Fishing tips
Plenty of knuckleheads out there in big white boats with a standard boat licence that have no idea. Any Sunday on the Broadwater GC would confirm that.
Most of the larger boats are very expensive though, and most of the owners have decent experience or hire competent crew to man the vessel.
Other idiots seem to have more dollars than sense and those wankers are a menace. But ,it's always fun watching the clueless trying to park a boat with all the bow and stern thrusters and still get it wrong 10 times.
What Zen was referring to is for private vessels. If you have a speed boat licence, you can drive your own or a mates boat up to 30M. In Qld anyway. And agreed tubeshooter, it is comical watching some of these clowns.
The moment you are employed to drive a private vessel (accept payment), you need a commercial ticket, recognised by AMSA. Whether it is a commercial or private vessel.
yeah cheers fitzy , I was referring to the private reco fleet with standard boat licences , they should be made to do more to qualify to drive the larger boats imo.
I have a Master5 (fishing and trading) and do the 'odd' delivery for private owners .
A link on the subject..
https://www.clubmarine.com.au/exploreboating/articles/32-4-Boat-Licences-
sorry link not working I'll try cut and paste
"We take a state-by-state look at who needs a boat licence and what it takes to get one.
Have you ever encountered a skipper who doesn’t seem to know what they’re doing, or raised an eyebrow while the fool in the other vessel disregards the safety of others on the water? How often have you questioned whether someone found their boat licence in a cornflakes box and wanted to toss a recreational boating safety handbook at them …
Or maybe, just sometimes, that person is you?
While the majority of boaters have a solid grasp of the ‘road rules’ and their boat, a small group seems oblivious to the risk they’re taking when they ignore the very rules that are meant to keep them safe. And, with more large and powerful pleasurecraft available than ever before, some jump right in at the deep end with little or no experience and without much of a clue about what could go wrong.
But, we hear you say, doesn’t everyone learn about boating safety and how to handle a boat or PWC in the lead up to getting a marine licence? Well, yes …
However (and setting aside the Northern Territory and New Zealand as they don’t require a marine licence and don’t otherwise assess boaters’ skills), while applicants are tested on their theory knowledge prior to being issued a licence, some we’ve spoken to in the industry say those assessments are too lax and don’t necessarily equip a boat operator with all the practical knowledge needed to safely operate a boat on what are becoming increasingly crowded waterways.
Questions have also been raised about the level of skills assessment – some states don’t require a practical test at all (Vic, WA, SA) and those that do (NSW, Qld, Tas) require just a quick demonstration of a few basic manoeuvres and skills in relatively benign conditions close to shore. And there are considerable discrepancies between both theoretical and practical courses, despite the marine authorities endeavouring to achieve a uniform approach by accrediting course providers.
The implications of insufficiently skilled boat operators being on the water, especially in busy waterways and on sometimes very powerful craft, are obvious. Whether we’re talking jetskis or large cruisers, unskilled or marginally skilled operators pose obvious risks to themselves, their crews and those around them.
When Club Marine CEO Simon McLean voiced in his April/May 2017 column that more focus on boat licensing and skills training and testing may be needed, and invited readers to email their thoughts, the responses from industry and Club Marine members came in thick and fast.
The feedback was varied – from strident calls for more training and tighter licence testing, to loosening the bureaucratic grip on boaters and relying on self-regulation. The consensus, however, seems to be a general openness to look more closely at how training and licensing is regulated, and that all boaters – no matter the size of vessel or where they boat – need to learn how to operate their craft safely before heading out, and should continually add to their skills (which, we’d like to add, seems to be what the average boatie does of their own accord).
According to Peter Corcoran, Director at Maritime Safety Victoria, in his June/July 2017 Guest Editorial, of the 1311 reported recreational boating incidents that occurred in Victorian waters last year (2015/16), there were 46 capsizes, 15 collisions, 7 fires/explosions, 72 groundings, 31 boaters in difficulties and 12 persons overboard. He says that while these numbers may seem small relative to 193,000 registered vessels and 407,000 licence holders, incidents are significantly under-reported, with recent analysis of hospital emergency department data suggesting that serious injuries to boaters are about 10 times the number actually reported.
