freshwater-recreational-fishing-guide-2016-17

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NSW Recreational Freshwater Fishing Guide Fishing methods and activities
Use of yabby traps
In areas where yabby traps are permitted, all
traps are required to have a bycatch reduction
device fitted to all entrance funnels. Traps
must be checked at least every 24 hours
although fishers are encouraged to check
their traps regularly to ensure any unwanted
catch is returned safely to the water. The
intent of the general yabby trap closure and
the bycatch reduction device is to prevent the
death of platypus and minimise capture of
other air-breathing animals such as turtles and
water rats.
To minimise any unwanted damage to
our unique wildlife, users of yabby traps in
waters where they are permitted must ensure
their traps have 90mm entrance funnel rings
in place.
Modify your yabby traps
If your traps don’t have rigid metal or plastic
rings on the entrance funnels with a diameter
of 90mm or less, fit rings as described below.
These rings will restrict wildlife such as turtles
and cormorants from getting into the traps.
You will not lose your bait from the traps
as often and your Yabby catches will not
be reduced.
Steps
1. Cut a 30cm length of coathanger wire and
bend the ends.
2. Form a ring.
3. Thread the wire into the
mesh of the yabby trap
entrance funnel.
Hook the two ends of the wire together and
crimp down the ends with pliers.
You have now modified one entry funnel.
Do the same thing with all other funnels and
your trap is now legal.
Any unmodified yabby trap is a hazard to
wildlife. It is important to remember that even
modified traps may not keep platypus out.
Yabby traps banned where platypus occur
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Do not use traps in platypus waters.
If you want to catch yabbies in public waters
where opera house and Kulkyne yabby traps
are prohibited, use lift or hoop nets as an
alternative in areas where they are permitted.