VRFG 2007-08 ADS.Indd

DEPARTMENT OF PRIMARY INDUSTRIES

VICTORIAN RECREATIONAL 2008 / 2007 FISHING GUIDE 5 Message from the Minister Going Fishing Inland? 6 About the Guide Visit www.dpi.vic.gov.au/angling for your free 3 6 Changes made since last edition online Guide to the Inland Angling Waters of 9 Go Fishing in Victoria Victoria. 10 Recreational Fishing Licence 10 Licence Information Information for Hearing Impaired 12 Your Fishing Licence Fees at Work Callers who are deaf, hard of hearing or have a

17 Regulation Enforcement speech/communication impairment may call the CONTENTS 17 Fisheries Officers DPI Customer Service Centre through the National 17 Fines and Penalties 17 Reporting Offences Relay Service using a modem or textphone/ 17 Offence Reporting Service teletypewriter (TTY) by dialling 1800 555 677. 20 Restricted Areas or Closed Waters • To report a fisheries offence, request 20 Marine National Parks and Sanctuaries 13 3474 (13 FISH). 20 Boundary Markers 22 Aquaculture Fisheries Reserves • For general fisheries inquiries, request 136 186. 23 Intertidal Restrictions 24 Scallops – Port Phillip Restrictions 24 Freshwater Restrictions �� 27 General Fishing – Rules and Tips 27 Bait and Berley 27 Measuring Your Catch �� 28 Cleaning/Filleting Your Fish 28 Definitions 29 Responsible Fishing Behaviours �� 30 Protected Fish 32 Limits and Closed Seasons 32 Total Scale Fish Bag/Possession Limit �� 33 Marine and Estuarine Scale Fish 39 Sharks, Skates and Rays �� 40 Freshwater Scale Fish (native) 44 Freshwater Scale Fish (introduced) 44 Trout and Salmon Regulations 53 Crustaceans �� 58 Molluscs 62 Other Invertebrates 63 Equipment 63 Permitted Use of Recreational Equipment �� 63 Recreational Equipment Not Permitted 63 Marine National Parks and Sanctuaries 63 Equipment Marine Waters �� 66 Equipment Inland Waters 67 Spearfishing �� Australia’s No. 1 provider of boat insurance 68 Aquatic Pests 69 Fish Habitat and Fishcare 1300 00 CLUB (2582) 70 Fishing Safety 71 Victorian State Government 2006 Election Commitments clubmarine.com.au 73 Contacts

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Vic Recreational Fishing Guide 2008.indd 1 26/6/07 1:12:14 PM Welcome to the Joe Helper MP Victorian Recreational 5 Fishing Guide 2007-2008

More than 500,000 Victorians wet a line at least once a year. Some are chasing a feed for the table, while others are just sharing time by the water with friends and family in the great outdoors, away from the stresses of everyday life. While the drought and bushfires have adversely affected many of our inland fishery destinations, there remains a long list of waters that are well worth a visit. Many of them are annually stocked with trout by Fisheries Victoria. Others receive

native fish such as Murray cod and golden perch. MESSAGE FROM THE MINISTER If you’re going on a ﬁ shing trip that means you’ll be behind the wheel for this long, Last year saw better times for saltwater fishing. Another terrific snapper season in Port Phillip Bay entertained thousands of anglers last spring. The terrific run of gummy sharks has continued right along our coast and the big bluefin tuna returned to Portland, attracting sporting anglers from right across Australia. This year’s Victorian Recreational Fishing Guide is the biggest yet. We have expanded the section on Your Licence Fees at Work so you can get a better understanding about how your licence fees are funding projects that improve fishing opportunities. We have also added a page to the abalone section to simplify the layout for divers. As the Minister Responsible for Fisheries I am very proud of the Victorian Government’s track used it in the preceding 12 months and 87 per cent record with recreational fishing. At the 2006 were very satisfied with it in its current format. election, the government committed $42 million With positive feedback like that it is little wonder to improve facilities and services for boaters the Guide finds a home in most anglers’ tackle and anglers and to get more Victorians outdoors. boxes. I hope it finds a home in yours. For more information about these election commitments, to be rolled out over the next four years, refer to page 71 of the Guide. take a break this long. The Victorian Recreational Fishing Guide remains the primary means by which Fisheries Victoria communicates regulations to anglers. A survey The Hon. Joe Helper, MP of 350 licensed anglers last year revealed that 85 Minister for Agriculture per cent were aware of the Guide, 73 per cent had Minister Responsible for Fisheries A 15 minute powernap could save your life.

