Episode 140: Darren James, Sportfishing Scene

Episode 140: Darren James - Sportfishing scene 

This week we are joined by Darren, the manager of the states number one tackle shop: Sportfishing Scene. We chat about Darren’s own fishing, his history in the tackle industry and his transition to taking over the business from long time owner Ian Clift. We also discuss the impact the current Algal Bloom is having on the tackle industry as well as the longer term impact of the Snapper ban, but in better news, Darren has seen some more positivity in local fishing reports in recent days!

The news is again dominated by things relating the Algal bloom:

• More marine deaths across the state including barrel tuna at Glenelg, a dolphin at Carrickalinga, lots of Garfish around Ardrossan and an increased presence of the bloom in Spencer Gulf and the Eyre Peninsula. 
• Another dinoflagellate: ‘Sea Sparkle’ has been seen and can help clean up other more damaging algae!
• Fee relief for professional fisherman
• Online sharing of plankton data from the Department of Environment and Water. 

While in other news:

• The old Marion Bay boat ramp has been re opened while decisions are made on how to best manage the new ramp.
• Second Valley jetty damaged in more bad weather.
• More Murray River Crayfish stocking and acoustic tracking. 

Our tackle item of the week is the ‘Life Straw’ as suggested by listener Matt Kouimtzis and our tackle item includes Cliftys metro whiting, the Australian Salmon competition update from Elliston, Salmon on the Fleurieu and Callop still firing in the Murray.