Craig Ingram MP - Independent Member for Gippsland East

The Independent Member for Gippsland East, Craig Ingram, has assisted Fisheries Victoria in releasing 20,000 Australian Bass fingerlings into Lake Glenmaggie.

Speaking at the event last week, Mr Ingram -- a keen recreational fisherman -- said Australian Bass are regarded as one of Australia’s premier sports fish.

“The stocking of Lake Glenmaggie, as well as 30,000 fish into Blue Rock Dam, will add significantly to the recreation angling and tourism opportunities in the region,” Mr Ingram said

“The lack of success in production has led to a gap of eight years since the last stocking of these impoundments.

“But with the support and assistance of local anglers and fishing clubs, Fisheries Victoria has collected Gippsland Lakes breeding stock and a hatchery has also been involved in the Snowy River Australian Bass recovery program, resulting in the successful raising of some 50,000 Australian Bass fingerlings.

“It is great to see this important native fish species making a comeback in Gippsland.

“The stocking of local impoundments with native fish will enhance the vast array of excellent fishing opportunities already in Gippsland,” Mr Ingram concluded.

PICTURED: Craig Ingram MP and Director of Fisheries Victoria, Anthony Hurst, release fingerlings into Lake Glenmaggie. Craig Ingram with a nice Australian Bass, caught in the Genoa River in January 2010.