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These days, you need to get off the beaten track to find pristine coastline. It’s worth the effort.
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One of the quickest ways to lose the non-fishing public’s support for what we do is to trash the places where we fish: intentionally or otherwise.
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A little further down in this month’s newsletter, we’ve run a thought-provoking email from keen angler and newly-certified SCUBA diver, Pete Cusack. In it, Pete explains the internal conflict and angst he experienced on entering the water for a dive at a popular rock fishing spot near Wollongong, only to be confronted by metre after tangled metre of snarled, discarded fishing line, along with hundreds of snagged hooks, lost sinkers, corroded swivels and all the other undesirable detritus of the angling process. This experience clearly had a profound impact on Pete, and it has made him question some of our accepted practices.
I share Pete Cusack’s concerns about the adverse environmental impacts of intensive recreational fishing pressure. These impacts can range from purely aesthetic to seriously threatening: for both wildlife and other humans. Getting caught up in tangles of discarded line — especially near-unbreakable modern braid — is a very scary prospect for swimmers, surfers, divers and even our fellow fishers.
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This is how the intertidal zone should look: No discarded line, snagged rigs or empty bait packets to be seen.
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Almost as worrying as these direct impacts is the way our unappealing calling cards attract the justified disapproval of a non-fishing public. I regularly talk about the importance of “social licence” or community support for our pastime. One of the quickest way to lose that support is to trash the places where we fish: intentionally or otherwise.
Those who deliberately discard rubbish in public places or in and around our waterways deserve no sympathy. In the fitting parlance of a recent advertising campaign, they are “tossers”. I’d like to think that no one reading this newsletter fits that description. Nonetheless, there’s also a lot of truth in the axiom that an evil we walk past is an evil we condone. We should not only take the time to pick up other people’s trash, we should also make an effort to politely educate those we see doing the wrong thing.
Where it all becomes a little more complicated is in the area of unintentional tackle losses: snagged rigs, broken lines, bitten-off soft plastics and the like. No matter how noble our intentions, all of us will generate at least some of these sources of litter in the process of pursuing our passion. It’s down to each of us to minimise those tackle losses.
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There are few better places to be as the sun clears the horizon than on a wave-kissed rock ledge, rod in hand.
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The rock fishing spot that Pete Cusack talked about in his email is readily accessible, close to major urban centres and very popular with fishers, especially the more casual weekend hopefuls, who I sometimes refer to as “danglers” rather than anglers. Despite how it sounds, that’s not intended to be a disparaging label. We were all at that point on the learning curve once. However, a common trait amongst these novice rockhoppers is to fish with gear that’s far too heavy for the job at hand: thick lines, big sinkers and rigs that plummet to the bottom, where they regularly snag up. This is frequently compounded by a “set-and-forget” mentality that sees the butts of heavy outfits dropped into rod holders or a handy crevice to fend for themselves until the rod tip registers a nibble.
Contrast this approach with a skilled rock fisher flicking lightly-weighted baits into a sparse but continuous berley trail, float fishing, or casting and retrieving a lure that matches the local baitfish. Not surprisingly, these savvy anglers tend to catch more and better fish than the heavy-handed “heave-it-and-leave-it” brigade. They also generate a lot less fishing-related litter. (See my YouTube clip here detailing a lightweight, mobile and highly effective approach to rock fishing.)
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Fish light, stay mobile and use a little berley to spice things up… Rock fishing done right!
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Much of this is about education, and perhaps some signage (ideally in multiple languages) located at hard-fished spots might help. So might taking a few minutes to point a new chum in the right direction, or at least offer a few polite words of advice in passing.
None of that will stop us losing a little bit of gear from time to time, but if we’re all aware of the issue and constantly doing our bit to reduce it — as well as picking up any scraps we see — the situation will definitely improve. Clean-up days like those Pete Cusack suggests might also offer a wonderful opportunity for the fishing and diving communities (two groups that don’t always see eye-to-eye) to join forces in a common cause and perhaps learn a little more about each other in the process. I’d put my hand up for that, how about you? In fact, why not to try to organise something in your local patch in time for this year’s “Clean Up Australia Day” on Sunday, 7 March? You can find out how to register here.
Tight Lines.
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----- > SCROLL DOWN! There’s much more below.
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Catch My Drift?
Thoughts, reflections, insights and epiphanies that occurred to Jo this month...
