Grey nomads currently heading north with a fishing rod in their rig and hope in their hearts are being told to be ready for some serious freezer-filling action.
The introduction of three net-free fishing zones near Cairns, Mackay and Rockhampton in November last year has apparently had the desired effect … with new data indicating the percentage of legal caught barramundi has increased by 23%, with some fish measuring over one metre.
The Info Fish survey of the net-free zones showed that while last October there were no barramundi caught longer than one metre, between February and April this year there were 28 … including two bigger than 1.2 metres.
Mackay Recreational Fishers Alliance president Lance Murray said he was ‘rapt’ with the results.
“I’ve lived here for over 40 years and I’ve been fishing at least once a week for more than 30 years and I’ve never ever come across someone who has caught a 1.2m barra,” he said. “And in this report we have two that were caught in the last couple of months … it’s incredible.”
Recreational fishing groups have said the results of the net ban are ‘encouraging’, and that the statistics show that breeder fish are now being given the chance to breed and that fish stocks are being replenished.
However, commercial fishermen argue that the early figures are more a reflection of the seasonality of barramundi fishing than a meaningful change in fish stocks.
Further studies will be carried out every April to monitor the effectiveness of the new zones.
The net-free fishing zones were intended to increase recreational fishing opportunities in Queensland, thereby supporting tourism and economic growth.
At the time, Ben Atherton, the owner of the Cape Hillsborough Nature Resort north of Mackay certainly thought the initiative would bring in more grey nomads.
“In the drive market, or the caravanning industry, 89% of people holidaying in caravans are recreational fishers,” he told the ABC. “So, obviously by us getting the net-free zone, we are hoping that we can capitalise on that within that caravanning market. We are hoping they come here and, when they come here, we can promote other businesses in the area so they can get more money out of the economy and hopefully more jobs as well.”
* Have you caught a barra yet this year? Do you plan to? Will the net-free zones encourage you to spend more time in those areas? Comment below.
Can’t fill the freezer any more total Barra is 5 in your possession or 5 per day
Can someone please advise line set up for catching Barras as i have only previously onlly fished for taylor /flat head etc steel trace any advise would be appreciated