Bonus Weekend’s Fishing

Well, we normally complain about the dreaded south easterly winds playing havoc for the fishing enthusiasts this time of year, but last weekend was a bonus weekend of great weather and productive fishing. Several reports of good sized Reds, Golden Snapper, Jew fish, schooling Mackerel and Trevally were reported after the weekend, with the most productive areas including Cape Arnhem, north east of Higginson shoals, east wide of Veronica Island , Brombys island network and outside the last few outcrops of Bonner Rocks. With great tides and weather, it was pleasing to get amongst some steady action and post some good results. Although some of the larger vessels of the recreational fleet were high and dry on hard stands undergoing annual maintenance and antifouling, these anglers jumped aboard trailer boats and got amongst it off shore and beyond.

Last weeks announcement of reduced bag limits has been welcomed across the board by recreational anglers as a sensible and responsible step forward to protecting and preserving fishing stocks in Northern Territory waters. The more realistic bag limits however will not mean much if irresponsible commercial and illegal fishing by individuals is not monitored and punished. The Nhulunbuy Regional Sports Fishing Club has had the newly announced bag limits in place (self imposed) for over 6 years and it is pleasing to see this new NT Government initiative for the protection of the resource. Most restrictions for the selected species are around the “2 fish per species per angler per day” rule the NRSFC introduced and has promoted since 2003, and should do little to alter fishing habits and targeted species by responsible anglers.

Today marks the start of the new Club year and memberships are now due. Fees angina remain unchanged and individual memberships start from $25 for adults and $15 for juniors with discounts for families. A mail out will occur in the next 2 weeks to all known past members, but the list is long and is taking a little more time with the large database of members to get through. New residents and past members can drop into Gove Tackle and Outdoor for a 2009 – 2010 membership form and leave it with your fees with the friendly crew at GTO. See Jeff or Kelly for some great club merchandise specials while you check our large range of tackle and complete your membership form.

Every month (on the first Tuesday of the calendar month) the club holds their general meeting at the Walkabout Lodge from 8pm. As highlighted on the community road side noticeboard outside Woolworths, the next scheduled meeting is on (next) Tuesday the 7th of July 2009. Members, new residents to town and visitors are most welcome to attend this meeting, find out what’s happening on the fishing scene and enjoy the hospitality of the Walkabout Lodge.

The Gove Peninsular Festival is only a month away today, and the NRSFC will be participating in the float parade, Gove Olympics and set up a stall and boat display. Members wishing to assist are asked to attend next Tuesday meeting or call Peter on 0417 879 041. The NRSFC will have a display of tackle, members to share fishing tips, free competitions, along with eager members to answer your testing questions, conduct giveaways, casting competition for the juniors and “big kids” as well !! , and much more. Please consider your participation in the Gove Peninsular Festival next month with the NRSFC or any of the many community groups if not the fishing club. This is a great event and well deserved thanks must go out to the volunteers who have put in the many hours to get this great event back on the community calendar.

See you next Tuesday the 7th of July from 8pm at the Walkabout for the monthly meeting.

Until next week, tight lines.

Regards,

Peter Cox

0417 879 031