On behalf of the Cast of Thousands, Recfishwest welcomes the WA Labor party’s state election commitment announced by Fisheries Minister Don Punch this morning (Wednesday, 8 January) to improve habitat for marron in three key marroning locations – Harvey, Logue Brook and Wellington Dams.
Recfishwest CEO Dr Andrew Rowland joined the Minister at Harvey Dam this morning where he announced his party’s election commitment – which was something Recfishwest has asked all WA political parties to commit to in the lead up to March’s state election.
Recfishwest CEO Dr Andrew Rowland said, “This is good news for WA marron fishers because improving marron habitat will provide juvenile and breeding marron with more protection – increasing productivity and the quality of marroning.
“We’re pleased Labor has listened to what we have asked for on this and it’s good to see the huge social, health and wellbeing benefits fishing gives West Aussies already being recognised in this way.
“We look forward to seeing other fishing commitments being made by all political parties in the next few weeks running up to the election.”
Marron mania get its claws into West Aussie fishers
The marron season kicks off today and runs til noon on 5 February 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 ‘the 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. You can still catch marron with drop nets, but the old fashioned snare is the best way 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 habitat enhancement and ongoing stocking programs.”
Matt’s magic 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.
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.
