FISHING NUMBERS BOOSTED
October 25, 2006
Section: Community
Ross OBrien of MV Signa Charters and Kiama Tourism Manager Nicole Smithers are both pleased to see the arrival of warmer weather, which has signalled the start of the fishing season with recreational anglers flocking to local wharves and charter boat services.
KIAMA Visitors Centre has experienced a significant increase in enquiries for fishing charter services in the past year.
With all seven local operators now members of Kiama Tourism, the increase in business follows the development of a regional fishing guide and a section of Kiama Tourisms website now dedicated to fishing services.
Over 1,000 people visited the tourism centre over the October long weekend and while enjoying the increase in business, owner and operator of MV Signa Charters Ross OBrien says hes pleased that an old Aussie tradition is still alive and well.
Dads still bring the kids down to the wharf you always see them. I think people are more interested in their chances of catching a real fish, he said.
He says recent warm weather has resulted in a number of good catches in the region for both game fishers and recreational anglers.
We have fished the last 12 days straight, added Mr OBrien.
Game fishers have caught yellow fin (tuna), albacore and a 20kg dolphin fish was caught off Shellharbour, which is unusual for this time of year.
After the recent celebrated success of Kiama at the Illawarra Tourism Awards that saw the region collect seven awards Kiama Tourism Manager Nicole Smithers believes the variety of services offered by the local charters is the key to the added interest.
Diversity is what stands out there is much more of a variety of things that people can do and being people friendly helps attract more families, she said.
A point which is echoed by Mr OBrien, who in true fisherman style describes the burgeoning industry.
Reef fishing is your bread and butter, game fishing is the cream, while cruises and tours are the caviar, he said.
News is also good for the junior competitive anglers, with the annual childrens fishing tournament held in January set to be back bigger and better next year after 83 children turned out for the event this year.