Fish bites: 271kg tuna caught off Coffs Harbour

The fish, estimated to have been worth up to $200,000 if sold in Japan and believed to be the biggest sold at the market, was bought by Sydney-based Claudio’s Seafood for distribution to restaurants.

According to Claudio’s Seafood, the toro – the prized fatty cuts of tuna usually found around the belly – were in high demand.

The fish was caught by a longliner operating off Coffs Harbour. Northern bluefin tuna grow much larger than southern bluefins, and are not normally found as far south as this fish was caught.

Most tuna traded at Sydney Fish Markets weigh around 50kg.

Recreational fishers in Western Australia have asked the state to overturn a decade-long ban on commercial shark fishing after airing claims that populations had boomed since the ban was introduced.

The state is currently looking at the problem of shark bite-offs, with recreational fishing lobby Recfishwest claiming that as many as seven out of every 10 catches were being lost to sharks.

Recfishwest chief executive Andrew Rowland told the ABC that reopening commercial shark fishing, which had closed in 2009, would provide real-world data on how well shark populations had recovered.

"In terms of stock assessments and population biology, you have to knock a few fish on the head to understand the stock status and the age-based structure of the population," Rowland said.

Western Australia recently launched a $351,555 study looking at ways that recreational fishers can reduce the number of shark bite-offs.

Trials include devices developed for surfers to deter sharks, magnets close to the hook and amplified sound devices.

The Queensland Department of Environment and Science has launched an investigation after a crocodile reportedly ripped an outboard engine off a boat at Gladstone.

"Wildlife officers conducted a spotlight survey of the area last night and found no sign of the animal," the department said in a statement.

"Recent warning signs have been installed and wildlife officers will continue monitoring the area."

Gladstone's Ibis Park boat ramp is located in a zone where crocodiles displaying dangerous behaviour are caught and removed to reduce the threat to people.

Fishers are warned to be careful around boat ramps, and to never discard fish scraps where they are likely to attract crocodiles.

Fishing gear maker Abu Garcia has rolled out a new generation of its Veritas fishing rod range still featuring its classic white colour, but with a number of advances that increase durability.

Of note, the rods feature "closed cell" soft-touch plastic grips for greater weather and wear resistance.

The rods also feature custom reel seats, Fuji stainless steel guides with Alconite ceramic inserts, and specific rod tapers that Abu Garcia claims is "designed for the full gamut of Australian lure fishing".

The range is available as spinning, casting and travel models.

Daiwa has upgraded its 21 Certate spin reel range to extend it offshore with the introduction of larger saltwater versions.

The reels are now available in sizes of 8000 to 18,000 while maintaining the existing range's single-piece body and drag system adapted from the Saltiga 20.

The new Daiwa Certate SW range replaces Daiwa's existing Catalina reel range.