Can your family do your bit to relieve Tenterfield Dam of some fish?
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A portion of the drought relief funding received by Tenterfield Shire Council is being put towards a get-together for all at the dam on Saturday, February 16.
With the dam level falling and Level 3 water restrictions in place, the fewer fish in the dam the better so the outing is being combined with a casual fishing competition. Lots of help and expertise will be on hand thanks to the participation of Ozfish Unlimited personnel.
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The Farmer Family Fun Fishing Day runs strictly from 7am to 1pm. Competitors need to register at Saddler Estate childrens playground off Parkes Drive where they will receive a raffle ticket.
As there are no facilities to weigh in catches it will be more of a fun day with raffled prizes. First prize in the raffle is a Peter Newell Tracker Kaditcha replica lure made by Peter Lewis especially for this event and donated by him, together with a lure kit.
This is an entirely free event, with catering provided by Tenterfield Lions Club. It aims to offer a reprieve from daily stresses while introducing community mental health and rural financial counsellors and providing an opportunity for people to talk to each other about their circumstances.
At the same time – although aerators are being placed in the dam to generate oxygen as the water level falls – there remains a risk of fish kill due to the ongoing drought conditions and removing some of the fish will help.
Fish may be taken home on the day but must be within the rules and regulations for bag limits:
- Murray Cod – 55cm to 75cm – limit 2 per person
- Golden Perch – 30cm – limit is 5 per person
- Rainbow Trout – 25cm – limit is 1 per person
- Silver Perch – no take permitted as it is a threatened species
- Eel-tailed Catfish - no take permitted as it is a threatened species
- Yabbies – 200 per person
Method of capture can be artificial lure or, if bait is used, must be yabbies, worms, shrimp or Baardi grub only. No cheese or chicken is allowed.
Ozfish Unlimited is promoting the use of circle hooks to stop gut hooking and will have hooks available for each angler as they sign in.
Other rules to be observed on the day include:
- No fish to be cleaned on site, they must remain whole by the waters edge (it is illegal to alter a freshwater fish by the water).
- All fish must be measured from nose tip to tail tip and any oversized or undersized fish is to be returned immediately to the water.
- Correct fish handling methods to be adhered to at all times. Demonstrations will be held on the day.
- Maximum of two attended lines per person.
- Fish are to be dispatched humanely only after correct measurements.
- Any pest species caught (ie European Carp) are to be dispatched immediately and not returned to the water.
- All litter and fishing line etc to be removed completely to ensure protection of native fish and waterfowl.
- No boats, no alcohol and no swimming.
A fishing licence exemption is being sought for the event, however licences are available from Jeff Holland’s Sports Store or the Dept of Primary Industry website.
In any case licence exemptions are available for those under the age of 18, for an adult assisting someone under 18 using a single rod per child, an Aboriginal person and for pension concession card holders.
Participants are advised to bring sunscreen, hat, close-in shoes, water and fishing rods and tackle.
Members of Ozfish Unlimited will be assisting throughout the day, They will als be wearing high-vis Ozfish vests to make them easy to spot.
“Council is working closely with Michael Davey (of Ozfish Unlimited) who has run the previous very successful fishing days at the dam and in Tenterfield Creek,” Mayor Peter Petty said.
“Michael is familiar with all the DPI requirements and his expertise and experience is greatly appreciated and ensures a great fishing day will be had by all.”
Mr Davey said the low water level can encourage weed growth but there’s still plenty of fish to be caught. It’s this weed growth that robs the fish of oxygen but Mr Davey complimented council being proactive in securing the aeration units.
“It will save many fish and they must be commended for the effort they are making,” he said.
