READERS may recall DPI stocked 7000 Yellowtail Kingfish into Botany Bay back in September to increase sportfishing opportunities. The good news is that another 2000 kingfish are being stocked this week to further boost the existing kingie population in and around the bay.

Some of the kingfish have been externally tagged so anglers can easily identify them as part of the stocking.

Some of these fish have been externally tagged for anglers to easily identify them as part of the stocking. This cohort of juvenile kingfish are currently about 35-40 cm in length and are expected to grow very quickly.

NSW DPI says it has already received reports of some of the September stocked fish being caught and released. It is likely that some of these stocked fish will be caught before they reach the minimum size limit of 65 cm so please handle any undersize fish carefully and return them swiftly back to the water. Our research shows kingfish have very high survival rates when handled carefully.

To report the capture of tagged kingfish, click HERE.

The stocked kingfish were bred at the DPI marine hatchery at the Port Stephens Fisheries Institute. Thanks to ANSA (NSW) for helping to secure additional funding for the stockings.

Read more at http://www.fishingworld.com.au/news/