ANSA Questions
Compiled by Steve Salmond

Many anglers have heard the term ANSA and wondered what it meant or what it was all about. In the mid to late seventies many associated the term with a group of light line fanatics. The term "one kilo wankers" was even bandied around.

Over the years the same few questions keep popping up when other anglers learn that I was an ANSA Sportfisherman. Listed below are some of those questions and hopefully the answers will assist you with the questions that you may wish to ask. If you don't find the answer to your question, feel free to contact any member of the Branch Executive.

What is meant by "sportfishing"?
Sportfishing is in actual fact Recreational Angling. Sure - there is greater emphasis placed on certain aspects, but in essence the terms have the same meaning. Sportfisho’s tend to pursue the enjoyment of fishing with their families, have a deep appreciation for our environment and believe that their quarry – in this case the fish, is entitled to an even chance for its life. An ANSA Sportfisho will reflect on a days fishing and gauge the success in terms of enjoyment, not by how full the esky is. And yes, Sportfisho’s enjoy a feed of fresh fish just as much as the next fisho. But you let all yours go? – is a comment that I here a lot. Limit your catch, not catch your limit is my usual reply. Catch and Release ensures there are fish for everyone.

Well - What is ANSA?
The history of the Australian National Sportfishing Association and what it’s all about is well covered in another page. If you would like to now more about the benefits of ANSA and what is available to members just contact one of the National Executive or check out the Website at http://www.ansa.com.au

But don't I have to use a light line?
A very easy answer “NO”, that’s right “NO”. Much of the recognition gained by ANSA anglers relates to light line, but not all – there is equal recognition available for anglers using 60 kilo line as there is for those using 6, 4 or even lighter line. The reason behind line class is simple – as an anglers skill levels increase they decrease the breaking strain of the line to maintain the challenge and enjoyment of the contest. If that has you fishing 15 or 4 kilo makes no difference, as long as you are enjoying your fishing.

What about light line competitions?
Not all competitions revolve around light line. Some club’s don’t even have line class competitions. The Northern Territory’s Top Tag Club is more concerned about tagging fish than line class points. Other Clubs have all tackle competitions and others target a specified species. Line class may test an angler’s skill but enjoyment, camaraderie, and experiencing a common bond are what the club environment is all about.

What's tagging all about?
In the Northern Territory the Sportfish Tagging Program is know as Top Tag. This program is part of Austag, the National Sportfish Tagging Program run by ANSA members. The program provides valuable data on fish movement and growth rates. A small plastic tag is inserted into the fish and details such as, species, length, location and date are recorded by the angler. The tag contains a phone number and other details, so upon recapture the angler rings the number and reports the recapture. The tagged fish suffers no ill effects from being tagged and many are recaptured within minutes and some have been recaptured upto thirteen times over three years. It is this type of information that is invaluable to researches who study our piscatorial friends..

I hope this has answered a few of your questions – don’t forget, if you have any other questions, contact one of our Branch Executive.