Restocking efforts
THE value of fish restocking within local waterways cannot be overstated, according to keen angler Matt Leavy.
He says that without the efforts of dedicated fishers like those within the Townsville Barramundi Restocking Group, catches like a massive PB barra – caught by himself while fishing within Gleeson’s Weirs early this week – would not be possible.
“I had a live bait under a float when I noticed that I could not see the float anymore, but the line was still slack,” Leavy recalled.
“I tightened the drag and slowly wound in the line until I felt pressure, then I set the hook.”
Leavy fished from the bank, as he mostly does when fishing any of the Ross River weirs, and said the water erupted before an enormous barra showed its best dance.
Concerned about losing the big barra in any number of thick weed stands, the experienced land-based angler said he encouraged the fish to jump, hoping to somewhat tire the fish early and make for a less dramatic landing.
“One of the few occasions that I forgot my landing net, so I opted for the hand in the mouth and comfort lift,” Leavy said while noting it is vital that as little slime as possible is removed or damaged during the interaction.
“So, I wet my brag mat (measure), got a few quick pics and returned the fish to the water as soon as I could.”
Leavy was delighted to reveal that the big barra proved a new personal best for the species and at a fat 118cm long, swam off in good condition when released.
PERMIT REQUIREMENT
A permit was required by Matt Leavy to fish within the Ross River weirs