Families tackle ‘cane toad of the waterways’ in fishing comp

A family fishing competition will be held this month in an attempt to reduce the number of pest fish in one of Brisbane’s waterways.

James with a tilapia he caught at a previous Family Pest Fishing Day. Picture: 2 Bent Rods

A FAMILY fishing competition will be held this month in an attempt to reduce the number of pest fish in one of Brisbane’s waterways.

The event will be held at Canterbury Park, Bald Hills on Saturday, October 12 and the target is tilapia.

A similar event held at nearby Harold Kielly Park in May resulted in 387 tilapia, weighing a total 96.278kg, being caught within four hours.

Tilapia will be targeted at a Family Pest Fishing Day at Bald Hills on October 12. Picture: 2 Bent Rods

Samantha Beckmann, owner of 2 Bent Rods which organises the events, said the main fish caught were Mozambique tilapia

“These pest fish are the cane toad of the waterways,” Mrs Beckmann said.

“They were originally an aquarium fish that have unfortunately been released into our waterways.

“Tilapia are mouth brooders (they carry eggs and babies in their mouths) and unlike native fish their survival rate is quite high.

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“Tilapia can survive in many different water conditions, even those with poor quality. They also compete with native fish for food.”

Mrs Beckmann said the pest fishing events were run under strict conditions as part of their Biosecurity permit.

“Tilapia are euthanised immediately after being caught. Any native fish that are caught are released unharmed,” she said.

Families at a Pest Fishing Day at Harold Kielly Park in May. Picture: 2 Bent Rods

There will be education sessions provided on the pest species during registration for the event, as well as trained helpers to assist participants in correctly disposing of catches.

Mrs Beckmann said they held similar events all over Queensland and participant numbers depended on the site.

“The Canterbury Park event will have up to 300 participants, and normally 60-70 per cent of participants will be kids under 10,” she said.

The Canterbury Park Family Pest Fishing Competition will be held from 9am-2pm on October 12. The cost is $5 and registration is essential at eventbrite.com.au

$1 A WEEK FOR THE FIRST 8 WEEKS. Min. cost $4

Worms will be available to buy on the day, and profits from worms and registration fees will be used to restock native species in the lake.

There will be a limited number of rods available for hire for a gold coin donation to Freshwater Fishing and Stocking Association of Queensland.

There will also be prizes, and food and drinks available for purchase.

Canterbury Park is on the corner of Feuerriegel Rd and Rushworth St, Bald Hills.