Fishing News 20240520-20240526
Fishing News 20240520-20240526 – Here you can check out some international news that has something to do with fishing. Some items are very actual.
Fishing Takes Root in Schools (Fishing News 20240520-20240526)
May 20, 2024
(source: bbc.com – by Matt Weigold,BBC Radio Stoke)
Fishing is increasingly being incorporated into school classrooms, with students learning valuable angling skills. Small groups of pupils spend six weeks learning about various fish species, tackle, and fishing techniques before putting their knowledge to practice on nearby waterways. This engaging program has been introduced to twelve schools in Cheshire, including Middlewich High School. School staff believe that these sessions have instilled confidence in students, improved their social skills, and provided opportunities for cross-curricular learning.
Expanding the Reach of Fishing Education
Neil Thomas of Top Cast Angling is dedicated to bringing his fishing instruction to more schools across Cheshire. He has been teaching fishing classes in Middlewich for some time, and Zoe Jones, the Deputy Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCO), is eager to see more students benefit from this enriching experience. Jones emphasizes the positive impact the program has had on students, stating, “They’re confident, they’re showing other people what to do, team building and working together.”
Encouraging Engagement and Rewarding Success (Fishing News 20240520-20240526)
To encourage participation and celebrate student achievements, Mr. Thomas provides free equipment to those excelling in the sport. He has secured this equipment through a tackle donation scheme, making fishing accessible to a wider range of students. Mr. Thomas is passionate about promoting the benefits of fishing, stating, “We’ve helped 92 kids get into fishing. If they’re in the bedroom playing on their game, breathing in the same air, it can’t be good for them.”
A Gateway to Outdoor Recreation
Mr. Thomas encourages families to explore free introductory fishing events hosted by the Angling Trust and Canal & River Trust. For students like Billy, the skills and equipment he learned in school now allow him to enjoy fishing on the nearby canal. Billy highlights the relaxing and engaging nature of the activity, stating, “It’s relaxing. It gives me something to do other than go on my computer.”
Eighteen Fishermen Sentenced for Illegal Fishing in Australian Waters (Fishing News 20240520-20240526)
May 21, 2024
(source: asiapacificdefencereporter.com – by ???)
Eighteen Indonesian fishermen have been sentenced after pleading guilty to fisheries offences in the Darwin Local Court on Tuesday, May 14, 2024. These convictions stem from two separate incidents in April 2024, where Australian authorities intercepted two Indonesian vessels fishing illegally in Australian waters. One vessel attempted to evade authorities, while the other was found hidden within mangroves in the Kimberley Marine Park.
Seizures and Detentions
Australian authorities seized a significant haul of illegal catch, including 750 kilograms of shark fin, three stingray tails, and 10 kilograms of sea cucumber. They also seized various fishing equipment, including reef walking shoes, fishing line, nets, and 220 kilograms of salt. The vessels were seized and disposed of, while the crews were detained and transported to Darwin.
Penalties for Fisheries Offences
The fishermen were charged with various offenses under the Fisheries Management Act 1991 (Cth). All pleaded guilty, and the court acknowledged the severity of the offenses, imposing penalties ranging from imprisonment, fines of up to A$5,000, and Recognisance Release Orders for first-time offenders. The individuals identified as Masters of each vessel received three-month and two-month terms of imprisonment, respectively. The three-month sentence was specifically for failing to facilitate boarding by an officer during the attempted evasion. Additionally, three of the fishermen were required to serve periods of imprisonment due to outstanding warrants related to prior illegal fishing activities.
Collaborative Efforts to Combat Illegal Fishing
The Australian Fisheries Management Authority (AFMA), in partnership with Maritime Border Command, a multi-agency task force comprising the Australian Border Force (ABF) and Australian Defence Force (ADF), remains committed to combating illegal foreign fishing in Australian waters. Their efforts extend beyond enforcement, including public information campaigns in Indonesian fishing communities, educational material distribution, targeted social media campaigns, and proactive engagement with fishers.
Deterrent Message to Illegal Fishers
Commander Maritime Border Command, Rear Admiral Brett Sonter, emphasized the commitment of the Australian Border Force to safeguarding Australia’s maritime borders from security threats, including illegal fishing. The successful apprehension and prosecution of these fishermen serves as a strong deterrent message to those considering illegal fishing activities in Australian waters. Rear Admiral Sonter stated, “Don’t attempt to ply your trade here. We will intercept you, you will lose your equipment and your vessel.”
Boaties Caught Overfishing in Hauraki Gulf (Fishing News 20240520-20240526)
May 22, 2024
(source: miragenews.com – by ???)
