Bass Ban at Somerset. (SWFSA Press Release)

[Fitzy]

All COMPS should be Catch & Release ONLY weather they are "Elite " fishermen or not.
The fishing pressure on a dam during a compition #is huge compared to the average days fishing. #You might consider it as bad as putting a net through the dam. because there is always a huge number of fish killed & weighed in not to eat but in for a prize. #
Large fish caught during #a competition should be verified by another #competing boat then released, If the fish is not seen swim away by the varifing boat then NO POINTS
# # # # # # # # # # # # # I only fish CATCH & RELEASE Comps
# # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # #NEVER CATCH & KILL.

Hi CC,
If run correctly & for the right reasons, comps can actually help the fishery. Example is the Kirkleagh Klassic. Without this comp raising valuable funds for 14 years, Somerset would not be half the fishery it is today. Well over 1 million fish have been stocked as a direct result of this comp.

Large fish caught during #a competition should be verified by another #competing boat then released, If the fish is not seen swim away by the varifing boat then NO POINTS

This would undoubtedly lead to cheating on a grand scale. Not workable & that is why it is not used.

I only fish CATCH & RELEASE Comps
# # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # #NEVER CATCH & KILL

That is totally your choice, there are C&R only comps that dont contribute anything back to the fishery. BTW C&R definately does not mean 100% survival. On studies on bass comps in the USA, upto 40% mortality can be achieved as soon as fish are held in livewells. 92% of fish caught on a single hook can also die, even if released immediately. #So I'll let you work it all out.

Cheers,

fitz

[lordy]

Something that hasn't been discussed is that Somerset is the prime bass dam in Qld (Wivenhoe is probably better but its grossly underfished). Being the prime dam and so close to Brisbane means its a major target for competitions.

As an example if you wanted to run a 12 round (once a month) comp at a dam in SEQ you'd pick Somerset 95% of the time. Its not hard to imagine 1 such comps running and other comps taking up a further 12 weekends, thats 1/2 the weekends with a bass comp at Somerset.

Having comps regulated means SWFSA and other fish stocking bodies can spread the competitions around more. SWFSA might say 2 or 3 rounds is OK but go try a few different dams for the rest. Spreading around the comps is good for regional tourism, it makes other dams better known, promotes fishing better and evens out the toll on fish. In other words its better for everyone.

As it stands now every comp organiser in Brisbane can run every round at Somerset, and thats not good for Somerset or the other regional dams. If SWFSA was greedy we'd want every comp we could get, thats more SIP funds and comp donations. Personally, we rather see better balance and health for all stocked impoundments even if it does cost us some dollars.

[budgebass]

Cheers Fitzy and Aussiebasser for your Reply

I agree completely and hope that it is remembered by the "johnny come latelies" that Somerset is the dam it is today because of the proper management of a multi level fishery.

And it is the best dam because of all the fingerlings raised from the Klassic. A Klassic supported by the "grass roots".
I hope the Klassic gets back to what it was.

Sweetwater fishing is what it is all about, and the comps are good for the profile, but lets put a some control on it before they sour the waters.

Lets hope in 10-20 years we still say it is the best dam around.

Cheers
Keep up the good work
Budgebass