TAC 6211 Fatigue_Fishing A5 Ad.i1 1 17/7/07 9:38:36 AM ABOUT THE GUIDE 6 withinthe law. totime. It is your responsibility to ensure that you are acting beused as a defence in court. Fishing laws change from time Itis a summary the law of at the timepublication of and cannot offeredbythe contributors. implyendorsement bythe any Departmentproduct of orservice 3000(telephone 1300 366 356 or at www.information.vic.gov.au). InformationVictoria located at 356 Collins Street, Melbourne fishing.Copies the Act of and Regulations are available from Acceptancethese contributions of does not, however, endorse or DPIacknowledges contributions made byprivate enterprise. VIC3168 (03) 8514 6000 Advertisingdisclaimer andsubordinate legislation applying to, or affecting recreational FisheriesAct 1995 3 Nursery3 Avenue, Clayton Business Park, Clayton, Printing: Thispublication is a guide only, it does not replace the relyingonany information inthis publication. error,loss orother consequences which mayarise from you of Primary Industries, of Roger Swainston Illustrations: particularpurposes and therefore disclaims all liability for any iswithout anykind flaw oris wholly of appropriate for your Cartography: RichardRogala. Duthie,Heath Cameron, Stewart McGlashan, Eain McRae and Victoriaand its employees donot guarantee that the publication Thispublication assistance maybe of toyou, but the State of Ainsworth,Peter Lawson, Ewan McLean, Ben Bowman, Troy ScottGray, Martin Auldist, Jeremy Hindell, John Douglas, Marc General disclaimerGeneral Goodall,Michael Marmach, Rudi Kuiter, Rawdon Sthradher, Photographs: GroundFloor, 140 Harbour Esplanade, Docklands. Geoff Slattery Geoff Publishing (03) 9627 2600 Design,production, print management advertising& sales: provisionsthe of bereproduced byany process except inaccordance with the AuthorisedbyJoe Helper, Spring1 Street, Melbourne [email protected] CustomerService Centre (telephone 136 186) oremail Industries,2007. This publication iscopyright. Nopartmay CopyrightVictoria,The© State of PrimaryDepartment of Allrequests and inquiries should bedirected tothe DPI ISSN 1442-7494 ISSN on136 186. www.dpi.vic.gov.auorcall the Customer Service Centre Formore information about DPI, visit the website at commentsabout the guide orto obtain further copies. Industries(DPI). Please contactyou wish DPIto if make Thisfishing guide isproduced bythe Primary Department of MESSAGE FROM THE MINISTER THE FROM MESSAGE Blue Star Print Group Ltd 300,000– copies Alexis Beckett, Krystii Melaine, NSW Department Red Shore Crab Victoria, Museum– of Dale page22, Griffin Graphics ,the Copyright Act 1968 Act Copyright FisheriesRegulations 1998 . or other Acts Forthelatest information: suchasthecatch orsize limit ofspecies.a short-termorinterim change toregulations, Occasionally,itmay tomake necessary be a Interim Restrictions Interim TemporaryClosuresand ChangesAhead Last Edition Changes Made Since CHANGES TO REGULATIONS TO CHANGES • • Subscribeonline DPI'stwo-page tofortnightly • • on Centre Service Customer DPI the Contact • Visitthe website: • • Allregulations10 years. expire after • recreationalabalonedays foropen 2007/08 • InterimGlenelgclosurethe spinyof • yabbylimit 53). Bass page (see • Lillydale Lake, Kennington Reservoir, Hyland • dates riverineseasonclosed trout 2008 snapperregulationsNew36). • page (see central waters (see page 58). page (seecentralwaters freshwater crayfish fishery (see page 56). page (seefreshwatercrayfish fishery Lake and Jubilee Lake catch limit (see page 45). (see page 44). page (see Fish-e-Fax. Visit the DPI website for details.websiteFish-e-Fax.forVisit DPI the recreationalforfishers electronic newsletter 136 186 136 development2008. for FisheriesNewregulations underare . www.dpi.vic.gov.au/fishing *Disc St is our Fo eve RA Insur th Wit at is ement m r sued ounts CV rything 10% p e or Boat by R h ar bef anc Insur i e c e or multi-policy oin al b e nf fr culat Insur anc uying. ormation e: om AC M e ed w t anuf ca Fo off fir anc c a r the e, B V actur ll i e opy theft base disc her and er 13 c a s ca o s ll amount oat A f ount. 13 RA and q a ompr us RA tr y e uot CV alia bef CV * flood (13 or ehensiv In Pty c e a e 7228). our Limit all ny to sur other RIN1 ed 13 emer p e ABN applic RA 654 co olicy anc 93 gency CV abl 004 ve d e and that 208 isc e, to ounts 084 e r ask wing. co AF th ve or L S about nds any rs ic is enc go N e ve rnment is o. . 227678. char Pl ges ease ar a e co nsider pplied. the RA Pr CV oduct Boat Discl Insur osur anc e e FAMILY FISHING 8 learn to catch a fish. These events will be planned $3.2 $3.2 million over four years to the Go Fishing in In 2006 the Victorian State Government committed – FISHING RECREATIONAL OF REWARDS THE REAP Premier Lakes will be developed at: equipment. as toilets, barbecues, picnic tables and playground all ages and abilities, and will feature facilities suchfishing. These lakes will offer access for anglers of Lakes to encourage families and new anglers to go have been selected to be developed as Premier Five of the Family Fishing Lakes (refer to page 45) Lakes Premier $3.2 million investment including: Several initiatives have been funded as part of this promote opportunities for fishing as a family activity. fishing facilities and infrastructure, as well as Fishing Events – fun days when families and Thekids five can Premier Lakes will be the focusevents offishing FamilyFamily JubileeLakes will commence in 2008. facilities,stocking of ‘Premier’ fish at Hyland and commencedand, following further development of Pondageand Kennington Reservoir has already conditions).Stocking at Lillydale Lake, Eildon leastfour times per year (subject to suitable water withlarger ‘Premier’ rainbow trout (> 1 kg) at rainbowtrout (approx and 200g) partly stocked PremierLakes will be stocked with advanced Victoria initiative, which aims to improve recreational shires, Fishcare volunteers and other stakeholders. Fishing peak body (VRFish), local angling clubs, and run in partnership with the Victorian Recreational GO FISHING IN VICTORIA VICTORIA IN FISHING GO • Hyland(Churchill)Lake• Jubilee• (Daylesford) Lake Kennington(Bendigo)• Reservoir Eildon• Pondage Lillydale• Lake

