Old Man Creek 3-3-2011

Finally after all this rain the creek I thought the creek might have cleared enough for some lure fishing. I had spent the previous couple of days on the phone to various Government departments ascertaining whether or not people could legally fish from Beavers Weir. After originally being told that it was  illigal, it actually turns out that there is no actual fishing restrictions imposed by the DPI. State Water have a sign erected at one of the four entrances, but after speaking to the people in charge of legalities for State Water, they informed me that "it would be a very sad world if you couldn't sit on a lump of concrete in the middle of nowhere and throw in a line"... permission granted.

I can understand why there probably should be restrictions in place but when it comes to catch and release fishing, I don't see how it really matters. People talk of roe    re-obsorbtion in spwaning fish during the fight, however by using suitable gear (heavy-ish line/rod) you can end the fight quickly and return the fish all within one minute, and thats with a couple of photos. I believe it only becomes a problem when you find these 'meat fishermen' taking their bag limits everytime they fish, only to have them frozen and forgotten in the bottom of their freezers for two years until they are thrown out. I guess this is where the problem lies, how do you allow one person to fish from an area and not another. Perhaps a ban on fishing weirs altogether, or maybe something along the lines of no taking of fish from a weir area, but still being able to fish. Both would be tough rules to enforce! It is food for thought, but in the meantime I will continue to responibly fish at my local weir, because currently it is well within my rights.

Anyhow thats my rant for the week.

I managed to pick up 7 fish yesterday, 5 Murray Cod and 2 Golden Perch. The Murray Cod were all over 50cm with the biggest coming in at 59cm. I also had a decent fish on that felt bigger than all I caught but I applied a bit to much pressure and the hooks pulled. I would say it would have been a legal fish, but may have just been foul hooked.

The Goldens came in at 35cm & 46cm and both fought very well for their size. All came from eaither side of the fast water.

I also managed to lose my favourite lure, which I will replace this afternoon.

Water was clearing so by Sunday the place should be looking really good.