Over the weekend, a group of boaters were apprehended by Police in the Hauraki Gulf for exceeding their fishing quotas. The incident began when an informant contacted Great Barrier Police, reporting three vessels with divers in the water off the coast of Great Barrier Island. The Auckland Maritime Unit was subsequently dispatched to investigate. Upon approaching the vessels, the largest vessel attempted to flee towards open waters, but was swiftly intercepted by the Police Maritime Unit.
Undersized Crayfish Seized
The Police boarded and searched the vessel, uncovering 21 Packhorse Crayfish, some of which were undersized. The undersized crayfish were confiscated and returned to the ocean. The two remaining vessels were also inspected, and the occupants were found to have the appropriate quota and sized Packhorse Crayfish on board. In total, 45 Packhorse Crayfish were inspected across the three vessels.
Enforcing Sustainable Fisheries Practices (Fishing News 20240520-20240526)
The Police Maritime Unit emphasizes their commitment to ensuring the safety of recreational fishers, but also stresses the importance of adhering to Fisheries laws. They reiterate that those who violate these laws will eventually be apprehended. “Police are continuing to work with our partner agencies to ensure we are all working together to keep New Zealand fisheries sustainable for the future,” stated Sergeant Comer. Investigations into the circumstances surrounding the incident are ongoing.
Community Involvement in Fisheries Enforcement
Sergeant Comer expressed gratitude to the member of the public who initially reported the suspicious activity and encouraged continued community involvement in reporting suspected poaching. The public is urged to contact 0800 POACHER if they witness any suspicious activities related to illegal fishing. For immediate incidents, individuals are advised to call 111, while for past occurrences, 105 is the appropriate contact number.
Over the weekend, a group of boaters were apprehended by Police in the Hauraki Gulf for exceeding their fishing quotas. The incident began when an informant contacted Great Barrier Police, reporting three vessels with divers in the water off the coast of Great Barrier Island. The Auckland Maritime Unit was subsequently dispatched to investigate. Upon approaching the vessels, the largest vessel attempted to flee towards open waters, but was swiftly intercepted by the Police Maritime Unit.
Undersized Crayfish Seized
The Police boarded and searched the vessel, uncovering 21 Packhorse Crayfish, some of which were undersized. The undersized crayfish were confiscated and returned to the ocean. The two remaining vessels were also inspected, and the occupants were found to have the appropriate quota and sized Packhorse Crayfish on board. In total, 45 Packhorse Crayfish were inspected across the three vessels.
Enforcing Sustainable Fisheries Practices (Fishing News 20240520-20240526)
The Police Maritime Unit emphasizes their commitment to ensuring the safety of recreational fishers, but also stresses the importance of adhering to Fisheries laws. They reiterate that those who violate these laws will eventually be apprehended. “Police are continuing to work with our partner agencies to ensure we are all working together to keep New Zealand fisheries sustainable for the future,” stated Sergeant Comer. Investigations into the circumstances surrounding the incident are ongoing.
Community Involvement in Fisheries Enforcement
Sergeant Comer expressed gratitude to the member of the public who initially reported the suspicious activity and encouraged continued community involvement in reporting suspected poaching. The public is urged to contact 0800 POACHER if they witness any suspicious activities related to illegal fishing. For immediate incidents, individuals are advised to call 111, while for past occurrences, 105 is the appropriate contact number.
Grand County Fishing Report: Boat Ramps Open (Fishing News 20240520-20240526)
May 23, 2024
(source: skyhinews.com – by Dan Shannon – Fishing with Bernie)
The fishing season in Grand County is in full swing, with all boat ramps now open. Fishing has been productive across various lakes, offering anglers diverse opportunities to catch a variety of species.
Grand Lake: Diverse Fishing Opportunities
Grand Lake boat ramps are open from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. Rainbow trout fishing has been excellent, particularly around the inlets. Anglers are finding success using heavy casting spoons like Kastmaster or Little Cleo in blue/silver colors. Brown trout fishing is also good, with small crankbaits and egg-sucking leech streamers proving effective around the shorelines. Lake trout fishing is best early in the morning, with anglers finding them in 20-60 feet of water. A small black or green grub tipped with sucker has consistently produced catches.
Williams Fork: Water Levels and Early Season Fishing
The east boat ramp at Williams Fork opened on May 15th, with the inspection shack relocated from the west end of the parking area to the east end. The water level at opening was 90%, a significant improvement from last year’s 55% level. The current level stands at 91%, with 362 cubic feet per second of water flowing in and 235 cfs flowing out. While lake trout were located in 40-60 feet of water on opening day, the bite was slow, likely due to unstable weather conditions. Although fish reacted to jigs, they were reluctant to bite, regardless of jig color or technique. However, the bite is expected to improve later in the week.