stakeholdersand thefirst river will be willdevelopedbe in partnership with local orvisit CalltheDPICustomer ServiceCentre on136 186 more? know to Want lowersection around Wodonga. fishingand Murray cancodtargetedbe in the sectionsbelow Mountprovide Beauty quality trout KiewaValley in easternnorth Victoria. Thecooler TheKiewa River flows through thepicturesque River Kiewa goldenperch around Shepparton. Alexandraand exciting fishing for Murray andcod productivea trout fishery Eildonbetween and fishingopportunities and challenges including TheGoulburn River wideoffersa range of River Goulburn perchand mulloway. fishingfor species such asblack bream, estuary theHopkins River is known for producing quality south-westernVictoria, theestuarine section of WarrnamboolLocatedbetween and Allansford in River Hopkins Thethree Premier Rivers are: fishingexperience and facilities that they provide. identifyingkey pointsaccess andof thetype developedbe for each oftheriver stretches developmentsan information package will foraccess anglers. To complement these Thiswill primarily achievedbe byenhancing opportunitiestoimprove theangling experience. anglingvalues, they will also provide considerable riverineenvironments and high recreational Whiletherivers were chosen for their existing launched in 2008. promotedasPremier Rivers. ThePremier Rivers ofthree Victorian rivers will developedbe and Tocaterfor more experienced anglers, sections Rivers Premier hold events in 2008. and Kennington Reservoir. All five Premier Lakes will and spring of 2007 at Lillydale Lake, Eildon Pondage Family Fishing Events are being held in the winter www.dpi.vic.gov.au/gofishin g

GO FISHING IN VICTORIA 9 10 RECREATIONAL FISHING LICENCE RecreationalFishingLicence fishingwithout alicence. memberofthe police force. Penalties apply for andplace stipulated by theauthorised officer or inyour possession, within seven days (7) atatime eitherimmediately, or, if you do nothave alicence authorisedofficer or member ofpolice force, yourlicence for inspection on thedemand ofan youclaim tohold anyou RFL, must produce hoopnetin, on orto nextVictorian waters, and marinewaters, or use or possessarecreational Ifyou take or attempttotake fish from inland or oftheir exemption. fromholding anare RFL advised evidencetocarry therequirement tohold Fishersan RFL). exempt timeswhile fishing (unless you are exempt from Youare advised yourtocarry withRFL you atall Your Carrying Youwill notantoneedfish RFL ifyou are: Exemptions fishing,prawning and spearfishing. fishing,bait collection, gathering shellfish, yabby anyspecies offish byany method, including line taking,orattempting totake from public waters, Unlessyou are exempt, anis RFL required when marine,estuarine and fresh waters. formsofrecreational fishing in all ofVictoria’s RecreationalA Fishing Licence (RFL)covers all Licence?a NeedsWho INFORMATION LICENCE • • PensionerCommonwealthaholder of the • Veterans’aholder of AffairsRepatriationthe • Veterans’aholder of AffairsPensionerthe Victorianaholder SeniorsCard; of the • over; or age of years 70 • age; underof 18• years Concession Card coded either (DSP), (DSP), either coded Card Concession (TPI); coded Card, Health Card; (DSP Blind), (AGE), (AGE Blind)(AGE (CAR). or Blind),(AGE), (DSP

Availability and RenewalAvailabilityand whenfishing in Victoria. Ifthe waters to be fished are ‘private’ waters PublicorWaters Private RecreationalFishing Licences issued byother VisitorsInterstate Itis your responsibility tohold currenta RFL actualdate ofpurchase.its onfuturea effect date, for up toone year from the person.mayRFLAn purchased be tocomeinto maynotloanedbe ortransferred toanother purchasinganvia RFL theinternet. Your licence Youwill yourneed credit card details when viatheDPIwebsite: www.dpi.vic.gov.au/fishing. Touchoutlets. Thelicence may also purchasedbe 48-hourand 28-dayatmore ShellthanRFLs 280 mostretail fishing tackle stores. You canpurchase retailbusinesses throughout Victoria, including frommany offices,andDPI/DSE more than 950 isTheRFL GSTexempt. isTheRFL available daysand($11), three years one($60). year ($22) 28purchased for periods hours of48 ($5.50), RecreationalA Fishing Licence (RFL)can be LicenceFees, else’s catch as your own, even if you have an RFL. You are not permitted to claim part of someone an RFL) who take fish from inland or marine waters. RFL holders (and persons exempted from holding Take, possession and size limits apply to individual YoursYouris OnlyCatch youintend tofish interstate. territories,socheck ifyou licencea need when VictorianA isRFL notvalid in otheror states orterritoriesstates are notvalid in Victoria. fromthe landholder is needed to cross private land. property,then a licence is required. Permission astream, creek or river) even if it crosses private Ifthe waters to be fished are ‘public’ waters (i.e. onprivate land) then no fishing licence is required. (i.e.a dam or other structure built by the landholder

watersofLake Hume and Lake Mulwala: onmanagement arrangements for theborder TheVictorian and NSWgovernments have agreed Mulwala Lake and Hume Lake fishingregulations apply, except atLake Mulwala. SouthWales. Southofthat border, all Victorian istheboundarystate Victoriabetween and New locationofthat bank beneath impounded waters, bankoftheMurray River, including theoriginal A NSWArecreational fishing licence is required Wales South New River, Murray BoundariesState forfishing in theMurray River. Thesouthern • • MulwalaLakejurisdiction underNSW comes • underVictorian jurisdictionHumecomes Lake Bundalongramp. boat Murray,the Riverenters Ovens the markedby YarrawongaWeir the pointwallwhere the to Mulwala,Lake of the from upstream parts Mulwala.fishingNSW regulations allapplyto fishinglicenceisrequired fishing for inLake regulations.and onlyNSWexempt, Unlessa MileSeven Junction.the Creek to upstreamHume, Lake of allapplyto parts VictorianinHume.Lake fishing regulations Victorianfishing licenceisrequired fishing for regulations.and onlyexempt,Unlessa