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Harvest Strategies
— Cornucopia or Con?
My personal opinion is that this is a very good thing,
but I accept that it’s a double-edged sword.
Wield it unwisely, and it will hurt us…
but wield it we must, as it’s already in our hands.
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Changes to fisheries resource management — of any kind — are reliably divisive.
It’s therefore unsurprising that the latest buzz-phrase doing the rounds is carving lines in the sand and forming opposing mobs. ‘Harvest Strategies’ are not new concepts, but they’re only just starting to poke their metaphoric heads up over their formed trenches and venture into Australian fishing vernacular… and yes, folks from all sides are taking pot-shots.
The fact is, the Harvest Strategy model is deemed world’s best practice in fisheries management and is implemented in a number of first-world nations as their basis for fisheries resource management — countries like the United States, New Zealand, Canada, to name a few. Make no mistake, Australia is shaping up to follow suit. We’ve had a National Guideline in place for their development since 2014 (click here to download an easy-to-read and understand Summary).
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Don’t stand between me and my fish... that’s not a good strategy!
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What IS A Harvest Strategy?
Essentially, a Harvest Strategy is a management framework that specifies pre-determined actions that should be taken when stock data is received for specific fisheries. Depending on the stock status, the Strategy will mandate actions necessary to achieve the agreed ecological, economic and social management objectives, which are all identified within the same document. Therefore, if the Harvest Strategy objectives include social, ecological AND economic objectives, recreational fishing will be supported in that plan.
Swallowing Swords
Some states have progressed far enough to have Harvest Strategies in place for certain species already, and through that process, something unique has started happening here in Australia… recreational fishers and our pastime have started being recognised as a significant player in the management of our resource, and we’re being asked to participate in the development of the Strategies... well, in NSW, at least.
My personal opinion is that this is a very good thing, but I accept that it’s a double-edged sword. Recognition of our status as a significant stakeholder in our fishing resource demonstrates acceptance of our influence and economic importance (the edge of the sword that faces out at those who challenge us), but also acknowledges our impact on that shared resource (the other equally sharp edge that faces us… the one we don’t like to think about). Wield this sword unwisely, and it will hurt us… but wield it we must, as it’s already in our hands.
Who’s Got A Strategy?
Most Australian states already have draft strategies in place for some of their commercial species, and some have Strategies that have passed through the rigor that’s required to become working management tools.
Victoria, Western Australia and Queensland came up in my searches as states that have active Strategies in place already, although only in some fisheries. I’m sure you can already imagine the to-ing and fro-ing that’s required to develop, test and implement one of these babies, so it stands to reason that you’ll find loads of drafts out there!
One thing that needs to be understood here is that there is no “one size fit all” solution. Each “fishery”, be it by species or license class, needs its own strategy. And, given the unique make-up of each, those strategies need to be equally unique and innovative to effectively serve the needs of the stock. So, there are going to be oodles of Harvest Strategies in this vast country!
Queensland’s standing Harvest Strategy for their Reef Line Fishery is one of particular interest to us. It’s a bit of a groundbreaker, as it actively considers the recreational sector’s interests and participation in the fishery. Fair enough, too! It’s the fishery that includes a selection of very desirable recreational species, such as coral trout!
If you take a look at the excerpt below, you’ll see that there are decision rules around stock assessments, informed by recreational catch data. In this case, the rules specify that any change in our catch rate that is less than 5% above our allocated take will not initiate a management action, whereas an increase greater than that would. The Strategy also identifies what the actions can be, limiting any reduction in possession limits to a maximum drop of two fish per bag.
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Similarly, where stock data shows a strong growth in relevant stock stats, increases in our possession limits are limited to two fish increments as well. This incremental change mandate features in virtually all Harvest Strategies I’ve looked at and is designed to ensure certainty for stakeholders. It calms my spirit, somewhat, I must say!
My Steep Learning Curve
So, why am I so interested in wading through the tedium of commercial sector Harvest Strategies? I have a very good reason. As I member of the Recreational Fishing NSW Advisory Council, I get asked to volunteer for a number of intriguing gigs… last year, I was asked to step up and sit in on the first Harvest Strategy Development Subgroup for NSW, which is for… wait for it… stout and trawl whiting.
