Good catches of prawns are being reported right along the Queensland coast prompting a reminder to recreational fishers to brush up on possession limits and gear rules before casting their nets.

Queensland Boating and Fisheries Patrol District Manager, Rob McDonald said prawns were a regulated species in Queensland and possession limits applied. 

"Prawns have a maximum possession limit of 10 litres and cannot be possessed without their heads or with any other part removed unless it is for immediate consumption," Mr McDonald said.

“Care needs to be taken when choosing a 10 litre container to measure the quantity of prawns.

“A few fishers have been found using commercial 10 litre plastic containers believing they are compliant when they fill it, but in some cases the actual 10 litre mark is down from the lid.

“Recreational fishers also need to be aware of net requirements when fishing for prawns: a cast net with a drop of no more than 3.7m and a mesh size of no greater than 28mm is permitted.” 

Mr McDonald encouraged fishers to sort their catch, and where possible, return all the small prawns such as greasies to the water when cast netting for larger banana prawns.

“When greasies are returned to the water, they grow in size in a very short time and are a better quality catch within a few weeks,” Mr McDonald said.

“Returning small greasies and other bycatch to the water is important for the sustainability of our fisheries.”