Cod botherers

[Member]

As many of you would know, Brian Dare at Glen Lyon dam has for some years now been running a research program on the Murray Cod populations and movements in the rivers of the NSW / Qld border. Some of the returns are a bit of a cause for concern with one of the worst catch rates being on the section of the Dumaresq River near the Bonshaw weir. That will come as no surprise to many  either. The place is popular as a free campsite for caravanners and motorhome people and it seems that many of these are members of the "killit and fillit" brigade. It is very important that if you find anyone taking under size fish, taking more than their limit, or any other activity that is breaking the law, the authorities MUST be notified. You will need to write down the car rego, can rego and boat if they have one. The Fisheries inspectors of both NSW and Qld take this very seriously and will respond. This river is a great venue for good Cod fishing and needs to be protected into the future.
JD

[Member]

By the amount of set lines in the river too, far from the nearest bridge or public reserve, shows some of the local landholders are not innocent on this issue aswell.

[Member]

Pretty usual for the waterholes and weirs near populated areas to end up low in fish in western areas. Either fished out or fish a wake up to bait and lures. Once the water stops flowing its pretty much a captive population until the next rain.
Been that way for decades. Doesn't matter that much as long as there are plenty of undisturbed areas left.

[Member]

The locals,or at least some of them seem to think that the river is "theirs" and this breeds the wrong attitude. Any time set lines are found it's best to note where they are (GPS or whatever) and let Fisheries know. They will take care of it. There are still too many out there who think the Cod are a undeminished resource. It's also true that you will always get less fish in areas close to easy access, but that doen't rule out illegal fishing in all its forms.
John