Ask Dr Dazza | Queensland Groper

THERE has been much excitement in local recreational fishing circles this week by the capture (and safe release) of a Queensland groper in the Pine River.

LET’S take a bit of a look at one of the giants of the ocean – the white shark. It’s not an animal that most anglers encounter.

Dolphins (along with whales) belong to a group of animals called Cetaceans. They are descendants of hippopotamus-like animals. There are two species that are residents in the Moreton Bay Region – the Australian humpback dolphin and the bottlenose dolphin.

GARFISH are another one of our underappreciated local angling species, but many a child has had oodles of fun watching them scoff bread and dance around when hooked.

IN THIS edition, let’s talk about the humble pilchard. It’s the mainstay for many a bait fisher in our region that can be used to target a range of species including tailor and snapper.

Snapper are one of the most iconic and best known Australian fish species. They are a member of the sparid family of fish which includes yellowfin bream and tarwhine.

There are four species of blue ringed octopus in the world, with the most common species in Moreton Bay only growing to about 5cm in body length.

Recreational fishing contributes positively to personal wellbeing and mental health. Recreational fishing was highlighted by approximately 80 per cent of survey respondents identifying fishing as important or very important to their health and wellbeing.

ALL of our lives have been impacted by COVID-19. The various lockdowns and rules during lockdowns have affected all activities and this includes recreational fishing.

Squid have a lot of heart. Three in fact. They have a systemic heart which pumps blood around the body and two hearts which pumps blood to each set of gills. Among the invertebrate animals, squid have the best developed nervous system.