South Gippsland Game Fishing Club
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PORT WELSHPOOL REVIEW
What could be the last open water tournament for the capture of mako sharks was held last weekend by the South Gippsland Gamefishing Club at Port Welshpool. The tournament held at Port Welshpool was the 27th running of the prestigious event attracting almost 100 anglers of all ages and abilities. The format of the event this year was changed slightly with the base for the tournament at the old ferry terminal thanks to the assistance from the South Gippsland Shire. Entrants were also treated to free breakfast Saturday morning and a free spit roast Saturday night where competitors enjoyed a social night reflecting on the days fishing and the ones that got away. Saturday night also saw the club run its very popular raffle and thanks to the various sponsors several of the entrants took home a lot more than they came with. The tournament then finished with a free BBQ and trophy presentation to the various winners on Sunday.
The weekend attracted teams from Bass Strait, Latrobe Valley, Keysborough and South Gippsland Game fishing clubs made up of senior male, juniors and lady anglers all competing for various prizes and trophies. With the threat of a windy change on Saturday afternoon most competitors were on the water early ready for the 6am start and it wasn’t long before one team was hooked up to a Mako that eventually pulled the scales down to 216kg. Not long after junior Brayden Richardson using light tackle also managed a Mako shark which was enough for him to take out the major junior prize, Chris Pepyatt and Craig Kerr were the other anglers to capture Makos over the weekend. There were also several Sharks tagged for scientific research programs including Mako’s, Bronze whaler and Hammer head. In the non game fish section there were also prizes awarded for various catches of Gummy sharks, Snapper and flathead. The largest shark for the weekend was captured by South Gippsland Game fishing member Troy Cooper aboard Pelagic 1 a boat built and designed by local boat builder and club sponsor Daniel Hemming of PHA Marine Leongatha. With almost 80% of a Mako shark eatable there was plenty of flake to go around and many lucky onlookers will be eating flake for awhile to come. Sunday was to be a 4am start but competitors woke to very strong winds and with a forecast Gale warning the days fishing was cancelled and the tournament was over.
Despite the impending ban on the capture of mako sharks in commonwealth waters taking effect on the 29th of January 2010 the South Gippsland Gamefishing Club has said there are no plans to end this tournament in the future and the committee is already planning towards next year. There are several other shark species to be found in the area and with many unexplored game fishing spots like cliffy island and the waters off the southern end of Wilsons prom the club is confident anglers will now target the other Game fish species that can be found in the area which will see the tournament continue for some years to come.
The club is also well into the final planning for the second running of the Victorian Game fishing Championships to be held at San Remo on the weekend of the 13th and 14th of March and despite the changes to the Mako capture laws expect the event to draw competitors from many game fishing clubs around the state especially after the recent capture of a 180kg Bronze whaler from the shallow waters off the powlett river.
With the club having a reputation of a family orientated club it feels it’s important that events like this continue. Like most of these events the tournament at welshpool this weekend saw many families fishing together and is a perfect venue for anglers to learn the finer points of game fishing and more importantly it allows clubs like the South Gippsland Gamefishing Club to teach correct fishing practices to ensure the sustainability of the sport.
The club has organized a game fishing information night on the 8th of February at its Leongatha club rooms and will have two speakers on the night, Peter Pakula from pakula lures and Andrew Jones from South Africa, CEO of Williamson lures. All are welcome on the night and there will be a free BBQ to start off the evening for more information please contact the secretary on 0407624487 or check out the club web site at www.sggfc.com.au
URGENT MAKO INFORMATION
In December 2008, at the 9th Conference of Parties to the CMS, a number of species were added to the Appendices of the Convention. Three species of shark that occur in Australian waters were included in Appendix II due to their unfavourable global conservation status the Porbeagle, shortfin mako and longfin mako.
Australia’s national environmental law - the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act) - requires that any species included on the Appendices to the CMS must be listed as migratory species under the EPBC Act. As such, the Porbeagle, shortfin mako and longfin mako will be listed as migratory species as of the end of January 2010.
The listing will have implications for some fishers, including some commercial, recreational, game and charter operators.
