A MAN has been arrested and charged after a ‘fishing rage’ incident at Cullen Bay pontoon.

Duty Superintendent Louise Jorgensen said a 45-year-old man was fishing off the pontoon at Cullen Bay Ferry Terminal when his line became tangled with another nearby fisherman’s.

“The other man attempted to apologise — he didn’t speak English very well — and he was sworn at and then subjected to a tirade of abuse – most of which was racially based,” Supt Jorgensen said.

“The Lock Master tried to intervene and was promptly sworn at and abused as well.

“The police were called and there was a physical confrontation – the 45-year-old was still holding his rod and bucket threatening police with these items, baiting them, it was a bit of a messy scene.

“But in the end the 45-year-old, who refused to initially reveal his identity, was arrested and has been charged with threatening and disorderly behaviour, resisting police and failing to furnish name and address.

“He has also been trespassed from the area. It’s a big price to pay for a simple tangle.”