“What have they to do with us?”, I hear you ask. Not much, except (as I keep pointing out to my colleagues around the table) that the fish we value feed on them, so we want lots left in the water!
My involvement may not directly impact our prized species, but the further I go in the process of developing the state’s first fin fish harvest strategy, the more I realise how vital it is for us to be actively, diligently and keenly involved in every strategy that’s coming up… and my current learning curve will help inform us all for future, more relevant species.
In the four meetings we’ve had, I’ve realised how different the fishing dialects are between rec’s and commercials. There is so much jargon, it’s bewildering. It can be very easy to become overwhelmed and drop out of discussions, but we cannot afford to do this, as decisions are made in those talks… and with patience, I’ve learned some really interesting stuff!
For example, in this acronym-rich language soup that I’m learning to swallow, the terms MSY and MEY come up constantly as objectives for a fishery. MSY is Maximum Sustainable Yield, whilst MEY is Maximum Economic Yield. DON’T GLAZE OVER… this is actually interesting stuff! BECAUSE like me, you probably instinctively want to push for MSY over MEY, if you have to choose, right?!
Whilst it sounds good, Maximum Sustainable Yield often means taking MORE from the water than Maximum Economic Yield! YIKES! There’s a trap for the unwary! MSY means taking everything you can from the water without crashing the stocks to a point that they cannot self-sustain. MEY means balancing the cost to catch your fish with the amount you can fetch at market to achieve maximum profit: flood the market, your per kilo rate dives; don’t catch enough, you go broke. It’s a fine balancing act.
So, it makes sense for the rec sector to urge for MEY, because it leaves more fish in the water. I never, EVER thought I’d be choosing to substitute the word sustainable for economic in any situation. EVER. But here we are.
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When I go fishing, I chase PBs, adrenalin, sometimes solitude and occasionally a feed... rarely all at once.
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To Value A Fish
Here’s another thought-prod that’s come out of my involvement so far: how the hell are we to join this discussion in any meaningful way, when we find the whole concept of valuing our fish stocks in dollar terms offensive? Why is there not a Maximum Fun Yield or a Maximum Great-Day Yield?
Our differing values make it very difficult to comprehend how we can collaborate with the commercial sector to develop mutually beneficial harvest strategies. So, we need to think outside the box.
I’ve been inspired by conversations I’ve had with some science bods who want to identify how recreational fishers value different species. That is, do we value mulloway (for example) most for the quest for a trophy specimen, the opportunity to take home a feed, the challenge, or something else? What about bream? Does their value lie elsewhere? It’s likely that each species will hold a different value, in general, to the recreational fishing fraternity.
We need to identify what those values are and, from there, identify how we can protect and promote those values in the mix that makes up the harvest strategies. When we consider that our values are going to (mostly) come down to size of individual fish and/or our potential to catch them, we start to see some management measures that relate to us: biomass (number/weight of said species in the water) and spawning biomass (number/weight of spawning size [larger] fish in the water).
It doesn’t take Einstein to see that this is basically the recipe for our traditional rivalry with the commercial sector. They want the fish out, we want the fish in. But we haven’t just walked around in a circle. We’ve taken a spiral up towards working together.
If MSY doesn’t necessarily means best profit, then there’s wiggle room in there to highlight the fact that leaving fish in the water for longer can benefit all of us.
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Did you know that a female mulloway doesn't spawn until she's around 68cm long? Thankfully, this one has had the chance to spawn several times — and will again, as it was successfully released.
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So, Should We Sit At This Table?
Harvest Strategies are the future of fishing resource management, like it or not. For my part, I’m relieved that the powers that be in NSW are asking us to get involved. It provides us with the best chance we have to protect our fishery and our right to fish.
This process is going to take a number of years, I expect. Each state will progress at their own pace and identify their own priorities. I hope that all states choose to include us in the process! In the meantime, you can expect that I’ll write more about it, as my learning progresses. Of course, I’ll do my best answer questions, if you have them. Go easy though… like you, I’m new to this.
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Until next month, FISH ON!
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----- > SCROLL DOWN! There’s much more below ;)
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Tips like this can be found throughout the public area of Fishotopia.com
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 NSW DPI “THE FISHING STREAM”: KINGFISH
The next live stream focusses on kingfish & how to catch them.
Watch Starlo and a panel of experts live & ask questions.