Under the EPBC Act it is prohibited to kill, injure or take members of a listed migratory species in Commonwealth waters. This means that following the listing of the three shark species as migratory, it will not be permitted for recreational, charter or game fishers to take Porbeagle, shortfin or longfin mako in Commonwealth waters, or to retain them if they are caught in Commonwealth waters. Commonwealth waters extend from 3 to the 200 nautical mile limit of the exclusive economic zone, or the edge of the continental shelf (which may extend beyond the 200 nm limit).
Although the rumours of the ban have been around for some time what many weren’t aware of is the timing of the ban. It has been as a very well organised campaign from the federal government conveniently timed it to coincide with the Christmas break and the parliament recess making action against the listing difficult. Since the announcement of the January date there has been some frantic phone calls and emails up and down the east coast to organise meetings with various Gamefishing committees and concerned fishermen. Hopefully I will have some more information at the general meeting but as it stands at the moment there will be a ban on capture or tag and release of Mako Sharks in commonwealth waters from the end of January 2010.
Although it is mentioned that it applies to commonwealth waters each state of the commonwealth is required to apply the law in their own state waters meaning Makos will be treated the same as Whites and will be banned from capture, tag and release in any Australian waters and once identified must be released. This law also applies to long line fishermen and there is no exemption for them. They are required by law if a protected fish is alive when they check their lines they must release the fish but if the fish is dead it must be returned to port with their catch.
Monday night at GFAV we had an emergency meeting to discuss the best course of action and the legal side of the battle is about to begin through the correct channels trying to get a stay of execution but will not stop on the 31st of January and will continue until all avenues are exhausted. The Minister may only grant an exemption under s303A if satisfied that it is in the national interest to do so.
But as individual’s the best thing we can do is put pen to paper and write to both of the ministers below and if you can email them as well even get your local member involved. But it needs to be done now not after Christmas. Your letter needs to be constructive showing your disappointment to this decision, the timing and the lack of public debate on the subject and the fact that the restrictions in Australia have been largely based on data gathered from overseas.
Just at the moment nothing will be gained by pointing the finger and wasting time arguing who should have done what when this will be done afterwards things right now must be positive towards getting this law changed or overturned. From our state GFAV, VRFish, and the DPI are all working together and I am receiving news from NSW that there is a lot happening there too.
At GFAV level we are currently drafting a letter and once I have it as a club we will be sending it to all members with an addressed envelope for you to post and all I ask is you actually sign the letter and post it also feel free to photo copy the letter and anybody this will effect get them to sign and send it off. Even photo copy the letter and send extra copies to your local members and so on.
If you need any more information or advise with the letter please just email or phone I at the shop and I will help where I can.
Craig Edmonds - SGGFC PRESIDENT
The Minister of Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts
The Hon Peter Garrett AM.MP
PO Box 6022
House of Representatives,
Parliament House,
CANBERRA ACT 2600
use the contact form on this page
and
The Shadow Minister
The Hon. Greg Hunt, MP
PO Box 6022
House of Representatives,
Parliament House,
CANBERRA ACT 2600
Email: Greg.Hunt.MP@aph.gov.au
CHRISTMAS HAMPERS
The Social Committee is asking for donations for the Christmas hampers for the general meetings, so please donate at November and December general meetings or drop them into either Tiff, Janine or Alex. Thankyou
ATTENTION
The 2009-2010 season is fast approaching and after a long winter sitting in the shed your boat, and fishing gear could do with some attention. It's the perfect time for everyone - not just people that have boats to prepare for the season ahead. From checking fishing lines, to making up new wind-ons, this will all be demonstrated at the General Meeting this month. To help you the committee have complied a list for your convenience.
Get the checklist here
SHELLHARBOUR FISHING TRIP
On an invite from the Shellharbour Gamefishing Club and especially Greg Barea from ELBANDITO productions, myself, Dale (my oldest son), Charlie Budda and his son Justin and Geoff Stephenson travelled to shell harbour for a week’s fishing in September.
