Saltwater Fishing Guide NSW

Freshwater FISHING GUIDE 2010

Saltwater NSW

Recreational

FISHING GUIDE 2010

Freshwater NSW

Recreational

FISHING GUIDE 2010 Fishing Fees Responsible Fishing Safety Tips Knots and Rigs Fishing Rules Bag and Size Limits Tide Charts Catch Records

Contents 4 About this guide 5 Message from the Minister 8 NSW Recreational Fishing Fee How much is the fee?

Where do I pay the fee?

How do I obtain a plastic receipt?

Interstate and overseas visitors 9 Replacement fee receipt 10 Where do my fishing fees go?

Fish aggregating devices (FADs) More facilities for fishers 11 Game Fish Tagging Program Artificial reefs Get Hooked: Its Fun to Fish Fishcare Volunteer Program 12 Marine stocking Habitat Action Program Essential recreational research Fisheries officers 14 Fishing safely Want more information?

Want to apply for funding?

15 Recreational fishing havens 18 Responsible fishing Catch and release fishing 19 Maximising fish survival 21 Other practices to help increase survival 22 Catch and release mats 24 Converting fish lengths to weights 30 Fishing safely/Safe boating Basic safety tips Rock fishing safety 32 Safe Boating 32 Bar crossings 34 Food safety Recreational harvesting of shellfish What are shellfish?

Why can they cause poisoning?

35 Boiling shellfish will not kill biotoxins 36 Knots and rigs 46 Saltwater Fishing Rules

47 Line fishing Bait trapping Various collecting tools 48 Hoop nets and witches hats 49 Spanner crab net Crab trap Lobster trap 50 Prawn nets Scoop net 51 Diving and spearfishing 52 Prohibited methods and activities Line fishing Invertebrates 53 Spearfishing Charterboat fishing 55 How to measure fin fish and invertebrates 56 Fish identification 60 Bag and size limits for saltwater fish 72 Bag and size limits for invertebrates 78 Threatened and protected species 81 Grey Nurse Shark Diving rules in critical habitats 84 Conserving our biodiversity 85 Marine parks 86 Aquatic reserves Intertidal protected areas More habitat – more fish 88 Pests and diseases European Shore Crab 89 Caulerpa taxifolia 90 Fishing event management 91 Ideas to improve your fishing event 92 Community programs 93 Who can become a volunteer?

95 Tide charts 99 Lag times?

102 Contact details 105 A diary for your catch records

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About This Guide This NSW Recreational Saltwater Fishing Guide is produced by the Department of Industry and Investment (I&I NSW) for and on behalf of the state of New South Wales, PO Box 21 Cronulla NSW 2230. It is funded from the Saltwater Recreational Fishing Trust as part of our commitment to providing recreational fishers with comprehensive, userfriendly information.

A freshwater recreational fishing guide is also available.

Copyright No material matter in this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form by electronic or mechanical means, photocopying or recording, without the written permission of I&I NSW. Design, Production and Artwork Parkhouse Pty Ltd (03) 9427 7866.

Website Detailed information is also available on many aspects of fishing activities through the department’s website www.industry.nsw.gov.au.

Advertising Sales Australian Publishing Resource Service (APRS) (08) 8113 9210.

General disclaimer This publication may provide assistance or information but I&I NSW and its employees do not guarantee the publication is without flaw or is wholly appropriate for any particular purpose and therefore disclaims all liability for any error, loss or other consequences which may arise from relying on any information in this publication.

This publication is a guide only, it does not replace the Fisheries Management Act (1994) or other acts and statutory rules applying to, or affecting recreational fishing. It is a summary of laws and regulations at the time of publication and cannot be used as a defence in a court of law.

Recreational fishing regulations may change during the life of this publication. It is the responsibility of fishers to ensure they are acting within the law at all times. Check regulations with your local I&I NSW fisheries office or www.industry.nsw.gov.au.

Acknowledgements Front cover: Phil Bolton (Evans Head at evening) Photographs: Phil Bolton; Heath Folpp; Jack Hannan; Ian Lyall; Alistair McBurnie; Alan Millar; Stan Konstantaras; Bryan Van Der Walt; Marcus Gregson; Dee McElligott; Adam Welfare.

Maps: John Matthews; Dan Breen; Sarah Martin.

Illustrations: Alan Hancock; Pat Tully; Geoff Wilson.

Appreciation is also extended to other contributors who may not be listed above.

Copyright Š State of New South Wales through the Department of Industry and Investment, 2009.

I&I NSW 9512_JUL09

Advertising disclaimer I&I NSW acknowledges contributions made by private enterprise. Acceptance of these contributions does not, however endorse or imply endorsement by the department of any product or service offered by the contributors.

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Message From the Minister

W

elcome to the 2010 edition of the NSW Recreational Saltwater Fishing Guide.

Recreational fishing continues to be a very popular pastime in NSW and many anglers along our coastline have experienced exceptional fishing over the past 12 months.

The NSW Recreational Fishing Fee has been well supported and the funding raised has been put to good use funding many programs to improve saltwater fishing across the state.

Funding has been provided for a range of different programs including fisheries enhancement, fish stocking activities, fishing safety awareness, Recreational Fishing Havens, education programs, community fishing activities, aquatic habitat rehabilitation, essential research programs and game fish tagging.

Estuarine artificial reefs continue to be funded by the Trusts and remain popular with recreational fishers. Over the past 12 months new artificial reefs have been installed in Lake Conjola and Merimbula Lake. The existing artificial reef at Lake Macquarie has been increased in size and complexity to make it better than before.

Botany Bay and St Georges Basin are also being expanded.

25 Fish Aggregating Devices (FADs) will continue to be deployed along the coast to provide improved offshore fishing opportunities. This includes a new location at Crowdy Head to increase coverage of this popular program.

The Get Hooked: It’s Fun To Fish program will expand across NSW in 2010. This interactive program encourages children to take an active role in the management of waterways and fish stocks. The program

plays an important role in ensuring the State’s aquatic resources are enjoyed now and in the future, by teaching primary school aged children safe and responsible fishing practices, the significance of aquatic life and life cycles, and the importance of sustaining a quality fish habitat.

I acknowledge the many volunteers in the Fishcare program who continue to provide their own time along with their considerable energy and skills to help improve the knowledge of recreational fishers throughout the state. The volunteers support a wide range of educational initiatives and teach safe, responsible fishing practices to young people, families, non-English speakers and the disabled. They attend community fishing events, participate in fishing workshops, conduct fisher surveys and help with the Get Hooked program. They are a true asset to our community.

The Trusts continue to fund the on ground projects that really matter to recreational fishers such as fish cleaning tables, fishing platforms, fish measuring stations, upgrading fishing access points and other similar projects. If you have any facilities needed in your area, I urge you to apply for funding from the Recreational Fishing Trusts. It is easy to apply and there is lots of information available on the I&I NSW website.

The NSW Government will continue to work with the recreational fishing community for healthy, sustainable fisheries for today and the future. Best wishes and good fishing in 2010.

The Hon Tony Kelly MLC Minister for Primary Industries Minister for Lands

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NSW Recreational Fishing Fee When you are fishing in NSW waters, both fresh and saltwater, you are required by law to carry a receipt showing the payment of the NSW Recreational Fishing Fee. This applies when line fishing (rod or hand line); spear fishing; bait collecting or when collecting invertebrates using methods such as hand gathering, digging, pumping, trapping and prawn netting.

SAMPLE

How do I obtain a plastic receipt?

If you pay for a one year or three year period online, over the phone, at a Touch agent or if you renew your licence using your renewal letter, you will receive a plastic receipt in the post. For all other payment methods you will receive a paper receipt.

Interstate and overseas visitors Recreational fishing licences issued by other states, territories or countries are not valid for fishing in NSW waters. All visitors must pay the NSW Recreational Fishing Fee.

ONLY

Exemptions: E Persons under the age of 18.

E A n adult assisting persons under the age of 18 to take fish using a single rod per child or to take prawns using a single dip or scoop net per child.

This also applies when in possession of fishing gear in, on or adjacent to waters.

E A person fishing in a private dam with a surface area of two hectares or less.

How much is the fee?

E $6 for 3 days

E An aboriginal person fishing in freshwater; or, when fishing in saltwater, an aboriginal person who is a party to a registered native title claim, or is taking part in a traditional cultural activity as a member of a local land council, or in the company of a member of a local land council.

E $12 for 1 month E $30 for 1 year E $75 for 3 years If you go fishing aboard a charter vessel or with a fishing guide, you may find that your skipper or guide holds an exemption certificate which covers you as well. Always check whether you need to have paid the fee before going fishing.

A fifty per cent concession applies to people who only fish in the tidal waters of the Tweed River and prescribed adjacent beach areas.

E The holder of: C a current Commonwealth pensioner concession card issued by Centrelink; C a current Commonwealth pensioner concession card issued by the Department of Veterans Affairs;

Where do I pay the fee?

You can pay at many outlets throughout NSW, such as most fishing tackle shops, caravan parks, local shops, service stations, many Kmart stores, via website www. licence.nsw.gov.au or call 1300 369 365.

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NSW Recreational Fishing Fee

C a Commonwealth Department of Veterans Affairs gold treatment card endorsed “Totally and Permanently Incapacitated”; C a Commonwealth Department of Veterans Affairs gold treatment card endorsed “Extreme Disablement Adjustment”; or, C a letter from the Commonwealth Department of Veterans Affairs stating that you receive a disability pension of 70 percent or higher, or an intermediate pension.

Recreational fishers must have these cards in their possession to be exempt. Please note that seniors cards, health care cards and

repatriation health cards do not exempt you from paying the NSW Recreational Fishing Fee. This information is current at time of printing but fisheries regulations may change.

It is the responsibility of fishers to ensure they are acting within the law at all times.

If unsure whether you need to pay the NSW Recreational Fishing Fee, check our website at www.industry.nsw.gov.au.

Replacement fee receipt Cost for a replacement fee receipt is $6.

Call 02 9527 8411 to obtain a replacement or download a form from our website www.industry.nsw.gov.au.

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Where do my fishing fees go?

Recreational fishing trusts Funds raised from the NSW Recreational Fishing Fee are placed into saltwater and freshwater recreational fishing trusts and can only be spent on projects that improve recreational fishing.

Expenditure from the trusts is overseen by expenditure committees on behalf of the recreational fishing community. There are two committees – one for saltwater and one for freshwater.

Regular announcements are made about expenditure from the trusts. Details are provided in the department’s annual reports.

Trust accounts are subject to annual audit by the NSW Auditor-General.

Examples of trust funded projects are provided as follows. There is a lot more information on the website at www.industry. nsw.gov.au. Anyone can apply for funding to improve recreational fisheries. Details can be found at the above website.

More facilities for fishers The small grants program provides funding for fishing clubs, local councils and community groups to improve recreational fishing and facilities including fish cleaning tables, fish measuring stations, fishing platforms and other infrastructure.

Fish aggregating devices (FADs).

Twenty five fish aggregating devices (FADs) are placed in coastal waters each year to attract pelagic fish for recreational fishing.

Anglers can now receive email alerts for all FAD related news. For further information and FAD locations check our website www. industry.nsw.gov.au.

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Where do my fishing fees go? recreational fishing. To obtain reef locations check our website. Investigations are also underway for construction of large, purpose built artificial reefs in ocean waters.

Game fish tagging program The program provides valuable scientific information on the movement and growth of billfish, tuna, sharks and sportfish and is the largest tagging program of its kind in the world.

Get Hooked: It’s Fun to Fish education program.

A primary school education program is teaching children in schools across NSW

about safe, responsible and sustainable fishing. This includes running coastal fishing workshop weeks enabling students to put into practice skills learned during their Get Hooked class lessons.

Artificial reefs More estuarine artificial reefs are being installed to create new habitat and enhance

Fishcare Volunteer Program This dynamic program involves 380 volunteers across the state providing face to face awareness and advising fishers about the NSW Recreational Saltwater Fishing Guide

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Where do my fishing fees go? rules and values of sustainable recreational fishing.

Habitat action program A range of actions are being funded to protect and repair important fish habitat.

Activities include removing barriers to fish migration, replanting and protecting river bank vegetation and restoring tidal flows in order to provide good water quality, healthy habitats and fisheries.

Essential recreational research E Research surveys in recreational fishing havens.

E Biology of popular recreational species.

E Research on methods to maximise released fish survival.

E Fishing tournament monitoring.

Marine stocking Juvenile mulloway have previously been stocked into Botany Bay and three north coast estuaries as well as millions of juvenile eastern king prawns into Wallagoot and Back Lakes on the NSW south coast.

I&I NSW is currently completing an environmental assessment and feasibility of a state-wide marine stocking program.

Fisheries officers Trust funded field officers are based in many regions throughout NSW to maximise compliance with fishing rules and provide advisory services to recreational fishers.

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Where do my fishing fees go?

Fisheries mobile squads including three trust funded officers with rapid response capacity also target high risk offenders and known “black spots�.

NSW Fishing Safely DVD Angel rings (life buoys) continue to be installed by the Australian National Sportfishing Association (NSW Branch) at popular rock fishing locations and promotes community awareness of fishing safety. For more information on angel ring locations, check www.angelrings.com.au.

The Recreational Fishing Alliance (RFA) of NSW, has produced a quality multilingual DVD to promote fishing safely in saltwater and freshwater. Check www.safefishing.com.au.

Want to find out more information?

Check our website www.industry.nsw.gov. au/fisheries.

Want to apply for funding?

More information and the application package can be found on the website at www.industry.nsw.gov.au or phone (02) 9527 8411.

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Where do my fishing fees go?

Thirty Recreational Fishing Havens, areas largely free of commercial fishing, were created along the NSW coast to provide better angling opportunities for recreational fishers. Money raised from the NSW

Recreational Fishing Fee enabled a $20 million buyout to create the havens. These havens also promote tourism and create employment in the local area.

