Tacklebags

Hi all,
 
I'm a member of GGAF (Golden Grove Amateur Fishing) and last night we had our annual "tackle night". We had some guest speakers from RecfishSA and Spot On Salisbury. Thought I'd share some info I found useful/enlightening.
 
Before I start, I'm just sharing this for informational purposes. I'm not affiliated with RecfishSA in any way. I know opinion is divided on what kind of a job RecfishSA do, but can we please leave that for another topic - I'm not looking to start a debate or any controversy. As I said, this is just some useful info and I'd share it no matter the source.
 
First off we had Danny Simpson (executive officer of RecfishSA) show us the new RecfishSA website and focus a bit on their "Fishing Locations Map". So this is a relatively new tool to their website and has many overlays you can apply to a map of SA, such as jetty locations, boat ramp, some commonly known GPS marks, freshwater fishing locales etc. Some of this is of limited value to be honest. For example most of the jetties and boat ramps just have coordinates then a link to DPTI for any detailed information. What I thought was the most useful bit of info from this map was the River Murray Public Access Sites layer. Click this on and you can see all Unallocated Crown Land, National Parks, Public access areas and Reserves along the Murray. Really useful if you want to head to the Murray and do some off the grid camping and fishing. I think this is one of those tools that will have great value to some and limited to others - but either way its worth checking out https://recfishsa.org.au/fishing-maps.
 
Danny also touched on the state of opening up more reservoirs for recreational fishing. Talks are still continuing with results expected - the impression I got was that progress, albeit slow progress, is being made and the success of the warren has been a good foothold. On the Warren, all species have been caught except for Cod at this stage. Hopefully they're still around fattening up. Also mentioned results of the size limit/watercraft for reservoir survey that was held recently. Nothings set in stone, but I got the impression that the proposal is likely to be similar size limits to the Murray, length limits might be slightly different. Cod will remain protected for at least 5 years and once they get big and fat that decision might be revisited. Silver Perch will be OK for taking as they are stocked and not protected in that environment. No boat limits for kayaks/canoes as these typically only have a 1-2 person capacity anyway. He mentioned they're hoping to have Kayaks and the like on the Warren this coming Summer - make of that what you will but I wont hold my breath that things will move quite so fast!
 
Next we had Dr. Travis Howson. Travis holds a relatively new position at RecfishSA, that of Habitat Officer. He gave a short presentation focusing on how the Onk has changed over the years and steps that RecfishSA, in conjunction with local recreational fishers and OzFish Unlimited. OzFish Unlimited is kind of based off of a US organisation called  Trout Unlimited. Its basic aim is to get recreational fishers to think about, care for and contribute to the upkeep and restoration of fishing habitats. For those interested, this is the presentation Travis gave - if nothing else, its cool to see how the Onk used to look. https://ozfish.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/Fishers-Tackling-Fish-Habitat-Issues-in-the-Onkaparinga.pdf
 
After RecfishSA finished up we had our annual speakers from SpotOn Salisbury Steve and Lyn Castle. Steve and Lyn taught us some knots and rigs useful for all sorts of fishing. it was surprising to me that what I would've thought were basic, essential knots were not common knowledge to most of the club. Huge thanks to Steve and Lyn for once again coming along and sharing their extensive knowledge.
 
Was a great night, and I think on of the highlights on the clubs calendar.
 
Cheers,
RedReeler
 

Thanks for the update fishos. I was over in Victoria January this year and it was great to see the target 1 million campaign on tv and billboards etc.
 
Good if they are looking to stock saltwater species in SA like they do interstate. I gave up trying last year. Recs in SA have pushed for saltwater stocking and artificial reef habitat enhancement for years.

Thanks for the update fishos. I was over in Victoria January this year and it was great to see the target 1 million campaign on tv and billboards etc.
 
Good if they are looking to stock saltwater species in SA like they do interstate. I gave up trying last year. Recs in SA have pushed for saltwater stocking and artificial reef habitat enhancement for years.

