Cooper Creek Fishing Gear
It is the fisher’s responsibility to be aware of the regulations that apply to their method of fishing and the limitations on the number and type of devices that can be used.
Permitted devices
Each person can use:
- up to two rods, or
- two handlines, or
- one of each.
Each line can have:
- up to three hooks attached, or
- up to five hooks joined eye to shank or threaded together (this will be considered as one hook).
In addition to your rod and handline you can use up to two kinds of devices from group A (below) and one kind of device from group B (below):
| Group |
Device |
Maximum number permitted |
|---|---|---|
| A |
Hand net |
1 |
| A |
Shrimp trap |
1 |
| B |
Yabbie pot |
3 |
| B |
Hoop net |
3 |
| B |
Drop net |
3 |
If you are only using a rod and line, you can use up to a maximum of 10 hoop nets.
Marking of devices
All permitted devices (other than those designed to be held in the hand, for example rod and line or handlines) which are left unattended must be marked with a tag and, in some cases, a buoy.
Tags
All registered devices must be marked with a tag showing the registered owner’s name and registration number.
Devices designed to be held in the hand, or drop nets and yabbie pots set from the shore do not need a tag if the person responsible is in attendance. This means that the person responsible for the device is no more than 50 metres away from any part of it at all times.
If a permitted device is left unattended at any time it must be marked with a tag showing the name and address of the owner of the device.
Tags must:
- show the name and address of the owner of the device
- be made of a material that is durable in water
- be 10 cm x 5 cm in size.
A buoy with a name and address correctly inscribed is considered to be a tag.
Buoys
Many devices must be marked with buoys.
Buoys must:
- be durable
- have a volume not less than two litres (15 to 20 cm diameter) when used in the waters of the River Murray
- be of the correct colour for a particular permitted device and particular water.
Device specifications
Check that any device you already have, or that you intend buying or constructing, conforms to legal specifications. Devices that do not conform might be seized and subsequently forfeited.
Remember that there might be further restrictions on the number of devices that can be used at any one time if you are also using other permitted devices at the same time. If you have any questions about the number of devices you can use, call FISHWATCH on 1800 065 522 (freecall, 24 hours).
Drop net
A drop net consists of two hoops joined by a cylindrical or cone-shaped net bag. Note that drop nets are not the same as hoop nets and regulations vary. Drop nets do not need to be registered.
Specifications
| Maximum hoop diameter: | 107 cm |  |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum depth: | 92 cm | |
| Maximum number allowed: | 3 drop nets per person | |
| Marking required: | 1 white buoy, 2 litres in volume | |
| 1 tag with name and address of owner if unattended |
Hand net
A hand net consists of conical-shaped netting joined to a hoop that is attached to a rigid handle. It can be a dab net, dip net or shrimp net. Only one hand net per person can be used. Hand nets do not need to be registered.
Specifications
| Maximum hoop diameter: | 100 cm (1 metre) |  |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum depth of net: | 100 cm (1 metre) |
Hoop net
This consists of one hoop holding a cone-shaped net bag. Note that hoop nets are not the same as drop nets and regulations vary. Hoop nets do not need to be registered but must be buoyed and tagged correctly.
Specifications
| Maximum hoop diameter: | 107 cm |  |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum depth of net bag: | 92 cm | |
| Maximum number permitted: |
|
|
| Marking: |
|
|
| Note: | The use of hoop nets is prohibited in the main stream section of commercial fishing reaches of the River Murray. |
Shrimp trap
Shrimp traps used within a commercial fishing reach must be set from the waters edge.
Specifications
| Maximum dimension: | 40 cm |  |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum height: | 20 cm | |
| Minimum mesh hole size: | 5 mm | |
| Maximum number permitted: | 1 per person | |
| Marking: |
|
Yabbie pot (including Opera House)
Yabbie pots do not need to be registered, but do need to be buoyed (if not set from shore) and tagged.
If used within a commercial fishing reach yabbie pots must be set from shore.
Specifications
| Maximum dimension: | 100 cm (1 metre) |  |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum funnel diameter: | 7.5 cm | |
| Maximum number permitted: | 3 per person | |
| Structure: | No more than 2 fixed entrance funnels allowed | |
| Marking: |
|
Illegal devices
- The use of any device other than rod and handline, hand net, hoop net, drop net, yabbie pot or shrimp net is prohibited when fishing from Cooper Creek and Diamantina River.
- In addition, any of the above devices that do not conform to the legal dimensions and requirements are considered to be illegal.
- The use of mesh nets, gill nets, drum nets or set lines is strictly prohibited in any inland waters.
If you see any illegal fishing in Cooper Creek and Diamantina River report it to FISHWATCH on 1800 065 522 (freecall, 24 hour service).
- Page URL: http://www.pir.sa.gov.au/fisheries/recreational_fishing/cooper_creek_and_diamantina_river/cooper_creek_fishing_gear
- Page Last Modified: November 8, 2011