Tasmanian Bluefin tuna fishing amongst best in the world

by Carl Hyland on 28 May 2011 Tasmanian Bluefin tuna fishing would have to be amongst the best in the world at this time. Fish landed over the last week have reached the near 150kg mark, not a bad effort by world class standards, What makes captures like this memorable is the fact that one recent capture was taken on 37kg gear and is being queried for a potential world record.

Charter operators tell of school blue captures in random places and at random times, therefore I cant definitely say when and where the best times would be to go. Check out the registered Tasmanian charter operators if you are keen.

In saying that, the South East of the state near Tasman Island and Pedra Blanca seem to be firing for all things tuna (see Google Map) and as seen in previous writings, morwong and striped trumpeter catches are also at near record levels for recreational anglers.

Here’s some action from our favourite McFlys fix:



World Record fish?

The boats name is 'Who's ya Daddy'. We hooked the first fish at 9.20am was in the boat at 10.00am it was 104.5 kgs on 36 kg line then chucked the lures back in and before we got up to trolling speed two rods went off landed the first one in 50 min it was 106.8 kgs on 36 kg line then the second took about 55 min it was 143.95 kgs on 24 kg line all on skirts caught at The Lanterns, from left to right Peter Huskinson ,Carl Ford, Tony Rowe and Daniel Warn.

Other Tasmanian action includes the recent runs of Blue Warehou into the estuaries and bays around the state.

The Blue Warehou is know as Tasmanian Trevally, Snotties, Snotty Trevally.

Miminum size: 25cm.

Possession limit: 20. Possession limits apply everywhere, including in the home.

This fish is more closely related to the trevallas than the true trevally species. Dark steely blue above, silvery white below. When alive, darker blotches are often observed on flanks but these tend to fade soon after death. A prominent black spot is found above the pectoral fin. These fish have a mucous film covering their bodies (hence the name 'snotties'). It has been speculated that this slime may be an adaptation to protect against the stinging cells of jellyfish which juveniles shelter under, and adults later feed upon.

Grows to 76cm and over 7kg in weight, (when reaching this size, they are about 10 years old). They are a rapidly growing fish, reaching around 25cm length in their first year. Spawning occurs in western Bass Strait in winter and spring, and there is some evidence that they become mature from about 32cm in length.

This species is a migratory schooling fish which is caught on reefs, under jetties, wharves and moored boats. Though predominantly caught in gillnets, these fish are strong fighters when taken on light gear. The best method of capture is using a small hook with no sinker and allowing baits such as raw chicken meat or fresh shelled prawns to sink until reaching mid-water.

A very good eating fish when eaten fresh, although there is some deterioration of flesh when stored frozen for extended periods.

Its diet consists of jellyfish and small invertebrates.

A sabaki rig can also help you to get amongst them.

Try places like Deviot in the Tamar River and Pirates Bay Jetty in the south.

Until next time, take care.