Streams at 8PM, Wednesday, 10 February
Watch it live via the NSW DPI Fisheries page on Facebook
 CLEAN UP AUSTRALIA DAY
Australia-wide, Sunday, 7 March
Register now!
 PIRTEK FISHING CHALLENGE
This year across two days, Australia-wide!
Saturday & Sunday, 17 & 18 April
Sign-up now!
 WORLD SOOTY CHAMPIONSHIPS
Join Starlo at Eungella Dam near Mackay!
Saturday & Sunday, 1 & 2 May
Register your interest in attending
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Now Available FREE To Inner Circle Members!
“A Fisherman’s Life With Starlo” is Steve’s latest TV show, following his (and Jo’s) personal journeys of angling discovery across the country, but focussing very much on readily accessible locations and species, with lots of down-to-earth advice on catching them.
This wonderful series was formerly only available via the Fishflicks on-line subscription streaming service. However, thanks to the generosity of Fishflick’s owners, all current and future episodes of “A Fisherman’s Life” will soon be available free, around the clock, to paid-up members of Fishotopia’s Inner Circle! This is a very special deal, and a first for both Fishflicks and Fishotopia.
So, now you have two choices if you want to watch Starlo’s latest small-screen efforts: subscribe to our Inner Circle, or subscribe to Fishflicks! Personally, we’d suggest you do both, as there’s a so much more on offer from these two great platforms, but that’s up to you!
Inner Circle members can go straight to the first episode of “A Fisherman’s Life” by clicking the logo above. If you’re not already a member, join here, or sign up to Fishflicks here.
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AMAZING BONUS MEMBERSHIP OFFER!
Have a gander at our very attractive Inner Circle membership offer... you can join us in the Inner Circle for a year for $55 (or sign someone else up as a gift) and either you or they will receive a pack of goodies valued at $52!
The gift pack contains a personally signed copy of Starlo’s “Blokes & Tackle” angler profiles book valued at $25 PLUS a beautiful hand-crafted timber lure from RTBroughton Lures valued at $27. So, you’re effectively getting a full year’s membership for just $3, which is absolutely crazy! (By the way, if you’re still wondering what membership of the Inner Circle actually offers, click this link to watch a short explainer video.)
To take advantage of this limited-time gift offer, just click the button below.
*Please note this offer only applies to NEW memberships and the colour of the lure may vary from the one shown.
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LURE WINNER
This month’s hand-crafted RTBroughton Lures timber Shimmey minnow goes to Pete Cusack, whose email also prompted Steve to pen this month’s opening editorial. Here’s a slightly shortened and edited version of Pete’s thought-provoking correspondence:
“Hi Starlo & Jo
I wanted to share something with you, as avid promotors of ethical fishing and good fishing practices. I've fished most of my life and like to think I've done it in a sustainable and non-polluting way.
I did my open water SCUBA certification recently, and it's really woken me up to the impacts of (bad) fishing. While diving ‘The Gutters’ at Bass Point [south of Wollongong, in NSW] I found so much fishing line tangled around the dive entry point. It was disgraceful. I'm sure that none of the rock fishos would be aware of exactly how much equipment is collecting down there. I spent around 15 minutes removing line, sinkers, etc … But it was just a fraction of what's actually there.
So, here I was defending fishos before we jumped in and then I was presented with this mess… which was pretty indefensible. Now I feel conflicted. The mess that [some] fishos are leaving is clearly wrong. That's not me and it was never me as a fisherman, but clearly, it is many fishermen. There seem to be so many novices in the area who lack the basic knowledge of fish habitat and are just trashing the joint.
I'll still fish: sustainably and in a non-polluting way. I'll still remove as much fishing debris as possible while diving. I'll lead by example for those around me.
So, why I am telling you? Well, I was hoping perhaps you could use your influence in social media to ‘plug’ cleaning up our fishing sites. Seems obvious, but perhaps we need to talk about it more, and reach more people.
Love your work and what you do for the sport!
Cheers,
Pete Cusack
*** Remember, all you need to do to be in the running to pick up one of Ray Broughton’s hand-made wooden lures is send us an email in response to anything in this month’s newsletter. Please direct your email to admin@fishotopia.com.au and note that while we do read all emails received, we don’t always have time to respond to each one individually. ***
So, what are you waiting for?
