From THE DEPARTMENT OF PRIMARY INDUSTRIES

Wednesday, November 18, 2009

SPRING INTO PORT PHILLIP BAY SNAPPER

Recreational fishers once again have the chance to catch large snapper, known as ‘big reds’,
which have arrived in Port Phillip Bay on their annual spawning run.

The Executive Director of Fisheries Victoria, Anthony Hurst, said indications are that the snapper season is showing great promise, with good quantities of fish between 3-5 kg and a good run of smaller fish in the 1-2 kg range.

"Many anglers are catching their daily bag limit in a short time,” Mr Hurst said.

"Fisheries Victoria monitoring programs indicate that most of the large snapper caught recently result from highly successful spawnings in the spring and summer of 1994/95, 1995/96 and 1997/98.

"The smaller fish are from good spawnings in 2000/01 and 2003/04.

"Fisheries Victoria scientists also suggest that strong spawnings in 2004/05 should see the good snapper fishing continue for the next few years.

"Anglers are urged to ‘know their limits’ so that out snapper stocks are sustained and everyone gets a fair share of the fantastic fishing, now and into the future.”

Mr Hurst said the current minimum legal size limit for snapper is 28cm and the daily bag limit is 10 fish, of which only three may equal or exceed 40cm.

"Fisheries Officers regularly patrol popular boat ramps and are well aware of the most productive areas of the Bay,” he said.

"Recreational anglers are also reminded it is illegal to sell or trade their catch.

"Anglers found exceeding catch limits or selling their catch face significant fines.”

Anyone observing anglers exceeding their catch limits or multi-tripping can report vehicle or
vessel details to Fisheries Victoria’s 24-hour reporting line 13 FISH (13 3474).

All information will be treated in strict confidence and will assist in planning patrols and
enforcement operations when no immediate field response is possible.