Club Marine’s insurance claims statistics seem to substantiate this – the vast majority of claims are the result of impact while, by comparison, just one in every 10 claims are caused by weather incidents (even including Cyclone Debbie this year). While one could argue that even a well-versed old salt might bump into a submerged object or be involved in a collision, opinions vary greatly on whether incidents can be avoided altogether with better training and more experience.
Corcoran, along with others in the industry, also says that in regards to maritime safety, in particular licensing, there is much to learn from other jurisdictions as well as from motor vehicle and motorcycle schemes – in particular their approaches to licensing schemes with a focus on graduated learning, skill acquisition and the building of competency.
With the discussion continuing on how much training is realistic and what it would take to achieve significant reductions in the toll, we’d like to hear from our readers – what are your thoughts as boat owners and operators? What would you like to see changed, or are you happy with how things are handled in your state? What do you think can be done to reduce the likelihood of incidents occurring in the first place, and do you see a correlation between skills training/testing and a boating incident you or someone you know were involved in?
Feel free to email your thoughts to: [email protected].
Meanwhile, here’s a state-by-state look at who needs a recreational boat licence, and what’s required to get one.
WHO NEEDS A BOAT LICENCE?
With the exception of the Northern Territory, each Australian state requires a recreational boat licence to master a motorised vessel (some states specify a vessel’s minimum length or power) and all states and territories enforce maritime laws.
Australia’s Northern Territory and New Zealand don’t require a boat licence to operate a recreational boat, but laws are enforced and boaters must know the rules before heading out.
In Vic, NSW and WA, the boat’s master must carry a licence when doing anything for which the licence is required. Boaters in NSW can access a digital version of their licence following the recent launch of MyServiceNSW, an app that includes a digital licence and vessel registration service. In Qld, you’ll need proof of identity when boating and can verify your boat licence online. In SA and Tassie, your boat licence must be produced within 48 hours and 14 days, respectively, if you’re asked to do so.
And while WA and SA don’t require an additional licence or endorsement for PWCs, the others do.
Around the country, interstate and overseas marine licences are recognised, as are commercial competencies, but you’ll need to get that state’s recreational licence after a certain period.
And because some licences have an expiry date, be sure to renew it within the renewal period or you may be required to apply for a new one.
On each state’s maritime authority’s website, you’ll find lists of approved training providers, practice tests, study guides, recreational boating safety handbooks, details of how to obtain a recreational marine licence (if it’s mandatory there), and other useful information.
Around Australia and New Zealand, the master of a recreational vessel is required to know and abide by maritime law – in fact, the Maritime Safety Act stipulates that all persons participating in the operation of a recreational or hire and drive vessel (as a master, operator and crew, or passenger), and those being towed, are responsible for their individual and collective safety, and the safety of those in the vicinity of the vessel. It is a legal duty to take ‘reasonable care’ to protect themselves and others from harm, including not intentionally or recklessly exposing others to unnecessary risks.
Of the states that publish a recreational boating safety handbook, or require licence applicants to pass a theory test, all cover the same principles in regards to boating safety:
• Licencing and registration
• Safety equipment, including radio
• Vessel preparation, including maintenance and fit-for-purpose
• Trip planning, including weather, tides, let someone know before you go, road rules, navigation planning, safe speed, proper lookout
• Manoeuvring – how a boat moves and how to steer it
• Safety on water/operating rules, including giving way, safe distances, mooring areas, diving activities, navigation marks and signs (aids to navigation), vessel lights/day shapes/sound signals, boat wash, night safety, big ships vs small boats, alcohol
• Special areas – including open waters, bar crossings, inland waterways, hyperthermia and (depending on the state) alpine waters
• Emergency procedures and messaging, what to do in an emergency
• Boating offences and penalties
• Additional information pertaining to PWC drivers
HERE’S A LOOK AROUND THE COUNTRY … NEW SOUTH WALES
Note: NSW boat licence applies to the ACT.
To operate a powered vessel on NSW waters at a speed of 10 knots or more, people aged 12 years and over need a boat licence. A licence is also needed to drive a PWC.
