Hey Guys

Before i ask this, I realise you cant spear in inland waters and i realise that there are special rules about the gippsland lakes. I dont want to do anything illegal, i just want to know if common sense prevails in this situation.

I'm going kayaking in the gippsland lakes and wanted to take my spear gun with me for 90 mile beach. I dont want to spear anywhere i'm not allowed, only off the coast where it is permitted. However this means i'd have to take my gun on the kayak through the lakes, where the fishing guide specifically says you are prohibited from bringing a gun.

What i wanted to know is has anyone ever encountered is dilema? If i get caught possessing a gun (not using) will the fisheries guys come down on me hard, or will i be able to explain why i have it and that i wont use it anywhere illegal?

do you think i should leave the gun at home and stick to the rod?

thanks for the help
simon

The use or possession of a spear gun is prohibited
in the waters of the Gippsland Lakes except for
those waters that are within:
• 20m of the 3 rocky groynes off the eastern
end of Rigby Island;
• 20m of the ‘barrier’ in Hopetoun Channel,
west of the barrier landing;
• 50m of the compass beacons in Eagle
Point Bay;
• imaginary lines running from Wattle Point
to Trouser Point and from Waddy Point to
Pelican Point in Lake Victoria.

_________________
That's where I saw the leprechaun. He tells me to burn things...

I believe the use or possession on or next to these waters is illegal except if you are traveling by the most direct route away from these waters.

Have a look in the hand book and correct me if I am wrong but I think this is correct.

Stephen

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You don't value a single breath, until you realize it's potential.

yer thats how i understand it too

Supper is correct ;and look at the wording carefully -
- Not ON , but IN

*although it does mention ON the lower lake at Mallacoota on P67 !(This page covers all
queries) !

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I get coastline fever .

I would be very careful, in other waters it says you may carry one as long as you are travelling directly to/from legal water. This is NOT the case here.

_________________
That's where I saw the leprechaun. He tells me to burn things...

Hi Guys, thanks for the replies, but maybe i wasn't clear enough in my question

I'll ask it in a different way

There is a rule that says any pranger head should have only 2 barbs, but by all accounts this rule is never enforced (they sell 4 and 5 barb prangers at most shops). So, is the rule about possession of a gun in a banned area also rarely enforced or is it strictly enforced (like undersized abs)?

Like i said earlier i dont want break the spirit of the law (shooting in a banned area) i just want to know if anyone has encountered this type of dilema before and what happened.

I think sometimes they make laws so that they can use them if they need, but rarely need to enforce them (like a law that says you can't marry your mother in law).

thanks again
simon

A "handheld spear" ie. a spear without a rubber cannot have any barbs or more than 2 prongs. A "Hawaiian sling" or handspear with a rubber, "capable of imparting propulsive energy" can legally have as many prongs or barbs as you like.

- Jan 4 /reply to Shaun_b.

_________________
I get coastline fever .