Opening Weekend Angler Compliance

The Inland Fisheries Service conducted five separate patrols on the Opening Weekend of the 2010-11 Angling Season, which fell this year on Saturday 7 and Sunday 8 August. The reports indicate a relatively high rate of compliance by anglers as well as satisfaction regarding the fishing experience despite the cold weather around the State.

IFS compliance staff interviewed around 700 anglers at about 40 waters in all regions of the State over the period, including the Friday preceding the opening. A high profile was achieved with the assistance of Tasmanian Police and roadblocks were conducted on Friday in the Bothwell and Poatina areas and on the Woods Lake road on Saturday afternoon.

A total of seven offences were detected overall and six infringement notices issued. Two anglers fishing the River Derwent and another at Woods Lake did not have a licence; four anglers were fined for ‘possessing an assembled rod at a closed water’ on the Friday before the season opened; and one boating angler was charged with not wearing a life jacket. One set long-line was discovered at Woods Lake, consisting of a heavy fishing line with smaller dropper lines attached, and at least 10 hooks baited with grubs.