Area

Notes

Tweed River

Recreational fishing only from downstream from Boyd’s Bay Bridge and from south of Rocky Point east to Fingal Road. Wommin Lake, Wommin Lagoon and six canal estates beyond that area are also recreational fishing only (i.e. Seagulls Canal, Tweed West Canals, Blue Water Canals, Crystal Waters Canal, Endless Summer Canal Estate, Oxley Cove).

Richmond River

Recreational fishing only from downstream from a line drawn east across the Richmond River from the south eastern corner of portion 21 which is the river end of Emigrant Point Lane beside the flood gate. Commercial trapping and eel trapping is permitted in the river and Emigrant Creek upstream from the Burns Point Ferry. Commercial Sea Mullet hauling is allowed within the Recreational Fishing Haven - adjacent to Shaws Bay below the Missingham Bridge - from 1 April to 31 July each year. Commercial netting is not permitted from Tatham Bridge upstream to ‘Norco Weir’ at Casino.

Clarence River

The following areas are for recreational fishing only: 1) Middle Wall - a 2 kilometre stretch at the Clarence River mouth near Yamba (commercial hauling during the mullet travelling season - April to August - will still be permitted in this area).

2) Romiaka Bridge - waters adjacent to the Romiaka Channel Road Bridge, just outside Yamba.

3) Oyster Channel Bridge - waters adjacent to Oyster Channel Road Bridge, near Yamba.

4) Entrance of Saltwater Inlet - a 300 metre stretch of river on the eastern side of North Arm, between Arris Island and Saltwater Inlet, near Iluka.

Camden Haven River

Recreational fishing only from downstream from Dunbogan Bridge and North Haven Bridge (including Gogleys Lagoon).

Manning River

Recreational fishing only from downstream from Ghinni Ghinni and Berady Creek (including Scotts Creek).

Botany Bay

Closed to commercial fishing with the exception of Abalone gathering and Rock Lobster trapping.

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Where do my fishing fees go?

The following locations are recreational fishing only: Bellinger River (including Kalang River)

Lake Tabourie

Nelson Lake (Nelson Lagoon)

Deep Creek

Meroo Lake

Bega River

Hastings River

Tomaga River

Back Lake (Back Lagoon)

Lake Macquarie

Tuross Lake (including Tuross River and Borang Lake)

Pambula River

St Georges Basin

Lake Brunderee

Yowaka River

Lake Conjola

Dalmeny Lake (also known as Mummaga Lake)

Nullica River

Narrawallee Inlet

Little Lake (also known as Little Tilba Lake and Hoyers Lake)

Towamba River (also known as Kiah River)

Burrill Lake

Bermagui River

Wonboyn Lake, River and Wonboyn Beach (to 500 metres from mean high water level)

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Where do my fishing fees go?

Recreational Fishing Havens in NSW Refer to the website www.industry.nsw.gov.au for local area maps.

North Coast Plenty of good fishing.

Richmond River around Ballina for whiting and luderick; the lower parts of the Tweed River for mulloway, trevally and tailor; and the Hastings River at Port Macquarie for bream.

Central Coast or Newcastle Check out Lake Macquarie for flathead, bream and whiting.

Richmond River 8sq km from the mouth of the Richmond River to Emigrant Creek.

Bellinger/Kalang Rivers Deep Creek

Hastings River

Tweed River 4sq km from the mouth of the Tweed River to Boyd’s Bay bridge and from Rocky Point east to Fingal Road, including canal estates.

Clarence River Four locations within the river – a 2km stretch at middle wall, around Romiaka bridge and Oyster Channel bridge, and a spot at the entrance of Saltwater Inlet.

Camden Haven River Down from Dunbogan and North Haven bridges including Gogleys Lagoon.

Lake Macquarie

Manning River Downstream from Ghinni Ghinni and Berady Creek, including Scotts Creek.

Sydney Botany Bay

Tomaga River Dalmeny (or Mummaga Lake)

St Georges Basin, Lake Conjola Narrawallee Inlet, Burrill Lake Lake Tabourie, Meroo Lake Tuross Lake/Tuross River, Lake Brunderee Little Lake (or Little Tilba Lake & Hoyers Lake), Bermagui River

Nelson Lake, Bega River Back Lake, Pambula River Yowaka River, Nullica River Towamba River (or Kiah River) Wonboyn Lake, River and Beach

Sydney Try Botany Bay. It’s a top spot for bream, luderick, kingfish and tailor.

South Coast Wide choice of lakes and estuaries. St Georges Basin for flathead, leatherjackets and blue swimmer crabs; Tuross Lake for flathead, tailor and mulloway; Bermagui and Bega Rivers are renowned for bass, bream and tailor.

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Responsible Fishing I&I NSW promotes responsible fishing practices. The following guidelines can be applied whether you take fish for the table or release your fish.

E Only catch sufficient fish for your immediate needs. Release all others using best practice catch and release techniques. Remember all fish, including scavengers, are important to the ecosystem.

E If you retain your catch, dispatch all fish and invertebrates swiftly and humanely.

To avoid wastage always chill your catch immediately with ice. For more information: www.industry.nsw.gov.au.

E Dispose of all litter and fish waste responsibly.

E Be considerate of others and keep noise to a minimum, especially in residential areas.

E Reduce wildlife injuries by attending your lines and avoid bird feeding areas.

E Use environmentally friendly fishing tackle such as lead alternative sinkers,

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biodegradable line, and non-stainless hooks where possible.

E Act responsibly when you have reached your bag limit and you remain at the fishing grounds. Ensure any additional fish caught have the best chance of survival on release. If you are fishing deep water, consider moving to a different location to reduce potential discard mortality.

Catch and release fishing Catch and release fishing is an increasingly popular practice among many anglers. It is quite common for fishers with a strong conservation commitment to release fish that they could legally keep.

Compliance with bag and size limits and various fishing closures also means many anglers by law, return a large proportion of fish they have caught to the water. It is therefore considered responsible practice to return those fish to the water so that they

2010

Responsible Fishing Species

Percentage survival

Main factors for reduced survival

Dusky Flathead

91-96

Poor handling and sub-optimal live well water quality

Luderick

99

Poor handing

Mulloway

73-81

Deep hooking and poor handling

Sand Whiting

93

Deep hooking

Silver Trevally

68-98

Excessive time in poorly designed live wells

Snapper

67-92

Deep hooking and poor handling

Tailor

92

Deep hooking

Yellowfin Bream

72-97

Deep hooking

have the best chance of survival.

Recent I&I NSW research has shown that most fish survive using current catch and release techniques with the main factors found to reduce survival being deep hooking and poor handling.

The following tips will help to maximise the survival of angler released fish.

Maximising fish survival To maximise fish survival when practising catch and release, it is important to follow a few simple rules: E Use methods and rigs that reduce deep hooking:

C Target fish using artificial lures.

C Choose non-offset circle hooks when using bait.

E Minimise the length of time the fish is out of the water and swiftly unhook.

C Try to remove hooks and release fish as quickly as possible. The use of needle-nosed pliers or hook retrieving devices can greatly reduce time spent unhooking.

C Remove hooks from mouth-hooked fish.

C Ideally unhook fish while they are still in the water.

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Responsible Fishing

E I f the fish is hooked deeply, cut the line as close as possible to the fish’s mouth rather than removing the hook.

C Compared to removing swallowed hooks from Bream and Mulloway, simply cutting the line increases shortterm survival from 12 percent to more than 85 percent.

C Up to 76 percent of released line-cut, gut-hooked Bream shed hooks within around three weeks.

E I f live wells are used, ensure they are of sufficient size and maintain good water quality by using a flow through, aerated system. This is especially important during the summer months when water temperatures are high.

C Poorly designed live wells reduce fish survival – particularly Silver Trevally where survival dropped from 98 percent to 63 percent.

E U se fish-friendly landing nets with knotless mesh.

C Avoid knotted landing nets which may damage the fish’s scales, skin, eyes and fins.

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Responsible Fishing Other practices to help increase survival E Use suitable tackle for the species that you are targeting and minimise the time spent to land the fish.

E Handle fish firmly and carefully. Avoid dropping fish on to the bottom of boats and other hard surfaces. Remember, many surfaces, especially metal can become very hot in the sun.

C Use wet hands or wet gloves when handling a fish to minimise damage to its skin.

C A smooth, wet surface such as vinyl covered foam is best to lay fish on if they are removed from the water.

E Use barbless hooks or hooks with reduced barbs to make hook removal easier and minimise hook damage.

C This can be achieved by squeezing barbs down with pliers, or filing down larger barbs.

E I f you are going to take photos of your fish before release, support the fish properly.

C Do not hold fish by the gills or the eyes.

E C arefully return fish to the water. Do not throw them. Take care to revive any fish upon release if they appear exhausted (struggling to hold themselves upright and/or unable to swim away).

C Gently hold or push the fish through the water so that it obtains a good flow of water over its gills. If there is any water current, hold the fish upright facing towards the current until it starts to show signs of recovery.

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Responsible Fishing Barotrauma Fish may experience barotrauma when they are caught from deep water. Barotrauma results from the expansion of gases in the swim bladder and other organs when fish do not have time to adjust to the rapid changes in water pressure as they are pulled towards the surface. The effects and severity increase with depth of capture and susceptibility varies between fish species. Physical effects of barotrauma include inflated abdomen, bulging eyes, stomach pushed outside the mouth and distended intestines.

E Consider releasing the fish using a specially designed release weight.

E If you have thorough knowledge and experience of the technique, you may consider venting the fish to remove the trapped gases.

More information on these techniques is available under best practice at www. recfishingresearch.org/released_fish_ survival.asp.

record their catch. The mat includes full colour illustrations of the most popular species of fish and conversion tables so approximate weight can be estimated from length measurement. Also included are tips on best methods to ensure fish are given a maximum chance of survival after release.

Large graduations on the ruler can help in many catch, photograph and release fishing competitions which have emerged in recent years. The mat is manufactured from a UV stable material.

The catch and release mats are available for purchase, contact 1800 028 374 or visit our website www.industry.nsw.gov.au/ fisheries.

Catch and release mats for recreational fishers A catch and release measuring mat has been designed to help fishers accurately

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Converting Fish Lengths to Weights Weigh your fish with a ruler Fish biologists have calculated length and weight relationships for some popular fish species which can be used to estimate weight of a fish by measuring its length. Please note that these figures are estimates only and individual fish weight can vary depending on age, sex, season and recent feeding activity.

Measuring length Fork length measurements have been used for Bream, Kingfish, Snapper, Whiting, Tailor and Australian Salmon in the conversion tables and total length used for Australian Bass, Flathead and Mulloway.

Fork length is measured from the snout to the fork of the tail. Total length is measured from the snout to the tip of the tail.

Remember: Legal length is the total length measurement of the fish.

Fork length for weight calculation

Total length used for both legal length measurements and weight calculation.

Yellowfin Bream

Dusky Flathead

Fork Length (cm)

Weight (kg)

Fork Length (cm)

Weight (kg)

Total Length (cm)

Weight (kg)

Total Length (cm)

Weight (kg)

25

0.4

43

1.9

36

0.3

58

1.3

26

0.4

44

2.1

37

0.3

60

1.5

27

0.5

45

2.2

38

0.3

62

1.7

28

0.5

46

2.4

39

0.4

64

1.8

29

0.6

47

2.5

40

0.4

66

2.0

30

0.7

48

2.7

41

0.4

68

2.2

31

0.7

49

2.9

42

0.5

70

2.5

32

0.8

50

3.1

43

0.5

72

2.7

33

0.9

51

3.2

44

0.6

74

2.9

34

1.0

52

3.4

45

0.6

76

3.2

35

1.0

53

3.6

46

0.6

78

3.5

36

1.1

54

3.8

47

0.7

80

3.8

37

1.2

55

4.1

48

0.7

85

4.6

38

1.3

56

4.3

49

0.8

90

5.5

39

1.5

57

4.5

50

0.8

95

6.6

40

1.6

58

4.8

52

0.9

100

7.8

41

1.7

59

5.1

54

1.1

105

9.1

42

1.8

60

5.3

56

1.2

110

10.6

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Converting Fish Lengths to Weights Juvenile Snapper

Fork length for weight calculation

Adult Snapper

Yellowtail Kingfish

Fork length for weight calculation Snapper Fork Length (cm)

Weight (kg)

Fork Length (cm)

Weight (kg)

30

0.6

62

4.5

31

0.7

64

4.9

32

0.7

66

5.4

33

0.8

68

5.8

34

0.9

70

6.3

35

0.9

72

6.9

36

1.0

74

7.4

37

1.1

76

8.0

38

1.2

78

8.6

39

1.3

80

9.2

40

1.3

82

9.8

42

1.5

84

10.5

44

1.7

86

11.2

46

2.0

88

12.0

48

2.2

90

12.7

50

2.5

92

13.5

52

2.8

94

14.4

54

3.1

96

15.2

56

3.4

98

16.1

58

3.8

100

17.1

60

4.1

Fork Length (cm)

Weight (kg)

Fork Length (cm)

Weight (kg)

60

2.8

110

17.0

65

3.5

115

19.4

70

4.4

120

22.0

75

5.4

125

24.9

80

6.5

130

28.0

85

7.9

135

31.4

90

9.3

140

35.0

95

11.0

145

38.9

100

12.8

150

43.0

105

14.8

155

47.5

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26

Converting Fish Lengths to Weights Australian Bass Total Length (cm)

Weight (kg)

Total Length (cm)

Weight (kg)

29

0.4

45

1.8

30

0.5

46

1.9

31

0.6

47

2.1

32

0.6

48

2.2

33

0.7

49

2.4

34

0.8

50

2.5

7.1

35

0.8

51

2.7

0.9

52

2.9

Total length used for both legal length measurements and weight calculation.

