Fish (legally) for change

Reel Time, with Wayne Rudman

WITH the launch of the small scale fisheries the term "fishing for change" has been adopted as a term to implement this programme into action.

It has created the perception by many that subsistence fishermen can fish as they please. There are still very clear-cut laws that concern these anglers too. Unfortunately, I have not seen an increase in the force that must monitor voluntary compliance.

There has been much said in the media about the allocation of fishing rights and who is entitled to these so-called privileges.

What I see is that the recreational angler is going to feel some "discomfort" at accommodating these folk and it is all a job-creation initiative once again.

I am not sure how sustainable the initiative will be as the shores of the country have experienced a sharp decline in many species targeted by line fishermen in particular.

One of The Herald's readers, Allan H Lamont, kindly sent us a photo of what competitive angling was like back in 1970s. All fish caught were compromised as they had to be weighed at one scale in front of all to see. He speaks about tons of fish being caught in a competition and not one being returned to the ocean alive. He really regrets being part of that slaughter back then.

However, here is a perfect example how rock and surf angling in South Africa have cleaned up their act.

Today, not one fish is kept. They are not weighed either, but measured instead.

Research has created a database where a measurement is converted to a weight scale table, fish are not unduly stressed and successful catch and release is practised. Rock and surf angling have made strides in the right direction and are an example to the other disciplines of competitive angling which need to consider such practices and look at the future of their sport. There are that have and those that still need to follow suit.

The red tide lingers and continues to frustrate. The swimming prawns are in all our estuaries as far south as the Kromme and possibly the red tide's presence might have a knock-on effect here. I am not sure if the prawns are edible, so do take precaution. They are exceptionally large with specimens of 160mm from tail to forehead horn. Cooking does not kill neurotoxins, so you could be at risk.

The estuaries are delivering fish especially in the upper regions. This is quite normal this time of year and is not associated with the red tide, although there may be an influence here.

Many juvenile species seek refuge in the estuaries at this time of year and, during this period they have the predator species in hot pursuit. Grunter, both spotted and pig-nosed, follow the swimming prawns. Many have been caught on surface plugs that fool these fish into a strike.

Large cob also take advantage at this time of year and live bait angling can produce an adrenaline rush that powers most anglers.