Festive fishing news
by Department of NRE Tasmania 14 Dec 2023 14:12 PST
Recreational sea fishing guide © Department of NRE Tasmania
Guides and rulers out now
The latest Recreational Sea Fishing Guide is now in stock at Service Tasmania and tackle shops. You can also pick up a free fish ruler or boat sticker ruler.
Recreational sea fishing guide
Flathead ID guide
In Tasmania, sand, tiger and bluespotted are the most commonly caught species - can you tell the difference?
Tail markings, body colour and teeth are all features you can use tell which flathead you've caught.
To follow the new size and bag limits for sand and tiger flathead this summer, you'll need to ID your catch.
Tiger flathead also have large canine teeth, which are distinct from the smaller, raspy teeth of sand flathead.
For a full identification guide for the main species, see our Flathead ID video.
FAD-tastic news
Although the higher sea temperatures from marine heatwaves aren't good news for our local marine species, the warmer waters are likely to bring new fish species to Tasmania and extend the range of others further south.
That means this summer will be great for FAD and artificial reef fishing.
What you might catch:
- Yellowtail kingfish - expect a longer kingfish season, and further south, due to prolonged warmer waters.
- Snapper - already resident around our coasts, expect earlier movement from deeper, colder water into the shallows.
- King George whiting - caught off the north and east coasts, now extending their range further south on a more permanent basis.
- Other species - marlin, mahi mahi and yellowfin tuna are examples of other species that may extend their range to Tasmania.
Got an impressive FAD catch? Tag us in your photos on Facebook or Instagram. We'll share the best pictures!
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