North Australian FISH FINDER TM forums

Quite a few weeks ago I set 6 crab pots just to the west of Preston Point. I was at least 1km from both Inpex and Wickam Point gas facilities. I came back about 3 hours later to find all of them cut open and the baits removed. I assume this was done by gas plant staff monitoring the area? But I don't see why this location is 'obviously' off limits. There are Catalina wrecks very closed by, as marked in the Bible for fishing. There were no ships around. Am I missing something? Slashing 6 near new crab pots is just poor form, no matter who it was. I'd love to know people's thoughts on this.

Probably sharks or crocs.

Yeah, I doubt it was a person who did that

It wouldn't have been their staff.. maybe someone poaching ya crabs for a quick getaway. I've had that happen plenty when I've cable tied them shut. If not a shark or croc

I'd say Share Farmers, some of the lowest scum on the planet.
Crocs just generally mangle the pots

Bugger! Pretty safe to assume it wasn't gas plant workers , those poor buggers don't get a boat. Just a lowlife pot poacher.

Plus the paper work that would be involved with that task would take 4 hours. Having to fill out risk assessments on using a sharp knife etc.

I don't think it's was crocs or sharks. Too clean, no mangled or damaged pots. And the clips for chicken carcasses were all there. My first thought was poachers, but what sort of low life would nick the crabs and remove the bait as well?? I remember old mate saying he tried to fish near the jetty to the west (Wickam side) and some blokes in a boat paid them a visit and politely asked them to go away.
Maybe I just didn't secure the bait very well.
I guess it will remain an unsolved mystery..

If they're cable tied shut I've had a few slashed in Elizabeth R ....

Bl..dy scumbags it seems like it's getting worse in the last 10 years more rubbish and less respect.