The marron season starting tomorrow (8th Jan – 5th Feb) is set to snare the interest of thousands of mums, dads and kids, who will eagerly grab their gear and venture to our picturesque freshwater dams and rivers to try and grab a delicious feed.
Recfishwest crustacean ‘tragic’ – and Operations Lead Matt ‘marron whisperer’ Gillett, says marroning is one of the great South-West fishing experiences and is relatively easy for mums, dads and kids to do.
“In addition to a marron licence, all you need is to fashion a snare out of some plastic-coated wire and attach to a five-to-six-foot pole – a fishing rod will work – some chook pellets for bait, a head torch to spot the marron and you’re good to go,” said Matt.
“It’s such good fun and so popular in the South-West. That’s why we’d really like to see commitments to invest in the future of this iconic fishery from all political parties that will support and enhance fishing experiences through ongoing stocking programs.”
Matt’s marron snaring tips
- Pick a night with less wind to help spot the marron feeding on the chook pellets easier.
- Marroning on a waning moon or new moon is better.
- Pick the highest quality head torch you can.
- Don’t put the chook pellets out too early otherwise the ducks might nab them! Don’t put them out too far out either…the marron will come close to the bank for a feed.
- Look for a stretch of bank where logs and rocks are submerged in the water – it’s the kind of habitat the marron like.
For even more marron fishing tips, click here!
Endemic to the South-West, marron are a highly sought after and iconic catch. From excitedly patrolling banks in the evenings with a torch, to the contagious laughter heard capturing these freshwater critters in a snare – marron fishing is highly infectious and is a cherished West Aussie family summer fishing activity.
With marron now under more environmental pressure than ever before from reduced rainfall and stream flows, Recfishwest is asking the State Government to invest in securing the future of marron to the benefit of the WA community and our regional economies.
A well-coordinated marron stocking program is crucial in supporting and enhancing the fishery.
South-West dams such as Harvey, Glen Mervyn, Waroona and Logue Brook all play an increasingly important role in supporting good marron catches. It’s crucial that we investigate different opportunities to improve these waterways and enhance the stocking program amid increased pressures on marron populations.
Recfishwest wants to ensure fishers can continue to catch marron in our South-West for many, many more years to come and we are dedicated to achieving our vision of expanding the current month-long season towards year-round marron fishing.
