Anglers warned to obey flathead limits

 Anglers are being warned to obey catch and size limits for dusky flathead.

Gippsland Fisheries Officers have warned anglers to obey catch limits for dusky flathead after two cases of allegedly exceeding the allowable catch were detected at Bemm River in two days last week.

Two men, one from Rosedale and the other from Inglewood, west of Bendigo, were inspected at the Sydenham Inlet boat ramp at Bemm River last Friday.

The men, aged 42 and 65, were allegedly found in possession of a total of 31 dusky flathead.

The daily catch limit for dusky flathead is five per day.

The men's fish and fishing equipment were seized and a retention notice was placed on the their 3.6 metre vessel, meaning they cannot use, sell or trade it until the matter is heard in court.

The day before, three Sale men were apprehended at the same place, allegedly in possession of a total of 57 dusky flathead.

Anglers are also reminded that the size limit for dusky flathead has recently changed to a minimum of 30cm and a maximum of 55cm.

Acting Senior Fisheries Officer Rick Morton said size and catch limits for dusky flathead were in place to protect the fishery for current and future generations and it was disappointing that some anglers had been ignoring the regulations.

"We will be active all summer in the East Gippsland region checking on anglers to ensure they are complying with the regulations," Mr Morton said.

The maximum penalty for exceeding the catch limit for dusky flathead is $2820. Additional penalties may include forfeiture of equipment (including boats and vehicles) and revocation of fishing privileges.

Anyone who sees or suspects illegal fishing activity is urged to contact the 24-hour fisheries offence reporting line 13 FISH (13 3474).