Mulloway Total Length (cm) 45

Weight (kg) 1

Total Length (cm) 88

continued

Weight (kg)

46

1.1

92

8.1

36

48

1.2

96

9.2

37

1.0

53

2.9

50

1.3

100

10.3

38

1.1

54

3.0

52

1.5

104

11.6

39

1.1

55

3.2

12.9

40

1.2

56

3.4

1.3

57

3.7

54

1.7

108

56

1.9

112

14.4

41

58

2.1

116

16

42

1.4

58

3.9

60

2.3

120

17.6

43

1.5

59

4.1

64

2.8

124

19.4

44

1.6

60

4.3

68

3.3

128

21.4

72

3.9

130

22.3

76

4.6

140

27.7

80

5.4

150

34

84

6.2

160

41.1

Total length used for both legal length measurements and weight calculation.

Australian Bass Total Length (cm)

Weight (kg)

Total Length (cm)

Weight (kg)

25

0.3

27

0.4

26

0.3

28

0.4

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Converting Fish Lengths to Weights

Fork length for weight calculation

Fork length for weight calculation

Sand Whiting Fork Length (cm)

Weight (kg)

Tailor Fork Length (cm)

Weight (kg)

Fork Length (cm)

Weight (kg)

Fork Length (cm)

Weight (kg)

25

0.1

38

0.4

30

0.3

56

2.5

26

0.1

39

0.5

32

0.4

58

2.8

27

0.2

40

0.5

34

0.5

60

3.0

28

0.2

41

0.5

36

0.6

62

3.4

29

0.2

42

0.6

38

0.7

64

3.8

30

0.2

43

0.6

40

0.9

66

4.2

31

0.2

44

0.7

42

1.0

68

4.6

32

0.3

45

0.7

44

1.2

70

5.0

33

0.3

46

0.8

46

1.3

72

5.5

34

0.3

47

0.8

48

1.5

74

6.0

35

0.3

48

0.9

50

1.7

76

6.5

36

0.4

49

0.9

52

1.9

78

7.1

37

0.4

50

1.0

54

2.2

80

7.7

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Converting Fish Lengths to Weights Please remember: Legal length is the total length measurement of fin fish

Fork length for weight calculation Australian Salmon Fork Length (cm)

Weight (kg)

Fork Length (cm)

Weight (kg)

30

0.4

54

2.5

33

0.6

57

3.0

36

0.7

60

3.5

40

0.9

63

4.1

42

1.2

66

4.7

45

1.5

69

5.4

48

1.8

72

6.1

51

2.1

75

6.9

If you retain your catch, dispatch all fish and invertebrates swiftly and humanely.

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Fishing safely/safe boating Basic safety tips: E Care for your own safety and never take undue risks when fishing. Never enter the water to retrieve lost tackle or snagged fish. If the location looks dangerous, don’t fish there.

E Wear

a lifejacket or buoyancy vest. When boat fishing or when fishing in hazardous locations such as rock platforms or those located near areas of fast moving water always wear a lifejacket. It may also be appropriate to wear non-slip shoes.

E If someone falls into the water do not jump in after them. Instead look for an angel ring, life buoy or something that floats and throw it to the person in the water. Alert emergency services by dialling 112 from a mobile phone or 000 from a landline.

E Observe

first, fish later. Always check weather and water conditions before you start fishing.

E Always

let friends or family know where you are going and when you will be back.

E Take

care when handling fish you are unfamiliar with. Some fish have sharp or venomous spines and others sharp teeth.

Rock fishing safety Rock fishing can be extremely dangerous.

Key rock fishing safety tips include: E Never fish by yourself - fish in a group of at least three people and within sight of each other. If someone is washed in, DON’T jump in after them. One person can look for an angel ring, life buoy or something that floats and throw it to the person in the water. The other can alert the emergency services. Dial 112 from a mobile phone or dial 000 from a landline.

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Fishing safely/safe boating E Inform

others of your plans. Always let friends or family know where you are going and when you will be back.

E Wear

light clothing. Light clothing such as shorts and a spray jacket will let you swim easily if you are washed in. Jumpers may be heavy and difficult to remove.

E Wear

appropriate footwear. Cleats, sandals and sandshoes with nonslip soles suit different surfaces. Use appropriate shoes for the conditions.

E Carry

safety gear. Wear a life jacket or buoyancy vest. Also bring something buoyant that can be easily thrown and held, to help you stay afloat. Ropes and torches may also be useful.

E Never

fish in exposed areas during rough or large seas. Make sure you are aware of local weather, swell and tidal conditions before going fishing. Listen to weather forecasts or call the weather information line on 1900 937 107.

Be aware that conditions may change dramatically in a short period of time.

E Observe

first, fish later. Spend some time (at least 30 minutes) watching your intended spot before fishing to get an idea of the conditions over a full swell/ wave cycle. Wave conditions can get worse as the tide changes - you should know whether the tides are high or low and rising or falling (see tide charts pages 95-101).

E Plan

an escape route in case you are washed in. Stay calm – if you are washed in, swim away from the rocks and look for a safe place to come ashore or stay afloat and wait for help to arrive.

E Stay

alert. Don’t ever turn your back on the sea - if the waves, weather or swell threaten your fishing spot then leave immediately.

E Ask

for advice from locals who know the area. They will always tell you when an area is dangerous.

E A rock fishing safety DVD funded by the recreational fishing trusts and organised by the Department of Sport

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Fishing safely/safe boating and Recreation with Australian National Sportfishing Association (NSW) and the Recreational Fishing Alliance (RFA) of NSW is available free of charge from the websites www.rfansw.com.au or www.safefishing.com.au.

Safe boating Any person who drives a recreational powered vessel on NSW waterways at a speed of 10 knots or more must hold a current NSW boat drivers licence.

It is important to stay safe when out on the water. Detailed advice on safe boating is available in the NSW Maritime Authority publication “Boating Handbook�. The booklet, as well as further information, can be obtained by calling the NSW Maritime Authority infoline on 131 256 or by checking website www.maritime.nsw.gov.au.

Key safe boating tips include: E You must comply with all NSW Maritime Authority requirements.

E Ensure the vessel is seaworthy and fuel tanks full. Check batteries beforehand and run the auxiliary motor periodically.

E Ensure the vessel is fully equipped for emergencies.

E Know how the safety gear works. Make sure everyone knows where it is stowed, and how to use it.

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E Let someone know your expected time of return. If going out to sea, advise the local coastal patrol as you leave port.

E Take plenty of food and water.

E Wear non-slip shoes and take raincoats and warm clothing.

E Wear a life jacket whenever you cross a bar, when in hazardous areas or when conditions become dangerous.

E If possible, fish with another vessel. In an emergency, the other can help or radio for help.

E If a front approaches, or the weather changes suddenly, head back to shore.

Bar Crossings Bar crossings can be dangerous and require utmost care.

E Use a tide chart and check the weather.

E Avoid crossing a bar on an ebb or a runout tide when the most dangerous wave conditions usually occur.

E Wear a lifejacket each time crossing the bar.

E On approaching the bar, stop and watch the wave pattern. Look for a flat period and proceed when safe.

E Do not go if in doubt or if you lack experience. It is not worth your life, and perhaps the lives of others, just for a day of fishing.

E Try to take any waves as close to head on as possible.

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Food Safety Food safety Many people enjoy eating the fish they catch. If you intend to eat your catch, you should ensure that you handle it correctly to avoid the possibility of illness. This means immediately chilling your catch with ice and always keeping it covered and cold.

Mercury occurs naturally in large predatory fish such as shark and billfish. For health reasons Food Standards Australia New Zealand advises pregnant women and young children up to six years to consume no more than one serving of those species per fortnight with no other fish to be consumed during that period.

For more information check Food Standards Australia New Zealand website at www.foodstandards.gov.au.

Recreational harvest of shellfish What are Shellfish?

Seafood such as Oysters, Mussels, Pipis and Cockles are sometimes referred to as bivalve molluscs or shellfish. They feed by filtering and eating nutrients found in water.

Fast facts E Shellfish are filter feeders and they sometimes accumulate harmful substances from the water they filter during feeding.

E Shellfish collected by recreational fishers should never be eaten raw.

E Pipis may be harvested for bait only and

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not for human consumption. You are not permitted to take pipis beyond 50m of the high tide mark.

E If you do collect other shellfish for eating, never collect them after rainfall, from water affected by algal blooms or if the area is closed to harvesting shellfish.

E Boiling will not kill biotoxins already in shellfish.

Why can they cause poisoning?

Because shellfish are filter feeders, they occasionally accumulate harmful substances such as biotoxins and micro-organisms from the water they filter during feeding.

Biotoxins are harmful natural substances produced by some types of algae which could be present in waterways.

Biotoxins can cause symptoms ranging from diarrhoea to severe respiratory and neurological problems. Harmful microorganisms such as viruses and bacteria might be present in waterways due to run-off from the land, especially after heavy rainfall.

What about commercially harvested shellfish?

In NSW, commercially harvested shellfish produced by oyster and mussel farmers and commercial fishers collecting shellfish, such as Pipis, must comply with a comprehensive food safety program.

This program is controlled through the NSW Shellfish Program administered by the

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Food Safety NSW Food Authority and is a requirement of the Food Production (Seafood Safety Scheme) Regulation 2001. This program assists commercial shellfish harvesters in controlling the risks associated with harmful substances in shellfish to safeguard public health.

What’s the problem if I collect shellfish?

Shellfish collected by recreational fishers should never be eaten raw. This is because recreationally harvested shellfish are not subject to the same strict food safety controls as commercially harvested shellfish.

Consequently, the NSW Food Authority recommends eating only shellfish harvested commercially under a recognised program.

yellow, brownish and an oily or milky appearance. Other blooms can show no discolouration but be highly toxic at low levels. Always check signs and local media for information on algal alerts.

E If the area is closed to fishing by I&I NSW. For example, it is prohibited to collect shellfish from Sydney Harbour and various other waterways.

For further information on I&I NSW closures see website www.industry.nsw.gov.au.

How can I reduce the risk of food poisoning from shellfish I harvest?

You are not allowed to collect pipis for human consumption. If you do collect other shellfish for eating, you should never collect them: E After rainfall. Periods after rainfall are especially high risk for shellfish collection. Waiting several days after the water clears (the muddy look has gone) following rainfall will reduce the risk of bacterial and viral contamination.

E From water affected by algal blooms. Algae can appear as water discolourations, including red, green,

Boiling shellfish will not kill biotoxins It is important to remember that boiling will not destroy or remove biotoxins which might be present in shellfish.

Eating shellfish contaminated with biotoxins may result in serious illness or death.

This information is provided by the the NSW Food Authority. For more information phone 1300 552 406, email: contact@foodauthority.nsw.gov. au or website www.foodauthority.nsw. gov.au.

Warning: Oysters and mussels may be contaminated through either pollution or naturally occurring algae. Eating contaminated shellfish can cause serious illness or death. Commercially grown oysters are harvested under strict guidelines to safeguard public health.

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Knots And Rigs Palomar knot The palomar knot is quick to tie and forms a strong knot. It is a generalpurpose connection used in joining fishing lines to swivels, snaps, hooks and artificial lures.

The double wrap provides a protective cushion for added strength.

1. Double the line and form a loop about 10cms long. Pass it through the eye of the hook.

2. Form an overhand knot on the eye of the hook.

3. Extend the loop and pass it over the hook.

4. Moisten the knot before pulling tight.

Trim the tag when complete.

Uni knot or grinner knot This is an excellent knot for connecting hooks and swivels to the end of fishing lines. A very dependable knot even for deep sea fishing. Use more wraps with lighter line, less with heavier line. It can also be used to attach your fishing line to your reel by passing the line around the back of the spool rather than through the eye of the hook.

C

C

C A D

1. Thread line through eye.

D

B

2. Make this configuration.

A

3. Begin wrapping loop C with tag A.

A

B

4. Continue wrapping four to six times depending on diameter of the line. The lighter the line the more wraps.

C C

D A B

5. Moisten the line and form a knot by pulling tag A against loop C. Notice how the loop D spirals around the knot as D straightens out.

6. As you continue to pull on the tag all of the spirals in the tag are transferred to the loop D.

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7. This forms a slipping knot and loop.

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8. The loop C disappears as the knot is slid down onto the eye.

Knots aNd Rigs Perfection loop Of many loops used to attach flies and lures, the perfection loop is favoured because it lays relatively straight and does not point out to the side. It is tricky to tie so follow the instructions carefully.

1. Make a simple overhand knot in the leader and thread the tag through the eye of the lure or fly.

2. Pass the tag back through the overhand knot alongside the other strand.

3. Now bend the tag back so it goes back up through the knot as shown. The sequence is over, over, under, over, under.

4. Moisten the knot before pulling tight. Trim the tag.

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Knots And Rigs Double uni knot This is a useful knot for joining two lines.

1. Overlap the lines to be joined then encircle one line with the tag of the other.

2. Wrap the double strand inside the formed loop.

3. Make four wraps in all.

4. Do the same with the other line so the knot in each line is tied around the other.

5. Moisten the line and tighten each knot in turn.

6. Draw the knots together, tighten once more, then trim the tags.

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Knots aNd Rigs Albright knot This is a particularly useful knot for joining braid to a nylon leader.

1. Double the end of a heavier monofilament leader and thread your lighter line through and around the loop.

2. Wrap down the loop with the lighter line.

3. Make five wraps down and work back wrapping over the originals.

4. After making five wraps in each direction thread the tag back through the loop.

5. Use gentle pressure on both leaders and tags to partially close the knot.

6. As the knot tightens let both tags go, moisten the knot and use firm pressure on line against leader.

7. Finally, close the knot and trim the tags.

Spider Hitch This knot retains around 80 percent of monofilament line strength but only 40-60 percent in braid lines. While not as strong as a Bimini or Plait, it is quick, easy to tie and provides a double strand to attach terminals and leaders.

