Georges Bay, St Helens – an Autumn Mecca

Jamie Henderson

As the summer months come to an end many fisherman see it as a time to pack the rods and fishing gear away and hibernate for a few months until the springtime brings some fresh action, but on the east coast this is far from the truth. The months of April, May and even in to June can bring some of the best Estuary fishing the East Coast has to offer and in particular Georges Bay St Helens. The warmer summer months can quite often mean periods of high winds and rough waters on the east coast making it difficult to have consistent days on the water however as we move into April we find the windy weather gives way to more mild conditions. Days can start off quite chilly with frosts quite common but as the day wears on this can mean beautiful clear blue skies, warm air temperatures, glass calm conditions and magic times on the water.

Port Sorell

Shane Flude
Fishing opportunities out at port Sorell will probably equal any are along the North coast of Tasmania. From the estuary itself to offshore reef fishing, the Port Sorell area offers an enormous selection of fishing opportunities.
This article gives a general rundown on the immediate area between Point Sorell and Badgers Head, the fish species available and various techniques.

Lighten up

Craig Rist
Tightening up onto a big fish in a river is a great feeling with those first few seconds of uncertainty, as to what the fish might do, as it powers off after setting the hook. Will it head straight for the nearest submerged tree or swim out into open water. Instinctively you lay the rod on its side to lead the fish away from the submerged tree, the rod nearly bends in half under the shear weight and power of this fish as it now races downstream with the flow of the river. You turn the fish just before it reaches rapids; it then slogs it out deep in the middle of the pool, each beat of the tail getting slower and slower. Finally you land a fish of around 4 pounds, what a feeling.

Game Fishing - Tasman Peninsula and South

John Orchard

Once again it’s that time of year when avid game fishermen pull out their gear and give it the once over in anticipation of the arrival of the mighty Southern Bluefin Tuna. These powerhouse fish put both angler skill and product quality to the ultimate test each year and anglers look forward to the challenge.

Canoeing Rivers

Leroy Tirant
There are many rivers in Tasmania that are just waiting to be explored using a canoe or kayak. These let you fish those inaccessible parts of rivers that are heavily overgrown and too deep to wade. Some of these sections have had little or no angling pressure and can hold some big fish.

Fly Fishing April – May

Christopher Bassano

The end of April has traditionally brought about the conclusion of the trout fishing season for three months. More recently, things have changed and a few waters remain open year round. Amongst fly fishermen however, there is a perception that mid to late March coincides with the last of the ‘worth while’ fishing. In reality, I believe the back end of any season can produce memorable fishing and after one as productive as this, those willing to brave the impending cold are likely to be well rewarded.