The metro and southern-based Fish Aggregating Devices (FADs) have been brought back in for maintenance over the winter months, while more FADs are being prepared for deployment off Exmouth, Dampier and Broome.
Once again, there’s been some sensational pelagic sport fishing action on the FADs off Jurien Bay, the metro and the south-west and southern coasts over summer and autumn.
And the good news is the program will be funded for at least the next three years, after we presented overwhelming evidence of the success of Recfishwest’s three-year RFIF-funded trial program.
It is fantastic news for medium to large-sized boat fishers who enjoy venturing out to the devices to target hard-fighting pelagics such as dolphin fish, tuna, billfish and wahoo.
Fishers either located in or travelling to the Gascoyne, Pilbara and Kimberley can now also look forward some hot FADs fishing action soon with deployments of the devices planned off Exmouth, Dampier and Broome.
We’ve been in discussions with fishing clubs and local communities in these areas in the past to pinpoint the best locations for the devices which we will be sharing on our FADs locations page once the devices have been deployed as well as on our fishing rules app.
Recfishwest Operations Lead Matt Gillett said, “Once again the spectacular catches we’ve seen taken off the FADs in the southern half of the State over summer and autumn has demonstrated the value of the program to many WA fishers.
“However, the FADs have to come back in ahead of the big winter swells to avoid being broken off and also to receive some TLC, repairs and cleaning of biofouling to get them ready to go back in next spring.
“It’s been great to see all the hard work we’ve put in over the last few years paying off with the establishment of the program as a State-funded initiative at least for the next three years. Most importantly, though, it’s testament to the support and input we’ve had for the program from fishing clubs, local communities and local contractors who’ve helped get the FADs out there in the first place.
“A special mention needs to be made of Perth Game Fishing Club’s FADs advice and expertise which was invaluable in helping us getting the program off the ground and established.
“We’re looking forward to seeing the program evolve over the next three years – watch this space!”
