Several months ago I came across a DPI grant advertisement where funds were available for various fishing related projects, including “fish releases”. So, on behalf of Hastings Fly Fishers I put together an application requesting $30,000 to purchase some 23,000 Dusky Flathead fry/fingerlings from Searles Aquaculture near Yamba.

The application had the support of several local fishing clubs (Lake Cathie, North Haven, and Laurieton RSL Fishing Clubs) as the fish were to be released in the Camden Haven River around Laurieton. The application was lodged even after being discouraged by DPI as Flathead had not been released in the Camden Haven River previously.

So, it was a complete surprise when, on the 17th March, I was contacted by DPI advising they were planning a first time “Dusky Flathead release” in the Camden Haven River and that more release detail would follow.

Well, the follow up did happen and I was advised the release would take place on Thursday 24th March at 11:30am from the Maritime Rescue boat ramp but no info on how many fingerlings would be released.
The DPI research boat and crew arrived first with a second unit arriving soon after with the fish in an aerated tank holding 11,300 fish.

I was surprised that such small fingerlings had all of the natural camouflage colouring of adult fish. And at some 60-70mm in length we were advised the fingerlings were 71 days old & bred at the Port Stephens Marine Fish Hatchery.

The release conditions were lousy at best, it was pouring rain for the whole release exercise. I had asked Rodney to launch his boat so that we might be involved with the releases but it was just too wet.
Full marks go to the DPI crew for their persistence, they were well and truly soaked by the end of the release.

The releases were spread over approximately one kilometre on sand flats adjacent to weed beds.
The whole exercise was DPI funded.

Thank you to the supporting crew from HFF, Rodney, Iain, plus Terry McDermott from Lake Cathie Fishing Club (who are keen to support us with further Bass releases) .