Tests for both licences are compulsory, but a course isn’t if applicants can prove experience – there are two options: complete practical boating training conducted by a registered training provider, or complete a Boating Licence Practical Logbook (minimum of three trips in a powered vessel with an experienced skipper).
Sit the boat licence knowledge test at any registry, service centre or Government Access Centre (find them online at: service.nsw.gov.au/ service-centre), or with a recognised training provider. Applicants need proof that they meet the requirements, the application form, proof of identity, and the licence fee. PWC licences require two passport photos.
Some restrictions apply for junior boaters aged 12 to 16 years.
Roads and Maritime NSW: rms.nsw.gov.au/maritime/licence/boat-pwc
VICTORIA
To operate a motorised boat on Victorian waters, people aged 16 years and over need a marine licence. To drive a PWC, a PWC endorsement is added to the marine licence.
Training or practical assessments are not compulsory, but separate tests for the marine licence and PWC endorsement are.
Courses are provided by accredited training providers, who can conduct the licensing tests after applicants have completed the course. A typical theory course runs over four hours.
Upon passing the test, take the certificate to VicRoads in lieu of sitting the test there and get the licence. If sitting the tests at a VicRoads Customer Service Centre, bring evidence of identity documents, the application form, an eyesight test, and the fees.
Restricted marine licence and restricted PWC endorsement apply for junior boaters aged 12 to 16 years.
Maritime Safety Victoria: transportsafety.vic.gov.au/maritime-safety.
QUEENSLAND
In Queensland, people from 16 years of age need a marine licence to operate a boat that has an engine power of more than 4.5kW. PWCs require a marine licence and a PWC licence.
The compulsory BoatSafe course requires a medical fitness disclosure statement. Upon successful completion of the course, you’ll receive a statement of competency. Training and practical assessment is typically six hours for a group of no more than four students.
To get a marine licence, make an appointment with a transport and motoring customer service centre or QGAP office that provides marine licensing services (find them at: qld.gov.au/transport/contacts/centres/). Bring the application form, proof of identity, BoatSafe statement of competency, and the licence fee.
Queensland Government: qld.gov.au/transport/boating/licences/recreational/
WESTERN AUSTRALIA
In WA, boaters 14 years and older need a Recreational Skipper’s Ticket (RST) to operate a registerable recreational vessel powered by an engine greater than 6hp. That includes PWCs.
A course is not compulsory, but an assessment is. The assessment is conducted by authorised providers and includes a practical and a theoretical component. It takes around four hours. To make an appointment, applicants first need an eyesight test, a declaration of medical fitness, proof of identity, a letter of consent if younger than 18 years age, and the assessment fee (no fees for the RST).
Restrictions apply for junior boaters from 14 to 16 years of age.
WA Department of Transport: transport.wa.gov.au/imarine/how-to-get-an-rst.asp
SOUTH AUSTRALIA
South Australians from 16 years of age need a boat operator’s licence (includes PWCs) to operate any type of recreational vessel fitted with an engine, regardless of the size of the boat or its engine, or whether the engine is being used at the time. Operators of kayaks and canoes fitted with an electric motor can apply for an exemption.
A course is not compulsory, but an exam is.
Approved courses are available and typically run over three hours.
SA Customer Service Centres conduct the theory exam. Applicants need proof of age (if under 16) and identity, a medical and eyesight certificate, the exam fee and boat operator’s licence fee. Pass the exam and apply for a licence on the spot.
Special permits for junior boaters between 12 and 16 apply, and they’ll need to pass an additional practical test within six months of passing the theory exam.
SA Government – Boating and Marine: sa.gov.au/topics/boating-and-marine/boat-operators-licences-and-permits/boat-licences
TASMANIA
Tasmanians 17 years and older need a motorboat licence to operate a vessel of 4hp or more. To drive a PWC, they need to complete an extra course and test (theory and practical) to get an endorsement on the motorboat licence.
The BoatSafe practical course (conducted by accredited providers) is compulsory, which includes passing the practical competencies. It is followed by a compulsory theory test.
To get a PWC endorsement, complete a PWC Practical Course with Surf Life Saving Tasmania and pass a theory test. Both licences can be obtained on the one course.
Plastic licence cards are no longer automatically issued, but can be obtained from MAST for a fee.
