Want to have your say with some new legislation proposed? The Exmouth community is being urged to make submissions outlining their thoughts on the proposed closure to recreational fishing at Yardie Creek. The Department of Environment and Conservation (DEC) intends to implement the ban at the fishing destination following concerns that recreational fishing is significantly reducing fish populations.
Yardie Creek, located about 90km from Exmouth within the Cape Range National Park, does not attract a lot of local recreational fishers. However, DEC has stated in its management plan that prohibiting fishing is required to ensure the sustainability of fish stocks in the creek that is closed to ocean by a sandbar for several years at a time. “Given the system can be closed for lengthy periods of time, it is feasible that fish populations could be significantly reduced through the combined effects of natural predation and fishing,” the management plan states. Perhaps a suggestion could be to implement a ‘Wilderness Fishing Area”, where there is to be ‘no take -away’ of fish? Perhaps this could also apply to only the area from the small boat jetty to the ocean? This would allow young families the opportunity to fish in a safe location at the entrance to the creek, while also teaching people the importance of catch and release methods. Perhaps the use of single barbless hooks could also be applied? Let’s work together with our community and departments for the future of our backyard. Submissions can be sent to Recfishwest regional policy officer Ellen Smith at ellen@recfishwest.org.au
Angler Ryan Hopkinson usually comes to Exmouth to fish Gamex. This summer he came up for a relax and tried for other sports fish in the gulf. Ryan is pictured this week with a brassy trevally caught on the shoals in the gulf. Also pictured this week is junior angler Kiara Gregory. Kiara was fishing with her brother Trent, Dad Grant and Uncle Brad in just 8ft of water casting soft plastics when a massive cobia took to her presented lure. The fish took around 20mins to land and is one of the biggest cobia we’ve seen weighed at the shop! It reached 25kg on the scales and was filleted up for many upcoming dinners in the family home.
The Exmouth Game Fishing Club is calling on all volunteers for assistance through the upcoming events of Gamex and the AIBT. If you would like to be a part of this fun event, rosters are being prepared now. You may like to assist with recording of tagged fish, merchandise sales, social night decorations, bar work, setting up, filleting fish, food service or one of the many other small jobs that make the event the success that this small town is proud to present.
Yes, Slim Jim will be back! EGFC also have special guests including Paul Worsteling, Dr Julian Pepperell, an artist display from Bodo Muche, journalists Steve and Jo Starling, Editor Scott Coghlan, lure maker Peter Pakula, filleting fanatic Peter Anderton and a surprise celebrity chef. There will be fishing clinics though the days for visitors not able to get out on boats, cooking demonstrations from our chef using Kailis Seafood and other local delights, a dress-up Aussie themed BBQ night, rigging sessions for big and small fish, live music, filleting education opportunities and much, much more. Contact events@egfc.com.au to be involved or drop in to either Tackle store with your details.
All volunteers will be recognised after the event with a special function in appreciation of the efforts of locals and visitors willing to assist this non-profit organisation and sporting group.
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