October 30, 2012
Recreational anglers have been reminded to brush up on their fishing gear rules after a fisher charged by Kingaroy patrol officers was fined $2000.
The angler appeared in Oakey Magistrates Court recently charged with using almost three times the legal number of set lines.
Queensland Boating and Fisheries Patrol field officer Aaron McAdam said anyone fishing in freshwater was urged to check what gear was allowed before heading out.
“This prosecution should act as a serious reminder to fishers to understand and follow apparatus rules in freshwater,” Mr McAdam said.
“Kingaroy patrol officers intercepted the fisher during an inspection of a campsite along the banks of the Oakey Creek.
“The fisher was caught using 17 set lines, which exceeds the legal limit of six per person.”
Mr McAdam said the restrictions on set lines were important to protect freshwater fish stocks from overfishing and ensure the sustainability of Queensland´s waterways.
“QBFP officers regularly patrol remote and less frequented areas to ensure fishers are complying with the rules,” he said.
“A person must not set a fishing line as a cross-line or use more than six fishing lines or set lines alone or in combination.
“Anyone using a set line for freshwater fishing must be no more than 200m from the line and have a tag on the set line showing the owner´s surname and address.
“It is also recommended that set lines be checked regularly and not left unattended, to allow any undersized or non-targeted fish species to be released safely.
“Breaching these laws is a serious offence and can attract a maximum fine of $110,000.
“We encourage people to report unlawful or suspicious fishing activities by calling the Fishwatch Hotline on 1800-017-116.”
For more information on Queensland´s recreational fishing rules visit the Fisheries Queensland website or phone 13-25-23.
