Something Fishy: The need to protect our Port

Fishers in other coastal regions, where it requires travelling tens of kilometres, are green with envy as our reefs are so close.

It might sound odd in these days of outboard motors but the fishermen of old simply rowed their boats out and used a cord hand line and an old spark plug for a sinker to catch the most magnificent snapper, particularly from Fingal south to Birubi.

Now we have powered boats with colored sounders and GPS marks that makes the game of fishing so much simpler.

Plastics, which have proven to be highly successful, have revolutionized fishing.

I read with great interest the letter written by Greg Finn in last week's Examiner [November 12, 'Rain highlights draining issue'] bringing our attention to the growing pollution problems that we are encountering in Port Stephens as our local population and visitor numbers explode.

Stormwater, and everything it brings with it, is a major issue that is not being confronted effectively.

Results include the loss of sea grasses and kelps and mangrove forests.

Everything is impacted including shellfish, fingerings, baitfish, squid and snapper.

If you've got a picture of a whopper caught in Port Stephens or great fishing yarn to share get in touch with Stinker.

Send your story and photos via email to Stinker at stinkerfishing@yahoo.com.