Tasmania this week

by Carl Hyland on 13 Feb 2012 Tasmania is currently hosting the Commonwealth Fly Fishing Championships, which are being held at various venues around the state. With competitors from throughout the world competing, the Tasmanian fishery is on view throughout the world stage.

Below is the itinerary……

2012 Commonwealth Fly Fishing Championships - Event Timetable:

Tuesday 14 February 2012:
2.00p.m Registration at The Donegal Room Country Club Villas
8.00p.m Draw and Captains meeting at the Donegal Room

Wednesday 15 February 2012:
7.00a.m Practice Day (own transport)
3.30p.m Back to Country Club Villas
5.00p.m Buses depart for Deloraine (46km 35mins travel)
5.45p.m Parade starts (Deloraine Main Street)
6.30p.m Official Opening (Deloraine Soldiers Memorial Park)
7.00p.m Evening meal (Buffet – served in Park by River at Deloraine)
9.30p.m Captains briefing at the Donegal Room, Country Club Villas

Thursday 16 February 2012:
7.00a.m Buses depart the CCV for fishing venues one, two and three
7.30a.m Buses depart the CCV for fishing venues four and five
9.00a.m Commence fishing - first session
12noon Finish fishing - first session
2.00p.m Commence fishing - second session
5.00p.m Finish fishing – second session
7.00p.m Evening meal served in Villa Italiana/Bolters

Friday 17 February 2012:
7.00a.m Buses depart the CCV for fishing venues one, two and three
7.30a.m Buses depart the CCV for fishing venues four and five
9.00a.m Commence fishing - third session
12noon Finish fishing - third session
2.00p.m Commence fishing - fourth session
5.00p.m Finish fishing - fourth session
7.00p.m Evening meal served in Villa Italiana/Bolters

Saturday 18 February 2012:
7.00a.m Buses depart the CCV for fishing venues one, two and three
7.30a.m Buses depart the CCV for fishing venues four and five
9.00a.m Commence fishing - fifth session Pro-am Fishing event at the Casino lakes
12noon Finish fishing - fifth session Start of Fly Fishing Expo on in and around the Federal hotel complex.
3.00p.m Fly dressing Competition - The Donegal Room CCV
7.00p.m Gala Dinner (Casino Banquet Hall)
Presentation of Prizes

Sunday 19 February 2012:
Depart Country Club Villas

I do hope to be able to bring you the results as they come to hand but current information is available via the Fly Fish Australia website.

Elswehere in Tassie, the fishing is proving sensational at this time of the year. We do seem to be going into and early autumn but this hasn’t deterred fish. Water temperatures around our continental shelf are still up around the 18C mark which means an abundance of baitfish present which in turn is attracting species such as Albacore tuna, Yellowfin and Striped marlin.

Striped marlin have been taken this week off St Helens on our East Coast and charter operator Jumbo Males of Pauletta Fishing Charters tells of some sensational Albacore captures out of Eaglehawk Neck. School Bluefin have already shown up and although early (they like the cooler weather) it does bode well for a fantastic upcoming game season. Not to be forgotten are Yellowtail Kingfish which are about in absolutely near pest proportions, especially at places such as Croppies Rocks in the East and even up into the Derwent River as far as the Tasman Bridge.

Bread and butter species such as King flathead are also moving into shallow waters and areas such as Marion Bay in the South are good spots for getting amongst this species.

Surf action has been good with the captures of some big Australian salmon being recorded. The big fish seem to be haunting the surf zones along the North Coast and places worth a visit are Bellingham/ Bridport right through to Croppies Rocks in the North East.

Crayfishing along the West coast has been very productive with some fine keepers being taken in pot rings and by divers. Places like Granville Harbour are well worth a visit.