1.

2.

3.

1. Determine your double or end loop size, twist a second loop just above the tag end and hold between left thumb and forefinger. 2. Wind the double around your thumb 3. Make four or five complete wraps.

4.

5.

6.

4. Pass the loop in the double through the second loop. 5. Pull gently on the double until all loops slide from your thumb (pinch thumb and finger firmly to disengage loops one at a time).

6. Moisten the loops and tension all four strands equally as the knot is pulled tight.

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Knots And Rigs Dropper loop This is a loop which can be used to attach a hook or leader anywhere along a length of line.

1. Make a loop where the dropper is to be. Then cross the main line to form a second smaller loop.

2.

3.

2. Twist the smaller loop from both ends but alternate the twisting and holding between hands. 3. Make six complete twists (braid line) or four complete twists (monofilament). Then thread the larger loop through the middle of the smaller loop you have twisted.

4.

5.

1.

4 & 5. Slip the knot around something solid. Moisten the knot before pulling tight. Take care not to shear off either side. The finished knot will be strong enough for most fishing needs.

Cats paw This is a useful knot to attach a double to a swivel.

1.

4.

2.

3.

5.

1. Pass the loop end of a double through the eye of a snap swivel and then pass the swivel through the loop. 2. Fold the loop end of the double back against the standing part of the loop. 3. Rotate the swivel through the central loop thus formed. 4. Depending on the flexibility and thickness of the line, repeat the rotation between three to six times. 5. Moisten the knot before gently pulling tight to close.

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Knots aNd Rigs Running sinker rigs A running sinker is not fixed but slides along the line until it reaches a stop or the hook. They are used where it is an advantage to let fish pick up bait without feeling the weight of a sinker.

1. The simplest rig features a small ball sinker running to the hook but there is no provision for a heavier leader.

2. A conventional running sinker features a swivel or ring as a sinker stop above the hook and allows a leader to be tied on below the swivel or ring.

3. The EzyRig illustrated is threaded on to line just like a sinker but the clip allows light sinkers to be swapped for heavier and vice versa.

1.

2.

3.

Fixed sinker rigs A simple bottom fishing rig is the basic fixed Paternoster rig.

It consists of a sinker tied or looped onto the very end of the line with one or more hooks attached above the sinker at various intervals using twisted dropper loops so they stand away from the main line and don’t tangle.

The use of a dropper loop to attach hooks is an easy rig to prepare and strong enough for most fishing situations.

Using a swivel or ring as a tie off point results in the strongest possible rig of this type and is preferred by many fishers.

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Knots And Rigs Running Floats - Bobby Cork Rig Running floats such as a bobby cork rig have a hole through their centres just like a running sinker. In effect, they are used to present bait at a deeper depth than the length of drop which can be cast using a fixed float.

When casting out the baited hooks sink to the depth pre-determined by the position of the lower ball or bean sinker on the line, whether that is 2 metres or 10 metres.

The Waggler Float Waggler floats are by far the most diverse float design and can be used for almost all forms of fishing. The straight design of wagglers provides good buoyancy and excellent visibility at their tip.

Depending on the situation a waggler can be fixed in one spot or left free to slide up and down the line. Straight wagglers as shown here are fixed to the line with two locking shot. Extra shot is added down the line for balance so that only the tip will appear above the surface.

Fixed Stem Floats Stem floats consist of a thin stem with a bulbous body for added buoyancy. Most have a plastic or rubber sleeve which positions over the top of the stem to fix the float in position on the line. Steps to follow in rigging a fixed stem float are: Remove the sleeve from the stem and pass the line through it and then through the line guide at the stem base.

When the required length of line has been passed through the guides, slide the sleeve back into position to fix the float on the line.

With the float in position, tie on the hook and weight the line with enough split shot to keep it in an upright position in the water.

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Knots And Rigs Common saltwater baits. Using fresh, natural bait is one of the easiest ways to ensure you can catch fish. Bait should be secured on a hook but with sufficient barb exposed to hook fish.

Prawns

A

Worms can be used whole or in pieces and either individually or a number at the same time.

Weed

Weed can be used by forming a simple snell on the hook shank, threading the weed through the loop and braiding it down the shank. Secure by tying around the curve of the hook.

B

Pass the hook right up through the bend in the tail as shown in (A) or hook through the tail (B).

Saltwater Nippers

Worms

Saltwater Nippers are best when hooked through the tail.

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Saltwater Fishing Rules: Permitted methods & Activities Rules apply to help ensure healthy and sustainable fisheries for future generations. Abiding by the rules will help preserve our saltwater recreational fisheries. Plan your activity well in advance and ask about restrictions or closed areas at your local I&I NSW fisheries office.

Different rules apply for freshwater fishing and you should refer to the I&I NSW Recreational Freshwater Fishing Guide.

All fin fish and invertebrates (such as Crabs, Prawns, Worms, Nippers, Cockles and Squid) are subject to bag limits and many are also subject to size limits. See bag and size limit section (pages 60-76) for details.

Recreational equipment permitted

Maximum number permitted per person

Total number of rods or lines

4 rods or handlines

Number of hooks per line

3 hooks or three gangs of hooks *

Rod / hand jigging line

1 rod or handline with up to 6 single hooks with lures attached #

Bait trap

1 trap

Hoop net or witches hat

5 nets

Crab trap

1 trap

Lobster trap

1 trap

Spanner crab net

1 net

Hand hauled prawn net

1 net

Scissors (push) net

1 net

Dip or scoop net

1 net

Spear/ spear gun

-

The table provides a maximum of each gear type permitted per person in use or in possession at any time.

All of the above recreational fishing equipment have additional restrictions and requirements that must be adhered to. Specific gear requirements are provided later in this section. * A gang of hooks should have no more than 5 hooks. No more than 3 trebles attached to a lure. # This gear must be used by the method of hang jigging only. This line is included in the total number of lines permitted as given above.

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Saltwater Fishing Rules: Permitted methods & Activities Line fishing E A maximum of four rods or lines can be used by any one person at any one time.

E If any rods or lines are left unattended, they must be clearly marked with the fisher’s name and address or name and boat registration number.

E A maximum of three hooks or three gangs of hooks can be attached per line.

A gang of hooks should have no more than five hooks.

E One line may have six single hooks with a lure attached to be used by the method of hand jigging only.

E A maximum of three treble hooks can be attached to a lure.

Bait trapping E You can only use or have in your possession one trap at any one time.

E The maximum dimensions of a bait trap are 450mm length x 350mm diameter with entrance funnel no larger than 60mm in diameter.

E The trap must have a tag attached clearly marked with the fisher’s name and address or name and boat registration number.

Hand Hand picking may be used to take fish, gloves are permitted.

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Saltwater Fishing Rules: Permitted methods & Activities Knife

Hoop nets and witches hats

13mm

1m

A single blade knife with a blade longer than it is wide may be used to help gather invertebrates.

Pliers 1.25m

E N ot more than five nets are to be used (or in possession) by any one person at any one time.

E O ne or two hoops per net (no rigid frame between them).

Pliers may be used to help gather invertebrates except on rock platforms.

E D iameter of hoops should be no greater than 1.25 metres.

Hand (Nipper) pump

E M esh size cannot be less than 13mm measured across the diagonal.

E D rop (length of net) cannot be more than 1 metre.

Hand (nipper) pumps are commonly used to collect Saltwater Nippers.

E Barrel diameter not more than 85mm.

Landing net

E A tag, at least 80mm x 25mm, clearly showing your name and address (or name and registration number of boat being used) must be attached and above water.

E T he net must be dropped and raised vertically through the water by hand.

E T he net must not be used in ocean waters.

E A ny rock lobsters or fin fish which are subject to a size limit must be immediately returned to the water unharmed if caught.

E T he same rules apply for witches hats as for hoop nets.

E D o not set gear in areas of high boat traffic or navigation channels.

May only be used as an ancillary aid for retrieval of fish caught when line fishing.

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Saltwater Fishing Rules: Permitted methods & Activities Spanner crab net E Not more than one spanner crab net can be used (or in possession) by any person at any one time.

E Net must be attached to a rigid frame not exceeding 1.6 metres in length and 1 metre in width.

50mm

E N et must not be capable of extending more than 0.1 metre beneath the frame when the frame is suspended in a horizontal position.

E T he net must be lowered and raised through the water only by hand.

E Net

can only be used for taking of spanner crabs.

E M ay only be used in ocean waters north of Korogoro Point (Hat Head).

E Must not be set and left unattended.

E A buoy with a minimum diameter of 10cm clearly marked “CRAB TRAP� with your name in letters not less than 50mm high must be attached. No rope should float on the surface of the water.

E M ust not be made of entanglement material.

E M ust not be set to impede the free passage of fish.

1m

E D o not set gear in areas of high boat traffic or navigation channels.

Lobster trap

0.1m 1.6m

Crab trap E Not more than 1 trap to be used (or in possession) by any person at any one time.

E M aximum dimensions - 1.2 metres (length) x 1 metre (width) x 0.5 metre (depth) or has a diameter not exceeding 1.6 metres at the top or bottom.

E M inimum mesh size – 50mm measured across the diagonal.

E N o more than 4 entrances (none of which are on the top of the trap).

E N ot more than one trap is to be used (or in possession) by any person at any time.

E T he base or floor of the trap may be either rectangular or circular.

Rectangular (not exceeding 1.2 metres by NSW Recreational Saltwater Fishing Guide

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Saltwater Fishing Rules: Permitted methods & Activities 1.2 metres); circular (not exceeding 1.2 metres in diameter).

E A buoy with a minimum diameter of 10cm clearly marked “L� with your name in letters not less than 50mm high must be attached. No rope should float on the surface of the water.

E A ny fish caught which are subject to a size limit must be immediately returned to the water unharmed.

E M ust be registered (see note at the end of this section).

Scissors (push) net

E E scape gaps are required - either: one gap not less than 57mm high x 500mm wide or two gaps not less than 57mm high x 250mm wide or three gaps not less than 57mm high x 200mm wide so that no part of any escape gap is more than 12cm above the floor of the trap.

E L obster traps must not be used in inland waters or any waters more than 10m deep (contour).

E Only lobsters can be taken with this trap.

E D o not set gear in areas of high boat traffic or navigation channels.

E Must be attached to a scissor-type frame.

E L ength of the lead or bottom line between the ends of poles must be no longer than 2.75 metres.

E M esh size between 30mm-36mm measured across the diagonal.

Prawn nets Hand hauled net

E M ust not be staked or set, or joined or placed with any other net.

E M ust be continuously and manually propelled and not used as a stationary net.

E Must be operated by one person only.

E O nly one net per person is permitted at any time.

E Maximum length of 6 metres.

E A ny fish caught which are subject to a size limit must be immediately returned to the water unharmed.

E M esh size between 30mm-36mm measured across the diagonal.

E M ust be registered (see note at the end of this section).

E M ust not be staked or set, or joined or placed with any other net.

E M ust be continuously and manually pulled through the water and not used as a stationary net.

Scoop net E Maximum diameter of hoop or ring 0.6 metres.

E Must not be attached to a hauling line.

E Maximum handle length 1.2 metres.

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Saltwater Fishing Rules: Permitted methods & Activities 1.2

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E M inimum mesh size 20mm measured across the diagonal.

E D rop (length of net) no more than 1.25 metres.

E M ust be used by hand and not staked or set.

E M ust not be joined or placed with any other net.

E Only one net per person at any time.

E A ny fish caught while fishing for prawns may be kept, however, bag and size limits apply.

IMPORTANT NOTE: You are required to register hand-hauled and scissor nets.

This can be done at local fisheries offices for $27 for the life of the net. You are not required to register scoop nets.

Gear and tackle restrictions may change during the life of this publication. It is the responsibility of fishers to ensure they are acting within the law at all times.

Diving and Spearfishing E You may use a hand or gloved hand to take Lobster when snorkelling only.

E Y ou may use a spear/ speargun with snorkel equipment to take fish in NSW waters.

E Y ou may use SCUBA or hookah apparatus to take Scallops and Sea Urchins only.

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Saltwater Fishing Rules: prohibited methods & Activities Prohibited Gear and Activities General You are not permitted to: E Fish in waters that are closed to fishing.

Check the website for details www. industry.nsw.gov.au.

E Use any methods/gear to take fish or invertebrates that are not specified in the permitted methods section.

E Take or be in possession of fish or invertebrates in excess of the bag limit or of a size outside the legal size limits. All prohibited size fish must be released immediately. You must not hold prohibited size fish or fish in excess of the legal bag limit in a live well or use them for bait even if they are injured or dead on capture. If you have purchased fish or bait from a commercial vendor, retain the receipt to present to an I&I NSW fisheries officer.

E Take, attempt to take, harm or be in possession of threatened or protected species.

E Use a chemical or explosive device to take or assist to take fish.

E Use a cast net in NSW waters.

7

E A lter the length of a fish or invertebrate by filleting/shucking and/or removing the head/shell until well away from the water. This rule does not apply at areas normally used for cleaning fish such as boat ramp cleaning tables, if the fish are for immediate consumption or immediate use as bait, or for fish that do not have a legal length. You may clean fish by gilling and gutting only.

Line Fishing You are not permitted to: E Carry excess fishing lines in, on, or adjacent to waters. Spare lines should not be rigged and should be properly stowed.

E Jag fish (hooking or attempting to hook fish other than through the mouth).

E Use drift lines. Lines must be held in the hand or fixed to a boat or the shore.