Williams Fork: Other Species and Catch and Release Practices (Fishing News 20240520-20240526)
Although Kokanee salmon are not expected to be present in the lake, rainbow trout fishing has been slow due to a lack of stocking in recent years. Northern pike fishing is also slow, but some have been reported in shallow bays. Due to the decline in northern pike populations, anglers are encouraged to practice catch and release for all fish.
Lake Granby: Productive Rainbow and Lake Trout Fishing
Lake Granby’s water level is currently at 89%, or about 8.5 feet from full. The Stillwater boat ramp is open from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m., seven days a week. Fishing has been productive for rainbow trout and brown trout. Casting along shorelines with brown or white Dynamic Twitch tubes and larger casting spoons in silver have been effective. The best fishing conditions have been found in less than 15 feet of water, along rocky shorelines after windy periods. Lake trout fishing has also been strong, with jigging 4-5-inch tubes in dark colors proving productive in 20-45 feet of water. Some shallow water action for lake trout has been reported at sunrise and sunset.
Fishing Road Trips: Family Fun on the Open Road (Fishing News 20240520-20240526)
May 24, 2024
(source: therepublic.com – by ???)
Summer beckons with the promise of freedom, and few experiences capture this spirit better than family fishing road trips. While baseball and apple pie might be traditional summer staples, for many, the quintessential summer experience involves casting a line and reeling in a trophy catch. June may not be the peak fishing season, but with school out, it’s the perfect time to embark on a memorable fishing adventure with the family. The Midwest offers a wealth of fishing destinations, and here are a few suggestions for an unforgettable family fishing road trip.
Indiana: Yellowwood Lake Bluegill
Yellowwood State Forest boasts the 133-acre Yellowwood Lake and Jackson Creek, providing a haven for bass, catfish, crappie, and bluegill. While stocked trout are available at certain times, the bluegill are the real stars of this destination, attracting anglers from far and wide. These fish can be found throughout the lake and in Jackson Creek below the dam. Yellowwood Lake’s non-motorized status and limited primitive camping opportunities offer a serene escape and convenient access to the water. For those seeking cultural enrichment, the nearby artist colony in Nashville offers a charming detour.
Illinois: Lake Michigan Yellow Perch (Fishing News 20240520-20240526)
Perch migrate to shallower waters in June, with pre-spawn fish congregating on clay flats in 50-80 feet of water along the Chicago lakefront. After spawning towards the end of June, they move to depths of 20-40 feet in water temperatures ranging from 60-70 degrees. Anglers can employ a variety of methods, including a simple two-hook live-bait rig with a bottom bouncing bell sinker. Artificial lures, such as blade baits, ice fishing jigs, and Swedish Pimples, also prove effective. Calumet Harbor is a popular spot for perch fishing.
Ohio: Appalachian Hills Wildlife Area Largemouth Bass
Appalachian Hills Wildlife Area, with its 350 lakes and 300 campsites across 35,396 acres, provides ample space for anglers to explore. The vast expanse of public land allows anglers to enjoy solitude and access a diverse range of waters, many teeming with largemouth bass. The Ohio DNR has designated Appalachian Hills as the state’s second-best largemouth bass fishing destination. The forested shorelines make this an ideal destination for kayak or float tube fishing. Restored strip mine lands across the Midwest are becoming increasingly popular fishing destinations, and Appalachian Hills is a prime example.
Iowa: Rathbun Reservoir Crappie (Fishing News 20240520-20240526)
Rathbun Reservoir, a renowned crappie fishing destination, hosts numerous tournaments each year. This 11,000-acre reservoir is arguably Iowa’s best crappie lake. By June, crappie have spawned and retreated to deeper water, seeking refuge in 15-20 feet of water near submerged brush piles in deeper bays and off main lake points. A 1/8-ounce jig tipped with a minnow is an effective bait. Honey Creek State Park provides excellent camping opportunities, and Honey Creek Resort offers luxurious lodging directly on the water.
Kansas: Kansas River Catfish
Summer is peak catfish season, and the Kansas River is known for its impressive catches. As a tributary of the Missouri River, the Kansas River is home to large populations of blue catfish, flatheads, and channel catfish. The state record channel catfish, weighing in at 34 pounds 11 ounces, was caught in this river. The largest catfish are typically found downstream from Lawrence to the confluence of the river. Shad are abundant in the river and make excellent cut bait.
