I regard myself as an all round angler, fishing for trout in small mountain streams right through to fishing for marlin, tuna and other game fish in our deep waters. But without doubt, one of my favourite forms of fishing is surf fishing - fishing off our beaches for a variety of species that one can catch.
Most of our tourism information available for fishing in Tassie is confined to our marvellous trout fishing. As well-deserved as this may be, your average angler may only want to get away for a day of peace and relaxation and be sure of a fish for their efforts.
In this article I will discuss some of the seasonal species available in the Tamar River. These include ling, barracouta, whiting, squid, silver bream, yellowtail kingfish and snotty trevally.
The Tamar Estuary is a rich and varied fishery with a wide array of species available to the recreational angler.
Jan Spencer talks about her three favourite flies for the coming two months
Read more: Jans Flies - Top Tassie flies for February and March
Land based game fishing is a new and exciting style of fishing for Tasmanians, and although large tuna and marlin are not realistic targets, there are many other game fish to be caught. A safe rock ledge with deep water is what is required, and West head at the Tamar River mouth has much to offer.
In the early days of European settlement in Tasmania, the settlers were disappointed that the only freshwater fish available to them were the Australian grayling, river blackfish and some small galaxias. Their dream, in those early days, was to introduce the magnificent Atlantic salmon into some of our streams, many of which were considered to be perfectly suitable for those great sporting fish.
Line
When choosing new monofilament line there are many differing opinions on line thickness, colour and flexibility to influence your choice. Keep in mind that trolling is the main method for catching Game fish off Tasmania, therefore the high visibility fluorescent line is an advantage for placing lines and baits exactly where you want them for a tangle free pattern. A known brand of pre-tested sport fishing monofilament is the safest way to go. Line should constantly be checked for nicks and abrasion. At least every 10 trips to the top 20-30 metres should be cut off and discarded. This is where most line deterioration occurs.
St Helens is one of the most popular bases for entry into the game fishing waters off the Tasmanian East Coast. Late January heralds the beginning of the tuna season which continues through until May when the water temperature is the highest.
After a column I ran in the Sunday Examiner some time ago soliciting information regarding Luderick, it appears that the population in Tasmania is excellent. It was also quite evident that not many Tasmanian natives actually fish for them.
Solitude can be compete when wading a peaceful sand or mud flat, gently fishing through gutters, around weed beds and along coloured water lines. Doing it with fly tackle makes the outing all the more enjoyable, and just as productive!
Handy information and links to fisheries,weather etc
Fishing books
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Hello everyone, I thought it would be a good time to introduce myself.
My name is Stephen Smith and I have been managing the website tasfish.com since May 2009.
It has been an epic journey of learning and discovery and I am indebted to Mike Stevens for his help, support and patience.
I am developing a new venture Rubicon Web and Technology Training ( www.rwtt.com.au ). The focus is two part, to develop websites for individuals and small business and to train people to effectively use technology in their everyday lives.
Please contact me via www.rwtt.com.au/contact-me/ for further information - Stephen Smith.
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.
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