call13 FISH (13 3474). Glenelg River, South Australia South River, Glenelg fishing in the Murray River or Lake Mulwala. if you are exempt from purchasing a licence beforefisheries.nsw.gov.au/licence/exempt to determinecontact NSW Fisheries on 1300 550 474 or visit www. purchasing a NSW recreational fishing licence. andPlease Repatriation Health Cards are not exempt from NOTE: limitsapply, since there is noCommonwealth Commonwealthand watersinterstate VictorianRFL is not required in this section of river. sectionof the Glenelg River in South Australia. A Victorianfisheries regulations apply to the short includingbait, for sale, orsell fish orexpose recreationalaAs fisher, you must nottake fish, Fish of Sale andlands itin Victoria, then Victorian bagand size Victoriancoast(that is in Commonwealth waters) sharkgreater than 3nm (nautical miles) the off example,ifrecreationala fisher catchesgummy a intheregion in which they were caught. For Victorianbagand size limits ifthere are nolimits watersand landed in Victoria must conform to Fishcaught in Commonwealth orother state bagand size limits for this species. fishfor sale. To illegalreport sales offish, Holders of Seniors’ Cards, Health Care Cards

11 RECREATIONAL FISHING LICENCE 12 RECREATIONAL FISHING LICENCE boatwash-down facilities, boatberthing, recreationalboating infrastructure including, Fundingis notavailable for improvements to funded? not is What thefollowing categories: Applicationsare sought each year for projects in funded? is What fundingtotheMinister Responsible for Fisheries. applicationsand make recommendations for grant RecreationalFishing Grant Program (RFGP) RevenueAllocation assess Committee(FRAC) Recreationalfishing stakeholders onthe Fisheries funded? is what decides Who improverecreational fishing in Victoria. goingtothegrant programs page. AT WORK AT FEES LICENCE FISHING YOUR and/orrelated jetties,ramp dredging,access isavailable at Information 222. 337 on1800 about theProgram inquiries,contactthegrants administration team ForMSV’s Boating and Safety Facilities Program Victoriaor Safety an alternative (MSV), source. registrationunderfees thecontrol ofMarine thatmay fundedbe from recreational vessel andboattrailer and/oraccess carparking butnotconfined to, boatramps/pontoons • • Recreationalfisheries-related education, • Recreationalfisheries-relatedand research; • Recreationalfisheries’ sustainability and • Recreationalfishingfacilitiesand access (but informationtraining.and stocking); improvementhabitat (also including fish recreationalboating-related,not below); see www.marinesafety.vic.gov.a toprojects that will directly payfor your fishing licence Accountallocates theyoufees FishingLicence (RFL)Trust Everyyear, theRecreational

• The•administration andoftheRFL the RFGP; 2007. Grant applications close at the end of body(VRFish); Service Centre on 136 186, or visit the DPI website Department of Primary Industries (DPI) Customer For information about the 2007/08 RFGP, contact the and help you prepare an application. (VRFish) and /or other interested parties to support council, the Victorian Recreational Fishing peak body a great idea, get your angling club, association, local government bodies, but if you’re an individual with Grants are awarded to incorporated, statutory and apply Youcan • The•Victorian Recreational Fishing peak • RFL salesRFL• commissions; at • 10• regionally-based Fisheries Officers; During2006/07,revenueRFL also funded: expenditure Account Trust • RFL andRFL• RFGP-related community information; • • Matchingfunding ofprojects under Round of4 improveVictoria’s recreational fishing. RecreationalFishing Grant Program projects to was allocated In2006/07,over to17 $760,000 2006/07 in Funding February each year. loanrepayment; and Bay• Inlet& commercial fishing licence buy-back Other Recreational Fishing Licence Licence Fishing Recreational Other water Typeof all-waters(S) Total Statewide/ Marine(M) Estuarine(E) Inland(I) FishingCommunity Grants Programme. theCommonwealth Government’s Recreational www.dpi.vic.gov.au/recfishin

3 2 3 9 Number projects 17

of g from October $107,000 $90,609 $104,300 $462,062 funding RFL $763,971

revenue

funded from 2006/07 RFL revenue.RFL funded from 2006/07 Thefollowing is summarya ofRFGPprojects Unlessotherwise stated,theseprojects are www.dpi.vic.gov.au/fishing/feesatwor theYour Fishing Licence Fees atWork section at expenditure.Itis available onthe DPIwebsite in concerningall TrustRFL Account revenue and isreportA tabled in Parliament each October year) (funding 2006/07 Projects Program Grant Fishing Recreational 1. for studya toevaluate of $81,000 theeffects Port Phillip Region ($81,000) Region Phillip Port listedunder theDPIRegion from which the projectapplication emanated. fishin Western (M) Port recreationalfishers targeting breeding elephant

Gippsland Region ($166,132) Region Gippsland 4. to design $8,300 and construct a fishing platform 3. for theimplementation ofintegrated$33,000 2. $25,476(and commitmenta todisburse 1. toimplement thefishery and habitat $63,000 onMerriman’s Creek Island, Seaspray (E) FisheriesManagement Plan (E) researchcomponents oftheMallacoota Inlet HopkinsRivers (E) Inlet,Mallacoota Inlet, Glenelg River and ofrecreational estuarine fisheries for Anderson approachesand themonitoring and assessment fishingplatforms atvarious locations (I) installationofsignage and construction of facilitiesin Central Gippsland North through toimprove andaccess in 2008/09) $36,356 funded for in$52,000 2005-06) fishing facility, constructed at Completed project: multi-use Barwon Heads (1 year project

