Many of the grey nomads currently heading north will be excitedly looking forward to some serious relaxation, some serious warmth … and perhaps some serious barramundi fishing.
However, the word coming out of the grey nomad hotspots on the Gulf of Carpentaria such as Burketown and Karumba is that, on the last point at least, they might be seriously disappointed.
A drier than average wet season is expected to deliver another ‘barramundi drought’ for recreational and commercial fishermen alike.
Burketown Barramundi Fishing Organisation president Garry Jefferies believes the lack of fresh water flowing into the gulf’s major river systems may be the reason why the catch is down.
He told the ABC that the area needed its floods for the spawning of the fish and rejuvenation of the rivers.
“People I talk to around town say that they’re catching less maybe than they have in other years,” he said. “I think the rivers need a refresh as part of the cycle of sustainability for the fishing.
Mr Jefferies said his organisation was working with the Burke Shire Council to source young barramundi, or fingerlings, to release into the Albert River for the third year in a row.
On a brighter note for grey nomad anglers, there has apparently been a resurgence of the king salmon population.
“I don’t know where these king salmon have been all these years but I heard up in the Northern Territory too it’s a massive season for king salmon,” commercial fisherman, Robert Pender, told the ABC. “Over the last three years our barramundi has been down 30% to 50% on where we are this year compared to three years ago … but the king salmon is up by 200% at least.”
Mr Pender said the estuary fish species he was hauling in could grow up to 15 kilograms and measure more than one metre in length.
the estuary fish species he was hauling in could grow up to 15 kilograms and measure more than one metre in length- unbelievable.
how it is possible !!!!