Don’t lie to the Fisheries guys when they know what you’ve been up to! In fact, don’t lie to them at all when it comes to how many fish you’re carrying in the boat, because chances are they’ll find the ones you’ve stashed.

That’s what happened to three blokes on the Gold Coast this week, when they were fined $9000 for possessing 24 Spotted Mackerel, and 11 Spanish Mackerel before lying to Fisheries patrol officers. After being tipped off by a member of the public, Queensland Boating and Fisheries Patrol conducted an inspection of the boat. The skipper of the vessel swore black and blue that the only fish on board were in the esky, but after lifting the carpet and finding a secret compartment full of fish under a tool box, Fisheries fined him another $1000 for obstructing the officers. Add that to $3000 for being the skipper of a vessel exceeding possession limits, and the two fines of $2500 to the passengers on board, makes it quite an expensive day on the water!

Queensland Boating and Fisheries Patrol (QBFP) district manager Rob McDonald said in response to the incident,
“The fine issued for obstruction serves as an important warning that a person in control of the boat or vehicle must give reasonable help to the officers conducting the inspection. If we are to continue to enjoy fishing, everyone must share the resources and abide by the laws.”

“Fishers need to familiarise themselves with the size and possession limits for all of Queensland’s regulated species by checking fisheries.qld.gov.au.”

Possession limits include fish you have caught previously that day, the ones in the esky (even in the car), and those you have in your freezer at home! So remember, if you have a great day catching Spanish Mackerel. Keep one in the freezer, one in the esky, and one on the end of your line. That’s three, which is all you’re allowed!

#News #Fishing #Boating