Priceless
This Article was published in the March 2002 edition of FISHING WORLD magazine (pp 26,29)

TOM Young, the Brisbane-based environment lawyer who provoked intense debate with his study on the economic value of recreational fishing in Queensland, has proven another point.

  The pro lobby's latest tactic is to question the mortality rate of fish caught and released by anglers. Young decided to prove them wrong, and reinforced the fact that a fish caught by an angler is worth more to the economy than one that ends up in the nets of a professional. His latest capture would make a great Mastercard advert.

  He presented his white/chartreuse Clouser pattern to a school of tailing fish while out on Hervey Bay with local guide Sid Boshammer. After a torrid battle on 10kg tippet he landed a beautiful 8.4kg golden trevally - an Australian fly-fishing record. The fish was handled for photos before being transported to the Urangan Aquarium. "Tommy Trevally", as he became known, is now a big hit with local school kids, and backpackers happily pay to see him swimming around in the Shark Tank. He was handfed during a filming segment for the ABC's 7:30 Report, his photo has appeared in Proctor magazine, the Queensland Environmental Law Association's (QELA) newsletter, rod company Black Shadow's website ... and now here in Fisho. Ironically, Young was fishing during the QELA's Annual Conference on "Putting Sustainability into Practise".

  He proved that (a); the trevally, a fish regarded as fragile out of the water, survived and thrived after being caught; and (b); the amount of money the capture contributed to the economy far outweighed the price the fish would have fetched at market. It's been alleged that due to its eating qualities, trevally often ends up as cat food.

  Young bought tackle for the trip, paid a guide to take him (who bought fuel, refreshments, etc), and caught a fish that continues to bring revenue for another local business. Proving the pros wrong? Priceless.

By Phil Kaberry