On your marks, get set…fish!

Published on 30 January 2020

Christmas is over, we have welcomed in the New Year, and spent the weekend celebrating Australia Day. For the keen anglers across our region that can only mean one thing: the countdown to barra fishing is well and truly on with the 2020 season starting this Saturday.

Rockhampton Region Councillor Tony Williams said the annual shutdown between November and February was important to ensure the Rockhampton Region remains the Home of the Barramundi.

“We are proud to have some of the best barra fishing in the whole country here on the mighty Fitzroy,” said Councillor Williams.

“It’s a joy to see residents and visitors alike enjoy the wonderful fishing experiences we have here, but we know that it comes with responsibilities too.

“Between November and February it’s forbidden to take barramundi from the river. Given the right conditions this gives them time to spawn and protects them at this vulnerable time in their life cycle. It has two great benefits – preserving the species for future generations and ensuring great stocks for today’s anglers.

“A focus on sustainable fishing has helped to make our barra fishery the envy across Northern Australia with fishing related tourism netting more tourists.

“Independent surveying completed by the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries shows that the average distanced travelled by fishing boating tourists to Rockhampton has increased year on year since 2016. This translates into greater economic benefit across the city – our accommodation providers, restaurants and tackle stores are among the key beneficiaries.

“We also have our Voluntary Code of Practice which has been a huge success. We’ve seen hundreds of people sign up and commit to sustainable and responsible fishing practices including releasing any breeding females back into the river and taking a feed and not a fridge full to ensure great fishing for generations to come.”

Councillor Williams said putting a line in the Fitzroy was not limited to those with boats.

“Plenty of our seasoned anglers head out in their own boats but if you don’t have one that doesn’t mean you have to miss out!

“We have supported local fishing charter companies to establish and expand so that you can go out on a guided tour with experts, and of course our land based fishing platforms across the region mean you can put a line in without even leaving the bank.”

The 2020 Barramundi season officially kicks off at midday on Saturday 1 February.

Sign up to the Voluntary Code of Practice here.

Read more about the best fishing spots in the region here.

Find out about fishing charters here.

Find information about being Crocwise in Queensland’s waterways here.