Queensland Flats Under Threat: Tunnel Nets Explained (And Why It Matters Now)

Queensland’s sand flats are one of Australia’s great fly fishing assets — and right now, they’re under real pressure.

In this episode, Andrew is joined by Chris Burgess (FlyLife contributor and Inshore Flats Project advocate) to dig into tunnel nets: what they are, how they work, and why many anglers believe they pose a serious threat to flats fisheries from Hinchinbrook to the Whitsundays and beyond.

We get into:

• What a tunnel net actually is — and why it’s so effective
• Localised depletion: cleaning out a flat and the big question of how long until fish return
• What’s been observed during trials, including stress, crowding and mortality concerns
• The risk to iconic flats species like permit, golden trevally, GTs and queenfish
• The broader impact on guiding, tourism and why net-free flats matter
• What you can do right now to help protect these fisheries

If you love saltwater fly fishing — or you’ve ever dreamed of a Queensland permit — this one’s well worth a listen.

Get involved / learn more: Search Inshore Flats Project and follow their channels for updates and ways to support, or head to www.inshoreflatsproject.com.au