13 RECREATIONAL FISHING LICENCE 14 RECREATIONAL FISHING LICENCE 4. $37,886todesign and constructfishing two 3. for theremoval ofblackberries, $50,000 2. toimprove fish habitat byinstalling $50,000 1. (and commitmenta todisburse $98,000 ($350,676) Region Northern anglerparticipation and obtain feedback (I) developscommunicationa strategytoincrease fishstock levels, analyses fish samples and forstudya into theKerang Lakes that assesses in and 2009/10) $71,209 in 2008/09 $43,500 recreationalfishing atKennington toimprovejetties andaccess encourage Reservoir,Bendigo (I) stabilisationalong theHowqua River (I) repairofriparian environment and bank tracksalong theBoosey Creek, Tungamah (I) byconstructing fishinga platform and access in-streamstructures and improve facilities

resident brown trout rehabilitation on the in the Rubicon River removal and habitat the impact of willow (three-year project funded for $26,600 study to determine Project underway: 2005/06) infor $66,000 project funded access (three-year to identify angler northern Victoria signage across of standardised and installation development Project underway: stocking budget. million-plus fish Victoria's $1 boost Fisheries was allocated to than $200,000 Last year, more in 2005/06)

4. for $4,100 ‘Catch Carpa Day’ atLake Colac 3. toerectsolara light $9,609 over existing fish 2. $17,728todesign and construct an all-persons 1. $27,457todesign and construct fishinga ($59,163) Region West South 5. 5. for children’sa $269 fishing education day platformatTea Tree Lake, Mortlake (I) recreationalfishing (I) tointroduce primary school children to cleaningtable atWally’s ramp, Portland (M) sharedpathway atLake Colac (I) accessiblefishing platform that links tothe andhighlight personal atVictoriasafety topromote recreational fishing, correct tackle use,thecode ofpractice, clean waterways ParkLakes, Ballarat (I)

Completed project: Fish cleaning table constructed at for $1,320 in 2003/04) and reduce contamination of river (one-year project funded Daffy’s Lane in Gellibrand, to improve facilities for anglers $1,172 in 2005/06). project funded for workshops (one-year fun activities and fishing through promoted recreational November 2006 Lake Elingamite in Discovery Day’ at Club’s ‘Junior Angler Cobden Angling Completed project: Warrnambool the Merri River, constructed on of all abilities suitable for persons Fishing platform Completed project: in 2001/02). funded for $18,182 (one- year project

15 RECREATIONAL FISHING LICENCE 16 RECREATIONAL FISHING LICENCE 1. 1. (and commitmenta todisburse $33,000 ($107,000) Statewide 3. topublish theRecreational $4,000 Fishing Code 2. toconduct Flathead Fred’s $4,000 Kids In round 4, five projects to the value($146,023) of $146,023Programme (GST-inclusive)Grants Community Fishing were co-fundedRecreational by RFL revenue.Government’s Commonwealth the under projects for Funding Matching Victoria (three-year project funded for $39,510 in 2005/06). Project underway: the production of DPI’s ‘Fish Length Ruler’ which communicates the variety of minimum legal sizes for fish in cm 0 childrenaround Victoria 'Kids,2007/08 Come‘n’ Try Fishing' Program for 700 ataccessMallacoota Inlet Constructionofthree pontoons for land basedfishing Roundprojects 4 'KidsComeTry Fishing' day atCasey ofall abilities, onthe Campaspe River, Echuca. FieldsLake, Cranbourne Constructionoffishinga platform, suitable for persons atPatterson Lakes, Carrum and Rosebud Threefishing children/adultsdays for 600 with disabilities $33,000 in 2008/09 and $33,000 in 2009/10) in 2009/10) and $33,000 in 2008/09 $33,000 andevaluate theworkshops workshopsfor junior anglers across Victoria, forFishcare ‘Fish toconduct Right’ 300 01 21 41 61 81 02 22 42 62 82 03 23 43 63 83 14 34 54 74 950 49 48 47 46 45 44 43 42 41 39 38 37 36 35 34 33 32 31 30 29 28 27 26 25 24 23 22 21 20 19 18 17 16 15 14 13 12 11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 Guide2007/08 ofConduct in theVictorian Recreational Fishing FunFishing Shows Fish Length Ruler Other regulations apply, refer to the current call the Victorian Fishing Guide Recreational or visit or © The State of Victoria, Department of Primary Industries, 2007 Customer Customer Service Centre 136 186 Department of Industries Department Primary rdcd aur 2007 January Produced www.dpi.vic.gov.au/fishing Illustrations by Krystii Melaine ,

with mouth closed to tip of tail of tip to closed mouth with Measure fish from tip from of fish snout Measure

Grass whiting, Silver trevally

Australian salmon Blackfish, Butterfish, Flounder, Sweep, Tailor

Luderick, Rock cod Australian bass, Silver perch, Bream Victoria, to encourage safe and sustainable recreational fishing. performed more than 50 shows over five years to children across (one-year project funded for $4,000 in 2005/06). Fred has Project underway: Flathead Fred’s Kids Fun Fishing Shows King George whiting, Snapper ohr hn ipln Lks n tributaries) and Lakes Gippsland than (other

Bluethroat wrasse, Bream ( Bream wrasse,Bluethroat Freshwater catfish, Golden perch, Macquarie perch Estuary perch, Flathead 13 FISH (133 474) anytime 474) (133 FISH 13 Report illegal fishing - call $75,000 RFLrevenue $15,125 $6,600 $19,610 $29,688 Gippsland Lakes and tributaries only) tributaries and Lakes Gippsland Ling Short-finned pike This Minimum Legal Length Ruler is a guide only guide a is Ruler Length Legal Minimum This ( 35 cm at Lake Dartmouth and tributaries) Measure shark from the most from rear shark Measure gill slit to of fin slit the base tail gill 40 $75,000 funding Commonwealth $30,250 $7,300 $19,910 $29,988 School shark Gummy shark, Murray cod, Mulloway

