A DOLPHINFISH, aka dolly or mahi-mahi, originally tagged and released on the Tweed Fish Aggregating Device (FAD) has recently been recaptured on another FAD 370 nautical miles south.
During the Shimano Shootout competition on October 27, 2018, Gold Coast GFC boat Redonkulous, skippered by Adam Argus, tagged and released 12 dolphinfish off the Tweed FAD in a hot 20-minute bite.
The dolly initially measured an estimated 75 cm and 3.5 kg. Fast forward 88 days to January 23, 2019, and Port Hacking GFC boat Murriweeni recaptured the fish while fishing the Port Hacking FAD.
Skipper Rod Findlay and angler Matt Antaw estimated the fish at 105 cm and 6 kg, highlighting a significant growth rate of 30 cm in less than three months. Crazy stuff!
To find your nearest FAD, check out the dedicated FADs webpage on the DPI website or download our DPI FishSmart app for the most up-to-date status of your local FAD in the maps section (iTunes app store or on Google Play).
The NSW DPI Game Fish Tagging Program issues tags free of charge and works in close association with the NSW Game Fishing Association and the Game Fishing Association of Australia. If you would like to get involved in the program, please phone (02) 6691 9602 or email gamefish.tagging@dpi.nsw.gov.au.
Photo credit: Dylan Hannah Photography.
