Angler exceeds calamari catch limit at Portarlington

09 August 2016

A 69 year old man from Portarlington will be summons to appear in the Geelong Magistrates Court later this year for allegedly exceeding the daily catch limit of calamari.

Fisheries Victoria Officer Brad Smith said the man was observed over the course of a day by fisheries surveillance allegedly undertaking what they call "multi trip activities".

"This is when an angler goes fishing on a number of occasions in a single day and catches the daily catch limit on each trip."

"It will be alleged that the man went fishing from the Grassy Point boat ramp in the morning, then again later the same day at Steeles Rocks boat ramp – ending up with a total catch of 25 calamari over one day."

"After the second trip he was allegedly observed wrapping calamari in plastic bags and concealing them in the leg of his waders", Mr Smith said.

"When he was approached by officers he produced just 10 calamari and claimed they were his total catch for the day.

"After a search the man was allegedly found to have taken 25 calamari over the two fishing trips and also found to have undersize snapper in a freezer at his home."

Mr Smith said the daily bag and possession limit for calamari is 10.

"Anglers considering exceeding catch limits by undertaking activities such as multiple fishing trips in the one day risk serious fines and having their boat and equipment seized. They also risk lengthy bans from fishing."

The man had all the calamari, the undersize snapper, his fishing equipment and his boat seized and will face a number of charges when he faces court.

"Intelligence received from 13-FISH (13 3474) allows Fisheries Officers to better plan their patrolling so call if you see or suspect any illegal fishing activity."