Pleasecall 13 FISH (13 3474). thesystem.court allegedoffenceagainst the andboats vehicles, that has beenused in an fish,fishing gear orother equipment, including outtocarryinspections. They may also seize any andentry may stop any orboat,vehicle, in order Officershave extensive powers ofsearch and you. to he/sheidentification willdisplay official officer, an by approached be you however,should uniform; a wear always not do Officers Fisheries fishingregulations. with compliance ensure to is roles their of One fisheries. our protect to (DPI) Industries Primary of Department the by employed are Officers Fisheries OFFICERS FISHERIES DPIwelcomes ofsuspected reports illegal OFFENCES REPORTING the Shouldyou foundbe allegedly offending against PENALTIES AND FINES toprovide your correct name and address. Moreserious areoffences processedthrough InfringementNotice (on-the-spot fine). Minorareoffences usually handled byan Failuretodoso may result in your arrest. fishingactivities anywhere in Victoria. • • Allinformation instrictwill treated be • willandwill paged duty onbe officer The • Youwillyourleave telephoneaskedto be • Thisnumberwill day, 24answeredahours be confidence. yourcall.return numbername.and week. dayssevena Fisheries Act 1995 Act Fisheries you are obliged bylaw Fisheries Act 1995 Act Fisheries

Someprosecutedoffences include: As a direct result of information provided by callers: 2003 more than 6263 phone calls have been received. Since the launch of 13 FISH (13 3474) in September SERVICE REPORTING OFFENCE theinformation received will recordedbe and Althoughfielda response is notalways possible, Helpfulinformation includes: andspecial operations. CustomerServiceCentre on136 186. enquiriesshould always directedbe totheDPI Pleaseremember that general fisheries telephone powersfor DPIFisheries Officers. foroffenders and enhanced search and arrest rocklobster, larger fines and tougher jail sentences indictableforoffences trafficking in abalone and supportedbystrong legislation which includes The13 FISHReporting Offence Serviceis and/orhad their equipment seized. resultaAs some offenders have beenissued fines willassist in planning future fisheries patrols • • anglingspawningfor introut takingundersized• fish; exceedinglimits;• catch • havebeen prosecutions78 least at • • Infringement 387 thanNotices more Equipment• used. Type• activity. of Vehicle/boat•registration. involved.Descriptionspeople •of location.Time,anddate• • • significantnumberofa investigations intelligencegenerated; 863 •reports successfullyachieved. undertaken; havebeen restricted waters. restricted have been issued; havebeen

17 REGULATION ENFORCEMENT 20 RESTRICTED AREAS OR CLOSED WATERS benefitofpresent and future generations. uniqueand diverse marine environments for the protectrepresentative samples ofVictoria’s MarineNational Parks and Marine Sanctuaries AND MARINE SANCTUARIES MARINE AND PARKS NATIONAL MARINE VICTORIA’S penaltiesapply. Heavy spears. ofuse the and netting traps, includingcollecting linebait, fishing, setting fishingprohibited,shoreareor sea from commercialAllof formsrecreational and

Victoriaon13 1963. (www.parkweb.vic.gov.au),orby calling Parks andDPIFisheries fromOffices, Parkweb boundariesare available from Parks Victoria Parknoteswhich contain detailed maps of BOUNDARY MARKERS BOUNDARY and protected waters only. Inwater Special Mark – at sea boundary towardspark. ShorelineBoundary Marker points– in �� 22 RESTRICTED AREAS OR CLOSED WATERS placedattheexternal boundaries (see above). thetopXmark and yellow synchronised lights “AQUACULTURE”inscribed in black lettering on WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW TO NEED YOU WHAT – RESERVES FISHERIES AQUACULTURE PhillipBay and Western forPort around years. 30 Marineaquaculture has beenestablished in Port (pilesorbuoys) with yellowspecial marks identifiedwith Reserves AquacultureFisheries Fisheries(AFRs). Reserves withinnine Aquaculture from3ha to27ha located (Crownleases), ranging aquaculturefarming sites withinindividual Aquacultureis undertaken areclearly floatstomark theboundaries (see below). thegeneral public and lease holders install orange Crownleases contact the DPI Customer Service Centre on 136 186. Conduct, visit www.dpi.vic.gov.au/aquareserves or For further information and a copy of the Code of within areAFRs notaccessible to

insome areas. species,and is therefore restricted orprohibited harmless,butit represents lossaof food for other anyinvertebrate animals from this zone may seem inproviding habitat for other animals. Removal of speciesincluding fish. shellsEmpty are important Plantsprovide habitat and foodfor varietya of andanimal, form oftheaquaticpart foodchain. marineecosystems. All organisms, bothplant Theintertidal zone is an important link in metres2deep atany given time. high-tidemark towhere thewater is atleast watersis defined asthestrip ofland from the theintertidal zone ofmarine and estuarine Forthepurpose offisheries regulations, RESTRICTIONS INTERTIDAL

