Please select your home edition
Edition
Maritimo M75

Flathead tagging records set

by NSW DPI - Recreational Fisheries 26 Jun 2022 21:39 UTC
Flathead tagging records set © NSW DPI - Recreational Fisheries

The trophy flathead tagging program has been powering along in a selected number of estuaries along the coast since early 2016.

With a small team of dedicated and passionate anglers, there have been over 1,230 dusky flathead tagged and 170 reported as recaptured. While many flathead recaptures are often short term (less than 60 days), the program has now started to receive more longer-term recaptures which adds to our knowledge base and understanding of this popular recreational species.

One particular dusky recapture has set the bar for the longest time at liberty (days) and overall growth in cm. This fish was one of the first tagged under the "trophy flattie fishery" concept. The fish was originally tagged on 9 December 2016 by passionate angler and local fishing guru Peter Dugan, who owns and operates South Coast Estuary Charters. The fish was tagged in the Tuross River and measured in at 63.8cm.

On 7 February 2022 the tagged fish was then recaptured in the Tuross River by angler Brian Rowley. After the initial excitement of catching such a quality fish, Brian quickly got the details of the tag, measured the fish on a wet brag mat and then took a few quick snaps before re-releasing the fish in excellent condition. While the fish had moved less than one nautical mile from its original release location, it is the other data obtained that made this recapture exciting. The dusky had been at liberty for over 5 years and 2 months (1886 days) and had grown an impressive 23.2cm to 87cm during that period!

Each reported recapture contributes to our understanding of particular fish species. If you are lucky enough to recapture a tagged fish, please ensure you report it using our online recapture form, which can be found here.

Related Articles

IMTRA introduces Zipwake PRO
The ultimate upgrade to Zipwake's award-winning Dynamic Trim Control System IMTRA, the leading manufacturer and importer of quality solutions and products for the marine, energy and transportation markets, announced today the introduction of the newest innovation in vessel pitch and roll control, Zipwake PRO. Posted on 10 Jul
RAILBLAZA Trident Carbon Fiber Modular Push Poles
Ideal for shallow water anglers RAILBLAZA, manufacturer of premium quality, user-friendly electronics, fishing and boating mounting systems and accessories, has announced the launch of its new Trident Carbon Fiber Modular Push Pole, ideal for shallow water anglers. Posted on 8 Jul
New Online BoatUS Foundation Course
Taking on Biggest Cause of Accidents: Distracted Boating A quick look at the annual U.S. Coast Guard recreational boating accident statistics shows “operator inattention” and “improper lookout” to be perennial placeholders in the top five primary contributing factors in boating accidents. Posted on 8 Jul
NOAA changes Atlantic bluefin tuna retention limit
Announcing changes following feedback from the sportfishing industry and recreational anglers On June 3, NOAA Fisheries announced changes to fishing regulations for private vessels limiting the harvest of one school size bluefin tuna (27 to 47 inches) and charter and head boats would be permitted to retain two school sized bluefin tuna. Posted on 8 Jul
Simrad Yachting introduces AutoTrack feature
For its HALO 2000 & 3000 Radars Simrad Yachting, a leader in marine electronics and navigation, today introduced the new AutoTrack™ feature for its HALO® 2000 and HALO 3000 Radars. Posted on 7 Jul
Big Deal, Bayliss 75' on the water update
Built for owners with a long-standing relationship with our boatyard Bayliss Boatworks is proud to announce the delivery of Big Deal (Bayliss 75'), a custom sportfishing weapon designed and built for owners with a long-standing relationship with our boatyard. Posted on 5 Jul
The enhanced Yellowfin 54 Offshore
The most stable ride in its class Welcome to the next evolution of the 54 Offshore. We have evolved the Yellowfin 54 Offshore to redefine your boating experience. Posted on 4 Jul
Michael Rybovich & Sons construction updates
Progress on hulls from 84', 62' down to 42' New construction updates of 70' S/F Hull # 9, 42' S/F hull #10, 75' S/F hull #11, 84' S/F - Hull # 12. Posted on 4 Jul
Bayliss Boatworks new construction updates
The team is making solid headway on Mama Seata Tarheel is shaping up beautifully, with our exterior carpentry team recently installing the teak coaming and coverboards in the cockpit. Posted on 3 Jul
A new chapter begins
Two new flagship models for the Open & Heritage Series Introducing the all-new Heritage 321 — the ultimate family center console and the new flagship of the Heritage Series. Posted on 2 Jul
Maritimo M50Palm Beach Motor Yachts