Restricted licences for junior boaters aged 12 to 17 apply.
MAST – Marine and Safety Tasmania: mast.tas.gov.au/recreational/licences-registration
NORTHERN TERRITORY
The Northern Territory is the only jurisdiction in Australia where a boat licence isn’t needed to operate a recreational boat. There’s also no requirement to register recreational boats.
However you must know the boat laws in the NT and you may be prosecuted if you don’t obey these laws. Reading the safety guide for recreational boating is recommended before taking to the water.
NT Government: nt.gov.au/marine"
@tubeshooter
Nice i wanted to get into that type of thing in my twenties, i did a 3 month Coxswain tafe course that was really like 6 months, was pretty full on.
Never got my hours up though after getting fucked around working on a prawn trawler out of Morton bay and decided to do other things.
It was actually really depressing seeing how prawn trawlers work (basically rape the sea floor) and all the by-catch.
Nice tubeshooter. Just out of interest, where are you located? Are you still operating commercially?
I hold a Qld skipper Grade 3 (perpetual), MED 2 & Master4. Mostly though Qld and NT, commercial and charter fishing.
Staying on the mid coast NSW now , but mostly work NNSW and SE QLD. 'Semi' retired but do some seasonal trap and line work up there still. Been slower this year cos I couldn't be stuffed dealing with the travel restrictions...Sold my trap and line boat a few years ago after quota costs , new regs etc ,became prohibitive ,, to go the walk on/walk off contract skipper route. It's mostly relief skipper work for me now ...Less Stress.
Was thinking about doing the Master 4 this year, got the MED 2 , Is it much harder ? I haven't checked the syllabus yet...
Personally I avoid charter work , not a fan of the public in general but I have done it to keep my boat afloat so to speak.
Sounds like you love what you do Fitzy , and your good at it .. respect .. cheers
Sorry missed that post ID.
Most people who don't have their sea hours before the coxswain theory rarely go further.
I'm curious though ,and it's genuine question , what made you want to get one , and what happened with the trawler crew ?
I personally never intended to be a commercial skipper , fishing or otherwise..,
I filled in for my brother one day when he was a decky and got seasick and the rest is history.
And ,@fitzroy-21 what are you driving at the moment ?
Quick fishing tip for wading with light gear for whiting etc. always check and tighten the winding arm
Heard a splash in front of me after casting then noticed my reel had no winder . Then I hooked up and brought the fish in, instead of locating the winder in a small shore dump
tubeshooter wrote:Sorry missed that post ID.
Most people who don't have their sea hours before the coxswain theory rarely go further.
I'm curious though ,and it's genuine question , what made you want to get one , and what happened with the trawler crew ?
I personally never intended to be a commercial skipper , fishing or otherwise..,
I filled in for my brother one day when he was a decky and got seasick and the rest is history.And ,@fitzroy-21 what are you driving at the moment ?
At the time (mid 90s) i didnt know what i wanted to do, but the Mentawai's charter boat business was taking off, i had no idea how to get into it and thought getting my Coxswain ticket and hours up was at least a start :D
I also did some commercial fibreglass boat building (kunt of a job so didnt last long) around the time, where guys talked about delivering boats, which sounded real cool.
After the course i just wanted to get my hours up and was desperate to do so, found this old guy with a prawn trawler out of Morton Bay (docked up river behind his house) so i basically said id do anything to get my hours up, so before the season started i painted all the bilge area of the boat for free and some other maintenance stuff, and then did a few trips out on the trawler where it was agreed id be paid, but there was very little prawns so they kept saying they made no money so i didnt get paid, and then after that they kind of fucked me around telling me they would go out this day but never did or wouldn't ring when they said they would, they had some other guy they were doing the same too, I think just getting as much free labor out of us and i think they ended up keeping the other guy on.(older and not a surfer/hippy type)
I was also pretty young and naive and i think they were pretty suss on me too, i was a bit of a long haired hippy surfer type might have even still had a pierced nose and even had a world wildlife fund sticker on my car I remember they hit me up about it one day basically asking what it was about, i think they thought i might be some activist or something , and well i never said anything about the by-catch, but im sure my face told the story, i was honestly horrified picked prawns first the by catch went out all dead, shit load of undersized whiting & flathead and all kinds of weird stuff, dolphins loved it though.
