Hobart

Picking the best days

HOBART Andrew Large

Anglers have been making the most of good weather windows, and a variety of popular species are still biting.

In the saltwater, southern bluefin tuna continue to be caught in the southeast of the state around Cape Pillar. Jumbos (fish over 100kg) seem to have lessened off in Peninsula waters and are now being encountered east of Maria Island and further north to Bicheno.

Meanwhile, numbers good fish from 35-70kg have picked up a little recently around Fortescue Bay. School fish continue to be caught in good numbers. Bluefin are now being caught from Mewstone in the south to St Helens.

Late run arrow squid are still being caught in deeper water by those trying for swordfish.

The broadbill swordfish run has slowed a little but this was to be expected because the late run through May and June was incredible.

The southern calamari run back into shallow water has begun, and they are available in the lower Derwent River and Channel areas. Further afield, good numbers are available. Winter is a great time for this species, and 500mm hood fish are available, particularly in the Maria region.

As seems to be more the norm these days, sand flathead are continuing to bite well into winter, with bait, lure and fly taking fish recently. The best spots for a feed include Storm Bay, Marion Bay, Fredrick Henry Bay and White Beach.

Good-sized Australian salmon have returned, and spin fishos are getting good catches. Alum Cliffs, near Kingston and South Arm, close to the CBD seem to be local hotspots, while anglers fishing Cremorne in the canal to Pipeclay Lagoon are reporting fish to 2kg.

Greenback flounder, the mainstay of the winter night fisher, are now moving well and we have had a string of settled nights recently, giving anglers a chance to chase these fish in mirror conditions at night. South Arm, Lewisham, Dunalley and Orford area are reported to be producing fish.

Deep water striped trumpeter are now biting well on the west, south and east coasts. Settled weather has finally allowed anglers to venture out. Good results have also been had fishing sub 50m depths as well around the Tasman Peninsula.

In the estuaries we have the odd Atlantic salmon beginning to reappear in anglers’ bags, with fish up to 4kg. These fish have been caught from the Tasman Bridge to New Norfolk in the Derwent, and at the Huonville township south of Hobart.

Good-sized sea-run trout continue to be caught in the mid reaches of the Derwent and Huon estuaries. Both these waters are open to angling to the Huonville and New Norfolk bridges by anglers holding a current freshwater angling licence. Spin, troll, soft plastic and fly are all producing fish.

Giant black bream are still being caught in good numbers around Cornellian Bay, Store Point, Bowen Bridge and Cadbury Point. The use of bait has been effective.

Anglers are awaiting the reopening of the 2022 freshwater angling season, which is coming up soon. 12 Month Open waters remain open for anglers who have a current IFS Inland Fishing Licence.

For the moment, Great Lake is still producing fish and will continue to do so into July. At this time of year, you need to pick the right day conducive to good fishing at altitude.

Other waters such as Lake Pedder and Lake King William are fishing well. Easterly weather lately has seen these waters relatively calm and sheltered.

Closer to home and 35km from Hobart, Craigbourne Dam has received multiple stocking of both brown and rainbow trout. The fish seem to be around the 1kg mark, with scrub worms working well.

Picking a good day to fish is a challenge at the moment, whether flyfishing in the highlands or bobbing about out on the salt. However, it is still rewarding, with many of our species seemingly available late again this year.

July marks the end of relatively settled weather in the state before the onset of traditional snowy and wet days throughout August, September and October, so enjoy it while you can.

Winter can be a great time to troll our highland lakes that remain open, such as Great Lake. Good-sized southern calamari are now available.

NEW PRODUCTS

TD Zero and Sensor Surf

In store now for winter 2022, the new Daiwa TD Zero range continues the evolution of the popular line-up with new looks, new technologies and new models featuring in the new range.

A new line-up begins with new blank design and technology with HVF Nanoplus blank provides optimum sensitivity and weightlessness, while Daiwa’s X45X Full Shield construction has been added to the lower section of the blank to increase torsional stiffness, providing improved resistance to twisting, eliminating blank distortion, and enhancing blank strength and durability.

V-Joint Alpha technology steps up joint technology and performance with the mid-joint 2-piece models in the range receiving the benefits of V-Joint Alpha with its bias wrap construction within the ferrule eliminating weak and flat spots and minimising the weight to create a truly one-piece feel.

A combination guide train of Fuji Stainless Steel and Titanium SiC anti tangle guides is the key to the new TD Zero rod range with each guide type carefully selected and positioned on the blank to maximise blank performance and feel. Daiwa’s Air Sensor reel seats are a new addition to the TD Zero range delivering a reduction in weight, increase in strength and a step up in looks and style.

The 22 TD Zero brings a new level of control and refinement to anglers with its stylish cosmetics, enhanced technology and multi-use tapers combining to deliver anglers a series that’s designed to impress and built to perform.

The series features 16 models, including nine spin and seven baitcasters.

Another brand now release from Daiwa is the Sensor Surf 45 SCW. An evolution in surf reel design and performance, Sensor Surf is tailor made for the avid surf angler wanting precise line control and the ability to punch long casts well beyond the shoreline.

The Sensor Surf 45 SCW’s long-stroke design spool combines with Daiwa’s new Slow Cross Wrap oscillation system to improve casting distance and line management, while Air Rotor and Air Bail combine to lower cranking inertia to enhance line management and provide smooth effortless winding. Magseal delivers the Holy Grail for surf anglers,

Sensor Surf 45 SCW

providing protection and performance like only Magseal can by limiting water ingress in the reel.

Sensor Surf 45 SCW continues to deliver with the addition of Digigear II for perfect gear meshing and ultrasmooth performance, ATD drag for precise drag control when fighting fish amongst the wash and waves, and Infinite Anti Reverse for ultimate reliability and cranking precision. Life amongst the waves have never been better than with the new Sensor Surf 45 SCW.

For more information on these and other new releases from Daiwa, visit www.daiwafishing.com.au. You can also find new news, promotions and images on their Facebook, YouTube and Instagram. - Daiwa