A yellowtail kingfish originally tagged in South Australia has recently been recaptured in southern NSW by keen spear fisher Bryce Clifton while diving offshore of Currarong on December 20, 2018.
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Tipping the scales at a solid 13 kilos and 118 cm long, the fish was Bryce’s personal best and despite a significant amount of algal growth, Bryce still noticed the yellow NSW DPI tag.
Following up with contact details provided on the tag, Bryce reported the recapture to DPI who upon searching their data base revealed that the fish was originally released over a year earlier (422 days) at Port Augusta by Adelaide Game Fishing Club member Luke Thompson who quickly measured the king at 116cm and 14.8 kilos.
During its time at liberty, the kingfish swam an incredible 675 nautical miles (1250 km) straight line distance from the original release point.
NSW DPI Game Fish Tagging Program issues tags free of charge and works in close association with the NSW Game Fishing Association and the Game Fishing Association of Australia with funding from NSW Recreational Fishing Trust.
Stats indicate more than 470,000 fish have been tagged under the program.
If you would like to get involved in the program, please phone (02) 6691 9602 or email gamefish.tagging@dpi.nsw.gov.au
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Jervis Bay Game Fishing Club will host their billfish only tag and release only tournament on the weekend March 16-17 out of Jervis Bay. Cash prize money to the top 10 only tag and release billfish. Details at www.jervisbaygfc.com.
