FISHING AND OUTDOOR WORLD
Shooting and fishing are big business in the Northern Territory, but retail sales are just one part of the commitment required to run Darwin’s biggest fishing and outdoors store. limits and closures aimed at protecting species like jewfish and golden snapper, Ronald said, because the new regulations are designed to ensure a sustainable fishery. Furthermore, he is keen on FADS and, to a lesser extent, artificial reef projects.
“FADS offer fun and the NT Government has installed three already with two more in the pipeline, add this to a couple of artificial reefs and it will change the way we fish. “And it all goes back to enhancing what we’ve got in the NT,” he said, adding NTRFAC is offering the government advice on how it should spend the $50m it promised as an election commitment.”
Ronald has a keen interest in land claim issues, recently penning a submission to the NTGovernment on land claims put on the Peron Islands and Shady Camp. There are outstanding claims on every river in the Northern Territory. Ronald has a keen interest in land claim issues, recently penning a submission to the NTGovernment on land claims put on the Peron Islands and Shady Camp. “It would be a detriment to the economy to close Shady Camp. We have closed areas to commercial fishing for tourism, now day trips are coming under threat. “Areas where no-one is living are being closed so we are pushing the government to pay the owners to keep the areas open. It’s about trying to open up areas and spread the pressure.”
George Voukolos said that despite the level of competition, business was good, but competitive, especially now with the Internet. “We have customers come in with their phones and ask us to price match: it’s cutthroat, but we have to compete,” George said. The fishing market is in a state of constant change. The sailfish explosion off Dundee resulted in a boost in sales for skirts, teasers and outriggers. Tackle sales were also boosted for bottom fishing due to the numbers of goldies and jewfish about. And, of course, there in the NT’s prize catch: barramundi. Extra racks were set up in FOW to cope with demand for soft plastic and the more expensive suspending lures. “It’s what they’re catching barra on, although the old standards are good around the rocks and during the build-up,” George said.
FOW has many customers from down south who visit every year. Many of these people are heading off to stay at places like the Melville Island Lodge, Clearwater Lodge, Dhippiri Lodge and the Arnhem Land Barramundi Lodge. And along with the Darwin locals, interstate visitors go to FOW in Darwin because they know they will get the right gear, and to find out local information, which can be anything from a hot barra bite, lure or lure colour.