No regrets though it was another experience.
tubeshooter wrote:And ,@fitzroy-21 what are you driving at the moment ?
Nothing at the moment. Having a break. Pretty well have committed to going back to the NT in Feb. Run-off and big barra are calling!!
Short version is, early COVID completely stopped the live trout trade, severely affected other commercial fishing and shutdown the charter fleet. I often do relief work, occasional deliveries, fill-ins on remote barges and guide in remote areas. Have even done stints with contractors out in the mines.
A mate is running a lodge in Arnhem Land, so went up there helping him and guiding. Most of the people you meet guiding and charter are awesome, but like with anything in life, you get the “fuckwit factor”.
Regarding the Master IV, if you are going to use it, it’s worth doing. You already have the knowledge and ground work, so it’s just a step up. It broadens your opportunities. For me, I am getting in touch with AMSA regarding my lack of seatime on the larger vessels over the last couple of years with COVID. I heard there may be some dispensation.
Sorry, didn’t mean to hijack the thread folks!
MidWestMonger wrote:Quick fishing tip for wading with light gear for whiting etc. always check and tighten the winding arm
Heard a splash in front of me after casting then noticed my reel had no winder . Then I hooked up and brought the fish in, instead of locating the winder in a small shore dump
Yep the handle can undo itself.
The funniest I saw was my cousin losing the whole bail-arm and spool when casting off the beach. The nut that holds the bail-arm on had undone itself. Was on a camping trip up Rainbow Beach, on dark, with a school of school jewies biting.
udo wrote:
Nice crocodile
Throw another shrimp on the barby will ya love . 
3 local beaches today were just boiling with fish . From headland to headland and from the beach to 500m offshore. I have never seen anything like it. Threw a few slugs out at around 3pm and found most of them were chopper tailor and bonito(pretty boys). Could have bagged out in 10 minutes but I wasn't planning to fish and only kept a couple of bonito to salt into strips.
The tailor were so ravenous I lost 3 slugs from bite offs (other fish trying to steal the lure out of the hooked fishes mouth,, ).
On a sad note , NPWS and the council have commandeered and closed some old walking tracks made by fishos , to some hard to get to spots,, to construct a full on tourist walk way.
"We apologise for the inconvenience" ... fuck you clowns.
My tailor count for May, normally the most reliable month by far is Nil.
I think I've caught less than half a dozen fish this entire Autumn.
Hopefully those bait school are headed this way.
Last bait ball and feeding frenzy I saw here was December.
National parks won’t be content until they've turned every tract of bush within their purview into a profit making nature themed amusement park.
There were some bigger splashes further offshore , but a boaty mate reckons they are mostly mack tuna.
You should start seeing them up there soon , things have really fired up here and fish are on the move again, finally.
As for National Sparks and Wildfires , combined with local councils , are absolutely destroying some really discreet bits of coastline up and down the eastern sea board. I'm right off them at the moment.
Prototype 1
The K’gari Liver Destroyer / Tailor Annihilater Combo rod holder.
Getting late in the season but hopeful that we get some.
Quick flatty session after work in the Kmart kayak, fish tacos coming up!
goofyfoot wrote:
Quick flatty session after work in the Kmart kayak, fish tacos coming up!
Good work!
x2
Hard to beat. Flatty fishing has been good down my way lately. Been catching them on homemade feather lures.
Flatty season was just OK here, still recovering from floods.
Last few weeks the tailor fishing has been insane- smashing poppers and stickbaits on light gear.
Weather is a bit autumn like already on the MNC, offshores in the morning and light southerly blowing so makes sense that the tailor are on.
Had the same dinner last night, different species (maori cod). Got a few fish last year
Nice Red Andrew and beautiful looking feed above gents. Instantly hungry now.
Cracking red, and spewing the taxman claimed that 2nd one. What is that, a big nanny or fingermark?
tiger wrote:Cracking red, and spewing the taxman claimed that 2nd one. What is that, a big nanny or fingermark?
Fingermark
huge fingermark.
I was just catching them on Bribie about a twentieth the size.
aggro fish.
