queensland Toe the line and avoid a fine

[AFO]

News release | 29-Jul-2013

Queensland Boating and Fisheries Patrol (QBFP) officer Coby Walker said the rules for freshwater fishing in Queensland are different to those for tidal waters, marine parks or other states.

“A number of restrictions apply to freshwater fishing in Queensland to protect fish stocks from overfishing and to ensure the sustainability of Queensland’s waterways,†he said.

“There are limits to the amount, type and ways in which freshwater fishing gear can be used.

“No more than six fishing or set lines alone or in combination can be used per person at any one time. Only one hook, artificial fly or lure can be attached to each line.

“When using a set line, you must stay within 200m of the line at all times. You should also check the set line regularly to allow any undersized or non-target species to be released safely.

“All set lines and traps must be tagged clearly, ensuring the owner’s surname and address is visible,†he said.

Mr Walker said fishers should also be aware of the rules surrounding bait.

“Any bait caught must comply with size and possession limits,†he said.

“The use of freshwater fish and crustaceans, such as spangled perch, redclaw, freshwater prawns and yabbies as bait (dead or alive), is prohibited outside of their natural environment or range. No-take species are also not able to be used as bait.

“Fish caught that are not native to the area must not be returned to the water even as bait. This includes pest fish such as tilapia and carp, which affect native species and marine environments.â€

Mr Walker said QBFP officers regularly patrol remote and less frequented areas to ensure fishers are complying with the rules.

“Breaching fishing laws is a serious offence and can attract on-the-spot fines ranging from $110 to $1100 or maximum penalties up to $220,000,†he said.

"We encourage people to report unlawful or suspicious fishing activities by calling the Fishwatch Hotline on 1800 017 116."

For more information on Queensland’s recreational fishing rules visit www.fisheries.qld.gov.au or call 13 25 23.

Follow Fisheries Queensland on Facebook and Twitter (@FisheriesQld).

Media contact: Jodana Anglesey, 3087 8601

[Luc53]

"Mr Walker said QBFP officers regularly patrol remote and less frequented areas to ensure fishers are complying with the rules"

Yeah sure, they don't even patrol the near and more frequented areas!!

Can't do any meaningful patrols/enforcement with no staff and no budget!!

[Binder]

They trot out the same press releases same time every year. Just attribute the quote to someone new.

Gives me a chance to stir Steve and tell him I am going to chuck any Mary Cod I might chance upon in north pine up on the bank, as I'm not allowed to put them back in the water.......

[elops]

"Mr Walker said QBFP officers regularly patrol remote and less frequented areas to ensure fishers are complying with the rules"

Yeah sure, they don't even patrol the near and more frequented areas!!

Can't do any meaningful patrols/enforcement with no staff and no budget!!

They are doing ok, rarely release the results of their efforts you would have seen the couple of reports on another forum of recent efforts ie the gold coast guide and other Bass poachers and the milk run down the river at popular spots.

[elops]

They trot out the same press releases same time every year. Just attribute the quote to someone new.

Gives me a chance to stir Steve and tell him I am going to chuck any Mary Cod I might chance upon in north pine up on the bank, as I'm not allowed to put them back in the water.......

You would have to catch one first :whistle:

Be good if people did not put the feralbelly back.......................

[Glenn S]

Hey Elops, do you have any links to reports about this bass poaching? would be interested in having a read

Cheers,

Glenn.

[dassa]

"Mr Walker said QBFP officers regularly patrol remote and less frequented areas to ensure fishers are complying with the rules"

Yeah sure, they don't even patrol the near and more frequented areas!!

Can't do any meaningful patrols/enforcement with no staff and no budget!!

I have had many a beer with Coby and yes I have see his work first hand in less popular area's and also in impoundments but yes with budget cuts it makes all thee jobs harder so all we can do in report when we see the wrong thing happening then we hope things get done

[Luc53]

IMO, they should report their activities and results more often.

Visible & known enforcement is better deterrent than keeping quiet about it.

Nevertheless, I still view this type of press release as a game of bluff.

Those that do the right thing will keep on doing it and those breaking the law won't be "scared" into towing the line.

[rayke1938]

The less reports that they have the more likely that they will be downsized more so please report every incident that you see.

Cheers

Ray

[Binder]

They trot out the same press releases same time every year. Just attribute the quote to someone new.

Gives me a chance to stir Steve and tell him I am going to chuck any Mary Cod I might chance upon in north pine up on the bank, as I'm not allowed to put them back in the water.......

You would have to catch one first :whistle:

Be good if people did not put the feralbelly back.......................

Need an education campaign amongst the white bucket brigade.....

Repeat after me......

Mr Fisheries Officer, I've got 42 feralbelly in my bucket only because I'm not allowed to throw them back........ :whistle:

[elops]

You just educated some of them mate a few on here.

[crazywalrus]

Just curious Steve. If you do not like yellow belly in the Pine why as stocking coordinator do you stock them in the dam above? Rainfall events are always going to restock the river.

[elops]

Have to get back to you on that one Ted.