Queensland Government
Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry

Media release
29 August 2013

The bass is back

Recreational fishers will be hitting the water this weekend as the Australian bass closed season comes to an end.

Queensland Boating and Fisheries Patrol (QBFP) District Manager Brett Depper said the species had been off limits between 1 June 2013 and 31 August to protect the species during its breeding cycle.

“Fishers can return to their favourite spot to catch Aussie Bass from Sunday, 1 September,” he said.

“It’s important to remember that size and possession limits apply. The minimum size is 30cm and the possession limit is two.

“The annual closure period is vital to protecting Australian bass during vulnerable times and is aligned to their breeding cycle within Queensland’s southeast river systems,” he said.

“Australian bass are a migratory species and head downstream to spawn within brackish systems each year.

“The closed season is an important measure that allows stocks to replenish to ensure there are sustainable fisheries for current and future generations of Queensland anglers.”

Mr Depper said fishers were able to continue catching bass during the closed season at the State’s Stocked Impoundment Permit Scheme (SIPS) dams.

“A number of the SIPS dams and weirs did not have closed season restrictions and many were filled with good supplies of Australian bass,” he said.

“Fishers can enjoy year-round fishing at any of the State’s SIPS dams by purchasing a permit.

“Money from the permits goes towards restocking the dams and helping to sustain native fish stocks.”

For more information about Australian bass, closed seasons or SIPS visit www.fisheries.qld.gov.au.

Anyone who suspects or witnesses illegal fishing activity is encouraged to call the Fishwatch hotline on 1800 017 116.

Follow Fisheries Queensland on Facebook and Twitter (@FisheriesQld).