Environment

Every fisherman has a responsibility to minimise their impact on the environment. This page covers a code of environmental ethics and principals all fishermen should uphold whenever and where ever they fish.

Many of the fishable locations mentioned on this site are within National Parks, Nature Reserves, Crown Reserves and State Forest. When fishing such areas it is even more important to ensure we minimise the impact we have, particularly given that we are entering sensitive plant and animal habits.

1) Respect - Treat the fish you catch humanely. Kill them with a sharp blow to the head or by breaking their neck immediately. If catch and release fishing, use barbless hooks and return fish to the water as quickly as possible. Be respectful of other fishermen, bushwalkers, water skiers, land owners, rangers and any other users of the waterway that you meet on your fishing adventures even if you do not see eye to eye.  Avoid damaging the banks, riverbed or bush when on a fishing adventure. Obey the law and fishing regulations at all times. Help others learn about fishing, fishing regulations and the environment. Do what you can to help improve the environment by taking time to assist local landcare groups with the removal of willows or pest fish such as carp or redfin from the waterway.

2) Rubbish - Take your rubbish with you when you leave. Do not leave guts or scales on the bank or cleaning site. Ensure old fishing line and snagged lures are not left in trees or water as they can trap birds and animals such as platypus. It is a good idea to avoid light lines that are more likely to snap when snagged.

3) Toilet - Go before you leave! If you have to go while on a fishing trip make sure you do your business at least 100m from the waters edge, as human waste can cause serious health problems if it gets into our water ways. Make sure you berry it in a hole about 15cm deep.

4) Tracks & Travel - When bush walking stick to formed tracks where possible. If there are no man made tracks follow animal trails rather than making your own track. When driving stick to formed roads, and travel at a reasonable speed. Do not drive in a way or in places that may cause erosion, particularly given that sediment from erosion can clog fish spawning grounds and make water cloudy and difficult to fish.
When wading, wear felt sole boots and avoid soft/undercut sections of bank. Try to avoid knocking slime from the rocks/logs as the slime/weed protects fish from damage as they slide over the surface of these structures.

5) Do not disturb - Simply do your best to leave the environment as you found it. Don't remove native plants or animals. If you see wild animals do not harass them or feed them, as this kind can disturb their normal patterns of behaviour.
Just enjoy being in the bush and make sure it remains pristine for future generations.

6) Don't forget to be well prepared for your trip
Get to know the area you plan to fish (talk to people who have fished the area before, get a map, ensure you have access to communications, organise appropriate clothing for the area and time of year, and consider how much food and drink you will need). Give a copy of your trip plan to a loved one in case you don't return on time. If you are going on an overnight trip, leave a copy with the local police or national parks office. Make sure you check the weather report before you go.

If the weather looks bad don't go or change your trip plan.


Safe and happy fishing