The annual zero bag limit for Australian bass and estuary perch from all NSW rivers and estuaries ended on August 31 after a three month closed season.
“Both Australian bass and estuary perch form schools and migrate to parts of estuaries with the correct salinity to trigger spawning,” said Industry and Investment NSW Senior Inland Fisheries Manager, Cameron Westaway.
“These great native sports fish can be vulnerable to fishing when they are in large groups.
“The zero bag limit was introduced from feedback from the community after a three year review into NSW recreational fishing rules.”
From September 1, anglers are permitted to fish for these native species in rivers and estuaries, however some limits do apply. A total bag limit of two Australian Bass or estuary perch per person applies to the species, or a combination of both with a possession limit of four in total. Only one of the fish is permitted to be over 35 cm in length when fishing in rivers.
Westaway said the zero bag limit did not apply to Australian bass and estuary perch in freshwater impoundments and dams, as bass and estuary perch will not breed in these areas. Freshwater impoundments are not affected by the annual closure.