E Use abalone gut as bait. This is due to the AVG virus (see page 88) Invertebrates You are not permitted to: E Use hammers, mattocks, chisels, crowbars, dredges or other instruments not specified in the permitted methods section.

E Retain Lobsters or Crabs carrying eggs, they must be returned immediately to the water. It is an offence to remove any eggs.

E P ossess excess fishing gear in, on, or adjacent to waters.

E Sell any recreational catch.

E Interfere with commercial fishers or fishing gear.

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Saltwater Fishing Rules: prohibited methods & Activities

7 E R etain any Rock Lobsters caught whilst line fishing.

E Collect invertebrates within Intertidal Protected Areas such as Sydney Harbour and some zones within aquatic reserves and marine parks.

E Collect Octopus from ocean rock platforms or from rock platforms in Sydney Harbour E Alter the length of an invertebrate by shucking and/or removing the head/shell until well away from the water. This rule does not apply at areas normally used for cleaning fish such as boat ramp cleaning tables, if the fish are for immediate consumption or immediate use as bait, or for fish that do not have a legal length.

Charter boat fishing Charter boat operators providing fishing trips for anglers in NSW estuaries and ocean waters need a licence to operate their business. You will recognise a licensed NSW charter fishing boat by distinct markings on the boat – the letters CFB followed by a number.

These experienced charter fishing operators usually provide all fishing equipment and are also keen to provide advice and assist with your fishing activities to help you learn more about fishing.

It is illegal for an unlicensed boat to be used for charter fishing in NSW. Make sure the boat has a current I&I NSW Charter Fishing Boat Licence and NSW Maritime Authority survey before you board it. If you have any concerns contact your local I&I NSW fisheries office.

Spearfishing You are not permitted to: E Use a spear/ spear gun to take Blue, Brown or Red Groper.

E Take fish with a spear/ spear gun whilst using a light.

E Spearfish on ocean beaches (except the last 20 metres at each end of the beach).

Please note: Many entrances, coastal lagoons and other tidal waters are closed to spearfishing.

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How to measure fin fish and inVertebrates

55

legal length/total length

carapace

measurement

Fin fish To determine the legal length of a fish, the fish is measured from the tip of the snout to the tip of the tail – this is also known as the total length.

carapace

measurement

measurement

Spanner Crab Spanner Crabs are measured along the body from the base of the orbital notch (eye socket) to the centre of the posterior margin of the carapace.

measurement

Abalone Abalone are measured along a straight line at the widest point of the shell. measurement

carapace

Crab Crabs, except Spanner Crabs, are measured along the body from the notch between the two most protruding frontal teeth to the centre of the posterior margin of the carapace or shell.

Rock Lobster Rock Lobsters are measured along the length of the carapace or head, along a straight line from the point of the union of the second antennae or large feelers to the centre of the back edge of the carapace, ignoring any attached hairs.

Measuring devices for Abalone, Rock Lobster and Crabs are available from I&I NSW fisheries offices.

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Fish Indentification Some families of fish have a number of different species which can make identification difficult. It is important to know exactly what fish you catch as different regulations may apply to different species. Various reference books are available which clearly outline a fish’s defining characteristics.

Some species look quite similar. The following tips have been prepared to help identify popular species from similar looking fish.

Australian Bass Snout length shorter than Estuary Perch.

Pelvic fin white at leading margin.

Estuary Perch Snout profile – concave.

Snout profile – slightly concave to straight.

Dark olive/grey/green on back fading to off-white or yellowish white below.

Dusky Flathead Tail – distinctive black spot at caudal end over a brown/ grey speckled background

Snout tapered and elongated (longer than Bass).

All fins dark.

Tiger Flathead Light brown to orange/brown with spots on upper body. Particularly large teeth on the roof of the mouth.

Tail – lines of orange/ brown spots on upper half.

Dark bars often visible across rear of body.

Eastern Bluespotted Flathead (Sand Flathead)

Sand Whiting

Mottled brown with small, widely spaced blue spots.

Tail – lower half has 3-5 irregular dark blotches.

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Dark grey and silvery on back, paler below.

High first dorsal fin.

Black spot at base of pectoral fin. n

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Uniform body colour, no bars or blotches.

Yellow ventral and anal fins.

Fish Indentification Yellowfin Bream Body colour varies from silver to bronzy green.

Tarwhine

Underside profile of head continued as almost straight line to the anus.

Head more rounded and snout not as pointed as that of Bream.

Ventral and anal fins canary yellow, particularly the spines.

Prominent golden lines on head and body with background colour silver.

Longfin Eel

Southern Shortfin Eel

Dorsal fin extends markedly forward of anal fin.

Dorsal fin extends a little forward of anal fin.

Uniform olive/green to brown colour, distinctly blotched or mottled.

Uniform olive/green to brown colour, no distinctive markings.

Mulloway

Teraglin

Dark spot above pectoral fin

Tail profile – rounded (convex)

Tail profile – slightly forked (concave)

See the bag and size limits which apply to these species in the following Bag and Size Limits Section (pages 60-76).

Why have bag and size limits?

Regulations apply to help ensure healthy and sustainable fisheries for future generations.

Size limits allow fish to reach maturity and complete their breeding cycle, while bag limits help make sure everyone gets a fair share of the resource and species are not overfished.

Abiding by the regulations will help maintain our saltwater recreational fisheries.

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Bag and Size Limits for Saltwater Fish Fin fish The following information is current at time of printing but some bag and size limits may change over time. It is the responsibility of fishers to ensure they are acting within the law at all times. A maximum daily bag limit of 20 applies to any species not listed below.

Explanation of terms Bag limit: The maximum number of fish or invertebrates per person in possession. Figure plus asterix (*) denotes limit comprised of any single species or a combination of listed grouped species.

Legal length: The minimum length of a fish unless otherwise stated. A fish which does not reach this minimum length must be immediately returned to the water (see Responsible Fishing section pages 18-22 for more information). Some species have maximum length restrictions to protect larger breeding females. See page 55 for how to measure fish.

Possession limit: The maximum number of fish a person is allowed to have in their possession at any one time. For all saltwater species the daily bag limit is also the possession limit.

Retained fish: All retained fish should be dispatched swiftly and humanely.

Australian Bass

Australian Bass & Estuary Perch Legal length: Only 1 over 35cm.

Bag limit: 2 in total*, 4 in possession.

Zero bag limit for Australian Bass and Estuary Perch in rivers and estuaries from 1 June to 31 August each year.

Habitat: Bass migrate to saltwater to breed during the winter months. Estuary Perch live in estuaries and inlets, and are most prevalent in waters south of Sydney.

Good baits: Bass and Perch feed aggressively on insects, small fish, crustaceans and Worms.

Both species respond well to artificial lures and flies.

Estuary Perch

Australian Salmon Legal length: None.

Bag limit: 5.

Habitat: Beaches, rocky headlands, inshore reefs, bays, inlets.

Good baits: Baitfish, Beach Worms, Pipis. An aggressive, schooling fish known for its sporting prowess. Salmon are a regular catch by beach fishermen using Pilchards and lures.

Bluefish Legal length: None.

Bag limit: 0 – release only. Prohibited catch in all NSW waters other than Lord Howe Marine Park.

Lord Howe Marine Park: 5.

Habitat: Coastal and offshore rocky reefs.

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Bag and Size Limits for Saltwater Fish Bonito Legal length: None.

Bag limit: 10.

Habitat: Coastal waters, bays and lower estuaries.

Good baits: Pilchards, Squid, small live fish or artificial lures.

Yellowfin Bream

Bream & Tarwhine Legal length: Black, Yellowfin Bream 25cm.

Tarwhine 20cm.

Bag limit: 20 in total*.

Habitat: Black or Southern Bream: Creeks and estuary systems, especially in the southern half of NSW. Will tolerate brackish or even fresh water.

Yellowfin or Silver Bream: Rivers, estuaries, beaches, rocky headlands, inshore reefs.

Tarwhine: Favours estuaries, rocky reefs and beaches.

Often found with Yellowfin Bream.

Good baits: Crustaceans, molluscs, Marine Worms, small baitfish. Live Prawns are a great bait for Bream.

Will also respond to small minnow lures and soft plastics.

Black Bream

Tarwhine

Hapuku

Deep-Sea Fish: Hapuku (Hapuka), Banded Rock Cod (Bar Cod), Bass Groper, Gemfish, Blue-Eye Trevalla (Cod) Legal length: None.

Bag limit: 5 in total*, Gemfish: only 2 and boat trip limit of 10.

Habitat: Deep offshore waters, usually on or over the continental shelf.

Good baits: Squid, oily fish such as Tuna or Mackerel.

Banded Rock Cod

Gemfish Bass Groper

Blue-Eye Trevalla

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Bag and Size Limits for Saltwater Fish Mahi Mahi (Dolphinfish) Legal length: 60cm. Only 1 over 110cm.

Bag limit: 10.

Habitat: Oceanic waters. Commonly found around floating objects such as buoys, driftwood and seaweed.

Good baits: Pilchards, fish strips, live fish or artificial lures.

Longfin Eel

Eel: Southern Shortfin and Longfin Legal length: Southern Shortfin eel 30cm. Longfin eel 58cm.

Bag limit: 10 of each species.

Habitat: Estuaries, rivers and brackish water zones.

Good baits: Molluscs, Marine Worms.

Southern Shortfin Eel

Flathead Legal length: Dusky (Common) Flathead 36cm, only 1 over 70cm. Bluespotted and Tiger Flathead 33cm.

Bag limit: Dusky (Common) Flathead 10.

All other Flathead species 20 in total*.

Habitat: Coastal rivers, estuaries, lakes, inlets, beaches and offshore areas.

Good baits: Baitfish (live Poddy Mullet are a great bait), crustaceans, Marine Worms and fish strips. A common catch on diving lures, flies and soft plastics.

Dusky Flathead

Bluespotted Flathead

Tiger Flathead

Flounders and Soles Flounder

Legal length: 25cm.

Bag limit: 20 in total*.

Habitat: Inshore coastal and estuarine waters.

Good baits: Worms, Pipis, Prawns, Pilchards or fish strips.

Garfish: Eastern Sea Legal length: None.

Bag limit: 20.

Habitat: Found in shallow coastal areas, large bays and estuaries.

Good baits: Bread, Pipis and Worms.

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Bag and Size Limits for Saltwater Fish Groper: Blue, Red/Brown Legal length: 30cm. Only 1 over 60cm.

Bag limit: 2 by line only.

Habitat: Rocky headlands and inshore reefs.

Good baits: Red Rock Crabs, Cunjevoi.

Blue Groper, (male) Brown Groper, (female)

Hairtail Legal length: None. Bag limit: 10.

Habitat: Deep water regions in estuaries, especially in the Hawkesbury River north of Sydney.

Good baits: Live yellowtail or Slimy Mackerel, ganged Pilchards.

Hairtail tend to fish best at night.

Kingfish: Yellowtail Legal length: 65cm. Bag limit: 5.

Habitat: Inshore and offshore reefs, rocky headlands.

Good baits: Live Squid/Slimy Mackerel/Yellowtail, oily fish such as Tuna.

Kingfish respond well to cast and trolled lures and jigs.

Leatherjackets Legal length: None.

Bag limit: 20 in total*.

Habitat: Tidal rivers, bays, inlets and over reefs extending offshore.

Good baits: Prawns, Squid, Pilchards and fish strips.

Luderick (Blackfish) Legal length: 27cm.

Bag limit: 20.

Habitat: Rocky headlands, coastal rivers and estuary systems.

Good baits: Marine weeds (green weed and cabbage), bread, Cunjevoi and Marine Worms.

Mackerel: Spanish and Spotted Legal length: Spanish 75cm, Spotted 60cm.

Bag limit: 5 in total*.

Habitat: Offshore reef systems, bays, rocky headlands.

Largely restricted to northern NSW waters during the summer season.

Good baits: Live Slimy Mackerel, Yellowtail and Tuna.

Pilchards and other oily fish. Also respond well to cast and trolled minnow and skirted lures. Sharp teeth require the use of wire leaders.

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Spanish Mackerel

Spotted Mackerel

Bag and Size Limits for Saltwater Fish Mangrove Jack Legal length: None.

Bag limit: 5.

Habitat: Mangroves and rocky structure in estuaries and rivers. Migrate to offshore reefs when mature.

Largely restricted to northern NSW waters although an occasional capture around Sydney.

Good baits: Live Mullet/Yellowtail/Prawns. Oily fish such as Tuna and Mullet. Also takes cast and trolled deep-diving lures.

Marlin: Striped, Black And Blue Legal length: None.

Bag limit: 1 of each species.

Habitat: Offshore, usually around or over the continental shelf although Black Marlin will come much closer inshore.

Good baits: Live or dead Slimy Mackerel, Yellowtail or Tuna.

All species will also respond well to trolled skirted lures.

Striped Marlin

Black Marlin

Blue Marlin

Jackass Morwong

Morwong: Jackass, Grey (Rubberlip) Legal length: 30cm.

Bag limit: 10 of each species.

Habitat: Inshore/offshore reef systems.

Common over areas where rock and sand mix.

Good baits: Prawns, Squid and fish strips.

Grey Morwong

Morwong: Red Legal length: 30cm.

Bag limit: 5.

Habitat: Inshore reef systems.

Good baits: Prawns, Squid.

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Bag and Size Limits for Saltwater Fish Morwong: Banded Legal length: None.

Bag limit: 5.

Habitat: Inshore/offshore reef systems.

Good baits: Prawns, Squid.

Moses Snapper (Moses Perch) Legal length: None.

Bag limit: 5.

Habitat: Around rocks, mangroves, piers and wharves in estuary systems, generally restricted to northern NSW waters.

Good baits: Crustaceans, oily fish such as Tuna/Mullet. Also responds aggressively to small minnow lures and soft plastics.

