THE daily bag limit for recreational anglers taking golden perch from Victoria’s lakes will reduce from ten to five later this month.
Fisheries Victoria Executive Director, Travis Dowling, said the change was in response to calls from anglers and feedback from Fisheries Officers across northern Victoria last spring.
“Anglers who attended our regional forums in 2015 expressed concern that bag limit catches of large golden perch were being taken regularly by groups of anglers from several stocked lakes.
“We were approached by many anglers concerned that those catches, which included numerous fish of more than 3kg each, were excessive and well beyond a reasonable day’s take for the table.”
Mr Dowling said the reduced bag limit of five would protect stocked populations from over-harvest and better share the resource amongst anglers.
“Golden perch populations in lakes are nearly all stocked and take more than a decade to establish as viable fisheries so are worthy of protection,” Mr Dowling said.
“Most of these fisheries have been created using recreational fishing licence fees and are a valuable asset for anglers, the local community and tourism associated businesses.
“The change, which will apply from 20 April 2016, simplifies the rules for freshwater anglers and brings the golden perch bag limit in line with that already in place for Victorian rivers.
“The change also aligns Victoria’s daily bag limit for golden perch with that of New South Wales, further simplifying fishing trips for anglers near the border.
“Sustainable freshwater fisheries and our ongoing native fish stocking program aim to improve recreational fishing opportunities, increase participation and boost regional tourism, consistent with the State Government’s Target One Million plan to get more people fishing, more often.”
More information on freshwater fishing can be found on the Victorian Fisheries website.