Wisconsin: Brule River Trout (Fishing News 20240520-20240526)
The Brule River, renowned for its salmon and steelhead runs, offers exceptional trout fishing during the summer in Wisconsin’s North Woods. The resident trout population makes it a must-fish destination, especially during the Hex hatch, which occurs in June and early July. The emergence of the Hexagenia limbata mayfly triggers aggressive feeding among the trout. The Brule River is divided into four management segments, and anglers seeking brook trout, brown trout, and the legendary hex hatch should focus on the upper Brule above County Highway B.
Rockall Fishing Access: A Priority for Irish Government (Fishing News 20240520-20240526)
May 25, 2024
(source: therepublic.com – by ???)
The Department of Foreign Affairs has confirmed that reaching an agreement on fishing access around Rockall is a top priority for the Irish government. A department spokesperson emphasized their ongoing commitment to collaboration with Scotland and continued engagement with the UK government on this issue.
Veto of Irish-Scottish Agreement
These statements follow reports of the UK government vetoing an agreement between Ireland and Scotland that would have granted Irish vessels access to waters surrounding the uninhabited islet of Rockall. The veto occurred just after the UK election was announced this week.
A Long-Standing Dispute (Fishing News 20240520-20240526)
Rockall, situated over 200 nautical miles northwest of the County Donegal coast, has been the subject of a longstanding dispute concerning sovereignty over the fishing area. Since the UK’s withdrawal from the European Union Common Fisheries Policy as part of Brexit, Irish vessels have been prohibited from fishing in the waters around Rockall.
Impact on Irish Fisheries
Irish fishermen impacted by the ban since 2020 express concerns about its significant impact on the industry and the mounting pressure it creates. Patrick Murphy, representing the Irish South and West Fish Producers Organisation, highlights the economic repercussions, stating that the area around Rockall accounts for approximately 3% of the total fish catch, translating to a loss of millions of euros.
Seeking a Collaborative Solution
Murphy emphasizes the importance of shared resources for scientific evaluation and studies in the waters around Rockall. He advocates for collaborative efforts between Irish and UK authorities to ensure sustainable management of fish stocks. He urges political leaders to prioritize a solution that recognizes the shared nature of the waters and fosters a collaborative relationship between fishermen.
Wolves: Masters of Adaptation (Fishing News 20240520-20240526)
May 26, 2024
(source: therepublic.com – by ???)
The International Wolf Center in Ely has unveiled a new exhibit, “Starvation, Adaptation and Survival — Insights from the Voyageurs Wolf Project,” showcasing research from the University of Minnesota on how wolves navigate the challenges of summer survival. This exhibit highlights the unique adaptations wolves employ to find food during a time when their usual prey is abundant and readily escapes predation.
Summer Challenges for Wolves
Wolves face a unique challenge during the summer months: securing enough food to sustain themselves and their growing pups. Tom Gable, lead researcher on the Voyageurs Wolf Project, explains that wolves rely heavily on deer, their primary prey in northern Minnesota, but deer are in excellent physical condition due to abundant vegetation. Additionally, deer fawns quickly grow and become more agile, making them difficult targets. Beavers, another food source, are also elusive during the summer as they spend more time in their ponds, where aquatic vegetation is abundant.
Pulses of Prey Availability (Fishing News 20240520-20240526)
The availability of key prey for wolves, like beavers and deer fawns, is sporadic during the summer, occurring in short bursts. This fluctuating food supply creates a bottleneck towards the end of summer and early fall, when wolves struggle to meet their own nutritional needs and those of their pups.
Learning from Trail Cameras
The new exhibit at the International Wolf Center aims to dispel misconceptions about wolves and offer a realistic portrayal of their adaptability. Video footage captured by trail cameras provides firsthand glimpses of wolves in their natural environment, revealing their diverse foraging strategies. The exhibit showcases wolves hunting beavers, eating fish, and foraging for berries, while also demonstrating the stark realities of food scarcity and the consequences for pups unable to secure enough nourishment.
Trail Camera Insights
The use of trail cameras has been instrumental in advancing wolf research. They offer a unique perspective on wolf behavior, revealing previously unobserved actions, such as wolves catching fish and consuming berries. The combination of trail camera footage and data from GPS collars provides valuable insights into wolf movements and their reliance on various food sources.
The Art of Wolf Fishing (Fishing News 20240520-20240526)
Trail cameras have captured fascinating footage of wolves fishing, particularly during the spring when white suckers congregate in shallow areas to spawn. These fish provide a rich source of calories and nutrients for both adult wolves and their pups. While the exact caloric intake from a white sucker remains unknown, it’s clear that fish play a significant role in wolf nutrition during certain times of the year, particularly for nursing mothers.