A haul of mostly undersized flathead from Cunningham Pier could cost a Melbourne couple thousands of dollars in fines, according to Fisheries Victoria.
And another $18,600 or even jail time could be added to the penalty after the pair allegedly tried to prevent discovery of their illegal catch, the department warned.
The bust began when officers watched the pair carry a bucket of undersized fish to their vehicle after a tip-off on Monday 5 September, Fisheries Victoria posted on Facebook this week.
“When officers asked to search the vehicle the couple claimed to have locked the keys in the car,” the department posted.
The department pointed out that its officers had power to search any vehicle associated with people involved in fishing activities.
A search of the vehicle uncovered 46 flathead in the boot “30 of which were smaller than the minimum size” it said.
The catch limited for the species involved was 20 of a minimum 27cm in length.
“A 55-year-old man and 45-year-old woman from Meadow Heights will be summoned to appear in the Geelong Magistrates’ Court for allegedly taking 46 flathead, 30 of which were undersize,” it said.
“Penalties relating to taking undersize fish carry fines of up to $31,000. Hindering an authorised officer can result in fines of up to $18,600 or 12 months’ jail.”
Fisheries Victoria urged anyone who saw suspicious fishing activity to report it to 133 474 – 13FISH – “anywhere in Victoria, any time”.
“In circumstances where officers can’t respond to a call the information provided is valuable and helps us plan future patrols and operations,” the department said.
Flathead are one of the most common species in Corio Bay.
Most legal catches range from 30cm to 45cm, although larger specimens are regularly caught around the bay and toward Queenscliff.
Flathead are prized for their quality as a food fish, often selling for relatively high prices despite how common they are in Victorian coastal waters.
