The local men were apprehended by fisheries officers after a public tip-off.

"It will be alleged that they were using recreational hoop nets in attempt to take southern rock lobster and velvet crabs," senior fisheries officer Paul Millar said yesterday.

"All forms of fishing, whether recreational or commercial, are prohibited within marine sanctuaries in Victoria."

Fisheries officers have been busy in the south-west.

A Melbourne pair were convicted and fined $3000 each this week for taking more than the legal limit of black-lipped abalone from Two Mile Bay, near Port Campbell, in September.

A Geelong man had also been caught near Lorne with 99 abalone, Mr Millar said.