Coastal Catches 2014-05-22

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Sea run trout tactics – Craig Vertigan

During the trout off-season I tend to spend a bit of time chasing bream, to continue getting a fishing fix, and spend time tying flies and dreaming about the trout season to come. It’s a time to spend doing tackle maintenance, stocking up on lures and dreaming up new challenges and goals for the trout season ahead. When the new season comes around I usually spend the first few months targeting sea runners. Sea run trout are simply brown trout that spend much of there lives out to sea and come in to the estuaries for spawning and to feed on whitebait and the other small endemic fishes that spawn in late winter through spring. Mixed in with the silvery sea runners you can also expect to catch resident fish that have the typical dark colours of a normal brown trout as well as atlantic salmon in some of our estuaries that are located near salmon farm pens. Living in Hobart it is quick and easy to do a trip on the Huon or Derwent and is a more comfortable proposition compared to a trip up to the highlands with snow and freezing winds to contend with.

Coastal Catches 22/05/2014

A couple of my staff members headed south on the weekend to Eaglehawk neck to try to catch Bluefin Tuna and by all accounts their mission was very successful. It’s a wonder that there were any people left on the North West Coast as there were a heap’s of coasters down there. They both said the camaraderie of the fisho’s that were down there was exceptional and there was plenty of good natured banter on the radio.

Friday and Saturday were the best fishing days and they were days when there was a reasonable amount of chop on the water. The weather improved for Sunday and the fish were few and far between.

There were other fisho’s who headed to Pedra Branca which is a rock Island 26km to the south of Tasmania. I am told the conditions were challenging but the fishing was good with a 90kg fish being caught. For safety reasons it’s a good idea to head down there with at least two boats as conditions can change quickly and if you get into strife it’s handy to have help close by.

There are still plenty of big Australian Salmon being caught in the Marrawah district. Sinking Rock is still the most popular spot however if weather and swell conditions allow there are plenty of other spots in the area to have a crack at them. A hot tip is that a 45 gram Spanyid “Strike It” cleaned up on the weekend and had Salmon climbing all over it.

There have been a few good sized flathead and Gummy Shark caught at Sisters Beach recently so it’s well worth a look in that area.

There are plenty of Garfish along the coast at the moment with reports from Port Sorell, Ulverstone and Red Rock at Cooee. There are lots of other spots where I am sure you can target them. Burley is the key to catching these tasty little fish.

Only two weekends to go until the inland Rainbow waters close so if you are planning that last trip to Lake Mackintosh or a walk to Lake Meston you only have a short time left.

Gadget of the week.

Strada Firenze Vibe Lures.

These worked well on the weekend and most importantly caught fish. They are rigged with quality Shinto Trebles and split rings. $24.95 or $22 VIP price at Tackleworld and Outdoor Burnie