Charlie and crew arrived Thursday night while Dale and myself travelled over night and arrived early Friday morning an easy trip, 10hrs for Charlie towing the boat and 8.5hrs for us, no boat just 200kg of burley. After arriving at Greg’s place we unpacked the burley into Greg’s 10 freezers he has in his shed, all full ready for their season which starts generally in September much earlier than ours. Charlie and crew were staying at a unit down the road while Dale and I were staying at Greg’s place. As Charlie and crew couldn’t get the key till after 2pm they decided to put the boat in the water and have a look around so with instruction from Greg off they headed and wasn’t long before Geoff was of the phone telling us about the very large whale that was jumping just in front of the boat. A bit more time went by then Geoff was on the phone again telling me about the free jumping 100kg Mako they had at the boat but after all the action didn’t manage to hook anything. Dale and I unpacked as Greg had ½ a day’s work to do before having the rest of the week off, Greg is a tiler, when Greg arrived home we did some shopping and organised the boat we were using as his still hasn’t got its new motor yet. 5 mins after getting home we got a call from a boat coming in to weigh a Mako only a little one, about 160kg we then from the weigh station travelled to their clubs general meeting which they had changed the date so as we could attend.
The next day we headed onto the water about 8am to get some live bait before heading out, unfortunately one of Greg’s crew became ill and had to be dropped off at the ramp, just a hint for those on prescription medicine READ the directions. Dale and Greg did a bit of bottom bashing while Charlie and crew headed out to sea. After Greg and dale returned home the phone call came from Charlie to say they were hooked up 3hrs later Geoff landed a 131 kg Mako on 15kg which was Charlie’s first attempt at gaffing a big shark and if anybody’s fished with Stevo before you would agree Charlie and Justin deserve a medal. The only problem was after landing the shark it was almost 4hrs before they returned to port nothing to do with the shark dragging them out to sea, something to do with the mako taking a liking to the power steering hose. There was a constant precision of sharks coming in about 6 in all 67kg to 197kg.
Sunday after borrowing another boat and with full crew + 1, Justin, (Charlie was trying to get a hose fixed) we headed out again travelling most days 40+km off shore collecting bait along the way. While we were waiting we tried our hand at bottom bashing shell harbour style and if you ever want a good work out, retrieving bait from 500m down is the way to go but for most sensible people don’t even bother its bloody hard work, especially with the 1kg weights they use.
It wasn’t long before we had what looked to be a 100kg swimming at the boat so I had the 6kg ready to go as that was my target for the week but before Greg could get the camera set up it disappeared. After waiting we sent bait deep on 15kg looking for a shark for dale and didn’t take long before it was peeling line at a great rate of knots and dale was on but before we could get him harnessed ping off it went, big whaler Greg suggested. Continuing to burley we waited, then another Mako showed late in the day wind had picked up to about 25 knots, it almost dark so why not throw the 6 at it would only be a 5 or 6hr fight. After some coaxing it took the bait peeled 300m of line and went aerial then another 150m and jumped again and before I could say start the boat the line was directly under the boat 10 mins later it was gone.
The next day we headed out Charlie back as well but the water had turned and looked very ordinary we had not much happen and even got boarded enough to try bottom bashing again (stupid I know), no gem fish but a few green eye sharks (spur dog sharks) and cod at least we had tea. Charlie and crew weren’t fairing much better until they were packing up and a Mako (100+) came to the boat so out with the heavier gear to get a tag for Charlie or Justin but the fish managed its freedom and again as they were packing up another came to the boat (about 80) this time Justin managed to get it back to the boat where they put the tag in.
Next day was a rest day from fishing anyway and it was sightseeing time then get ready for our charter on Thursday and without going into detail we managed a few albacore for what was a very long but enjoyable day and ½ the night on the water.
As a summary of the trip the people up there could not have been more friendly and welcoming they have no issue about sharing techniques and ideas. We saw more sharks weighed in 3 days than we will see weighed here in 3 years. They don’t have the opposition from members of the public like we do and always drew a crowd when sharks were coming in to be weighed. Most of the times they will not put bait into the water until they see a shark and will then select the line class that will give max points. 24kg line class is for marlin and they don’t even bother to take it on the boat and are even reluctant to take 15kg. They spend a lot of time on boat position with the sea anchor to ensure the correct drift even if that means the boat is going to sit sideways to the waves.
There is an open invitation for any of our members to travel to the area to fish and they will help where ever they can. For me it was a welcome break from the shop but more important it was a learning experience as I am sure it would have been for the others and can’t wait to take Greg up on his invitation to fish their marlin competition in February.
