Tasmanians fortunate to have Fisheries Service

by Carl Hyland on 3 Jun 2011 The residents of Tasmania are very fortunate in that fact that we have a Fisheries Service that is focused on delivering the goods when it comes to freshwater fishing and are continually stocking Tasmania’s freshwater impoundments with all manner of fish which include, Brown and Rainbow trout, Brook trout, Atlantic salmon and Tiger trout.

Tasmania's reputation among world countries as having a freshwater fishery that is second to none and when you read about the history of our fishery, you can understand why.

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The early settlers to Tasmania realised that their new home – with its cool climate and abundant lakes and rivers – was ideally suited to the fish from their homeland. In 1861, six Salmon Commissioners were appointed to oversee the acclimatisation of Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) into Tasmania. The Salmon Commission built the Salmon Ponds hatchery on the Plenty River, a tributary of the Derwent River, to receive salmon eggs sent from England.

After a number of failed attempts to transport live eggs, the first successful shipment arrived at the Ponds in May 1864. The eggs had been carefully packed between layers of moss, crushed ice and charcoal in small perforated boxes and shipped aboard the Norfolk.

A small number of brown trout eggs were included, and were hatched and raised alongside the salmon. Unlike salmon, however, which are a migratory fish and did not establish in Tasmania, the trout formed sustainable populations and quickly spread throughout the State's lakes and rivers.

These fish are the ancestors of today's ‘wily brown trout’ and formed the foundation of Tasmania's renowned wild trout fishery. Brown trout ova from the Ponds were later used to establish hatcheries throughout Australia and New Zealand.

Today, the Salmon Ponds continues to be operated as a hatchery by the IFS to supply the brook, rainbow and brown trout stocks for Tasmania's recreational fishery.

Eggs collected from wild trout, are hatched and raised until the fish are between the size of a match (called fry) and a finger (fingerlings). These fish are then released into lakes and dams around Tasmania, continuing to boost natural stocks for the recreational fishery.

The Salmon Ponds was originally designed as a display hatchery and it has remained open to the public.

Set amidst mature European trees, the historic buildings and ponds, Angling Museum and Anglers Hall of Fame, are a worthy attraction for Tasmanian families, tourists and angling enthusiasts.

The Salmon Ponds, Heritage Hatchery and Gardens, is open daily. Phone (03) 6261 5663 for more information.

Surplus brood stock are regularly moved from farms to fresh water impoundments in the state to provide great sport for local and visiting anglers.

A new lure suited to freshwater and soon saltwater ,has been introduced to anglers and here’s a little bit of information about this great new product.

Strike Tiger is a new soft plastics brand that has recently hit the shelves of tackle stores in Tasmania. The brand is locally owned and the range, developed by a Tasmanian fisherman, includes colours designed specifically for Tasmanian conditions.

The plastic compound that Strike Tiger uses is one of the best recipes you will find on the market today. It is a perfect balance between soft and hard. This provides the user with a lure that is very durable but still soft enough to ensure an excellent action through the water, even with a slow retrieve. The tank test video can be found http://www.striketiger.com.au/video.html

All Strike Tiger lures are re-useable. Unlike some other brands, they will not dry out or fade when left exposed in the sun. Each lure is impregnated with ‘Strike Tiger Scent’. The lures are also coated in fine scent oil, ensuring an irresistible scent trail in the water. They can even be re-charged with scent by placing them back inside the snap-lock packet. A packet of these lures will certainly go a long way!

The first release from Strike Tiger has been a range of 3' curl tail grubs. These are currently available in 10 great colours suited to both freshwater and saltwater fishing. ‘Homebrew’, a colour designed specifically for trout has been one of Strike Tiger’s best sellers. Both brown and rainbow trout absolutely love it and it has been responsible for a lot of trout being caught all over Tasmania.

On the other end of the spectrum, saltwater enthusiasts have been using the ‘blue steel’ grub with excellent results. Have a look at the 3' grubs http://www.striketiger.com.au/curl_tail_grubs.html!here!.



In addition to their curl tail grubs, Strike Tiger has developed a realistic range of soft plastic trout frogs. These small frogs are produced in high detail and measure approximately 1.25'. They come in two colours – ‘brown’ and ‘green and gold’.

They are scented and have unique features, such as kicking legs and moving eyes. The moving eyes also act as fish-attracting rattles. The frogs can be fished and rigged a number of ways. Instructions can be found here.

The website at www.striketiger.com.au features useful instructions on rigging, as well as product information, video, tips for use and a photo gallery of fish caught on these lures.

So, if you are planning a fishing trip to Tasmania soon, make sure you take some Strike Tigers with you. You will not be disappointed with the results!