By Melissa Coleman
The sport of catching fish, colloquially known as, ‘throwing a line in’ is a tradition that dates back to ancient times.
The Warwick Fish Stocking Association regularly stocks impoundments and the Condamine River with fingerlings to optimise keen anglers’ chances of catching a ‘big one’.
Association secretary Mario Sala said the next stocking was the end of November.
“Fingerling stocking is a continuous thing,” Mr Sala said.
“However, we are limited by fisheries on how many fish we can stock and which impoundments.”
The WFSA works hard to maintain the restocking of Yellow Belly, Murray Cod and Golden and Silver Perch.
When the association release fingerlings, they select a spot where the smaller fish are less likely to be ambushed by any bigger fish.
“The survival of the fingerlings is important,” Mr Sala said.
“It’s not just about maintaining the stock, it’s also about looking after the fish.”
This season a lot of fish have been caught with most people preferring to catch and release.
Keen fisherman Chase Thompson and his friends regularly throw a line in the Condamine River.
The 11-year-old said the fish have been biting at all times throughout the day.
“There hasn’t been any specific time, sometimes we can catch up to eight fish,” Chase said.
The young angler shared some tips for others who may want to wet a line.
“A rod with 6–10 pound line or a hand line with 10-15 pound line with a size 1 or 2 hook will get the job done ,” Chase said.
“Worms have been the best bait, but if you can get a few live shrimp, they’re better for catching bigger yellow belly.”
Without giving his favourite fishing spots away Chase said the best areas are at the head of the deeper holes with a little bit of running water.
Nothing beats an afternoon with mates sitting on the riverbank waiting for a hungry fish to bite and the WFSA would like to encourage and work towards getting as many young people involved in the fish stocking association as possible.
“It’s all to do with setting up the next generation, we want to make sure they have somewhere to go to fish and fish to catch,“ Mr Sala said.
The WFSA is open on the 3rd Sunday of every month and invites young people to come along and learn about carp-busting and more.
Places to fish in Warwick include:
• Scots Weir
• Connolly Dam
• Lyndhurst Lane
• Wallace St Bridge
• Lesley Dam
• Lake Maroon
• Lake Moogerah
Be sure to check to see if you require a fishing licence.