Mullet: Poddy Legal length: Under 15cm.

Bag limit: 20 in total* for live bait only.

Habitat: Sand flats and weed beds in rivers and estuary systems.

Good baits: Bread, although can be caught in bait traps or with fine line and small hooks.

Mullet: All other Legal length: 30cm sea (Bully) only.

Bag limit: 20 in total*.

Habitat: Rivers and estuary systems.

Migrates annually along coastline.

Good baits: Bread, peeled Prawns, Marine Worms.

Mulloway (Jewfish) Legal length: 45cm. Only 2 over 70cm.

Bag limit: 5.

Habitat: Rivers/estuary systems, beaches, rocky headlands, inshore reefs.

Good baits: Live Squid, Beach Worms, Mullet, baitfish and oily fish such as Tuna.

Pearl Perch Legal length: 30cm.

Bag limit: 5.

Habitat: Frequents deep offshore waters around reefs.

Most common in northern NSW waters.

Good baits: Squid, baitfish, Prawns.

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Bag and Size Limits for Saltwater Fish Eastern Red Scorpionfish (Red Rock Cod) Legal length: None.

Bag limit: 5.

Habitat: Inshore and offshore reefs.

Good baits: Pilchards, prawns, squid or fish strips.

Rock Blackfish (Black Drummer) Legal length: 30cm.

Bag limit: 10.

Habitat: Reefy areas, rocky points and headlands.

Good baits: Cunjevoi, prawns, marine weeds, bread.

Sailfish Legal length: None.

Bag limit: 1.

Habitat: Offshore waters, often around some sort of reef or structure. Prefers warm sub-tropical waters.

Good baits: Garfish, small Tunas. Often taken on rigged baits or artificial lures.

Samsonfish and Amberjack Legal length: None.

Bag limit: 5 in total*.

Habitat: Inshore and offshore reefs.

Good baits: Live fish, fish strips, Squid and artificial lures.

Samsonfish

Amberjack

Sharks and Rays Legal length: 91cm school shark only.

Bag limit: 5 in total*. Only 1 Tiger, Mako, Blue, Hammerhead or other whaler species.

0 for Wobbegong, release only.

Habitat: Various species occupy a diverse range of habitats including estuaries, beaches, rocky reefs and open ocean.

Good baits: Most sharks and rays will respond to oily fish such as Tuna.

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School Shark

Wobbegong

Bag and Size Limits for Saltwater Fish Snapper Legal length: 30cm. Bag limit: 10.

Habitat: Inshore and offshore reef systems. Rocky headlands and points. Smaller fish common in estuary systems and protected bays.

Good bait: Squid, fish, prawns, octopus.

Adult Juvenile

Spearfish: Shortbill Legal length: None.

Bag limit: 1.

Habitat: Open ocean.

Good baits: A pelagic predator favouring similar foods as Marlin and Sailfish. Not common in NSW waters.

Surgeon: Sawtail Legal length: None.

Bag limit: 5.

Habitat: Favours rocky reefs and areas of structure inside bays and harbours.

Good baits: Often caught as a by-catch by fishers targeting Luderick on marine weeds.

Swordfish: Broadbill Legal length: None.

Bag limit: 1.

Habitat: Deep offshore waters.

Good baits: Most Swordfish are caught on Squid fished deep on heavy tackle at night.

An occasional capture on artificial lures.

Tailor Legal length: 30cm.

Bag limit: 20.

Habitat: Beaches, rocky headlands, estuaries, inshore reefs.

Good baits: Small baitfish such as Pilchards and Whitebait or oily fish such as Tuna. Responds aggressively to metal lures and diving minnows.

Teraglin Legal length: 38cm.

Bag limit: 5.

Habitat: Inshore/offshore reefs.

Good baits: Squid, oily fish such as Tuna, live Slimy Mackerel/Yellowtail.

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Bag and Size Limits for Saltwater Fish Trevallies Legal length: 30cm for Silver Trevally only.

Bag limit: 20 in total*.

Habitat: The most common Trevally in NSW waters is the Silver Trevally, which favours inshore reefs, rocky areas and bays.

Good baits: Marine Worms, Prawns, Squid and fish strips.

Silver Trevally Albacore

Tuna: Albacore, Big-Eye, Longtail, Southern Bluefin, Yellowfin Legal length: None (see below). Bag limit: 7 in total#*.

Only 2 of 90cm or over and 5 under 90cm Habitat: Open ocean, sometimes found close inshore following schools of baitfish. Good baits: Pilchards, Slimy Mackerel, Yellowtail. Tuna also respond well to trolled skirted and diving lures. # Please note: The rules relating to southern bluefin tuna may change during the life of this publication. Check with your local I&I NSW fisheries office or www.industry.nsw.gov.au.

Big-Eye

Longtail

Southern Bluefin

Yellowfin

Wahoo Legal length: None. Bag limit: 5 Habitat: Open ocean.

Good baits: Live Slimy Mackerel, small Tunas. Wahoo also respond aggressively towards skirted or diving lures.

Whiting Legal length: 27cm for Sand Whiting only.

Bag limit: 20 in total*.

Habitat: Beaches, estuaries, sandflats.

Good baits: Marine Worms, crustaceans, Saltwater Nippers.

Sand Whiting

Baitfish Bag Limits (excluding charter boat operators) Bag limit of 50 for each of the following: Australian Anchovy; Blue Sprat (or Bluebait); Maray (or Round Herring); Australian Sardine (Pilchard); Sandy Sprat (or Whitebait); Slimy Mackerel; Southern Herring.

A bag limit of 50 comprised of any single species or a combination of: Garfish (other than Eastern Sea Garfish); Hardyhead and Silverfish; Jack Mackerel and Yellowtail Scad.

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Bag and Size Limits for Saltwater invertebrates Invertebrates Invertebrates are creatures without a backbone and include crustaceans (eg Crabs, Lobsters), molluscs (eg Scallops, Mussels, Squid) and Worms. Please note that you must pay the NSW Recreational Fishing Fee to collect invertebrates. A maximum daily bag limit of 20 applies to any invertebrate not listed below (excluding molluscs which have a combined bag limit of 20 in total*). Bag limit: Figure plus asterix (*) denotes limit comprised of any single species or a combination of listed grouped species. Note: You must not alter the length of an invertebrate with a legal size by shucking and/or removing the head/shell until well away from the water.

Abalone Legal length: 11.7cm. Bag limit: 2.

Abalone should be measured as soon as collected and before being placed in a keeper or catch bag or leaving the water. You must not shuck (remove the meat from the shell) in, on or adjacent to the water so your catch may be measured if necessary.

Note: To allow Abalone stocks to recover following outbreaks of the aquatic parasite - Perkinsus olseni, all recreational and commercial fishing for Abalone is banned between Port Stephens and Jervis Bay. The parasite is not harmful to humans but has been a key factor in the decline of Abalone stocks in these areas over recent decades. Heavy penalties apply for breaches.

Balmain Bug Legal length: 10cm measured from spike to spike of the carapace at widest point.

Bag limit: 20.

Beach Worms Legal length: None Bag limit: 20 in whole or part*.

Other Worm species Legal length: None Bag limit: 100 in total*.

Cockles, Mussels and Pipis (Pipis for bait only) Legal length: None Bag limit: 50 in total*.

Note: You cannot take Pipis to eat or remove them more than 50m from the high tide mark.

Pipi

Cockle Mussel

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Bag and Size Limits for Saltwater invertebrates Crabs Blue Swimmer Crabs Legal length: 6cm.

Bag limit: 20.

Mud (Black/Mangrove) Crabs Legal length: 8.5cm.

Bag limit: 5.

Blue Swimmer Crab

Mud Crab

Note: Crabs carrying eggs must be returned immediately to the

water. It is an offence to remove any egs.

Spanner Crabs Legal length: 9.3cm.

Bag limit: 10.

Soldier Crabs Legal length: None.

Bag limit: 100 in total*.

All other Crabs Legal length: None.

Bag limit: 10 in total*.

Spanner Crab

Soldier Crab

Other Crab

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Bag and Size Limits for Saltwater invertebrates Cunjevoi Legal length: None.

Bag limit: 20 in total*.

Lobsters Eastern Rock Lobster Legal length: Min.10.4cm, max 18cm.

Bag limit: 2 in total (with Southern Rock Lobster).

In any combination.

Eastern Rock Colour: Green.

Lobster Note: Lobsters may be taken by hand or in a lobster trap (1 trap per person), but not with a hook or snare. Lobsters or crabs carrying eggs must be returned immediately to the water. It is an offence to remove any eggs.

Southern Rock Lobster (male) Legal length: 11cm.

Bag limit: 2 in total (with Eastern Rock Lobster).

In any combination.

Colour: Red. Southern Rock Lobster (female) Legal length: 10.5cm.

Bag limit: 2 in total (with Eastern Rock Lobster).

In any combination.

Colour: Red.

Southern Rock Lobster

Tropical Rock Lobster (Ornate and Painted) Legal length: None.

Bag limit: 2 in total*.

Colour: Legs and antennae: Mottled black and white.

Body: Various bright multi combinations.

Slipper Lobster (Flat) Legal length: None.

Bag limit: 2.

Colour: Beige/grey.

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Tropical Rock Lobster

Slipper Lobster

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Bag and Size Limits for Saltwater invertebrates Octopus Legal length: None.

Bag limit: 10 in total*.

Note: Octopus cannot be taken from ocean rock platforms in NSW or from rock platforms in Sydney Harbour.

Oysters: Sydney Rock, Pacific, Native Legal length: None.

Bag limit: 50 in total*.

Note: Removal of oysters from an oyster lease is theft and attracts heavy fines.

Warning: Oysters and mussels may be contaminated through either pollution or naturally occurring algae. Eating contaminated shellfish can cause serious illness or death. Commercially grown oysters are harvested under strict guidelines to safeguard public health.

See pages 34-35.

Prawns Legal length: None Bag limit: 10 litres in total*.

Saltwater Nippers Legal length: None Bag limit: 100 in total*.

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Bag and Size Limits for Saltwater invertebrates Scallops Legal length: None Bag limit: 50 in total*.

Sea Urchins Legal length: None Bag limit: 10 in total*.

Squid and Cuttlefish Legal length: None Bag limit: 20 in total*.

Squid

Turban Snails and other molluscs Legal length: Sydney, Military 7.5cm.

All other molluscs none.

Bag limit: Sydney, Military 20 in total*.

All other molluscs 20 in total* including Turban Snails.

Turban Snail

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THREATENED AND PROTECTED SPECIES A threatened species is rare with numbers declining to a point where it is at risk of becoming extinct in NSW. Other rare species with stable numbers are protected. It is illegal to take, harm or possess threatened or protected species. If caught they must be returned carefully to the water. It is also illegal to damage the habitat of a threatened species.

You can keep up to date with threatened or protected species listings on the website www.industry.nsw.gov.au. Help increase knowledge of these species by reporting sightings on 02 4916 3877; e-mail fisheries.threatenedspecies@industry.nsw.gov.au or online at www.industry.nsw.gov.au.

Threatened species Black Cod Epinephelus daemelii This magnificent but timid creature is territorial, living for years in the same deep cave or ledge.

It is found along the entire coast and occurs in estuaries. Growing to 1.5m and weighing over 80kg, it has a distinctive black blotch on the upper caudal peduncle.

Colour Variations of Black Cod

Caudal Peduncle

Grey Nurse Shark Carcharias taurus The Grey Nurse Shark is placid, eats fish and has never been known to attack humans unprovoked.

It inhabits deep gutters (15-40m) around rocky outcrops, bomboras and reefs in small groups along the entire coast. Grows to 3.5m.

To see how you can help protect the grey nurse shark - refer to the section on fishing and diving rules in their key habitat areas (page 81-82).

Great White Shark Carcharodon carcharias Found throughout the world in temperate and subtropical oceans.

It grows to an estimated 6m.

Green Sawfish Pristis zijsron A large ray with a long studded snout or ‘saw’. Lives in estuaries and shallow coastal waters around south-east Asia and northern Australia. Numbers reduced by fishing and accidental capture by prawn trawlers. Grows to at least 5m. Now extremely rare and presumed extinct in NSW. Southern Bluefin Tuna Thunnus maccoyii Pelagic species found in deep offshore waters. Limited recreational fishing is allowed (see page 70). Grows to 2.4m.

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THREATENED AND PROTECTED SPECIES Protected Species Giant Queensland Groper Epinephelus lanceolatus Bold and curious, they can be hand-fed by divers.

Found in northern waters. Growing to 2m and weighing over 250kg.

Adult Juvenile

Eastern Blue Devil Fish Paraplesiops bleekeri Inhabiting caves and ledges in about 15-20m of water along the southern coast (has been seen as far north as the Solitary Islands Marine Park). Grows to 40cm.

Estuary Cod Epinephelus coioides Found mainly in the reefy inshore waters and estuaries of northern NSW. Growing to 2m and weighing over 225kg.

Elegant Wrasse Anampses elegans Found around Lord Howe Island, occasionally along the coast and south to Montague Island. Grows to 30cm.

Male

Female

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THREATENED AND PROTECTED SPECIES Ballina Angelfish Haetodontoplus ballinae Found in very deep water in the north and around Lord Howe Island. Grows to 20cm.

Herbsts Nurse Shark Odontaspis ferox Related to the Grey Nurse Shark. It inhabits deeper waters, up to 420m and is found along the entire coast.

Grows to 3.6m.

Syngnathiformes Syngnathids, Solenostomids and Pegasids Seahorses, Pipefish, Pipehorses and Seadragons belong to the syngnathidae family and together with their close relatives, the Ghost Pipefish and Seamoths, are called Syngnathiformes. All Syngnathiformes are protected.

Help protect these species by reporting sightings on 02 4916 3877; e-mail fisheries.threatenedspecies@industry.nsw.gov.au or online at www.industry.nsw.gov.au.

