Fish bites: Bar Crusher 505XS teased ahead of official launch

The new Bar Crusher 505XS, teased as a single image on social media this week, slips into the lightweight XS centre console range as the smallest boat in the now five model-strong line-up.

The Bar Crusher XS line is the brand’s freshwater, estuary and inshore fishing package, with the central pod providing all-around access.

The range features a large sealed, lockable hatch under the forward casting deck, and an extra storage space inside the console.

It’s not yet known whether the Bar Crusher 505XS will offer the same seating options as its larger siblings – an icebox with a seat cushion, or a “flip-flop” seat above a tackle drawer.

The Bar Crusher 505XS looks as though it comes standard with a bow plate for mounting an electric trolling motor. The nimage also teases what looks like an alloy bait board with three rod holders.

Larger models also have a step-through transom and a live-bait tank as standard features.

However, just like the Bar Crusher 505C cuddy cab, the centre console version is believed to be a one-off concept to test the market's appetite for a smaller boat rather than teasing a fully fledged production model – for now.

The annual Murray Codfrerence will return in April this year after last year’s event fell victim to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The free Sunday, April 18 conference, held this year at Riverlinks Eastbank Conference Centre, 70 Welsford Street, Shepparton, is part of the State Government’s push to get at least a million Victorians engaging in fishing as a pastime.

“It’s a great opportunity for recreational fishers to get together, tell a tale about the one that got away, hear from experts about all things Murray cod; the science, the fisheries and, of course, the best ways to catch them,” Victorian Fisheries Authority chief executive Travis Dowling said.

“The keynote speaker this year is Cameron McGregor from River Escapes, an experienced fishing guide from north-east Victoria with a strong background in research and a passion for sharing his fishing knowledge.”

Attendees will also learn about including the new native fish hatchery at nearby Arcadia, Murray cod fisheries management, tourism trails, and tips and tricks from fishing specialists Steve ‘Trelly’ Threlfall, VRFish’s Ben Scullen and VFA board member Yorick Piper.

The day will run from 9am until 4pm, with up to 300 people expected to register.

The announcement comes as the Victorian government considers opening up waters proactively stocked with more than 2 million Murray cod, and outside of the fish’s natural habitat, to year-round fishing.

The NSW Department of Primary Industries is seeking feedback on a proposal to allow the state’s trout fishers to carry more than a single rod so they don’t need to waste time swapping out lures on the fly.

Under the current rules, and depending on where they are fishing, trout anglers cn carry either one or two rods.

However, under the proposed changes, they will be able to carry up to two spare rods fitted with different flies or lures in areas where one rod is currently permitted, and up to four rods in fisheries where up to two rods are allowed.

“Fishers will benefit by spending more time fishing and less time re-rigging when they want to change their artificial fly or lure,” the department said in a discussion paper released on the topic.

“Tight controls on line numbers exist to manage risks like illegal set line use, however this risk is minimal with artificial flies or lures.”

Alongside the trout fishing change is a proposal to open up the Wonboyn River and its tributaries to recreational fishing nets.

Another proposal will remove the seasonal fishing closure around the Munmorah Power Station at Budgewoi Lake now that it has been decommissioned.

Charles Sturt University has launched a unique graduate certificate program specialising in fish conservation and management.

The online course aims to give participants a qualification that will put them “at the forefront of fish ecology and management, so you can practically and strategically tackle challenges facing freshwater fisheries – in Australia and around the world”.

The course will be based at the university’s Albury-Wodonga campus, with the option to attend in person or via a virtual presence online.

The specialist course is available to anyone who has completed a bachelor degree or higher  in a relevant discipline.

The course will kick off in July.