Pro fisherman Matthew Homann in court for boat ramming incident

A Qld commercial fisherman has faced court after a dispute over crab pots turned into “argy bargy” on the water.

Matthew James Homann, 38, found himself in Gladstone Magistrates Court after a crab pot incident at The Narrows. Generic image.

A commercial fisherman responsible for a boat ramming incident on a popular Central Queensland waterway, has faced court.

Matthew James Homann, 38, pleaded guilty in Gladstone Magistrates Court on Wednesday to a charge relating to not operating a ship safely.

The court heard that about 7.45am on December 12 last year, Homann was operating his six-metre tinnie (aluminium boat) in The Narrows – a mangrove-lined waterway separating the Gladstone mainland and Curtis Island – when he “exchanged words” with another boatie over crab pots.

The court was told Homann’s boat collided with the victim’s smaller tinnie and pushed it towards mangroves.

Police prosecutor Sergeant Pepi Gangemi said the boat collision was “minor” and there was some “argy bargy.”

“ (Homann and the victim) exchanged words in relation to (the latter’s) pots not being correctly marked,” Sgt Gangemi said.

He also said the victim later contacted Homann about damage caused to his boat and reported the matter to police.

In court, the prosecution did not produce any evidence of damage, nor did it seek any restitution.

Homann had a one-page criminal history.

Solicitor Cassandra Ditchfield said Homann was a married father of three who had been a commercial fisherman since 2009.

“So, he’s constantly on the water – Your Honour would note this is (his) first offence of this nature,” Ms Ditchfield said.

“He certainly doesn’t make a habit of getting involved in marine incidents – there’s been no incidents since, either.

“It was a minor collision.”

Magistrate Mary Buchanan fined Homann $400 and no conviction was recorded.

Originally published as Pro fisherman Matthew Homann in court for boat ramming incident