Yeppoon is gearing up for a huge week as hundreds of recreational fishers descend for the Capricorn King of Kings tournament.
The event draws anglers of all ages and skill levels, creating the perfect moment to highlight how simple actions from everyday fishers help protect Queensland's fishing future.
As excitement builds for the tournament, Yeppoon local Des Quinn is demonstrating how everyday fishers can make a lasting difference. A lifelong angler who chases blue threadfin, grunter, king (threadfin) salmon and the occasional barramundi, Des has made logging his catches in the Qld Fishing 2.0 app part of his normal routine.
"I started doing it just to contribute information, to make sure fishing stays good for the future," Des said.
Using the app's My Fishing section, Des logs each trip and catch. He's logged 18 months of fishing now and is building a picture of seasonal patterns in his catch - when species come on the bite and how conditions affect his catches. As he continues to log his trips, his understanding will increase.
He also relies on the species information pages for accurate rules, local names and bag limits.
"Since the information is coming straight from Fisheries Queensland, you know it's right," he said.
Des knows some fishers worry about sharing information, but the app does not ask for secret spots and all data is stored anonymously. Catch logs from across Queensland contribute to statewide insights that help fisheries managers understand what is being caught, when and where, so they can keep stocks healthy. "I want the stocks to be managed effectively into the future," he said.
As someone who also assists Fisheries Queensland with boat ramp surveys around Yeppoon, Des sees firsthand how data from the app complements on-ground surveys. He believes that if more recreational fishers recorded their catch, scientists would have a clearer view of stock health across the state.
"We all know little pieces of the puzzle. No one knows everything," he said.
Now retired, Des spends more time than ever on the water, setting the goal to get out twice a week. Having logged 100 trips in the app in 18 months, he jokes he has not quite met his KPI. He sees catch reporting as part of being a good steward of the activity he loves.
His message to other fishers is simple and proud: "You get to look back on your own data, and that is handy. But you are also contributing to fisheries management for the benefit of future generations."
Des' experience shows how quick, simple and meaningful catch reporting can be. As anglers arrive for King of Kings (running from midnight Thursday 5 February to 10am Sunday 8 February), Fisheries Queensland will be on-site in Yeppoon to chat about the Qld Fishing 2.0 app and how every fisher's catch counts toward protecting Queensland's iconic fishing lifestyle.
About us:
Your Catch Counts is a pilot funded by the Fisheries Research and Development Corporation (FRDC) on behalf of the Australian Government. The pilot is part of Project 2023-150 (Normalising voluntary catch reporting on QLD Fishing 2.0 app).