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The Clubhouse Wall is our Inner Circle Members’ private forum. This section of our monthly newsletter highlights some of the topics discussed in our virtual “Clubhouse” over the past month. The above collection of pics has been collated from some of our favourite posts of late.
Topics of interest have included:
• Pondering the strike approach of EPs
• Where cicadas are still chirping, and where they are not
• The EAC and its freak proximity to our coastline
• Insider tips on slow pitch jigging
• Tagging fish and the "red tape" that exists
• Bendback flies and how to tie them
• Getting started in the game fishing game
• The excitement of that first bream on a lure
• Mulloway in the surf
... and much more.
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“PHONE A FRIEND” MEMBERS’ OFFER
Courtesy of Romen and Roaming Productions, we have 14 copies of his wonderful, 93-minute “Green & Gold On The Road” DVD (valued at $25 each) to give away exclusively to Inner Circle members! This action- and information-packed production covers Googong, Burrendong and Pindari Dams and explores a range of techniques targeting cod and goldens.
To pick up a copy, all an existing Inner Circle member needs to do is to convince a friend or family member to join us on the inside before Christmas by signing up for a full year’s membership (and YES, they can take advantage of the book and lure BONUS Offer already described above!). As soon as they sign on, we’ll send both you and your mate a copy of the DVD! How good is that? But only the first seven sign-ups score this double-barrel giveaway, so pick up the mobile now and “phone a friend”!
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ANNOUNCING OUR NEW MINI-CHANNEL IN THE LIBRARY OF STARLO GETS REEL VIDEOS...
Already boasting a number of short and sharp videos, this new library shelf will continue to grow with bite-sized, handy how-to's, like this one on simply rigs. Members can check it out here .
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Non-members can go to Starlo Gets Reel on Youtube (NB: in future, more advanced tips will only be available to members).
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Have You Checked In On Your Aussie Anglers Almanac Today?
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THREE FOR THE PRICE OF TWO!
Speaking of special offers and Ray Broughton’s great timber lures, Ray has a ripper deal going at the moment allowing you to effectively buy three of his Shimmey timber minnows for the price of two! That’s right… buy a trio of RTBroughton Shimmey timber minnows (1 x 50mm, 1 x 60mm & 1 x 80mm) in your choice of colours (4 colours* to choose from) and you’ll save a cool $21!
You’ll receive a 50mm Shimmey normally valued at $23, a 60mm Shimmey worth $25 and an 80mm Shimmey with a standard price of $27 (a combined value of $75) for just $54, plus $9 for packaging and postage. So, you pay just $63 all-up for a pack of 3 hand-made timber lures that would regularly cost $84, delivered to your door!
How do you take advantage of this amazing offer? Simply go to Ray Broughton’s RTBroughton Lures page on Facebook, “LIKE” the page, recommend the page to at least ONE of your friends, and then quote the code #starlosentme when ordering your three-pack by messaging Ray on the page… It’s as simple as that! Get over to the RTBroughton Lures page NOW and secure your bonus offer. Stocks are limited, so first in, best dressed!
* Please note, because each lure is hand-painted, small variations will naturally occur and your lures may look slightly different to the ones shown here.
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You may have noticed that Mako Oil have been advertising with us here in the newsletter and on Fishotopia.com since day one. We really appreciate their wonderful support… but we appreciate the amazing product they produce even more!
Steve was first introduced to Mako Oil back in his days as a TV presenter for “The Offroad Adventure Show” and he quickly became a “believer”. Mako Oil now plays a vital role in all of our tackle and gear maintenance regimes, as well as many other jobs around home, and we absolutely swear by the stuff. We particularly like the fact that it seems to have no adverse impacts whatsoever on fishing lines, and that its fish-based formula means it doesn’t turn fish off biting, even if sprayed directly onto hooks, sinkers and lures… in fact, it might even attract them!
You can watch Starlo’s video explainer about Mako Oil and its many uses by clicking the play button above, or cut to the chase and view a shorter, how-to clip describing our regular after-trip tackle maintenance routine here.
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WOULD YOU LIKE TO ADVERTISE IN THIS NEWSLETTER?
Our readers are enthusiastic, thinking anglers from all over the country.
If you have a product or service that benefits them, let’s tell them about it! Advertising spaces are limited.
CLICK FOR MEDIA KIT & MORE INFORMATION |
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Until we see you in Fishotopia...
Tight Lines!
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