Australian Bass/Estuary Perch fishing season re-opens September 1

[Catchin Jack]

This is from NSW DPI website.

Fishers can again take to NSW waterways from September 1 targeting some of Australia's great native sports fish, with the annual three month closed season for Australian bass and estuary perch, drawing to a close.

NSW Department of Primary Industries (NSW DPI) Senior Fisheries Manager, Recreational and Indigenous Fishing, Cameron Westaway, said an annual zero bag limit for the species is in place in all rivers and estuaries (except in impoundments and in rivers above impoundments) from June 1 to August 31 to protect the vulnerable species.

"Both Australian bass and estuary perch form schools and migrate to parts of estuaries with the correct salinity over late autumn and early winter to trigger spawning," Mr Westaway said.

"When they are in these large groups, these great native sports fish can be vulnerable to fishing so a three month zero bag limit for these fish applies."

However, the spawning period for these species has now finished with many now returning to their spring and summer feeding grounds higher up in the catchment.

"From September 1 anglers are once again permitted to take these native species, however bag limits will apply," he said.

"These include a total bag limit of two Australian Bass or estuary perch per person or a combination of both with a possession limit of four.

"And only one of the fish is permitted to be over 35 cm in length when fishing in rivers."

NSW DPI Director Fisheries Compliance, Glenn Tritton, said these fishing laws are designed to protect, conserve and improve our fisheries resources for future generations.

"Anyone who is unsure of the rules and regulations should contact their local Fisheries Office before they go fishing, as heavy penalties for illegal fishing are in place," Mr Tritton said.

"Before going fishing, fishers should check they have a current NSW Recreational Fishing Licence, available online at www.licence.nsw.gov.au or by dialling 1300 369 365.

"Fishers are also reminded to have their recreational fishing licence in their immediate possession at all times or face a $75 on the spot fine."

Information on freshwater fishing rules can be found in the NSW Recreational Freshwater Fishing Guide available from NSW DPI Fisheries Offices or online at www.fisheries.nsw.gov.au

Media contact: Sarah Wright 6391 3686 or 0427 075 167