Charlotte Varcoe
CRAYFISHING season officially began over the weekend with high hopes of high prices and plenty of crays to go around.
A number of fleets took to the waters at Port MacDonnell on Friday to celebrate the opening of the season, which was extended by one month for the second year in a row.
Last year, the State Government announced it would open the crayfishing season early to all fisheries at Port MacDonnell for a number of years.
Port MacDonnell Fishing Association vice president Ben Wilson said everyone was now back to work which was fantastic with everyone looking forward to the first day.
“Last year was the first year where the season started early and the first couple of days prices were really good then it dropped pretty quickly so we fished the first two days and then had 12 days off before we went back,” Mr Wilson said.
“It is a bit touch and go as the market changes every day and you cannot predict when you are going to be fishing and when you are not or when the crayfish will be taken and when the factory can get rid of them.”
He said the last few seasons had been “rough” with all fishermen hoping for a better average price.
“It will be a process and getting back into China is the main thing,” Mr Wilson said.
“We need to get back into that door because it will help with our prices.
“We are being told we should find other markets and there are other markets out there, but they cannot take the quantity China could.”
He said a number of years ago the average price for crayfish was about $85 per kilo with it settling between $50-55 per kilo.
“That is a pretty big cut and to make ends meet we need more than $55 per kilo to run the business,” Mr Wilson said.
“The main thing is for every fisherman to get the best price.”
He said despite having a few issues over the year, the State Government had provided good support but the general trades and tariffs needed to be better.
Mr Wilson also commented on the beginning of the recreational fishing season which was set to begin early October.
He said fishermen were hoping for good weather with more and more recreational fishermen coming to Port MacDonnell each year.
“The best thing is people are able to go out and catch their own fresh crayfish,” Mr Wilson said.
“You do have to pay a licence fee to the two pots but you can fish everyday for the whole season.
“People are then able to get their own fresh crayfish for Christmas and really Port MacDonnell is very busy during this season at about 7am.”
Port MacDonnell recreational fisherman Nigel Telford said he was looking forward to the up-and-coming season after fishing for about 25 years.
“I do a lot of fishing for fish and crayfish whether it is onshore or on the boat,” Mr Telford said.
“I am looking forward to catching fish and it is really a great stress reliever after work and it’s great for those who cannot do physical sport any longer.”
Mr Telford said this season he was expected to go fishing his usual twice a week at least.
