Fishing News

Inland Murray Cod and Murray Cray season closed, on the coast the bass and estuary perch season opens.

The Department of Primary Industries (DPI) is reminding fishers that the Murray cod and Murray crayfish fishing season closed on, 1 September.

DPI Inland Fisheries Manager, Cameron Westaway, said that fishing for Murray cod is closed every year from September 1 to November 30 to protect the species during the breeding season.

"Murray cod, which grow up to 1.8 metres and over 100 kilograms, are native to the Murray Darling River system and are a prized catch for freshwater anglers," Mr Westaway said.

"The three month fishing closure aims to protect this valued species during their breeding season so that there will be plenty of Murray cod for fishers in the future."

"The annual Murray crayfish closure coincides with the dormant season of this iconic native species," Mr Tritton said.

"Murray crayfish are extremely slow growing so it is important that we limit the season to four months a year to protect them from over-fishing.
"Our fishing laws are in place to protect, conserve and improve the State’s fisheries resources for future generations.

"Fisheries officers will be patrolling our inland waters to ensure that fishers are adhering to both the Murray crayfish and Murray cod closures and that other fishing rules are being followed."

Meanwhile fishers can get back to targeting some of Australia’s great native sports fish from this weekend, with the annual three month closed season for Australian bass and estuary perch having ending on September 1. Department of Primary Industries (DPI) Senior Recreational Fisheries Manager, Cameron Westaway said an annual zero bag limit for the species is in place in all rivers and estuaries from June 1 to August 31 to protect the vulnerable species during spawning.

“Both Australian bass and estuary perch form schools and migrate to parts of estuaries with the correct salinity over late autumn and early winter to trigger spawning," he said.

“When they are in these large groups they can be vulnerable to fishing, so a three month zero bag limit for these fish applies.

“The spawning period for these species has now finished with many returning to their spring and summer feeding grounds higher up in the catchment.

“From September 1, fishers are once again permitted to take these native species, however bag limits will apply.

“These include a total bag limit of two Australian bass or estuary perch per person or a combination of both with a possession limit of four.

“And only one of the fish is permitted to be over 35 cm in length when fishing in rivers.”

DPI Director Fisheries Compliance, Glenn Tritton, said these fishing laws are designed to protect, conserve and improve our fisheries resources for future generations.

“Before dropping a line, fishers should check they have a current NSW recreational fishing licence, available online at www.licence.nsw.gov.au or by calling 1300 369 365,” Mr Tritton said.

“A $75 on the spot fine applies for anyone found not to have their recreational fishing licence in their immediate possession at all times.

“Anyone who is unsure of the rules and regulations should contact their local DPI Fisheries office before they go fishing, as heavy penalties for illegal fishing are in place.”

A summary of the salt and freshwater fishing rules can be found at DPI offices, fishing licence agents, tackle shops, or online at www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/fisheries/recreational/publications/guides/guide

See you on the water
Rob Paxevanos