Fish bites: Study to help catch more kingfish

Kingfish have increased in popularity as a target sports fish species, with anglers allowed a bag limit of five a day measuring over 60cm. The fish appear to be increasing in numbers and have even been caught in Port Phillip Bay.

According to the Victorian Fisheries Authority, Deakin University has received a $216,000 grant for a three-year study to understand both the residency and movement of yellowtail kingfish in Victorian waters.

“Acoustic and satellite tagging will be utilised along the Victorian coast, as well as interstate, to gather more information on this sought-after sports fish,” it said.

A kingfish caught recently in Victoria that was tagged and released was recaught earlier this month on the NSW coastline more than 300 days and 700km away. Over that time it grew from 105cm to 117cm.

Fisheries Tasmania has extended its summer fishing clinics to more sites and dates.

The new dates and sites include Port Sorell on January 14, St Helens on January 17, Bellerive on January 18 and Stanley on January 21.

The Fishcare clinics are open to all ages and abilities, with rods provided for those who can’t bring their own.

Participants are taught basic fishing skills including casting, knot tying and rigging, and responsible fishing such as measuring, handling and releasing the catch.

Anyone interested in attending can register online here.

The Game Fishing Club of South Australia has been left reeling – excuse the pun – after the group’s clubrooms were broken into and fishing gear stolen. 

Much of the gear taken was donated to the club by the estate of club member John Johnstone, which made it “irreplaceable”.

The club is offering a $1000 reward to have the gear returned. Anyone who spots any of the stolen tackle is asked to contact club member Rolf Czabayski on 0408 364 488.

The NSW Department of Primary Industries is seeking passionate NSW recreational fishers, industry representatives and other individuals from relevant interest groups with sound fishing knowledge and experience who would like to become a member of a fisheries advisory council.

Positions are available on the following councils: 

“The advisory councils provide effective engagement between government and industry, with key outcomes delivered on a range of fisheries policies and issues,” NSW DPI says.

“The advice provided by the councils will continue to assist the NSW Government to develop sound policies and decisions to manage fisheries resources and ecosystems, for future generations.”

Expressions of interest close at 5pm on January 16. For more information and to apply for the positions visit https://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/fishing/consultation.