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2 metr 2 metr es es 2 metr 2 metr Low tideleve Low tideleve Low tideleve Low tideleve es es l l l l and Port Phillip Zones Phillip Port and Central Victorian Coast Coast Victorian Central mayalso apply in some areas ofother parks. NationalPark orMarine Sanctuary. Restrictions Intertidalcollecting is notallowed in any Marine Marine Sanctuaries Marine Parks/ National Marine (animals without a backbone) are protected. are backbone) a (animalswithout invertebrates other All 62). page (see only. Catch limits apply to marine worms worms marine to apply limits only.Catch hand or with an approved hand-held bait pump bait hand-held approved an with or hand shellsby dead and yabbies Bass worms, marine From the intertidal zone you may collect only collect may you zone intertidal Fromthe Port Phillip Bay Phillip Port mayapply tosome species (see 53-62). pages methodsonly (see Sizepage24). and catch limits rocklobster may also takenbe byapproved asBassyabby, sand fleas, crab, sandworm and anddead shells. Othernon mollusc species such includepipis, squirter, squid, octopus, cuttlefish Molluscs Port. exempted from this prohibition VenusBay, including theintertidal zone in Western ThompsonsCreek atBreamlea toArch Rock at coastfrom theeastern side ofthemouth of (shellfish)from theintertidal zone onthe open Thereis bana onthe taking ofmostmolluscs Central Victorian Coast Victorian Central Intertidal Protected Areas ProtectedIntertidal Cape Otway Cape (Breamlea) Creek Thompsons Port Phillip Zone Central Victorian Coast VictorianCentral Zone Phillip Port Intertidalzone from high water mark Mollusc no-take zone no-take Mollusc Promontory Wilsons (Venus Bay) (Venus Arch RockArch to2mdepth. 23 RESTRICTED AREAS OR CLOSED WATERS 24 RESTRICTED AREAS OR CLOSED WATERS methodsare allowed: inintertidal habitats is permitted, thefollowing squid,cuttlefish and octopus. Where collection speargunorhand-held spear tocatch fish, intertidalzone. You may use fishinga line, orany other digging implement in any Victorian Youmay notuse shovels, scoops, forks, rakes MethodsCollectionIntertidal • • rods to attached lines4 whether upto ofuse • use of a hand-held spear or speargun, feet; orhand by • • • hand-heldapprovedan baitpumpwhere recreational bait nets, (specified waters apply); recreational hoop nets, bait traps or or not, with no more than 2 hooks per line.per hooks 2than more no with not, or A squidA jighook. isconsideredone as A sieve may be used onlysieveusedin Aconjunction maybe with the barrel does not exceed 8.5cm indiameter. 8.5cm exceed not barreldoes the thepump;

priortoentering theseareas. Fishersmust check with therelevant authority areclosed tothepublic for any form offishing. WaterDomesticStorages: includingLoombah Weir. Loombahbetween Weir and McCallsay Weir, and possessionoffishing equipment in Ryans Creek Creek: Ryans thatpoint. fishingdownstream boundary from 200m posts overtheEildon Pondage Weir release gates, tothe thebanks oftheGoulburn River from thewalkway fishingequipment in thewaters orwithin of 20m GoulburnRiver: possessingoftrout during thetrout closed season. Lake Wendouree: bridgewhich crosses Seven Creeks. wallofPolly McQuinns Dam and theGall Gap road thebanks ofSeven Creeks theretainingbetween fishingequipment in thewaters orwithin of 20m SevenCreeks: RockBarrier. prohibitedwithin ofHosesRocks 100m or Hoses LakePurrumbete: RESTRICTIONS FRESHWATER 23). page (see apply also restrictions Intertidal Head. Indented at shore the to west then and east 50’ 144° south, 9’ 38° point the to north then and east 50’ 144° south; 122’ 38° point the to east then Pile Channel West to Pier Leonards St from line straight a by bounded area the from taken be may scallops No PHILLIP PORT – SCALLOPS RESTRICTIONS You must nottake fish orinbe Youmust notuse orpossess You must notuse orpossess

Closedtothetaking or Fishing from boatais

Manywater storages

BRP819_NSW_VIC.indd 1 time andmoneyis spentonservicingandfuelwhich means moretimespentouton water. You havetolovethat! On allfronts,Evinrude’s E-TECstacksupagainsttheold 4-stroketechnology. There’s lesshasslesbecause water. I gave it a try and you know what – they’re right, it’s deﬁnitely more boater friendly! about how good Evinrude’s E-TEC, 2-stroke technology is and how it blows traditional 4-stroke outboards out of the boat. For me to switch after nine years to another brand of outboard was a big call. Boating experts kept raving As you know I love my ﬁshing and I’m pretty picky when it comes to the right gear, especially the outboards on my

WHY I SWITCHED TO

E V INRUDE www.evinrude.com or for dealer inquiries call (02) 9794 6600 9794 (02) call inquiries dealer for or www.evinrude.com E - TEC. • • • • • • problems fewer means parts Fewer • RELIABILITY & QUALITY DURABILITY, • PERFORMANCE & POWER • QUIET & CLEAN • OPERATE & OWN TO EASY Y acceleration and torque and acceleration reduction sound oil the change to have never you’ll And weekends! 156 competition. the than stronger times 1/2 2 are pistons ratio power-to-weight range entire the across rating Emissions Low Ultra 3-star a have to engine DI one day No 4-stroke comes close for pure power, pure for close comes 4-stroke No major a to up adds technology Exclusive or hours 300 years, 3 for maintenance No Longer engine life – NASA developed alloy alloy developed NASA – life engine Longer for E-TEC Evinrude touch can 4-stroke No 2-stroke only the is E-TEC Evinrude from It’s throttle time. full break-in No OU’LL SWITCH TOO! 3/8/07 12:10:01 PM VRFG2465_VRfish code2.indd1 translocation of marine organisms. populations. Wash your boat with fresh wateractivities. to prevent Unnatural interactions may result likein depletionEuropean carpof fishand invasive weed can resultMany problems,from such such as the establishment of feral populations releasing fish while they are still in the water. and practice the best methods of releasing live fish withtheir a focussurvival on rate, and their contribution to future catches.Wetting Learn of hands or use of a wet cloth when handling fishshould improves be returned to the water in a humane manner immediately.Catching undersized or unwanted species is inevitable, but they • • • • • • harm the fish you are trying to catch. our environment. Damage to our environment can inadvertentlyThe health of our fisheries resources depends upon the health of • • • Ph: MARINE HOUSE Christopher Collins – Executive Officer, Alisonwww.vrfish.com.au/Code_of_Conduct.htm Gibson – Administration Officer For a full version of the Code of Conduct, please go to guidelines to minimise conflicts on the water, and shouldof fishers.Recreational be adopted by all fishersrecreational should fishers.also show respect Recreationalfor other users fishers of thehave aquatica responsibility environment. to Thislook Codeafter of A fisheries CODEConduct OF proviresources CONDUCT forFOR the RECREATIONAL benefit of the environmentBOAT, and futureSHORE, geneRIVER, STREAM AND JETTY FISHERS IN VICTORIA. Web: Be aware of plants, animals and native fauna you may Take care when anchoring to minimise damage Only to leavethe footprints wherever you go. Dispose of rubbish, unwanted fishing gear and bait scraps in Always be aware of your surroundings and the impact you may Crowding and “hogging” jetty space detracts from the recreational Avoid crowding fellow recreational fishers – either on the Adherence to the regulations will benefit fishing for the future. Recreational fishers must acquaint themselves with all fisheries appropriate refuse receptacles or take them home when you leave. encounter when fishing. aquatic environment. have when fishing. should always be respected. fishing experience. The rights of all users of the fisheries resource shore or on the water. regulations, size and bag limits. 1 5 4 3 2

