“Can someone help me to identify this fish?” This question pops up in my newsfeed at least a dozen times per day. Once posted, it usually doesn’t take long for the comment section to erupt into an absolute cluster (f) of threats and abuse.

Have you ever stopped and wondered why people are so angry? We’ve broken it down in this short article…

“Ground checking”, or asking social media groups to identify your catch, has become popular throughout Australia and North America in recent years. Some claim that it’s due to the recent uptake of fishing from newcomers, others suggest the cause is laziness and attention-seeking. My thoughts? Well, I think it lies somewhere in the middle…

Why is it an issue?

On face value, it seems like an innocent question. But is that always the case? If the fish has already been released, or it’s kept alive and in your possession for a short period, I don’t consider it to be an issue. That’s on the proviso that you’ve stopped what you’re doing, and you are attempting to identify your catch.

So when does it become an issue? The line is usually drawn when the fish has already been gutted or tampered with, the fish is sitting on your kitchen bench, or if the fish is dead, and has been baking in the sun for over an hour. At this stage, the question becomes redundant. You’ve already gone this far, so why not roll the dice, and throw it into the oven?

Beyond the arrogance demonstrated above, the main factors which underpin this issue are:

Size limits and bag limits

Love them or hate them, they exist for a reason. These limits not only prevent over-fishing, but they allow fish stocks to reach maturity for breeding. In the case of Mulloway (Jewfish), the legal size limit is 70cm (NSW), and the average size to reach maturity is 68cm. There’s not much room between those numbers. So you can understand why someone may get upset when old mate takes one at 50cm because it’s “a big one“.

Before anyone makes the commercial fishing argument, I’ll add this point. In the case of some species – i.e. dusky flathead, the recreational catch out-competes the commercial harvest. Sorry guys, but the numbers speak for themselves. So it’s not an excuse for you to take undersized fish or exceed bag limits.

If we want to improve fish stocks, we each need to take responsibility for our role in the matter. Do you want to improve fishing in your local area? Start by reading this article: The pursuit of charitable status, and share our website with your friends and family.

Poor quality, or inedible species

The fish has been gutted, the cavity is stuffed with onion, tomato, dill, and garlic. It’s then wrapped in foil and thrown into the oven. Que the question, “Can you ID this fish, I just want to make sure that it’s not poisonous”. 

Thankfully, 99% of the time this is a piss take, and I’ll chuckle when that’s obvious. But there’s one percent that leaves me scratching my head – “My friend’s, cousin’s, dog said that I’ll get sick if I eat it, so I’m willing to throw it out if I have to…”

Please, for all of our sakes, put down the fishing rod and back away slowly… I hate to say it, but this level of stupidity will lead to written tests for a fishing licence. That’s just my 2c worth…

Protected/ endangered species

If I had a dollar for every time the DPI fined someone for harvesting a protected species, I would have a much nicer boat. The blue groper is one example that springs to mind. In NSW, they are only allowed to be taken while line fishing. That means, no spearing whatsoever. If you’re silly enough to “ground check” a blue groper in a spearfishing group, expect to be chewed out and ostracised by its members, and prepare for the DPI to issue you with a fine of up to $11,000.

Why? Because spearo’s (like hunters), cop a huge amount of grief from the general public. This is primarily based upon two factors; inaccurate assumptions made by people who don’t participate in the sport, and as a result of a handful of spearo’s doing the wrong thing. As you can probably understand, like all fisho’s, they want to protect their lifestyle. This means they won’t take kindly to someone who negatively affects their public image.

When is it acceptable to ask the question?

After you’ve already released the fish

Take a photo, throw the fish back into the water, and post your question on social media. This is the least disruptive way to identify a fish and is therefore unlikely to result in public criticism.

While the fish is still alive

I’ll admit, there’s been times when I’ve caught a fish on a line, or have seen them swimming underwater, and I’ve drawn blanks on the species*. In these situations, it’s best to remove the hook, keep the fish alive in your net, and then jump onto Google or your local fisheries database. If you find that it’s undersized or undesirable, you can release it back into the water unharmed. It’s that easy.

*Old maid/ striped scat – for the record.

How can I avoid asking the question?

Do some research before you head out.

As with all things in life, research is the most effective way to gain knowledge. You can do this by following posts in your local fishing group, reading the signs at the boat ramp, or using an internet search engine. Who knows, you may even learn a few tricks to increase your chance of success. 

Carry a local fishing guide

Free fishing guides are usually available from your local fisheries office. Alternatively, you can download one from their website. These guides are a valuable resource for fish identification, sizing, and bag limits. Do yourself a favour, tuck one away in your tackle box, and save yourself from getting a fine!

Download a Fish ID app. 

Chances are that everyone you know, including your Grandparents, has a smartphone. So take advantage of this technology, and sus out the numerous fish ID apps that are available on both the Apple and the Google Play stores.

As we’ve said before, while searching for information, keep the fish alive, either; in a net, or the water. If you haven’t worked it out after 5 -10 mins, chances are that it’s not going to happen. Take a photo, release the fish, and ask your local Facebook group when you get home.

Go fishing with an experienced person.

By far, the best (and easiest) way to learn about fishing. Get in touch with an experienced mentor, ask questions, and listen to their advice.

If you’re reading this article and you’ve got the experience, why not post up an invitation in your local group, and help someone out? Sharing your knowledge won’t just benefit the individual, it benefits the whole fishing community. This is especially true when it comes to advocating for access and rights. More community support = more power to make a change.

Summary

Ultimately, the public’s reaction will be determined by your treatment of the fish. If it’s already gutted, displayed on your chopping board, or is half cooked from the sun, expect to have a bad time.

So, should you ask the question? Well, that’s your call…