Redclaw

No Limit

Females carrying eggs or young do not have to be returned to the water in this dam

DISCLAIMER - The preceding information has been summarised from information promulgated by Queensland

Primary Industries and Fisheries to provide a quick reference for recreational fishers visiting Borumba Dam.

The information may not apply to other areas in Queensland. It is advised that fishers refer to the

Queensland Primary Industries and Fisheries website at www.dpi.qld.gov.au

 for a full list of the legal and possession limits before fishing other areas.

What to do with Tagged Fish

The Stocking Association participates in a research program conducted throughout Queensland that uses tags to give scientists a better understanding of fish movement, growth and survival rates.

Unregulated, tagged fish can be taken. However, if you take a tagged fish, call 1800 077 001 toll free or return the tag to the Tagging Coordinator, Bill Sawynok, PO Box 9793, Frenchville, Queensland 4707, with the following information:

• the tag number (if the fish has two tags, record both tag details)

• the date and place of capture

• the fork and/or total length

• details of whether the fish was kept or released.

If the tag has 'Keep Frame' on it, fisheries officers may wish to examine the fish. Freeze the fish and contact the coordinator on 1800 077 001

Tips on Handling and Releasing Your Catch

If you plan on releasing all or some of your catch is best to be prepared so that the fish spends as little time out of its environment as possible.

Here are some tips for successful release:

• Always wet your hands or use a wet towel (helps prevent removal of protective slime) and lay them on a wet surface to remove the hooks. Never put them on a hot surface such as aluminium. Overseas research has indicated that the heat of a dry hand can cause some fish to develop a "burn" mark consistent with shape of the hand. If possible leave the fish in the water and remove the hooks.

• Protect the eyes from direct sun with the cloth.

• Avoid lifting large fish out of the water using the line. The hook may be deep and damage the fish internally.

• Use a net the doesn't have knots in the mesh. These damage the scales if the fish kicks around. A lip grip is also useful to hold the fish in the water and remove the hook so that it does not come in contact with a foreign surface.

• Remove the hook carefully with a commercially available de-hooking tool or a pair of long nose pliers

• If the hook is deep internally or near the gills it is best to not remove it. Cut the line at the mouth opening. The natural acids of the fish will rust it away in a short time. Do not use stainless steel hooks as these take a lot longer for the fish to get rid of.

• Use barbless hooks when fishing with lures, soft plastics and flies. This not only causes less damage to the fish but is safer for the fisher as well. Studies have shown that the catch rate between barbed and barbless is basically the same.

• When photographing, fully support the weight of the fish under the stomach and hold it horizontally. Do not hold large fish up by the jaw with grips or under the gills.

• The less you handle the fish the better to preserve its natural slime protection.

• Place the fish back into the water and if necessary "swim" the fish around to promote water flow over the gills to ensure survival. They should not be just thrown back

Stocking Information - Map- Membership - Events Calendar - Photo Gallery - Links- Legal Sizes - Fishing Regulations