Well....Just got back from FIJI, what an awesome fishing holiday! Oh I mean honeymoon We were staying on the denarau island resorts, which is nice and very social but not your typical white sand blue water area, but a nice place to stay and on previous trips, also a good place to fish in between pool trips and general touring.Last time I was there I got busted up hard by rampaging GTs so I went prepared with 10kg worth of fishing tackle, and took a 7# and a 9# fly rod and also my 10-20kg xrap rapala popper rod teamed with a diawa heartland 4000 with 50lb braid on it, heavy enough to handle any gt...... Yeah right! Under gunned again.The first few days saw me fishing locally in the early morning and late arvo/ evening. The days were balmy 30deg+ and the late arvo it rained most days, but it was nice rain and very welcome to wash off the sweat from hard fishing lol. The very first arvo I was flicking some fly’s around with not much luck so did the dirty and picked up the lure rod, 3rd cast of a metal and BANG ZZZZZZZ and more ZZZZZZZ and slack. Lost a monster gt. But that’s ok, 80 cast later I hooked another which turned out to be a smaller model of about 3kg, but as it was bleeding a bit and I didn’t want to dirty my lovely clean boardies I released in the water. Had a few more follows and missed takes and then tried another spot with allot of current. Tried everything in the box and also tried the fly again and managed to christen the new GT painted Abel reel with a minniGT. Just as the light was fading I was day dreaming and retrieving a lure and BOOOF right at my feet a nice 3kg GT took the lure, scared the S@&t out of me lol.Over the next few days I caught another few fish on fly and had a few misses and follows by gts. Got plenty of mangrove jacks too, man they fight dirty! They were a dime a dozen.... I got 6 of them lol.then one night I was casting away doing my daily work out and a local boat came past and we did the customary “BULA” and a wave and right then got monstered by a cuda which put on a very Ariel display for the locals. After trying to get a nice self photo which didn’t work too well another small local boat came past, I waved them over and they were kind enough to take a few pics for me. And were even more ecstatic to be given a cuda for dinner.I tried to organise a charter to go trolling but a 590FJD for just me, I wasn’t too keen. So I put my name down for a share charter which didn’t eventuate.In my frustration I was chatting to a very nice local guy who was the gardener at the resort who then arranged a local guy to take me out for the evening in a 6m glass dinghy with a 40hp yamma on the back. It was fishing FIJI styles and only cost me 100$ FJD for 2-3 hours. There were GTs busting up everywhere that night and also tuna too, missed a few GTs and managed to hook and then pull hooks on a small tuna est. 4-5kg. So fishless for that night,I had arranged to go out with them again the next morning but after having an extremely good night at the bar I decided the porcelain lady in the bathroom was a much better option for the morning.The next morning I arranged to go back out again on the boat for 3-4 hours found some nice reef systems with steep edges and bait balls everywhere, and I was in for an exciting but tackle hungry few hours!Crystal clear waters I could see Spaniards chancing my poppers and meter plus long toms fly from nowhere and smash the lures. I had XOX GTs bust me up and also follow lures right to the boat.I lost all my poppers and managed to lose 5-6 gt’s two of which made my rod feel like a twig before popping my leader-braid knot. I dropped dozens and dozens of big long toms that managed to free the trebles. I had 2 Spaniards on that bit through. I had an 8kg plus coral trout straighten my hooks and bend out the clips I was using, which I stopped using after that. It was insane!I managed to boat 2 good long toms, 3 reasonable Gts; one might have been a gold spot trev.And when I told the guy that the fish were all his, he said I had to come and have lunch on their family’s private island. We had a fire cooked GT with lemons and mango and some spices and a good 3 hours of chatting with the villagers and enjoying a traditional Fijian lunch and swimming the crystal beaches. It was the best finale. Will go back for sure.Oh if anyone is going back and wants some pointers contacts ect. Send me a PM.Enjoy the pics.John.

A wise man, member of this forum and a Chair of the DRFC once said "we all want the same goals we just have different ways of achieving those goals".
 
I often don't agree with the points or manner by which representative groups go about things but they have their reasons. No different to the way we as individuals do.
 
One thing I do know is these new groups exist because of past failures in the system before they existed.
 
In todays world, needed reforms are rarely acheived completely amicably without public advocacy but the result "goal" is ultimately more important than the method.

A wise man, member of this forum and a Chair of the DRFC once said "we all want the same goals we just have different ways of achieving those goals".
 
I often don't agree with the points or manner by which representative groups go about things but they have their reasons. No different to the way we as individuals do.
 
One thing I do know is these new groups exist because of past failures in the system before they existed.
 
In todays world, needed reforms are rarely acheived completely amicably without public advocacy but the result "goal" is ultimately more important than the method.

A wise man, member of this forum and a Chair of the DRFC once said "we all want the same goals we just have different ways of achieving those goals".
 
I often don't agree with the points or manner by which representative groups go about things but they have their reasons. No different to the way we as individuals do.
 
