Pros smash the GTs off Fraser

[bugman]

Spoke to mate of mine in Murwillumbah yesterday who was having a beer at the Orchid Beach pub last week when some pro netters from up the Cape turned up.
Four vehicles weighted down to chasis on axles. He went over to have a look and the pro boys were only too willing to show of their catch of massive GTs and Golden Trevally.
He was told SIX tonnes worth.
He's got photos of himself holding 30kg GT's.
Completely legal and well within their rights but seems such a waste of resource to me ... considering how much I spent to catch and release just a couple of these fish.
Brett

[manta man]

Well at least the Cats will have a good feed... mmm or maybe somebody else (Might be called a Racist). You know things like this, leave a real "Sour Taste In Ones Mouth. You know the funny thing is, by what you have written the Pro"s sound quite proud. As an Amateur we are encouraged to Catch and Release but for the Pro"s "The Motto is Catch and Destroy". It"s about time, somebody in Govt made the Hard Decisions... but hey "Their all like Spineless Jellyfish". Cheers Manta Man

[Macks forever]

Hi Bugman.

I am guessing you mean having a beer at the servo? The old pub is long gone?

[MEG-A-BITE]

What the hell are the GTs used for? they not good eating.....

[Apollo]

What the hell are the GTs used for? they not good eating.....

meowwwwwwwwwww

[Boat Hog]

It's about bloody time that certain species where declared as recreational only or recreational catch and release only. Species like GT's, Golden's and Permit come too mind.

Its typical isn't it? Bloody greens are too busy trying to lock out Rec Fishos to see the economic value of species like GT's for recreational fishing and act to prevent their commercial slaughter.

[Apollo]

You on Murf's deathanol Jim?

[Giffo65]

I doubt it Apollo, the spelling is to good !

[FisHard]

Very sad to hear. All that wasted resource for such a little return. As Bugman said, you invest a lot of cash to just see a few Gts, let alone catch them. As cat food, they would have returned just a couple of dollars a kg. When will we learn this planet is not infinite and must be managed properly??

[cobiaman]

You on Murf's deathanol Jim?

It does sound that way doesnt it...

[seatime]

Why this practice (beach netting) is still viewed as 'sustainable fishing' by Fisheries Qld (FQ) defies comprehension... would add tunnel netting and beam trawling in sheltered waters as equally destructive and unsustainable.
For a long time FQ have allowed themselves to be bullied by pro-fishing lobby groups.
Objectively speaking, FQ probably haven't had the legislative means to control wild harvesting but surely we have now reached that crossroad.
Charter operators are only a notch below the rape & pillagers and would like to see their n ops restricted more too.

[seatime]

To reiterate, charter & commercial fishermen are well aware that their industry is in serious decline here and worldwide - similar to old growth timber cutters & wood chippers.
They know full well that there is no future for them but they will continue their self indulgence on a premise such as "we're a 3rd generation fishing family", "how else am I to feed my family, I've been fishing all my life" - well dudes, it's time to move-on you're rhetoric has been exposed for the crap it is.

[Horse]

Very sad to hear about it. I think its time to put in a "sunset" clause on all inshore fishery commercial licences. When an operator wants to get out of the game the Gov should have first option on buying it back at a fair price.

[Stik-ugly]

Hey Giffo is your avatar a photo of you doing fire extinguisher demos?

[FisHard]

To reiterate, charter & commercial fishermen are well aware that their industry is in serious decline here and worldwide - similar to old growth timber cutters & wood chippers.
They know full well that there is no future for them but they will continue their self indulgence on a premise such as "we're a 3rd generation fishing family", "how else am I to feed my family, I've been fishing all my life" - well dudes, it's time to move-on you're rhetoric has been exposed for the crap it is.

You've made the mistake of bundling all operators into the same boat here. There are a substantial number of charter operators that practise and promote sustainable fishing. You may have only run into the bad eggs, but there are plenty of good guys out there looking after their environment.