03 9686 7077 RELOCATED/TRANSFERRED INTO OTHER WATER BODIES WATER OTHER INTO RELOCATED/TRANSFERRED BE NOT MUST ORGANISMS OTHER AND SPECIES FISH CATCH BACK TO THE WATER THE TO BACK CATCH UNWANTED OR PROTECTED UNDERSIZED, RETURN CAREFULLY PROTECT THE ENVIRONMENT THE PROTECT RESPECT THE RIGHTS OF OTHER ANGLERS AND USERS AND ANGLERS OTHER OF RIGHTS THE RESPECT REGULATIONS FISHING WITH COMPLIANCE AND OF AWARENESS www.vrfish.com.au Fax: Ground Floor, 24 York Street, South Melbourne Vic 3205 03 9682 1066 CODE OF CONDUCT RECREATIONAL FISHING Email: [email protected]

• • • to preserve these sites: Victoria has many indigenous cultural heritage sites, of the environment and responsible recreational fishing. recreational fishing community. This will encourage awarenessand observe fishing regulations will lead to a better-informedEducating other anglers, particularly children, to understand • • Treat fish humanely and avoid waste by: • • fragile areas can cause damage. loss. Likewise tramping across sand dunes, reef beds and Off-roadother driving or “bush bashing” causes erosion and vegetationWe all like to get away from it all, but this must be done responsibly. • • • not a right. Respect the rights of the property holders Havingby: access to fishing waters within private property is a privilege, 1 Attending to your gear to ensure that fish are retrieved as Pay particular attention to the ongoing and often unacceptable Use established walking tracks and avoid driving on beaches. Leaving all gates as they were found. Not interfering with livestock or crops in any way. Gaining permission prior to entering private property. Respect the rights of Do not remove or deface Despatching fish that you are going to keep immediately after capture. Use established walking tracks around sites. soon as possible. and potential closures of important access roads. caused during these times can lead to costly remedial worksdirt roads and tracks during wet weather conditions. Damageimpacts created by vehicles accessing inland areas on unformed and bank side erosion. Protecting sand dunes and vegetation will help minimise beach indigenous people. any historical artefacts. 9 8 7 6 0 RESPECT INDIGENOUS SITES AND VALUES AND SITES INDIGENOUS RESPECT KNOWLEDGE YOUR ON PASS - EDUCATION ATTEND TO YOUR FISHING GEAR AND VALUE YOUR CATCH YOUR VALUE AND GEAR FISHING YOUR TO ATTEND TRACKS AND ROADS ACCESS ESTABLISHED USE PROPERTY PRIVATE ENTERING WHEN PERMISSION ALWAYSSEEK 17/9/07 12:05:29 PM rations des anauthorisation has been made under that Act BAIT AND BERLEY AND BAIT Frogs speciesoffish in Victorian waters. and/orsalmon ova asbait orberley totake any Troutsalmonand ova: Victorianwaters. (includingcarp and goldfish) asbait in Noxiousfish: Creek. Watchbox with junction its of downstream Creeks Seven crosses bridge This bridge. Road GallsGap the from upstream tributaries its or Creeks Seven in bait as fish scale live use not You must Creeks: Seven asbait in Victorian waters. Undersizefish: Restrictions Bait mammalblood oroffal. Thisdoesnotapply toberley pellets that contain watersanytoattract species offish is prohibited. Theuse ofmammal blood oroffal in Victorian Offal Mammalor Blood assistin thetaking ofshark. Youmust notuse more than 10 litres ofberley to purposesother than offishingaaspart operation. fish.Berley must notusedbe fish toattract for any isplaced in thewater for thepurpose ofattracting Berleyis any plant oranimal tissue orextract that Berley (seepage 30). or alive – are protected wildlife under the the Youmust not use as bait, any fish protected under fish Protected waters. Act 1975 1975 Act and/ordisease.of spread the undesirableaccidentalofrelease fishspecies the to lead can collectedwere they wherethan liveofuse baitinother waters The caught. initiallywasit wherethan other waterbaitina note: Please Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988 Act Guarantee Fauna and Flora : Frogs’ eggs, tadpoles and frogs – dead and must not be used as bait in Victorian You must notuse live noxious fish It is an offence to release liverelease to offence isanIt You must notuse undersize fish You must notuse trout ,unless

Wildlife Wildlife

rearedgeof thecarapace (main bodyshell). rearoftheeye socket tothenearestof the part Spinyfreshwater crayfish are measured from the crayfish freshwater Spiny theshell is whole ordamaged. thewidest oftheshell,part regardless ofwhether originalits location. Abalone must measuredbe at Abalonemust measuredbe prior toremoval from Abalone totip oftail. Measurefish from tip ofsnout with mouth closed, fish Scale releasedimmediately. availableopportunity. Undersize fish must be Thelegal size offish must checkedbe atthefirst Measuring CATCH YOUR MEASURING 27 GENERAL FISHING RULES AND TIPS