Coastal Catches 8/9/2011

Tasmania is an interesting place when it comes to weather especially how quickly conditions can change. On the weekend for instance, driving up to the lakes there was very little wind however as soon as you get to the top of the mountain it’s there with enough strength to blow the milk out of your tea.

I suppose that just a fact of fishing in Tassie so we learn to deal with it.
Most of the rivers have settled back down into more normal flows and there are a few anglers out actively chasing Sea Run Trout in the estuaries. There are reports of bait in the estuaries so with a few fish chasing them. We get a lot of questions on what to use for Sea Runners so here are a few tips. One of the most effective methods is to use live tiddlies. If you don’t have time to catch your own, Tassie Baits have a frozen bait called a glassie which is also effective. If you are using soft plastics try a Berkley minnow in Cas Clear or Pearl Watermelon. River 2 Sea have just released a very realistic range of Izumi soft plastics which should be dynamite on Sea Runners. If you are using hardbody lures try some of the small minnows such as Rapala or Strike Pro. Rapala have just released Max Raps which is a bibbed minnow that runs reasonably shallow but has extra weight in it to assist with casting and balance. Look out for these because I am sure they will account for many fish. If you want to give fly fishing a go look for whitebait imitations. Bruce Gibsons Whitebait patterns in standard and BMS are very hard to go past.
If you are looking to chase a sea runner we have some of the best rivers in the state right on our doorstep.
These include: The Leven, Mersey, Rubicon, Forth, Inglis, Black, Duck and many more smaller waters. The West Coast also has exceptional rivers such as The Arthur, Pieman, Little Henty, Henty and Gordon. If you want to head out for a fish this weekend Lake Macintosh has been producing some good fish. The Great Lake is fishing very well with plenty of fish around the shore. I did hear an unconfirmed rumour that you should keep an eye on the IFS website for stocking information as a local water may have received a stocking of Atlantic Salmon or Rainbows.
The Devonport Junior anglers are set to go this Sunday 11th Sept. 10am to 3pm at Taylors Junior Angling Dam near Latrobe. The entrance is opposite Anvers Chocolate. Membership is $10 for the season and a gold coin donation each time you go fishing. The Dam has been recently stocked with 300 Atlantic Salmon and Rainbow Trout between 1 -1.5kg so kids will have a good chance of going home with a fish. For further information you can call Peter Maloney on 6426 2099.

 

Photos:

 

 Madison Clark looking very colour coordinated with a nice Rainbow Trout

 
 

Stuart Hill with a very nice Snapper that he caught near Wynyard

 

Mitchell Clark with an Atlantic Salmon that he caught at Lake Barrington

 

 

Gadget of the week:
Rapala Max Raps 5 & 7cm. These lures have a great swimming action and will be the undoing of many trout. They have laser etched scales and are quite translucent that makes them look very realistic. Come in and see them at Tassie Tackle and Outdoor.

Neil Gray