Local anglers cast a line for annual pest fishing classic

Springfield anglers turned out in force with rods ready for the annual Charlton's Springfield Lakes Pest Fishing Classic on Sunday 4 December, helping reduce pest fish numbers and educate about the impact of pest species on local biodiversity.

Post pest fishing event native fingerling release

This is the fifth community-led event by Brisbane Valley Anglers Fish Stocking Association, alongside fishing education group 2 Bent Rods. The Pest Fishing Classic is an opportunity to educate and create awareness of the dangers of pest species like carp and tilapia to our local waterways. 

Pest fish were first introduced to Australia as an ornamental fish in the 1970s and is now regarded as one of the greatest threats to Australia’s natural biodiversity, according to the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries (DAF).

Pest fish can cause significant damage to the local biodiversity, as they compete with endemic species for food and space, control their population and can bring diseases to the area.

Samantha Beckmann from 2 Bent Rods said the Pest Fishing Classic has been restocking native fish since the first community pest fishing event five years ago, giving the species a fighting chance. "During our first pest fishing classic in 2018, we removed close to 900 pest fish from the lake, the event in December 2022 saw a further 160kg removed,” Samantha said.

After the event, 1200 endanged Mary River Cod fingerlings, a native apex predator of the tilapia, were released into Spring Lake. These natives were purchased with the proceeds of ticket sales from the event. 

If you missed out on the 2022 event tickets, plans are underway for a 2023 event. Stay tuned and follow the Springfield Rise Facebook page for details.
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