Bluefish This robust reef fish is similar to Rock Blackfish and inhabits coastal and offshore rocky reefs between 5m to 30m depth. It is bright blue with small yellow dots and grows to about 75cm length. The taking or possessing of Bluefish from NSW waters other than the waters of the Lord Howe Island Marine Park is prohibited and heavy penalties apply.

Blue, Brown and Red Groper These placid creatures are the NSW state fish and are found on inshore reefs right along the NSW coast.

They are protected from commercial fishing and from spearfishing and may only be taken by recreational line fishing. The Blue, Brown and Red Groper are the same species, with the larger blue fish being male and the smaller red and brown females.

Male

Female

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THREATENED AND PROTECTED SPECIES Fishing and diving rules to help protect the Grey Nurse Shark Grey Nurse Sharks roam over very large areas Normal fishing rules such as bag and size of the NSW coast, but are known to gather limits continue to apply. Critical habitats to feed, mate and pup at a small number of located in marine parks are sanctuary zones locations. Marine scientists have identified ten and all forms of fishing are prohibited. sites, called critical habitats, which are vital to Seasonal fishing restrictions apply at Montague the survival of the Grey Nurse Shark. Critical Island critical habitat site in Batemans Marine habitats are defined as areas 200 metres out Park. Recreational fishers should consult the from the relevant natural feature such as relevant marine park zoning plan for further an island or a part of the coastline with an information. Special spearfishing and SCUBA additional 800-metre buffer zone. Some Grey rules apply at Fish Rock. Bushrangers Bay at Nurse Shark critical habitats are located in Bass Point remains an aquatic reserve. marine parks and recreational fishers should The maximum weight that can be directly consult the relevant marine park zoning plan attached to any fishing line in each 200 to check the fishing rules and regulations. metre critical habitat area is 500 grams.

A detailed guide to recreational fishing Diving rules in critical habitats and diving rules at each of the aggregation The rules for divers and snorkellers in each sites has been prepared and is available 200-metre Grey Nurse Shark critical habitat from I&I NSW fisheries offices, Fishcare area are: Volunteers, or licence agents.

E No scuba diving between sunset and The Cod Grounds Commonwealth Marine sunrise.

Reserve and the sanctuary zone around E No blocking entrances to caves or gutters Pimpernel Rock in the Solitary Islands Marine when sharks are there.

Reserve are commonwealth reserves where all E No feeding or touching the sharks. forms of commercial and recreational fishing, E No chasing or harassing the sharks. including spear fishing, are prohibited. Further E No electronic shark repelling devices. information on both reserves is available at E No underwater scooters. www.environment.gov.au/coasts/mpa or at local I&I NSW fisheries offices and Department of Penalties Environment, Climate Change and Water Maximum penalties exist of up to $220,000 offices. for anyone who harms, buys, sells or possesses a Grey Nurse Shark, and up to $11,000 for individuals breaking the rules for Grey Nurse Shark critical habitats.

Identifying a Grey Nurse Shark It is illegal to harm a Grey Nurse Shark – so it is important fishers and divers can distinguish Grey Nurse Sharks from other sharks. The Grey Nurse Shark’s most distinctive feature is the similarity in size of the two upper dorsal fins.

Bronze colour.

1st dorsal fin set Paler undersurface. well back from the Brownish spots on pectoral fin the upper body and tail fin 1ST DORSAL FIN

5 Gill slits pectoral fin

Pelvic fin

Two upper dorsal 2nd dorsal fins of almost fin set well equal size forward of the anal fin 2ND DORSAL FIN

Anal fin

Top lobe larger than bottom

Anal fin similar in size To both dorsal fins

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THREATENED AND PROTECTED SPECIES

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Conserving our biodiversity

Special rules and closures Most of the state’s waters are available for recreational fishing. For environmental or safety reasons some local waters may have special rules or specific closures in place regarding local fishing. Plan your fishing trip well in advance and check for local rules. For up-to-date information about current closed areas contact your local I&I NSW fisheries office or check website www.industry.nsw.gov.au.

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Conserving our biodiversity Fishers need to be aware of the activities allowed in the marine parks system and should refer to the appropriate marine park zoning guidelines before commencing fishing in NSW marine parks. Importantly, fishers should note that all fishing activities are not allowed in marine park sanctuary zones.

For details of specific zones within parks, visit your local Environment NSW office to obtain a copy of a marine park recreational user guide or check the website www.environment.nsw.gov.au.

Marine protected areas Marine parks Marine parks aim to conserve biodiversity by protecting representative samples of habitats and managing human impacts.

The parks are managed by the NSW Department of Environment, Climate Change and Water. Zoning plans are used to guide the protection of conservation values and manage activities that occur within each marine park.

Cook Island

Byron Bay

Cape Byron Marine Park

Tweed-Moreton Bioregion

Coffs Harbour

Solitary Islands Marine Park

Lord Howe Island Marine Park

Port Stephens -Great Lakes Marine Park Barrenjoey Head

Hawkesbury Bioregion

Sydney

Narrabeen Head Long Reef

Jevis Bay Marine Park

Bushrangers Bay

Cabbage Tree Bay North (Sydney) Harbour

Manly

Eden

Cape Banks Towra Point Boat Harbour Shiprock

Dee Why Headland Shelly Beach Headland Sydney Harbour

Bronte - Coogee

Batemans Marine Park

Bungan Head Mona Vale Headland

Bondi Long Bay Inscription Point

Cabbage Tree Point

Twofold Bioregion

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Conserving our biodiversity Cockles, Mussels, Oysters and Saltwater Nippers. For more information check our website www.industry.nsw.gov.au.

Aquatic reserves Aquatic reserves are relatively small areas, based around areas of special environmental importance and are designed to conserve the biodiversity of fish and marine vegetation.

See map page 85 for location of the 12 aquatic reserves in NSW coastal waters.

Each aquatic reserve is unique and the level or type of protection varies. All reserves are clearly signposted with a map showing the boundaries and an explanation of the rules. Aquatic reserves are managed by the NSW Department of Environment, Climate Change and Water. For more information check the website www.environment.nsw. gov.au.

More habitat – More fish Healthy and diverse habitats mean healthy and diverse fish populations: A must if you want to catch fish. Habitats are those places were fish live, migrate to and from, feed and breed. Examples include marine and coastal waters, rocky reefs, mangrove forests, estuaries, coastal bays and lakes, rivers, creeks and wetlands.

Just like anglers, fish need to be able to access habitat. Too often fish are stopped by poorly designed road crossings, weirs and floodgates. It is estimated that the tidal reaches of NSW waterways contain over 4,300 barriers to fish passage.

Fish habitat is also under pressure from expanding coastal populations and some areas have been lost or degraded to the point where they no longer support native fish populations. I&I NSW and the Recreational Fishing Trusts are working with many people and organisations to protect and rehabilitate fish habitat to assist the recovery of fish stocks.

Intertidal protected areas Intertidal protected areas preserve and protect intertidal animals and habitat as well as acting as reservoirs to re-populate other areas. See map (page 85) for locations of the eight intertidal protected areas around Sydney. They extend from mean high water to 10m seaward beyond mean low water.

You can fish in the areas but you cannot gather or collect seashore animals.

These include Crabs, Snails, Cunjevoi, Octopus, Sea Urchins, Anemones, Pipis,

Intertidal Protected Area

Intertidal zone at high tide

Mean high tide mark

10 metres

Low Tide Level Mean low water mark

Intertidal zone at low tide

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Conserving our biodiversity E N ew bed or bank stabilisation works within a waterway.

E New waterfront structures such as jetties and boat ramps.

E Discharge of pollutants into waterways.

E Clearing riverbank vegetation.

What you can do: E When over seagrass beds either drift fish or place the anchor within a sand patch.

E If you cannot avoid motoring across shallow seagrass beds, trim your motor up high and travel slowly.

E Travelling at low speed near riverbanks prevents your boat wake from undermining them.

E When turning rocks to collect bait, put them back the way you found them.

E Tread carefully around shoreline vegetation such as mangroves, river oaks or saltmarsh plants.

E Snags are for fish, not for use as firewood.

E Take all rubbish home: Do not litter.

E Take care not to transport fish, water or weeds from one waterway to another.

E Aquarium fish should stay in an aquarium. Never release them into a waterway or a drain.

E Get your friends or local fishing club involved in restoring fish habitat.

Contact I&I NSW to find out how you can help and access funding.

I&I NSW produces Newstreams, a free bi-monthly electronic newsletter to keep people up to date with aquatic habitat activities. To subscribe, e-mail Rebecca.

Lines-Kelly@industry.nsw.gov.au and register your contact details.

Conserving our biodiversity Biodiversity is the term used to describe the presence of many and varied biological life forms. Preventing the loss of aquatic biodiversity is key in keeping our waterways healthy and productive thus ensuring viable fisheries exist for future generations.

To prevent damage to fish habitats fishers should report to 1300 043 536 any suspected illegal activities such as: E Mangroves or seagrasses being damaged or destroyed.

E Drains being dug through wetlands.

E Machinery working in waterways.

E New weirs, dams or road crossings across creeks, rivers or tidal channels.

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Conserving our biodiversity Pests and diseases Pests and diseases can be unwittingly spread by recreational fishing practices.

For example, many marine pest species attach to the hulls or other parts of vessels as biofouling and may be carried to new areas. Diseases can be introduced through imported fresh or frozen seafood products used as bait. It is important for fishers to avoid spreading pests or diseases because of the potential devastation to biodiversity in estuaries and coastal areas. Closure of some fishing grounds could be the result.

European Shore Crab The European Shore Crab, also known as the European Green Crab, is a voracious predator that feeds on many types of organisms including shellfish and other crabs. It is native to the Atlantic coast of Europe and northern Africa. However, the crab has been recorded in several NSW estuaries and lakes including: Twofold Bay, Pambula Lake, Merimbula Lake, Wapengo Lake, Bermagui River and Clyde River.

Check the I&I NSW website www.industry. nsw.gov.au/biosecurity for up to date information.

In 2009 the European Shore Crab was listed as a Class 1 noxious species in NSW prohibiting possession and sale of the species.

The European Shore Crab is often seen on mudflats, amongst rocks or seagrass in protected bays and estuaries.

I&I NSW needs your help to gain a better understanding of the distribution of this pest.

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What you can do: E Watch out for these crabs while fishing and boating.

E Learn to recognise the European Shore Crab so that you can report any suspected new sightings to I&I NSW. Record the location accurately including a GPS point if possible, take a photo or collect a sample (freeze crab in a plastic bag) and report the sighting to the 24 hour recorded hotline: 02 4916 3877 or email aquatic.pests@industry.nsw.gov.au.

AVG: Ban of abalone gut as bait Abalone Viral Ganglioneuritis (AVG) is caused by a herpes-like virus first detected in wild and farmed Abalone in Victoria in 2005 where it has resulted in extensive mortalities. AVG has also been identified in two processing facilities in Tasmania.

AVG affects the nervous system of Abalone and symptoms include swollen mouthparts, curling of the foot, difficulty adhering to surfaces, lethargy and often death.

Currently there is no indication of AVG in NSW. However, there is a high risk of transfer of AVG to NSW Abalone stocks associated with the use of Abalone gut as bait or berley. A fishing closure is currently in place in NSW banning the recreational and commercial use of Abalone gut as bait or berley. Please contact the Aquatic Biosecurity Unit on 02 4916 3877 if you see Abalone in NSW with signs consistent with AVG infection. See www.industry.nsw.gov. au/biosecurity for more information.

Diseased Abalone displaying a symptom of AVG curling of the foot (Pic: DPI Victoria).

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Conserving our biodiversity What you can do: E Avoid boating near outbreaks. Propellers can cut the plant into many fragments which drift into other areas and become new infestations.

E Inspect anchors, ropes and chains before leaving an area.

E Inspect fishing equipment, nets, traps and lines before use.

E Inspect dive gear such as wetsuits, bags and other equipment before use.

E Collect any fragments you may accidentally pick up. Seal the pieces in a plastic bag and dispose of them in a bin where they cannot reach a waterway.

E Report any sightings of Caulerpa taxifolia and other pests on 02 4916 3877; e-mail aquatic.pests@industry.nsw. gov.au or online at www.industry.nsw. gov.au/biosecurity.

Caulerpa taxifolia Caulerpa taxifolia is an invasive marine alga native to tropical waters including northern Australia and the South Pacific.

It has been detected in 14 NSW estuaries and one oceanic location from Lake Macquarie to Wallagoot Lake. The quick growing weed can alter marine habitats and has the potential to adversely impact native seagrass and fauna. New plants can grow from small pieces introduced into uninfected waterways.

Education, research, legislation and control measures are being used to manage this marine pest. Signs at known infected locations alert water users to the presence of the weed and advise what can be done to prevent further spread. Some areas are now closed to netting. Check with your local I&I NSW fisheries office before using nets other than a landing net in affected waterways.

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Fishing Event Management

Recreational fishing representatives and I&I NSW have developed a code of practice for fishing events in NSW. The vision is for all fishing events to follow the voluntary code of practice so that organisers and participants in events operate in a safe, environmentally and socially responsible way. Event rules and activities should demonstrate best practice and where possible, enhance the economic benefit for the general community.

The code of practice requires organisers and participants in fishing events to: E Operate in an environmentally and socially sensitive manner.

E Promote responsible fishing practices.

E Maximise opportunities to help the sport, the environment and the general community.

E Operate in a safe manner.

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E C omply with fisheries, maritime and environmental protection regulations.

Guidelines have been developed to help event organisers abide by the voluntary code of practice. The guidelines are intended to apply to a wide range of fishing events, whether they are catch and keep or catch and release format, and will help improve fishing competition management in NSW.

