yup, catch em now guys might be your last chance... we'll.be sitting our grandkids on our laps talking about the fabled reckless days we used to catch 4 or even 5 demersal fish in one day

 The Minister is quoted as saying that a Fishing Forum will be called on October 20th.

They would have us believe that widespread consultation will be undertaken and that decisions will be science based.

If you believe either of these statements you are an absolute fool.

I strongly believe that decisions have already been made. THe widespread consultations are only window dressings as they have always been. It allows the Government to look squarely at the camera and say it hs been done. No consideration has to be given to the input of the consultation.

By science based I have to assume they refer to the odd limited phone call survey and some very questionable data collected at the odd boat ramp.

Please don't mention any shark details.

I have fished Coral Bay for 18-20 years. Sometimes twice a year and usually stay 5-6 weeeks. In all that time I've only had my catch counted once as part of a survey. When I tried to have the number of Red Emperor lost to sharks that day they were not interested. In earlier trips to the Bay one might lose one out of 8-10 Reds to sharks. Now it's very common to lose the reverse. Like many others we shift spots the minute a shark appears. We experienced having to return to base without a single fish despite shifting spots at least 12 times. 

Why does their science take absolutely no account of the numbers of fish lost to sharks. Even round the Perth area sharks are now responsible for fish loss.

Recreational fishing in this State is doomed.

The snapper ban for most regions in South Australia came in in 2019 and will continue until at least the middle of next year. Be a shame if we follow that sort of approach, as  the snapper fishing aorund inshore Perth metro seems very good the last few years. However, this is the first year I've had snapper sharked, by bronzies, when fishing in only 10m depths. Hopefully random and not the start of something regular like at Ningaloo.

Mismanagement, mismanagement, mismanagement...

Undeniable proof

 As I said in another post regarding the firearms act, the same 19 left wing loonies that sealed our fate now turn their attention to fishing. How many of you will stand up now. How much more will it take until we wake up and realise they will not stop. 

 they have the upper hand due to no opposition 

 I cannot believe that Snapper are at severe risk, they are actually a pain in the arse there's so many of them out there now. We have been steadily been catching bigger models every year.

So what are they saying that the breeding closures in the sound aren't working? WTAF?!

 When are these guys going to get called out for not actually applying in field data.

Estimates and mathematically skewed survey data cannot actually replicate proper in field research (on the water) If it was done when where and how recently?

I dive and fish and even in Metro waters seeing good numbers of small, medium and previously legal sized fish in the Demersal categories.

Never seen more pup Dhuies around nothing ground holding crays and Snapper appear to be doing pretty damm fine also. 

So the entire coast of WA is either in Dire straights or critical for Demersal based on the wonderful graphic provided based on What? When was the last time proper, in or on water research was done and what were the results? Annecdotal reporting and application of multiplying factors such as days fishing, number of people on boat and even how many registered or licences are held does not provide 1 confirmation of a fish caught or released. Not everyone fishes for demersals, not everyone uses there boat at every possible day or weather opportunity. The maths dont add up and can be made to paint whatever picture they want to suit the narrative. I just hope therre is some real science provided and not estimates and assumptions.

The number of times i have even seen a volunteer fisheries officer back at the ramps implies guesswork is at play.

Interesting to see who gets a gig on the round table discussions. 

Here is the science as written on the DPIRD website:

"2023-24 statewide recreational fishing survey

The department conducts a statewide survey of boat-based recreational fishing every 2 to 3 years to gather information about recreational fishing across WA. The 2023-24 statewide recreational fishing survey has wrapped up, with 3,865 fishers completing the survey via phone/logbooks and 4,929 fishers interviewed at boat ramps. Additional data was also collected from remote camera monitoring at boat ramps. The survey shows there has been some success in reducing catches of demersal scalefish in the West Coast bioregion, but not to the level required for WA dhufish and pink snapper to recover to sustainable levels."

Manufactured information inputted into a manufactured model will always produce the desired result.

 Ok from the horses mouth.

I was having drinks today with the chief of staff for the new fisheries minister Jacki Jarvis.

There is a forum to be held on the 20th of October at parliament house with '"all "stakeholders to be involved represented" 

Recfishwest and the commercial sector, also notable fishing personalities. 

I was actaully impressed speaking with this guy today as the new minister wants the forum to be inclusive of all opinions and the science to date presented.

Will be interested to see the outcomes, apparently it will be live broadcast, she knows she has been presented a poison chalice so wants all involved to have a  say.

 Lining us up against the wall with spin.

 Have enjoyed many years fishing sustainably, started a few people on their journey, many good memories along the way

 I fish inshore metro about once a fortnight, chasing a feed of tailor, squid, herring and less frequently a snapper or two. The inshore snapper have been around most trips during the last few years, with plenty of released 48-50cm models and regularly one or two larger keepers. Using circle  and wide gap hooks helps with easy release. The snapper fishing has been much the same story over the last 3 years for me. A look at my records shows in the last 12 months I kept a couple of dozen demersals, mainly pinkies in the 65-75cm sizes. I think the ban protecting the spawning grounds is a great thing, although maybe overdevelopment in the Sounds will reduce the breeding success in the longer term, but I can't figure out how solid the stock and catch estimates are that has given rise to the current concerns. The abundance of just-undersized fish suggests to me that a good cohort is coming through.

 There is no doubt this is a very visible campaign to convince the public of a decline. Who knows, what Andy said is probably true and the minister believes the "science" is right. The plan to attack demersal fishing has some people pulling the strings and unfortunately they're winning. The "consultation" will no doubt be like that for the racetrack. Roger asked cabinet and they said yes so there you have it. You can't have good government without good opposition, and we have neither of those. Basil is holding them to account more but with the next election so far away, it's hard to stop them.

 And didn't try and upgrade but the run in was wet and bumpy against the strong offshore breeze ......an hour plus out, a bit more back and 5 minutes actual fishing ......but our fish stocks are in terrible trouble NOT.....and a guy at the CPBA fish cleaning table had two double figure snapper, absolute horses caught just on dawn just off GI

Nek minute ..  

 More this morning we'll before dawn

We caught plenty 12nm out ?..........manic bite just on dawn and sounder ( should have taken a photo) solid red all the way to the bottom.   All fish way over 50cm ...?..couldn't avoid the bloody things but they are so so much at risk ......NOT 

 So why are deep drop species included in this demersal ban at all?