Fishing around Tasmania
by Carl Hyland on 26 Dec 2011
Eddystone Point is a popular dive and fishing spot. - Fishing around Tasmania Carl Hyland
Whilst a lot of focus is on the blue water classic, the Sydney to Hobart, holiday anglers are reaping the rewards in the warm waters surrounding Tasmania.
Not only is the saltwater scene ‘going off’, but also recent stocking by the Inland Fisheries Service of brood Atlantic salmon into some waters in time for Christmas and New Year has bolstered freshwater action.
Along the North coast, big flathead are on the move, and great baits are bluebait or squid plus the range of soft plastics……the picture below shows you some of my favourites for King flathead.
Calamari squid and smaller arrow squid are absolutely everywhere and most jigs in all colours seem to be working. Try any rocky point, pontoon or wharf and if it is floodlit, your chances of multiple catches are increased.
Species not normally associated with the cooler Tasmanian waters are now showing up, species like King George Whiting and whilst this is unusual, we should see an increase in unusual captures as the warmer weather continues. Water temperatures are hovering around 18C inshore and out of the shelf along the East Coast; temps have got to 20C. This also bodes well for tuna action which in some cases has already kicked off, particularly at Eddystone Point in the East and St Helens on the coast.
Not to be forgotten, the South of the state is also firing with good captures of crayfish by recreational anglers plus captures of Yellow fin off Eaglehawk Neck look good for a bumper tuna season. Albacore have also been on the capture list.
Inland fishing has slowed, in deeper waters like the Great Lake and Authurs, fishing remains good, but in impoundments along the coasts, warmer water temperatures tend to send fish deep. Places like Brushy Lagoon are well worth a visit though and quite a few good salmon have been stocked into this water of late, so too Craigbourne Dam in the state’s south with some beautiful rainbow and salmon being taken as a result of the more recent stockings!
Until next time, stay safe on the water.
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