More fanfare and excitement amongst local crayfishers (if not the local crayfish) as the dates for the 2012/13 crayfish season were announced today.
Here’s the official document, but if you’re after the (only ever so mildly complicated) details:
The season for recreational fishing of west coast rock lobster will open on the 15th November 2012 and close on the 1st of April 2013.
The following conditions for the west coast rock lobster recreational fishing season will apply;• From the 15th of November to the 18th of November 2012, fishing will be allowed every day
• From the 19th of November to 14th of December, fishing will only be permitted on weekends
• From the 15th of December to the 31st of December, fishing will be allowed every day
• From the 1st of January 2013 to the 1st of April 2013, fishing will be allowed on weekends and on public holidays.The bag limit has been set at four west coast rock lobsters per person per day and the size restriction is 80mm carapace length.
Permits will only be issued to persons above the age of 12 years.
Recreational permit-holders collecting and landing of west coast rock lobster may do so only between 08h00 – 16h00.
The rock lobsters must be landed by 16:00.
The permit costs R92, lasts for the entire season and is available from your local post office.
It’s been a few years since I’ve delved into the local oceans in a bid to catch some crayfish. I think it’s probably high time that I dug out the old net and brought some supper in again.