There’s plenty of news to report in WA’s recreational fishing world at the moment, so much so, we couldn’t fit all of it into the latest Broadcast!
If you’re not signed-up yet, click here to join the cast of thousands who already receive our well-read monthly communique.
Threadfin the target at Broome’s annual Thready Shootout
In four weeks, the Broome Fishing Club will be hosting its annual two-day Thready Shootout!
Set to be held on 30 April and 1 May, the event sees anglers fish for threadfin salmon near the West Kimberley town. Fishing is definitely better when the fish are biting and Roebuck Bay is a testament to this.
Although, the previous fishery management in Roebuck Bay was biologically sustainable, it did not allow threadfin stocks to grow to a size which could support such terrific fishing experiences for the community as the bay does now. The fisheries management changes that removed commercial netting in Roebuck Bay back in 2013, has allowed for iconic species such as threadfin salmon and barramundi to thrive, with record catches a common occurrence.
As you’re probably already aware, the State Government is progressing with its plans for new and expanded marine parks in the Kimberley’s Buccaneer Archipelago, on the south coast, in the metro area and the inner area of the Exmouth Gulf.
Taking all of that into account, Roebuck Bay is a positive example of how Government, fishers and communities can collectively work together and achieve positive outcomes through innovative management.
Roebuck Bay is a great showcase for this and it’s going to be really exciting to see the awesome threadfin salmon catches caught at this year’s Thready Shootout like the one pictured above caught by Conor Rees.
Game fishers helping gain a better understanding of important fish species
Not only does GAMEX — one of WA’s premier fishing events — showcase the world-class billfish fishery off Exmouth, it also provides an opportunity to gather data on important and valued recreational fishing species.
During the Exmouth Game Fishing Club’s (EGFC) 54th GAMEX last month, competitors contributed to the Recfishwest-led program focused on better understanding valued recfishing species — Fishing for Science.
The Recfishwest Fishing for Science team were at GAMEX, collecting data on species including marlin, Spanish mackerel, yellowfin tuna and wahoo.
Fish samples were gathered from fishers at the weigh station each night of the competition. Information gathered from these samples will help shine a light on many much-loved fish!
Congratulations to the EGFC for hosting another fantastic GAMEX and for all of the competitors who took part. Click here to see all of the results and photos of the award winners.
Metro mackies make memories for Cockburn Sound fishers
Cockburn Sound’s safe and accessible waters are widely associated with pink snapper, and rightfully so given the area is home to the West Coast Bioregion’s only-known snapper spawning aggregations.
However, every autumn the Sound can provide some spectacular pelagic fishing for those in the know and who are willing to persist.
This much-loved fishery based on the city’s doorstep often sees Spanish mackerel catches at this time of the year, with the toothy predators following the Leeuwin Current into southern waters.
For fishers, like Anthony Pecotic pictured above, tempting Spanish mackerel in the Sound is a rewarding challenge.
Whether it’s Spaniards, pinkies, squid, blue swimmer crabs or herring, Cockburn Sound provides fantastic fishing experiences for fishers of all skill levels and ages.
That’s why this important fishery must be protected and any future developments should place a high value on its recreational fishing values.
Click here and see why Cockburn Sound is such an important fishery here.
Smiles upon miles as Chris steams out and bags FADs photo comp prizes
Chris Webster doesn’t mind the long steam out to the FADs deployed off Perth as part of the State-wide FADs trial program, because he knows he’s usually odds-on of hooking into sensational sportfishing action.
It’s safe to say Chris’ most recent trip has paid dividends, with the avid fisher not only landing a couple of 1m-plus dolphinfish, but also taking out the March prize pool for the 2021-22 FADs Photo Competition!
“I love the Perth FADs as they offer sportfishing that was once thought to be only possible in the State’s North West,” he told Recfishwest.
“The FADs also allow fishers access to a sustainable fishery, removing pressure from key demersal species.”
The great photo of Chris at one of the FADs off Perth has seen him take out the superb Richter Lures and Madfish Gear prizes up for grabs.
If you’re fishing any of the FADs locations in the coming weeks, please send your entries to zach@recfishwest.org.au for a chance to win the next round!
Planning a FADs run? Find the coordinates here.
Christine brings wealth of expertise to Recfishwest Board
Well-versed lawyer Christine Lovitt has joined the Recfishwest Board.
Christine, who became an appointed Director following a recent Board meeting, is an experienced mining lawyer specialising in native title and Aboriginal heritage aspects of project development in WA.
Her impressive CV has seen her climb the legal ranks to eventually join West Perth firm Hewett and Lovitt as special counsel in 2014, managing her own native title practice.
Christine’s wealth of experience and strong leadership qualities will be invaluable for Recfishwest’s next phase of its evolution.
“It’s great to have Christine’s experience and knowledge to the Recfishwest Board. I look forward to working together to help make fishing in WA even better,” Recfishwest CEO Dr Andrew Rowland said.
Welcome aboard, Christine!
Click here to read all of the profiles of the members on the Recfishwest Board.
