Now here's an idea...your thoughts??

[imnotoriginal]

Was just reading in a fishing mag that in Manitoba they've started a campaign designed to increase the release rates of trophy fish. Anglers who catch a fish deemed to be a 'trophy' fish (in this instance it was pike over 35") can submit an entry to the fisheries for it to be recognised as a trophy fish. If you catch 'trophy' fish in five different species you receive a master angler's pin and for ten different species the pin is gold. What do you think? Could something like this work in Australia? I personally wouldn't care about getting a pin, but if it means we see more fish released I'm all for it.
Joel

[Flattie Assassin]

I think its a great idea. A definite incentive to C&R more of our native species. I would be proud to say i'd caught 5 or 10 trophy fish. Never mind the pin. But to have it recognised by the fisheries or the fishing community would be something worth working for. That's where i see the future of fishing in our country. More of a sport, Where kids come up through the ranks and are striving to gain better skills as fisho's. C&R fishing will be promoted and this will hopefully sustain our already fragile ecosystem. With the amount of new people moving to SE QLD, I can see disaster coming unless some measures are taken to educate and promote C&R to adults and children alike..

[oldboot]

I recon its a great idea.

would be even better if specic fish could be identified and declared legend fish.

If you cant and release a legend fish you get put on the list and the fish get a history

if you are found catch and don't release a legend fish.... they send the boys arround to smack you about the head with a large mullet.

cheers

[aussiefool]

mmmm to reply to this thread or not???? mmmm pondering my reply so not to cause a stink.......

[aussiefool]

ok here goes
umm first of all I personally am not into catch and release,but respect those people that do so. Would I keep a legend fish ?, yep sure would partically if it was my first one. As some of you know I only target fish that I intend to eat (Tailor and Jew) the one in my avi went 33+lb. After eating it I know that I would never keep one of that size again only because of the eating quality. This year I'm hopping to target marlin , spanish and other game fish. Do I intend to keep them ? Heck yer. As long as they are legal size. after all that is why we have inplace bag and size limits in the the first place
Hope I have not upset anyone as these are just my thoughts
Aussiefool
Andrew

[Jeremy]

Andrew,

you should not upset anyone with your thoughts. What you intend to do is legal. I would encourage everyone to release all marlin. They are a great sport and gamefish, but not great eating (so I have been told on several occasions).

The idea proposed above sounds alot like the ANSA system to me, except for the C&R. ANSA recognises 'masters' catches which score 100 points or more. In simple terms, for most fish it means weighing more than the line class used to catch it. These fish can be released and still score points, but they do not have to be. When you catch 10 different species of 100 points or more, you get a certificate.

I think it is debateable whether this idea would havve any effect on future fish stocks. I think it would be more sustainable for someone to only keep one trophy fish, than to bag out on average size fish of a species.

Is this just a copy of the ANSA system for trophy hunters who C&R?

Jeremy

[NAGG]

With the advent of Digital Cameras & the use of Brag mats & big Live wells ..... This sought of thing would be be OK .... & could work quite well ...... It also could be done on National level...... Nagg

[NAGG]

ok here goes
umm first of all I personally am not into catch and release,but respect those people that do so. Would I keep a legend fish ?, yep sure would partically if it was my first one. As some of you know I only target fish that I intend to eat (Tailor and Jew) the one in my avi went 33+lb. After eating it I know that I would never keep one of that size again only because of the eating quality. This year I'm hopping to target marlin , spanish and other game fish. Do I intend to keep them ? Heck yer. As long as they are legal size. after all that is why we have inplace bag and size limits in the the first place
Hope I have not upset anyone as these are just my thoughts
Aussiefool
Andrew

Nothing wrong with keeping a feed or a Trophy fish! ...... C&R + T&R is all good too ..... However for those of us that like a challenge / goal & like to release fish ..... This type of thing would be great! ..... As previously mentioned it is a bit like the ANSA system (Masters) .... Without the need to kill the fish or worrying about line classes , leader lengths etc ( Brag mat & camera .... That's it) ....... Email in the PICS & details .... done The other thing that can come out of it .... Is that it could be a great research tool ..... with the supply of catch data (species ,size , location , date etc) ..... Nagg

[the gecko]

How do they determine that the fish was actually released? All fishermen are liars.....

Andrew

[imnotoriginal]

Andrew, as long as you're staying within the law my issue wouldn't be with you, it's with the law. You're doing nothing illegal.

Jeremy, I suppose it is like ANSA, but it does have the catch and release element as you said. I think that is fairly important. Whether the angler who caught this trophy fish could catch a huge amount of legal size fish is another thing. It might encourage people to target trophy fish instead of a huge bag.

Gecko, good point.... You'd like to think people could be trusted, but you can't assume anything can you?

Nagg, I hadn't even considered the data collection aspect, good thinking!
Joel

[Luc]

ANSA Qld runs a "Lenght only" competition (see http://ansaqld.com.au/length-comp/ ) which would suit this perfectly. All eligible species reset to 0 annually on 1 July.

Of course it's only open to ANSA Qld members.

I don't know if you could persuade DPI&F to run with that sort of concept. They may have to ask permission from the EPA first as it could encourage people to go fishing

Luc

[RayDeR]

[quote= If you catch 'trophy' fish in five different species you receive a master angler's pin and for ten different species the pin is gold.
Joel[/quote]

Maybe instead of a pin we could get a badge like the Scouts proficiency badge to sew on our fishing shirts. (see scouts badge system: http://www.scouts.com.au/main.asp?iStoryID=798 )



Ray De R

[turtleshead]

How do they determine that the fish was actually released? All fishermen are liars.....

Andrew

Have also heard that old fisherman dont die , they just smell that way

[nigelr]

I'm with you, Andrew.
Not interested in marlin or large spanish, atm I am seriously considering not targeting/releasing snapper over 4kg for their lack of eating quality compared to smaller 'squire'.
Since being a member of this site I have learnt many valuable lessons and had the opportunity to read the opinions of many fine fisherfolk.
Which in part has led to my re-evaluation of my motives for fishing.
a - I love being there and having a go, sometimes you never know what you'll catch (if anything!)
b - to catch a feed or two for the family
Personally I no longer have much interest in catching 'large' anythings, I have learned the same lesson you did Andrew with the large mulloway.
Catch and release doesn't appeal to me, if I cant eat it I'm happy to not catch it.
Sure I can appreciate the buzz of catching/fighting a large game fish, but I don't need that kind of kick at my age, after all catching a fish is only that, catching a fish, not any great accomplishment in the scheme of things.
My opinion, if you are concerned with the sustainability of fish stocks, limit your catch number per annum, whether you release them or not!
Not necessarily good for the rec fishing industry, tho!
Cheers.

[Sean]

I don't know about you guys, but a Pin???????? Yippeeeeeee? A pin so I can walk around and look like a d***. I like RayDers idea, a Scout Badge to sew on your clothes!!! lol.

I must say, I don't like the idea at all, but if it does promote the C&R of fish then it's good........maybe a free jackall for someone who gets 5 trophies, theres an idea I would go for!

Sorry, Sean