Catch livens the day
Local Andrew Clarkson (right) and Matt and Kyle show off their catch.
the eyes of politicians before the coming state election, of recreational and commercial fishers … and reinforce the message that fishers do count,” Sunfish NQ chairman John Robbo said.
“Fishers do need to be given due consideration by our paid representatives, both in parliament and the public service.
“This is in response to widespread discontent fishers have expressed regarding the ever-growing list of demands and restrictions being imposed on fishers, and also widespread discontent about the manner in which current regulatory processes and procedures are, or are not, implemented,” Mr Robbo added.
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ing, outdoor or associated industry store.
The first of two five-day Closed Coral Reef Fin Fish periods is well under way, not that too many anglers would mind, with atrocious sea conditions easing the pain of not being able to take favourite reef species throughout the closure.
From midnight Sunday, October 18, anglers will again be able to pursue favourites such as coral trout, red throat emperor and nannygai – at least until November 12 when the second and final five-day closure commences.
Each closure surrounds the new or dark moon, the lunar phase during which many reef species congregate to spawn.
And, with only a fortnight until the 2020 Queensland East Coast Barramundi season winds up, local estuary and foreshore waters are likely to be well fished by those looking for a season-last barra.
Well-known barra man Chris Wilcox says he’ll fish reasonably hard during the next two weeks with his son, Connor, and particularly so with the tides favourable and making towards a full moon.
“I really like those tides making to the moon (full) and the afternoons will fish best … especially those afternoon tides from about 3 (pm) onwards when the water should be a little warmer,” Wilcox said.
“I fished last weekend and got some nice barras during the neap tides using soft vibe lures, and that was during the night too, but I reckon the finish to this season is going to be one of the best ever.”
Wilcox said Connor was becoming really keen to hook into the barras and Wilcox Sr also admitted that there’s something special about the fishing bond between father and son.
“We’ll use live baits and lures … and I expect the best action to be during the afternoon tides until about 7 or near enough to high tide,” Wilcox said.
Wilcox, when not pushing dirt in his Wilcox Excavations business, is known to fish most local creeks, rivers and foreshore hotspots for barras, some of his favourite honey holes within Cleveland Bay.