When I look at the bottom pic (freakin' huge) all I can think of is "gonna need a bigger boat".
Sharks are such a problem up here. Those that refuse to accept populations of some shark species are increasing have their head in the sand
freeride76 wrote:huge fingermark.
I was just catching them on Bribie about a twentieth the size.
aggro fish.
More likely Moses perch ( Lutjanus russelli) at Bribie than fingermark (L. johnii) Steve. My head was from FNQ. Although the serious jack fishers are starting to see them show up as far south as the Goldy.
Yes, you are right.
Moses perch.
Thats cool.
Wouldn't be surprised what tropical visitors come down this way with all the warm, blue water.
Andrew P wrote:Sharks are such a problem up here. Those that refuse to accept populations of some shark species are increasing have their head in the sand
Saying sharks have a population problem is also like saying kangaroos have a population problem. Both would be perfectly fine without human intervention. We're in their space. Deal with it and learn to live in harmony.
burleigh wrote:Andrew P wrote:Sharks are such a problem up here. Those that refuse to accept populations of some shark species are increasing have their head in the sand
Saying sharks have a population problem is also like saying kangaroos have a population problem. Both would be perfectly fine without human intervention. We're in their space. Deal with it and learn to live in harmony.
I’m all for living in harmony with creatures Burls,( including removing shark nets from beaches) I just call it how I see it. For several reasons, shark populations on the east coast are rebounding, yet no experts are prepared to come out and say it. In Qld, there was a 1000 tonne a year fishery up until management changes in 2010; catches now are well under 100 tonnes. In my calculation there are 900 tonnes of shark per year out there swimming and reproducing (albeit slowly). Common sense would say that after 12 years of reduced catch and effort, some previously harvested species would have rebuilt their stocks.
Andrew P wrote:burleigh wrote:Andrew P wrote:Sharks are such a problem up here. Those that refuse to accept populations of some shark species are increasing have their head in the sand
Saying sharks have a population problem is also like saying kangaroos have a population problem. Both would be perfectly fine without human intervention. We're in their space. Deal with it and learn to live in harmony.
I’m all for living in harmony with creatures Burls,( including removing shark nets from beaches) I just call it how I see it. For several reasons, shark populations on the east coast are rebounding, yet no experts are prepared to come out and say it. In Qld, there was a 1000 tonne a year fishery up until management changes in 2010; catches now are well under 100 tonnes. In my calculation there are 900 tonnes of shark per year out there swimming and reproducing (albeit slowly). Common sense would say that after 12 years of reduced catch and effort, some previously harvested species would have rebuilt their stocks.
Andrew P. Hi. Please enlighten me as to how sharks are such a problem in the aforementioned area.
See, I’m a shark, our local populations have been decimated for years. Up north, we’ve noticed theres been a massive increase in the numbers of you humans., especially the ones with the long sleeved, elastane like, multi colour shirts emblazoned with fishing company logos, on many of you with medium to large bumps on the front of you, i think you call it a beer gut. We are very concerned about the human population increasing both nationally and globally and worry that you’ll exhaust all of the earths resources and wipe out many species along the way.
Andrew P. We know who the problem is. Sharks are such a problem, really ? AW.
AlfredWallace wrote:Andrew P wrote:burleigh wrote:Andrew P wrote:Sharks are such a problem up here. Those that refuse to accept populations of some shark species are increasing have their head in the sand
Saying sharks have a population problem is also like saying kangaroos have a population problem. Both would be perfectly fine without human intervention. We're in their space. Deal with it and learn to live in harmony.
I’m all for living in harmony with creatures Burls,( including removing shark nets from beaches) I just call it how I see it. For several reasons, shark populations on the east coast are rebounding, yet no experts are prepared to come out and say it. In Qld, there was a 1000 tonne a year fishery up until management changes in 2010; catches now are well under 100 tonnes. In my calculation there are 900 tonnes of shark per year out there swimming and reproducing (albeit slowly). Common sense would say that after 12 years of reduced catch and effort, some previously harvested species would have rebuilt their stocks.
Andrew P. Hi. Please enlighten me as to how sharks are such a problem in the aforementioned area.
