Tasmanian Fishing and Boating News Issue 055 2005 April

Issue 55 April - May 2005

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A superb yellowfin tuna taken off St Helens on the charter boat Saltshaker horan

• Southern bluefin tuna • Bass Strait makos • Garfish • • Bruny Island - part 2 • Tip on finding fish • • Hooks - the basics • Close encounter with seals • • Sarah’s Kitchen • Jan’s flies •

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CONTENTS

North Coast makos - Harry Murfet 4 Hooks - Basics 6 New trolling techniques 8 Garfish - a winter delight - Mike Stevens

9

Fishing and Boating Calendar 11 Bruny Island Part 2 - Scott McDonald

12

Improve your casting - Peter Hayes 13 Sarah’s kitchen - Sarah Sherriff 14 Bluefin - John Orchard 16 Subscriptions and Back issues 19 Fishing and Boating Directory 20 Locating fish - Steve Steer 22 Close encounter - Scott McDonald 26 Fishermans Basket - reviews 27 Classifieds 30 Jan’s flies - Jan Spencer 31

My Say

This column is always the last thing I do before the magazine goes to print. Cosequently it is usually very up to date.

Currently there are discussions going on to look at whether the recreational catch should be included in the overall quota for rock lobster (crayfish). Whilst I yet to be convinced I can see some positive aspects of this. If managers want to manage the fishery ALL catch should be accounted for.

Commercial operators (around 300) have a Total Allowable Catch (TAC) of around 1500 tonnes. Recreational catch is around 9-10% of that, but has around 13 000 people buying a rock lobster licence.

Which is more valuable, and how should the resource be shared? We have around 43 recreational fishers for every commercial operator.

Perhaps we should split it 50/50 and if the recreational catch goes up then the commercial catch can come down correspondingly.

There has long been an understanding that the management structure would be looked at when the recreational catch got to 10% of the commercial catch. As I said it is currently being discussed and has just closed for public comment. I will keep you informed.

It might be an interesting case that if recreationals are allocated a percentage of the catch whether this might be a strategy for the future for all fisheries.

Think about this. If we (recreational fishers) participate in the TAC for rock lobster, perhpas the commercial fishery can be allocated part of the catch of flathead, salmon, calamari etc. If recreational fishers have a management arrangement which includes a catch managed by bag limits perhaps commercials can be the same........

I was pleased to see the Government reassess the sale of Corra Linn. It was to be auctioned early in April, but community concerns about access issues meant it was withdrawn from sale.

Put up for sale in three lots the money from the sale was to go back into Inland Fisheries.

Lot 1 was the area of concern in regard to access to both the river and the casting area which was first used in 1950; and continues to be used every second weekend.

I wasn’t anti the sell-off at the start, but losing this lovely picnic area and public access did start to concern me greatly. There are too few areas like this accessible to people these days and in the end I did want to see it stay as public access.

It now seems likely the Government will split off an appropriate area, divest it in a Department such as Parks and then sell the remaining lots as rural land. This will be an appropriate outcome.

Mike Stevens

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Fishing News - Page 3

North coast makos Harry Murfet

A

n exciting new sport fishery has emerged and it adds another dimension to the usual bread and butter fishing that is associated with Tasmania’s North Coast.

Mako sharks have always been present in Bass Strait waters but it is only in recent years that a few innovative anglers, sick of catching couta, pike, salmon and flathead, decided to target these gamefish. In doing so, becoming pioneers of Bass Strait game fishing.

Makos are a pelagic species, roaming the ocean in search of food that consists of squid and, in the case of Bass Strait, school fish like mackerel, salmon, mullet and couta. While most North Coast makos are juveniles in the 30 – 50 kg. range, there are plenty of reports of fish hooked, lost and landed over the 100 kg mark this year.

A word of warning before we continue though. You have probably heard the horror stories about mako sharks-all trueand a 100kg mako is a formidable fish, especially boatside.

Advice like this will help prepare you for the situation when it arises, but will by no means guarantee you success. If you hook a large fish and have any doubts whatsoever, err on the side of caution and quit while you’re ahead. The stories of makos trashing boats is NOT a myth, it happens too regularlyI’ve seen it happen.

My team’s first mako encounter was on the cliffs off St.Helens, fishing out of a friend’s 7 metre Sportfish. He has a reputation as a very competent game fisherman.

We had burleyed for 1 ½ hrs when the balloon disappeared 30 metres behind the boat. The fish went deep and after an hour of backbreaking fun the 130 kg. Mako was boatside. First, in went the flying gaff, then the tail rope.

Once secured (not that easy holding 130 kg of muscle) its throat was cut so as not to mutilate the carcass. Half an hour later, after much congratulating and back slapping, the nerves had settled and the four of us struggled to heave it over the gunwales.

And. …that’s when it happened!

As it reached the point of no return, the point of balance just before it fell to the floor of the cockpit, it reared its head and started thrashing wildly. Ben faired worst, he was right near its head and furthest aft and while scrambling to safety, the gaff hook impaled his foot. By this time Mike had leapt upon the beast, knife in hand, muttering something about “ */’^ scratching the paint job” the damage had risen to; one foot, one battery box, one esky, one gaff handle, and unfortunately a fair bit of Mike’s beloved paint work. The rest of us escaped unscathed but shaken. Treat them with respect.

