What’s a holiday without a bit of fishing? If you’re looking for something exciting this Easter, head out to one of our fish aggregating devices (FADs) in the Gulf of Carpentaria or Southern Queensland. No boat? No worries, contact one of the many charter fishing operators in the region and they will get you out for some FAD fishing fun! FADs attract and aggregate pelagic fish which travel in the warm water delivered by ocean currents. Species such as mahi mahi, wahoo, tuna, cobia, mackerel, and billfish provide exciting sports fishing for recreational anglers up for a challenge and wanting to catch a good feed. Mahi mahi are the most prominent fish found at the FADs and are a great to take home to eat after a day out with friends and family – whether you’re on a charter or your own boat. Caught a ripper fish? You can provide details of your recreational fishing trips at the FADs via the FADs fishing form by searching ‘fish aggregating devices’ at qld.gov.au.
Faces of Fisheries Hi Jonathan!
Jonathan has been using his expertise as a fisheries biologist and love of fishing to collect data and provide objective advice to help manage Queensland’s fisheries for more than 25 years. Jonathan started with the department completing his PhD and working on a range of research projects studying scallops, sardines and other baitfish, trawl gear, barramundi, and banana prawns. Now he works in the Fishery Monitoring team collecting scientific data on Queensland’s important fish species. He believes managing fisheries is not just about the science and fish. It’s also about people, and there are social and economic factors that need to be considered.
Fish for your chance to win The inaugural Fish ‘n SIPS tagged fish competition is well and truly underway. The competition has had an excellent start since its launch, with the first 3 prizes, totalling $35,000, already claimed! There is still $15,000 up for grabs, so there is plenty of opportunity to grab your SIPS permit and chase a winning tagged fish at one of the 5 participating stocked impoundments in Central and North Queensland. For more information on the competition visit fisheries.qld.gov.au.
Jonathan’s wealth of fisheries knowledge and technical expertise has led him to manage and support a team of fisheries technicians. He loves serving up fresh fish he’s caught to family and friends – although you might not catch him sharing his homemade green curry school mackerel pies!
Download the free ‘Qld Fishing 2.0’ app from the App Store or Google Play APRIL 2023 30 DAF1901 03/23