See, I’m a shark, our local populations have been decimated for years. Up north, we’ve noticed theres been a massive increase in the numbers of you humans., especially the ones with the long sleeved, elastane like, multi colour shirts emblazoned with fishing company logos, on many of you with medium to large bumps on the front of you, i think you call it a beer gut. We are very concerned about the human population increasing both nationally and globally and worry that you’ll exhaust all of the earths resources and wipe out many species along the way.
Andrew P. We know who the problem is. Sharks are such a problem, really ? AW.
Very clever AW.
In the context of trying to catch a few fish for a feed, increasing shark populations are a problem as they increase interactions with fishers. That’s how I see it. I am not suggesting a cull or any action to reduce their populations. I cited evidence that us humans used to harvest a lot more than we do now, as a way of explaining why I think their populations are increasing. I intentionally omitted the ever popular “someone should do something about it!”
Shark populations increasing and impacting people trying to catch a feed of fish is a problem. How you interpret that is up to you.
Andrew P wrote:AlfredWallace wrote:Andrew P wrote:burleigh wrote:Andrew P wrote:Sharks are such a problem up here. Those that refuse to accept populations of some shark species are increasing have their head in the sand
Saying sharks have a population problem is also like saying kangaroos have a population problem. Both would be perfectly fine without human intervention. We're in their space. Deal with it and learn to live in harmony.
I’m all for living in harmony with creatures Burls,( including removing shark nets from beaches) I just call it how I see it. For several reasons, shark populations on the east coast are rebounding, yet no experts are prepared to come out and say it. In Qld, there was a 1000 tonne a year fishery up until management changes in 2010; catches now are well under 100 tonnes. In my calculation there are 900 tonnes of shark per year out there swimming and reproducing (albeit slowly). Common sense would say that after 12 years of reduced catch and effort, some previously harvested species would have rebuilt their stocks.
Andrew P. Hi. Please enlighten me as to how sharks are such a problem in the aforementioned area.
See, I’m a shark, our local populations have been decimated for years. Up north, we’ve noticed theres been a massive increase in the numbers of you humans., especially the ones with the long sleeved, elastane like, multi colour shirts emblazoned with fishing company logos, on many of you with medium to large bumps on the front of you, i think you call it a beer gut. We are very concerned about the human population increasing both nationally and globally and worry that you’ll exhaust all of the earths resources and wipe out many species along the way.
Andrew P. We know who the problem is. Sharks are such a problem, really ? AW.
Very clever AW.
In the context of trying to catch a few fish for a feed, increasing shark populations are a problem as they increase interactions with fishers. That’s how I see it. I am not suggesting a cull or any action to reduce their populations. I cited evidence that us humans used to harvest a lot more than we do now, as a way of explaining why I think their populations are increasing. I intentionally omitted the ever popular “someone should do something about it!”
Shark populations increasing and impacting people trying to catch a feed of fish is a problem. How you interpret that is up to you.
Andrew P. good reply, all a bit of fun. I’m not anti-fishing, i just hope that we all practice ‘take what you need’ (as in an immediate meal or dinner ) and ‘not what you want’ (as in filling the freezer). After all, we are the most destructive species on the planet, it’s in our hands whether species decline or proliferate. AW.
Strongly agree with your last sentence AW
I've seen heaps of bronzies swimming around here the last 2 months but am yet to have a fish taxed.
Sounds like there’s plenty of other fish around for them to eat down your way Steve. Would be a bad way to lose a good landbased mulloway that’s foreshore!
I pulled a just legal fish literally out of the jaws of a bull shark a couple of years ago- just got raked but not chomped.
But have had plenty of mates pull in a head and shoulders.
This old boy has had a scrap or two
Amazing close-up footage of a massive battle-scarred great white shark off southern Australia.
— Wonder of Science (@wonderofscience) January 14, 2023
Credit: Dean Spraakmanpic.twitter.com/DNUa0yd1ct
OK, so I want to try my hand at fishing. I have a couple of rods and reels, and an assortment of stuff in a shiny tackle box (Chrissy present from a few years back). I've got salt water and fresh water options close at hand (Narrabeen). But, I have absolutely no idea what I'm doing.
Can anyone offer me some pointers? I'd really like to impress the missus.