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Fishing Event Management Ideas to improve your fishing event There are many different ways fishing events can be improved. Some examples are given below: E Reduce the number of species eligible in the competition to popular or target species only.

E Increase the size limits for eligible fish.

E Reduce bag limits (including ineligible fish).

E Limit the number of fish per species that can be weighed/ measured and recorded.

E Display an up-to-date scoreboard to reduce the take and presentation of unnecessary fish for recording.

E L imit the number of competitors – reducing the total impact by capping the effort.

E Consider the timing of event and location of fishing area to minimise impact: C Account for potential fish barotrauma issues in deeper water, limit impact on breeding aggregations, avoid known locations of protected/ threatened species, consider other users of boat ramps etc.

More details are available on our website www.industry.nsw.gov.au. For help with your event, contact fishing.events@industry. nsw.gov.au or phone 02 9527 8411.

E I nitiate gear restrictions to maximise fish survival, examples include: C Lure only; C Circle hook only; C Barbless hook only; C Knotless landing nets etc.

E Introduce catch and release format: C Buddy system; C Photo validation; C Live weigh/measure of fish.

E Improve catch and release events: C If you require participants to hold live fish for recording by stewards – require flow-through live wells. Also, reduce holding time of fish by using an increased number of stewards.

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Community Programs

Your fishing fee supporting community programs Do you have a passion for fishing and would like to contribute to protect our aquatic environment? Why not become a Fishcare Volunteer? You can volunteer for general Fishcare activities or specialise as a Schools Fishcare Volunteer.

The I&I NSW Fishcare Volunteer Program is funded through the Recreational Fishing Trust. As a volunteer you will be helping to create better awareness among anglers and the wider community about sustainable recreational fishing. Volunteers provide assistance in activities such as children’s

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fishing workshops, angler education, habitat rehabilitation, assisting in research programs and advisory displays at trade shows and field days. The program continues to grow in NSW, with over 380 volunteers across NSW working both on land and on the water on dedicated Fishcare boats.

Help take a kid fishing I&I NSW fishing workshops are coordinated

by Fisheries Education Officers with assistance from Fishcare Volunteers, staff and some fishing club members. They are an excellent way for kids to learn hands-on fishing techniques such as casting, rigging,

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Community Programs program. To volunteer you will need to be available on some weekdays between 9-3pm.

and safe handling of fish at a local fishing spot. Fishing workshops also teach young children about good fishing practices, the importance of protecting our fishing resources, threatened species and aquatic habitat management.

Who can become a volunteer?

If you’re over 18 years of age and can assist around one day per month, you can apply to become a volunteer. Conditions apply. Fishcare Volunteers have no enforcement powers.

If you would like more information about these programs or would like to apply to become a Fishcare Volunteer, please visit www.industry.nsw.gov.au or call: Dee McElligott, State Coordinator – Community Programs, Recreational Fishing on ph 02 9527 8531 or email dee.mcelligott@industry.nsw.gov.au.

Assist at your local school The I&I NSW Get Hooked It’s Fun to Fish program encourages children to take an active role in the management of their waterways and fish stocks. Aimed at primary school students, kids are introduced to freshwater and marine fishing, the significance of aquatic life and life-cycles, catch and release skills, and the importance of sustaining a quality fish habitat while practising safe and responsible fishing behaviours. Schools Fishcare Volunteers are a valuable resource for teachers, especially in the fishing workshop component of the

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Tide Charts

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Tide Charts

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Tide Charts

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Tide Charts Lag Times (* Indicates secondary ocean location) In view of the variations caused by local conditions and meterorological effects, these times are approximate and must be considered as a guide only. All times are Eastern Standard Time.

During summer time add one hour.

Add or subtract the appropriate hours and/or minutes listed here to adjust for the time difference between when high or low tide occurs at Sydney (Fort Denison) and when the corresponding tide will occur at the secondary location. Lows will be fractionally later than the highs because the falling water levels will no longer have the tidal force behind them.

Location

Hour: Mins

TWEED RIVER BASIN

Location

Hour: Mins

Grafton

+4:15

Wooli River Entrance

+0:12

Wooli Caravan Park

+1:40

Tweed Heads, River Entrance

+0:04*

Greenbank Island

+0:40

COFFS HARBOUR REGION

Murwillumbah

+2:40

Harbour Jetty

-0:07*

Caddys Island, Terranora Creek

+1:40

Highway Bridge, Coffs Creek

+1:50

Cobaki Broadwater

+2:10

Boambee, Boambee Creek

+1:50

Kingscliff, Cudgen Creek Mouth

+0:17

BELLINGEN RIVER BASIN

BRUNSWICK RIVER BASIN

East Bellingen

+2:10

Urunga Bridge, Kalang River

+1:45

Brunswick Heads, River Entrance

+0:06*

Billinudgel, Marshalls Creek

+3:55

Stuarts Island

+1:10

Mullumbimby

+1:10

Macksville

+2:00

NAMBUCCA RIVER BASIN

MACLEAY RIVER BASIN

RICHMOND RIVER BASIN

South West Rocks (Kemps Corner)

+0:23

Smithtown

+2:10

Kempsey

+3:25

West Euroka

+4:05

Ballina, River Entrance

+0:07*

Byrnes Point Ferry

+0:30

Highway Bridge, Tucombil Creek

+2:30

Coraki

+4:05

Lismore Airfield South, Wilsons River.

+5:10

HASTINGS RIVER BASIN

CLARENCE RIVER BASIN Yamba, River Entrance

0:00*

Port Macquarie, River Entrance

+0:19*

Settlement Point

+0:50

Palmers Island, Palmers Channel

+2:40

Wauchope Railway Bridge

+1:55

Maclean

+2:00

Telegraph Point, Wilson River

+3:05

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Tide Charts Location

Hour: Mins

CAMDEN HAVEN BASIN North Haven

+0:18

Laurieton

+0:45

MANNING RIVER BASIN Crowdy Head, Harbour Marina

-0:02

Harrington

+0:11

Taree

+2:25

Wingham

+3:45

WALLIS LAKE Forster, Harbour Entrance

+0:01*

Wallamba Island, North Tuncurry

+2:05

Tiona

+3:25

HUNTER RIVER BASIN Tomaree, Port Stephens

+0:05*

Nelson Bay, Port Stephens

+0:30

Stockton Bridge

+0:20

Tea Gardens, Port Stephens

+1:30

Hexham Bridge

+1:10

Raymond Terrace, Williams River

+1:55

Morpeth

+3:30

Maitland, Belmore Bridge

+4:50

Paterson, Paterson River

+4:30

Swansea, Lake Mouth

0:00*

BRISBANE WATERS/ BROKEN BAY

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Ettalong

+0:40

Woy Woy Bridge

+2:15

East Gosford

+2:20

Patonga

+0:10

Newport Wharf, Pittwater

+0:08

Berowra Waters Ferry

+1:00

Tide Charts Location

Hour: Mins

HAWKESBURY RIVER

Location

Hour: Mins

Sussex Inlet Coastal Patrol Jetty

+0:35

Spencer

+1:10

Talofa Caravan Park

+1:15

Wisemans Ferry

+2:25

Island Point

+3:40

Lower Portland

+3:10

Lake Conjola Entrance

+1:35

Sackville

+3:55

Narrawallee Inlet

+0:45

Windsor

+5:40

Burril Lake, Highway Bridge

+0:55

Freemans Reach

+7:30

BATEMANS BAY Snapper Island

+0:03*

Roseville Bridge Marina

+0:03

Princes Highway Bridge

+0:20

Gladesville Bridge

+0:05

Nelligen, Clyde River

+0:45

Ryde Railway Bridge

+0:12

MORUYA REGION

SYDNEY HARBOUR

Tuross River, West Tuross Head

+1:40

Canterbury Bridge, Cooks River +0:40

Moruya Quarry Wharf

+0:35

Picnic Point

+1:10

WAGONGA INLET (NAROOMA)

Milperra

+2:15

MSB Boatshed/Jetty

+0:15

Lansvale

+2:35

Apex Park Boat Ramp

+0:55

Warwick Farm

+2:45

Princes Highway Bridge

+1:15

Cabbage Tree Point, Port Hacking

+0:03*

Barlows Bay

+2:00

GEORGES RIVER BASIN

FAR SOUTH COAST REGION

LAKE ILLAWARRA BASIN Port Kembla

-0:01*

Bermagui, Boat Harbour

+0:08*

Wallaga Lake Entrance

+1:40

Wallaga Lake, Regatta Point

+2:50

South Shoalhaven Heads

+0:55

Merimbula Wharf

+0:40

Shoalhaven Heads Inlet

+1:05

Bonnie Doon, Merimbula Lake

+2:40

Nowra Bridge

+2:00

Tee Tree Point, Pambula Lake

+1:10

Crookhaven River Entrance

+0:16

Eden, Fishing Co-operative Jetty +0:08*

Greenwell Point, Crookhaven River

+0:40

SHOALHAVEN RIVER BASIN

JERVIS BAY Huskisson

+0:08*

ST GEORGES BASIN Lumeah

+0:18 NSW Recreational Saltwater Fishing Guide

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Contact Details E R egistration numbers of any boats or cars involved and their descriptions.

E Your own name and contact details to further substantiate your report and provide you with follow up information.

Reporting illegal activities Report illegal or suspect fishing activities to the nearest local I&I NSW fisheries office or fishers watch phoneline on free call 1800 043 536. This is a 24 hour reporting service which is checked regularly.

All information provided will be treated, and remain, absolutely confidential.

Where an immediate response is not possible due to conducting of other operations or safety considerations, information received will be used in targeting on-going surveillance and enforcement activities.

When lodging any report be prepared to provide the following information: E Type of activity.

E Time, date and location of activity.

E Number of people involved, identity if known and descriptions.

Coastal Offices Far North Coast

Office

Mobile

Tweed

10/12 Greenway Drive, Tweed Heads, 2486

07 5523 6900

0419 185537

Richmond

15 Regatta Avenue, Ballina, 2478

02 6618 1800

0417 692608

Clarence

18A River Street, Maclean, 2463

02 6645 0500

0419 185533

Coffs Harbour

32 Marina Drive, Coffs Harbour Jetty, 2450

02 6652 3977

0419 185536

Hastings

3/22-24 Acacia Avenue, Port Macquarie, 2444

02 5524 0600

0407 957631

Wallis Lake

2 Palm Street, Tuncurry, 2428

02 6591 6300

0428 546078

Port Stephens

Taylors Beach Road, Taylors Beach, 2316

02 4916 3933

0427 497341

Hunter

55 Lambton Parade, Swansea, 2281

02 4980 9202

0419 185516

Gosford

Research Road, Narrara, 2250

02 4328 8618

0419 185517

North Coast

Central Coast

Sydney metropolitan Sydney North

12 Shirley Road, Wollstonecraft, 2065

02 8437 4903

0419 185363

Sydney South

1 Water Street, Sans Souci, 2219

02 9529 6021

0419 185521

Illawarra/Shoalhaven Illawarra

43 Reddall Parade, Lake Illawarra South, 2528

02 4295 1809

0439 162981

Shoalhaven

4 Woollamia Road, Huskisson, 2540

02 4428 3400

0419 185545

Batemans Bay

Suite 8, Braysyth Building, Cnr Beach Road & Orient Street, Batemans Bay, 2536

02 4472 4032

0427 855008

Montague

Riverside Drive, Narooma, 2546

02 4476 2072

0409 316508

Far South Coast

13 Cocora Street, Eden, 2551

02 6496 1377

0427 899875

South Coast

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Contact Details Inland Offices Region

Office

Mobile

Central Tablelands

Research Station Drive, Bathurst, 2795

02 6331 1428

0488 220 443

Hume

3/556 Macauley Street, Albury, 2640

02 6042 4228

0419 185 548

Far West

Agricultural Research and Advisory Station, Silver City Highway, Dareton, 2717

03 5019 8408

0427 429 579

Macquarie

Cnr Hampden and Cobra Streets, Dubbo, 2830

02 6845 4633

0438 410 585

Monaro

Kosciusko Road, Jindabyne, 2627

02 6451 3402

0427 460 226

New England

127 Otho Street, Inverell, 2360

02 6722 1388

0419 185 532

Peel

4 Marsden Park Road, Calala, 2340

02 6763 1132

0417 480 933

Riverina

449 Charlotte Street, Deniliquin, 2710

03 5881 9928

0427 897 145

South West Slopes

64 Fitzroy Street, Tumut, 2720

02 6947 9028

0408 484 299

Marine Park Offices (Department of Environment Climate Change and Water) Marine Parks

Office

Solitary Islands Marine Park

02 6652 0900

Jervis Bay Marine Park

02 4441 7752

Cape Byron Marine Park

02 6620 9300

Lord Howe Island Marine Park

02 6563 2359

Port Stephens-Great Lakes Marine Park

02 4916 3970

Batemans Marine Park

02 4476 0800

As officers spend a lot of time in the field, office hours vary. It is best to call before visiting any office.

Fish kills A fish kill is defined as “any sudden and unexpected mass mortality of wild or cultured fish�.

Fish kills are often very visible events which cause considerable interest and concern to the public and the media because they are often perceived to be the result of NSW Recreational Saltwater Fishing Guide

n

pollution or contamination of waters. In fact, there are many and varied causes of fish kills and a large proportion are due to natural events.

Fish kills in the wild should be reported to your local I&I NSW fisheries office and/ or a Department of Environment, Climate Change and Water office on contact number 131 555.

For general fishing information call 02 9527 8411 or check the website www.industry.nsw.gov.au.

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A diary for your catch records Date

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Note: This diary is provided for your personal use only.

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Note: This diary is provided for your personal use only.

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A diary for your catch records Date

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Comments

Note: This diary is provided for your personal use only.

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Comments