One thing I do know is these new groups exist because of past failures in the system before they existed.
 
In todays world, needed reforms are rarely acheived completely amicably without public advocacy but the result "goal" is ultimately more important than the method.

Thanks RJ for the response. Just a trivial misunderstanding I agree. I had a bit of a chuckle to myself (not being derogatory).
 
As for getting together. I think it needs to happen at a representative level between the existing groups.
 
I now have three kids, work and I am in the midst of starting up a new soccer club/working at a soccer academy etc wearing several hats.
 
Sorry to let you down but I can't go back to it all and I no longer bother to go fishing anyway. I would have to file for divorce first if I did want to lol...

With all due respect bratko, even under a ring fence trust fund account, monies are spent based on committee decisions which are overseen/signed off by the Minister of the day.
 
Such monies can be used for better survey and catch data, tangible enhancement of fishing infrastructure, direct fish stock enhancement and better policing etc which may assist in advocacy but it's not for dictating to government.
 
Tackles

Great video.
 
Union officials and OHS reps would have a fit now watching what went on at constructions sites in those days.
 
Love the flares and shirts too.  Funny how rolled curbs were such an innovation back in those days....

The direction for a rec fish council has been given RJ. Funding to facilitate needs via the 3rd round of grants etc. Thats the advice.
 
I read the trade ministers releases. Maximising recreational fishing isnt on his or the govs radar its all about maximising, maintaining interstate and overseas exports.
 
You say there's rec fishers who are capable and shouldn't be underestimated. Summons them together and go and do it just accept that those your up against are a part of a global industry with endless funds and influence over state policy.

Most of the 1500 submissions were against the proposed changes. Recfishsa's survey showed over half were opposed to the whiting reduction.  
The proposed spatial closures around yorke peninsula were small. The one implemented afterwards is huge. There was broad cross sectional issues raised including commercial wildcatch, aquaculture and marine scalefish restocking via the submissions, the recfishsa survey and at the meetings but how many of those issues have or are being addressed by Pirsa?
 
So one can look at the numbers who participated as a blight on rec fishers themselves or one can see view it from the perspective that most knew the outcome and no longer bother.
 
The large participation decrease in the 2013/14 rec survey and feedback to a FRDC report from 2011 on rec fishers views of management performance highlights less and less think its a worthwhile use of their time.
 
Like me they probably have moved on to other recreations in life?

Hi Panga. Sorry but I wasn't at any protest in Adelaide. I have often attended public consultation sessions but never protests.
 
I have always believed in following consultation processes to achieve desired outcomes. If the outcomes from those processes fail the public then that's the governments problem to deal with/be held accountable for not mine.
 
I dont see my position on fisheries as anti commercial or anti government. I just have different views on how to manage the resource sustainably. Quite simply we can't continue to use the gulfs scalefish stocks to supply the world or even interstate markets under current management mechanisms and maintain a sustainable local community fishery as well.
 
I have discussed fisheries management issues over the years with scientists and industry consultants around the country. One common response I get is "you raise issues which deserve far more attention than they get in Australia".
 
Fish stocks imho are relatively easy to manage Panga, its the politics which makes sustainability untenable.
 
I am well aware of the current costs you mention and see the future only too well. That's why I no longer go fishing and spend my days coaching/playing soccer and tennis.

Gains against degradation are small because there's not enough cash or people available to address the scope of the damage at least in the short term. Much of this countries waters are still not influenced heavily by pollution sources outside of plastic pollution however.
 
As for fisheries in SA, well I have conceeded to the fact the global seafood distribution sector (not the pro catchers themselves) have the influence over management RFL or no RFL. Large variations in commercial catch still occur during favourable environmental conditions due to the continued use of efficient methods without TACC's or by lowering public catch limits to make TACC's sustainable again. When conditions change, fisheries haven't left enough behind and public fishing gets hit.
 
Distribution of wealth from our marine resources is shared far more equitably within our states populace with a large recreational sector and small commercial sector just to supply local needs imho. An export culture channels profits into the hands of a few corporate seafood distributors especially if they dont invest it back into the state.
 
I dont adhere to the concept of continually slashing SA public limits while we still export tonnes either interstate and/or overseas depending on the fishery.
 
Exports needs should be managed after we have maximised our community industry not the other way around.
 
Tackles

With all due respect bratko, even under a ring fence trust fund account, monies are spent based on committee decisions which are overseen/signed off by the Minister of the day.
 
