Recreational take from setnets along the coast took way more than surfcasters ever did …..the fishing has improved out of sight over the last few years with the net ban …
15yrs ago you couldnt catch an elephant fish or rig off Amberly …..the setnets had wiped them out ….
Spencer park is a good example also , 10yrs ago a brace of ele’s was a great outing …..now you can rock down there during the day and take 2-3 home ….
1 guy I recall down there years ago used to drive along the beach in a converted Holden 4wd , and tow a net out with a canoe …..he’d be back the next day with 5-6 family members , and take everything they possibly could …… this was 2-3 times a week ….
GPS data on trawlers is a worthwhile idea , keep them 4miles offshore …… no need to ban them , but we MUST keep the setnets from returning