Much appreciated
this week, the SIPS or Stocked Impoundment Permit Scheme licence entitling the keen angler to fish either weekly or year round, depending on the permit purchased, within the barra-rich waters.
Leavy said the opportunity to fish a local impoundment was a good one for all those who might need an ‘outof-season’ barra fix.
He said ‘out of season’ refers to the Queensland wild barramundi fishery that is closed to both recreational and commercial fishing efforts until February 1 next year.
“Thank you,” Leavy said, “to the hardworking members of the Townsville Barramundi Restocking Group as without their continued efforts, these fish would not be here in such good size and numbers.”
Anglers under 18 years need no such permit, as neither do those using bait traps to snare small fish, shrimp and redclaw crayfish.
Permits are only necessary for line fishing and anglers are also reminded that cast nets are not to be used within non-tidal waters including those within all Ross River weirs.
THANKS FOR TOP JOB
Meanwhile, the Townsville Barramundi Restocking Group has taken time to thank all those who have contributed to stocking efforts in a tumultuous 2020 – including those organisations that made significant donations.
“They all add up to more fish in the dam (Ross) and Ross River weirs,” group president Rhyce Bullimore said.
“The local commercial fishers and seafood retailers maintained their annual donation of $1500 and Ren Pederson from the Cure Starts Now made an appreciated personal donation of $1000.”
Bullimore said funds from the SIPS program were also directed back into fish stocking efforts, however support local clubs, organisations and individuals do no end of good for both the fresh and saltwater fisheries, many stocked barramundi finding their way into estuary and inshore environments when weirs flood throughout monsoon events.
“And last but not least, a massive thank you to the Townsville Game Fishing Club for their donation of $3500.
“These donations are much appreciated and show us that the support is there for our group and our
restocking said.
objectives,”
A GREAT DAY OUT
Bullimore
Fine midweek boating conditions encouraged Bluewater man Stuart Williams to point his 7m Stacer tinny towards Trunk Reef.
Williams described the conditions as superb.
“Reef was flat all day … magic actually and almost glass all the way home too,” he said.
The trip, launching at Lucinda, was a quick journey allowing Williams and mates plenty of time on and in the water.
“Some trout were on the spear gun,” he said when asked about the size of one stonking fish.
“We caught a box full of trout and emperors and just only one small shark was a bonus too,” Williams said.
SHARKS TUCK IN
Ian Smyles and mates said they too enjoyed great conditions when fishing both Davies and Broadhurst reefs on Tuesday.
Sharks did prove an issue though, with a good portion of hooked fish proving easy pickings for both reef and bull sharks.
“Some nice red throat and trout came aboard and we got a couple of good spanish on pilchards (drifted) out the back,” Smyles said.
“But the sharks took a heap of fish and tackle with them.”
Smyles said he was shocked when he watched as his mates pulled a hat trick of barramundi cod, all hooked within a 10-minute period.
He said they were of good size but immediately released given that the species is protected in Queensland waters.
REEF DRAFT PLAN
The John Brewer Reef site plan is now open for public consultation, the popular reef wide of Townsville now home of the recently installed Underwater Art Museum.
The reef is a multi-use area and enjoyed by many including anglers, snorkellers, divers and tourists alike.
Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority assistant director of planning Sally Harman said the draft plan proposes new management arrangements to ensure the site continues to be enjoyed by everyone.
“The authority has worked closely with representatives from Manbarra
Peoples from Palm Island as well as other stakeholders including tourism operators and recreational, commercial fishers and the Museum of Underwater Art,” Ms Harman said.
“We have taken on board their feedback and these discussions have helped inform the development of the draft plan.”
Anglers can currently utilise either of two public moorings on the reef on a first come, first served basis while anchoring near the new underwater museum.
Strategy 3 in the draft plan will be of most interest to anglers – “Separation of uses around the underwater art site.”
The plan suggests that the popularity of fishing and anchoring at the site has led to concerns of potential conflict of use around the underwater artwork.
The proposal remains that all users are to be mindful of the installed artwork and be aware that diving and snorkelling will occur in this area (and that) users may anchor in the sandy area around the artwork with due care while noting that some smaller structures can be found up to 50 metres from the greenhouse.
So currently, anglers can still fish within all areas of John Brewer Reef, while being mindful of other users, including divers and snorkellers.
The plan points out that consideration was given to the creation of a legislated special management area to separate the conflicting uses at the site, however it was decided this option would only be implemented if the voluntary approach was found to be unsuccessful.
The draft site plan is open for public comment until December 21, 2020 and can be accessed on the Marine Park Authority’s website at www.gbrmpa.gov.au