition fishing when they line up at Pallarenda Beach on Sunday to compete in the annual event.

Chief weigh-in marshal Trevor

Fuller said the Classic was in its 31st year with almost 11,000 children having registered for the event during that time.

“It’s a wonderful concept where junior anglers can learn recreational fishing in a controlled environment,” Fuller said.

Senior members of the fishing community, including members of the Townsville Sportfishing Club, lend their time and experience to guide youngsters in what is recognised as one of the healthiest and most rewarding of all outdoor recreational pursuits.

“The kids can be instructed on how to rig their lines, bait their hooks and catch fish while doing so in a sustainable matter. In fact, most choose to catch and release fish rather than weigh them to win a prize,” Fuller added.

Fuller said entry forms remained available today at the Fishing Warehouse and Tackle World or otherwise online at childrensfishing classic.com.

A parent or guardian is necessary to authorise entry into the free event.

Fishing starts at 6.30am and a 9.30am weigh-in is followed by an array of entertainment and a free sausage sizzle.

“The Townsville City Council, Volunteer Coastguard and the Fishing Warehouse are among many valued sponsors,” Fuller said.

New crab rules apply

AMONG new fisheries regulations implemented on September 1, recreational crab apparatuses and freshwater traps must now be labelled with the surname and address of the person using the equipment, not necessarily the owner of the apparatuses.

Previously it was permissible for a person other than the owner of the crab pot or trap to use apparatuses without the identifying marks having to reflect the new user, but that has all changed.

The pot must have the user’s surname and address marked and the float must also be labelled with the user’s surname.

Authorities say this rule change will help Queensland Boating and Fisheries Patrol officers identify those who do not follow regulation and illegally interfere with crab pots.

Additionally, those with a taste for mudcrab should be aware that a new bag or “in possession” limit also applies to the taking of the tasty crustacean.

As of September 1, the maximum inpossession limit has been dropped from 10 to seven per person and a new maximum boat limit of 14 mudcrabs has been implemented.

Simply, if there are two or more persons in the boat, the maximum number of male crabs better than 15cm across the carapace permitted is 14.

It is the responsibility of the boat skipper or master to ensure the take falls within these limits. For more information regarding the new fisheries regulations, check out daf.qld.gov.au.