Craig
Charlie and crew arrived Thursday night while Dale and myself travelled over night and arrived early Friday morning an easy trip, 10hrs for Charlie towing the boat and 8.5hrs for us, no boat just 200kg of burley. After arriving at Greg’s place we unpacked the burley into Greg’s 10 freezers he has in his shed, all full ready for their season which starts generally in September much earlier than ours. Charlie and crew were staying at a unit down the road while Dale and I were staying at Greg’s place. As Charlie and crew couldn’t get the key till after 2pm they decided to put the boat in the water and have a look around so with instruction from Greg off they headed and wasn’t long before Geoff was of the phone telling us about the very large whale that was jumping just in front of the boat. A bit more time went by then Geoff was on the phone again telling me about the free jumping 100kg Mako they had at the boat but after all the action didn’t manage to hook anything. Dale and I unpacked as Greg had ½ a day’s work to do before having the rest of the week off, Greg is a tiler, when Greg arrived home we did some shopping and organised the boat we were using as his still hasn’t got its new motor yet. 5 mins after getting home we got a call from a boat coming in to weigh a Mako only a little one, about 160kg we then from the weigh station travelled to their clubs general meeting which they had changed the date so as we could attend.
The next day we headed onto the water about 8am to get some live bait before heading out, unfortunately one of Greg’s crew became ill and had to be dropped off at the ramp, just a hint for those on prescription medicine READ the directions. Dale and Greg did a bit of bottom bashing while Charlie and crew headed out to sea. After Greg and dale returned home the phone call came from Charlie to say they were hooked up 3hrs later Geoff landed a 131 kg Mako on 15kg which was Charlie’s first attempt at gaffing a big shark and if anybody’s fished with Stevo before you would agree Charlie and Justin deserve a medal. The only problem was after landing the shark it was almost 4hrs before they returned to port nothing to do with the shark dragging them out to sea, something to do with the mako taking a liking to the power steering hose. There was a constant precision of sharks coming in about 6 in all 67kg to 197kg.
Sunday after borrowing another boat and with full crew + 1, Justin, (Charlie was trying to get a hose fixed) we headed out again travelling most days 40+km off shore collecting bait along the way. While we were waiting we tried our hand at bottom bashing shell harbour style and if you ever want a good work out, retrieving bait from 500m down is the way to go but for most sensible people don’t even bother its bloody hard work, especially with the 1kg weights they use.
It wasn’t long before we had what looked to be a 100kg swimming at the boat so I had the 6kg ready to go as that was my target for the week but before Greg could get the camera set up it disappeared. After waiting we sent bait deep on 15kg looking for a shark for dale and didn’t take long before it was peeling line at a great rate of knots and dale was on but before we could get him harnessed ping off it went, big whaler Greg suggested. Continuing to burley we waited, then another Mako showed late in the day wind had picked up to about 25 knots, it almost dark so why not throw the 6 at it would only be a 5 or 6hr fight. After some coaxing it took the bait peeled 300m of line and went aerial then another 150m and jumped again and before I could say start the boat the line was directly under the boat 10 mins later it was gone.
The next day we headed out Charlie back as well but the water had turned and looked very ordinary we had not much happen and even got boarded enough to try bottom bashing again (stupid I know), no gem fish but a few green eye sharks (spur dog sharks) and cod at least we had tea. Charlie and crew weren’t fairing much better until they were packing up and a Mako (100+) came to the boat so out with the heavier gear to get a tag for Charlie or Justin but the fish managed its freedom and again as they were packing up another came to the boat (about 80) this time Justin managed to get it back to the boat where they put the tag in.
Next day was a rest day from fishing anyway and it was sightseeing time then get ready for our charter on Thursday and without going into detail we managed a few albacore for what was a very long but enjoyable day and ½ the night on the water.
As a summary of the trip the people up there could not have been more friendly and welcoming they have no issue about sharing techniques and ideas. We saw more sharks weighed in 3 days than we will see weighed here in 3 years. They don’t have the opposition from members of the public like we do and always drew a crowd when sharks were coming in to be weighed. Most of the times they will not put bait into the water until they see a shark and will then select the line class that will give max points. 24kg line class is for marlin and they don’t even bother to take it on the boat and are even reluctant to take 15kg. They spend a lot of time on boat position with the sea anchor to ensure the correct drift even if that means the boat is going to sit sideways to the waves.
There is an open invitation for any of our members to travel to the area to fish and they will help where ever they can. For me it was a welcome break from the shop but more important it was a learning experience as I am sure it would have been for the others and can’t wait to take Greg up on his invitation to fish their marlin competition in February.
Craig