Such monies can be used for better survey and catch data, tangible enhancement of fishing infrastructure, direct fish stock enhancement and better policing etc which may assist in advocacy but it's not for dictating to government.
 
Tackles

Good luck in any case RJ with your plans. My intentions here were only to be informative as I don't even go fishing anymore and have moved on to other recreations. I have no intention of being formerly involved but still try my best to assist others with what I have researched over the years so solutions to problems are prepared for.
 
Cheers
 
Tackles

What you are referring to Panga in saying "we own the waters" is our social licence to fish as opposed to a legislated license to fish. However, as I already highlighted, NSW gov doesn't recognise their rec license as having the intrinsic rights in law other licence forms are afforded. This would need to be clarified for any SA model.
 
Hence its all up to the will of the government. Linked below is an example of the will of the WA government funding snapper releases on top of previous public funding. This has been mooted for SA marine scalefish but Pirsa and SARDI dont seem interested?
 
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-02-18/liberals-make-pitch-to-recreational-fishing-community/8282998
 
Back to the "social licence" position, I look at the "70% increase in seafood demand by 2030" and "20 plus billion export target" statements on the state gov SAplan website, with an understanding of how that may threaten the viability of any social licence in the future.
 
The biggest question we as individuals and as a collective need to contemplate is....would an RFL maintain our social licence or will it still disappear under the weight of interstate and global export demand?

A census style program needs to be run so you can provide "in principle" majority support for a rfl prior to the election. The only access fishos have to the funding required to facilitate this is via the current grants process.
 
The $5,000,000 RJ touted divided by the estimated 277,000 fishers =$18.00 pp. Minus say half of the population under 18 or retired then you would need $36.00 pp to reach that revenue.
 
Big hurdles to work out:
 
1.gov costs to facilitate against revenue?
 
2. Do we assist peak bodies financially?
 
My opinion, support no peak body financially or support all three existing incorporated groups equally at a capped rate % of the revenue.

Must be a bottom up democratic process. Any proposal needs to be put out to the fishing public for vote because both major state parties have expressed they want evidence of majority support. Neither will risk election chances by mooting a RFL themselves based on the minority of avid fishos interested in fisheries management.

Gov administration and compliance costs, if applicable committee costs for facilitation of meetings, hours worked by members all need to be deducted, payments to third parties etc. We also have an aging population with an average age higher than most other states which needs considering. If a large demographic fall into the retired/youth sectors then that impacts bottom line against costs.

There is much to consider. Reading interstate in NSW I am of the understanding their rec licence isn't considered a true licence such as a drivers licence or commercial fishing licence and doesn't hold the same intrinsic rights in law.
 
I for one am not going to be critical of rec fishers reactions to an rfl or management issues over the last year or more.
 
We all know raw advocacy is rarely 100% accurate or diplomatic but can one then also complain about apathy? Imho take the pertinent points and move on with your learning.

I was a long term supporter of a RFL.
 
I think for SA its a good thing for freshwater and I recognise the improvements to access and stocking being made there.
 
For the salt recs need greater recognition in management arrangements to win my support. This imho comes by the will of the government not by licence revenue or any other revenue.
 
Cheers
 
Tackles

The answer can be found here in this historic video about the construction of west lakes. Takes one back in time this video! 
 

Too many Nok.
 
And I think we're never going to progress by concentrating on the past. All that does is continue with the sense of injustice that everyone (on all sides) is currently feeling. Hard to imagine I guess, but there are many SA rec fishers who feel that they've been wronged, and they aren't all in one camp - or two camps.
 
What's done is done, and can't be completely undone, but I really believe that it's the future that we should all be concentrating on, and learning from what has gone before.
 
I'm a bit curious to see how many others out in the world feel the same way, because if there isn't sufficient will, I think we're going to keep on like this until someone steps in and makes our decisions for us - and I think it's very likely that won't be a good day for rec fishing.
 
You could say that PIRSA and DEWNR are doing that already, and with a very mixed bag of results for both the fishery and rec fishers. It's my belief that won't change unless the rec fishers of SA combine our strengths and make it change.
 
Just my view....
 
Cheers,
R.

The direction for a rec fish council has been given RJ. Funding to facilitate needs via the 3rd round of grants etc. Thats the advice.
 
I read the trade ministers releases. Maximising recreational fishing isnt on his or the govs radar its all about maximising, maintaining interstate and overseas exports.
 
You say there's rec fishers who are capable and shouldn't be underestimated. Summons them together and go and do it just accept that those your up against are a part of a global industry with endless funds and influence over state policy.