The Amateur Fishermen’s Association NT (AFANT) and Parks and Wildlife Commission NT (PWCNT) are reminding the public to BE CROCWISE following the weekend capture of another $10,000 fish in the hugely popular Million Dollar Fish Competition.
AFANT executive officer Tristan Sloan was on board Queenslander Rob Barrett’s 4.6m Abalone Centre Consul boat at Corroboree Billabong east of Darwin on Saturday night when Mr Barrett caught an 82 centimetre prize-tagged barramundi, while a 3.5m saltwater crocodile was nearby.
“More than 35,000 people have already registered for The Million Dollar Fish Competition, including Rob Barrett who became the fourth person to win a $10,000 prize,” Mr Sloan said.
“With 72 $10,000 barra and the $1 Million fish still out there it’s a timely reminder that all recreational fishermen, especially those from interstate, know what to do if they encounter a saltwater crocodile like we did and don’t risk their lives while out fishing.
“Upon anchoring at the billabong we noticed a 3.5m saltie submerge about 100m away and reappear 50m from us, which moved closer when Rob hooked his barramundi.
“We used a long-handled net to catch the fish to avoid reaching over the side of the boat and pulled up anchor as soon as we could to move away from the croc, which again followed us.
“Each time we caught a fish the croc became aggressive, so we weren’t anchored in any one spot longer than we needed to be, which is an important tip for other anglers.
“By the time Rob had caught the $10,000 barra the croc had swum to within 15m of the boat so we decided to call it a night and leave the area.
“Had the saltie launched at us, which crocs are known to do, we felt quite safe as the boat we were in had stability buffers and high gunnels to help prevent a serious croc attack.
“I urge other anglers to put safety first when in, near or on the water, follow these tips and remember that crocs can be anywhere at any time, they will see you before you see them, and the smaller the boat, the greater the risk.”
Mr Sloan sent photos of the aggressive croc to PWCNT senior wildlife ranger Tom Nichols earlier today to help wildlife rangers monitor the situation.
Mr Nichols urged the public to report aggressive and problem crocodiles like Mr Sloan did to 0419822859 in the Darwin region or 0407958405 in the Katherine region.
“I thank Tristan for reporting this croc to us and bringing it to our attention to help get the BE CROCWISE message out to recreational anglers,” Mr Nichols said.
“We’d like to take this opportunity to remind everyone to BE CROCWISE and not risk their life when out fishing.”
Go to www.nt.gov.au/becrocwise for important safety tips on how to BE CROCWISE.
Media note – Tristan Sloan (AFANT) can be contacted on 0415471600 and Tom Nichols (PWCNT) can be contacted on 0419822859
