Fishing Australia's Apple Isle

by Carl Hyland on 9 Apr 2012 Renowned for its trout fishing, Tasmania also has on offer, some of the best game fishing in the world. The Southern Bluefin fishery is recognised as being amongst one of the most sustainable tuna fisheries anywhere and at this time every year, recreational and visiting anglers are breaking records on world class fish.

This year is no exception and now is the time to be contemplating wetting a line, either with some of the leading charter operators or going out with mates in trailer craft.

Tuna Club of Tasmania website



Whilst the south of the state is the mecca for the big Bluefin and albacore, St Helens and Bicheno on the East Coast are also places that are worth a visit but for some reason the game fishing here is not on par with what it was 20-30 years ago. Many other species of fish such as Blueye trevalla and perch and Nannygai are available here and do make a welcome change from trolling for the big game fish.

If you are contemplating visiting the Island state, don’t limit your fishing activity to just tuna or game fishing. Every stream you drive over usually holds a good head of fish, either bream or trout and bear in mind; you do need a freshwater license to fish most fresh water rivers at this time of the year.

The trout season in most rivers finishes at the end Of April but some dedicated waters such as Lake Barrington or Meadowbank Dam and Craigbourne Dam(just to name a few) do remain open throughout the year.

Here are the costs for Freshwater licenses in Tasmania, to fish at Tasmanian inland water; you must hold a current Angling Licence and fish with a rod, reel and line during the angling season that applies to the water. You do not need a licence to fish at a Registered Private Fishery or if you are under 14 years of age. Inland Recreational Fishing Licences and Fees for 2011-12 Angling Season

Full Season                                             Fee
Full Season Adult Licence, 2 Rods            $80.00
Full Season Adult Licence, 1 Rod              $66.50
Full Season Pensioner Licence, 2 Rods    $43.00
Full Season Pensioner Licence, 1 Rod      $36.50
Full Season Senior Licence, 2 Rods          $59.50
Full Season Senior Licence, 1 Rod            $53.00
Full Season Juvenile Licence, 2 Rods      $18.50
Full Season Juvenile Licence, 1 Rod        $12.00

Short Term                             Fee
48 Hour Licence, 2 Rods         $26.50
48 Hour Licence, 1 Rod           $20.00
28 Day Licence, 2 Rods           $59.50
28 Day Licence, 1 Rod            $53.00
7 Day Licence, 1 Rod              $34.00
7 Day Licence, 2 Rods            $40.50

To obtain a freshwater license before arriving in Tasmania, you can do it here online.

When you hit the Island, you can obtain a wealth of fishing information from Visitor Information Centres which are located from one end of the state to the Visitor Information Centres or you can visit one of the most poular fishing websites where members are most happy to give out information on where and when the fish are biting; some will even take you under their wing for a fishing trip….www.fishtas.com

No matter what you plan, fishing in Tasmania is our best kept secret that we don’t mind sharing with others.

Be prepared for the weather, stinking hot one day, snow or sleet the next, so come with lots of winter woolies and a pair of shorts, but do come, as we can guarantee the fishing adventure of a lifetime that you will never forget.