Having fished in Cockburn Sound for 57 years man and boy, Cockburn Power Boats Club member Don Beisley is thrilled to have the chance to go crabbing with his grandkids in the Sound this summer.
This opportunity means three generations of his family will have enjoyed catching blue swimmer crabs in the Sound.
Don (pictured below with son-in-law Tony crabbing on the Swan) was one of thousands celebrating this week’s fantastic news that Cockburn Sound is to reopen for crabbing this summer for the first time in 10 years.
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT – HOW WE BROKE THE COCKBURN SOUND CRABS REOPENING NEWS
“I’ve nothing but good memories of catching crabs in the Sound with my dad and my uncle when I was a kid, chugging out in their old school clinker boat,” recalled Don. “We’d take what we’d need for a feed, and they tasted great! But it was all about getting to do it with my dad and uncle – it was such fun!
Don continued, “When I got older, my wife and I took our kids out crabbing, and they loved it too. They still talk about it today as grown-ups. Now, I’m rapt to be able to share this experience with my grandchildren this summer.
“I was over the moon to hear the news – it’s such a magical place right on our doorstep. It’s pretty special, isn’t it? So, well done to you guys – it’s a great result for everyone.”
And when Don’s grandkids do go out crabbing with Don, it will be with crab nets they had a hand in making!
“We make our own nets for crabbing in the Sound,” Don revealed. “We get the frames made and sew all the mesh by hand. It’s all about the size, depth, and color of the mesh. Now, we’ve got the grandkids helping out with making the nets too!”
Cockburn Soundbites
Here’s some of the other reactions to the great news for metro crabbers.
“Awesome outcome, thank you.” – Ted Russell
“Oh yes thank you very much for your info. Now no need to driving far for chasing crab thank you” – Henrix Clavecilla
“Excellent work really looking forward to it. It’s been a long time. Be great for the family and the kids. Thanks, Recfishwest!” – Jason and Karen Kuzmanich
“Great news, Recfishwest, Well done” – Barbara Ross.
“OMG! Been waiting since 2014! Awesome! Caught some nice feeds there,” – Murray Sofield.
“Awesome news for the upcoming seasons…Thank you to Recfishwest and the various departments involved in preserving, rebuilding and managing this important fishery” – Crackpots Marine Supplies.