The most important ingredient to success in shark fishing is the burley. Sharks hunt primarily by scent and they eat fish not cows so a finely mashed concoction of fish and oil is perfect. The end result of this mix can be bulked up using bread to soak up the oil and throw in some larger chunks to sink a bit deeper and provide a visual attractant. We use minced fish and oil frozen in a 20kg. block then placed in a blue bin and constantly topped up with water and scooped out with a 2 litre jug. The block thaws slowly and provides an ideal dilution of burley. This can be also supplemented with pieces of couta that we catch while waiting. This technique works well and lasts for about 3 hours but relies on someone constantly working the burley bucket so the stream isn’t broken. Luckily we have a good team and my mate ‘Macca’ nominated himself as burley boy early on. Even when fighting a fish he’s trying to keep the berley flowing. THAT’S COMMITTED! Location is the next ingredient to throw into the mix.

I’ve heard as many theories on where to fish as I’ve heard on how to raise the kids but I have had only one sensible piece of advice on each. They’re your kids, raise them how you like and to catch a fish, you have to think like a fish.

What do Makos think about? FOOD! Find their food and you will find the sharks.

A typical day for us will start like this, we’ll head out to a reef system about eight miles off the coast, once nearing the spot we keep our eyes peeled for any signs, birds, schools of fish, colour changes, debris. Usually one of these is present in the chosen spot so we motor into the breeze for 5-10 mins. to set up a drift over our chosen location. Read your charts and watch your sounder as any form of structure in an otherwise barren area will attract baitfish to some extent. But if a likely location looks barren and lifeless don’t be afraid to Fishing News - Page 4

keep searching wider. There is no need to travel out to 70 metres if there are baitfish and birds working in 40 metres.

OK! Now we have berley and a location to start drifting, we will look at tackle and other necessary gear.

Firstly, at least one quality outfit is required. A fighting belt and harness are important for comfort during prolonged fights. Perhaps the most overlooked area is your landing gear. Quality equipment will make the job of securing your catch a lot easier and safer. While you can gaff makos up to around 40 kg. with a conventional fixed handle, a heavy duty flying gaff is a must for fish over this size. A flying gaff allows the fish to move away from the boat at that critical moment after the point goes in. It really is a spectacular and nerve racking event.

It also gives you something easier to hold on to and can be tied off to a cleat.

A good flying gaff will have a 6–7 foot pole that detaches from the hook freely but holds it in alignment. The hook will be sharp and made of tough ½” stainless with a gape of 6-8 inches. The larger gape allows a larger bite and so a more secure hold. The best I’ve come across are hand made by the Gaff-man and are distinguishable by their gold anodised Landing mako sharks is a team effort-especially if they come handles. A close second are those made back to life in the boat. Remember to only take what you

by Dimax who produce a great lightneed as there is a huge feed on even the small fish. weight fixed range.

After the commotion of the first gaff shot dies down you should follow up with a tail rope. A good catch one is a great moment and will make your day but it tail rope would ideally be a length of 12 mm. silver or nylon also has the potential to break it. Double check all your gear rope about 5 metres long and a short length of 5 mm. stainless and make sure you are prepared. You will be travelling off wire around a metre. A small snap clip completes the tail rope shore and it’s not the hustle and bustle of the East Coast, and allows it to be adjusted and slide freely. (see photos). there may not be another boat for miles. Make certain your Now, with the wildly thrashing Mako at the side of the vessel is seaworthy and carries all the necessary safety gear boat, you will need to pick a moment to club it solidly over and its prudent to contact your local Coastal Patrol or Port the head and take a knife in through the gills to sever the main Authority to advise of your intention. On the same note you arteries and allow it to bleed. Mako makes for great eating, will be participating in a game fishing frontier so let’s look similar to gummy shark. after it while we have the chance.

Now all the members of our team have caught a fish we RIGS only keep the odd small specimen for a feed. The urge is there The standard shark rig consists of a 2mm. stainless wire to bring back a big shark to show off, but they look far better trace of 5 m. with a hook of around 10/0 to 11/0, double swimming around the boat. crimped to one end. This is attached to the main line with a heavy snap and ball bearing swivel. Baited with a slab of couta, You can contact me at the Boat Shack if you want to know salmon, squid or similar, it’s suspended under a balloon which more. My contact number is 6423 1676 or come in to Mersey is in turn attached using a rubber band, cotton or a wire bread Slipways on the Wharf Access Road, West Devonport. bag tie. Hooks to use are basically the game style produced

by Mustad, Daiichi and Maruto. The hook doesn’t have to be huge but does need to be a strong style and razor sharp. Importantly the hook needs to be exposed, not hidden, especially in the case of circle hooks which are increasing in popularity now.

This rig set about 20 – 30 metres behind the boat will be your main rig.

Secondary rigs can consist of deep bait with a large sinker, in place of the balloon, set at mid depth or as a back up, rigged and ready should a fish refuse the set bait and turn up at the boat.

Mako sharks are a dynamic, spectacular and Be prepared for a long, hard fight when you are hooked up to a powerful fish and your mako. You need top quality gear and plenty of patience. respect is deserved. To

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Fishing News - Page 5

Hooks - the critical connection

H

ooks are one of those things we take for granted in fishing. The range of hooks is enormous and there is no hook for all conditions. Choice is usually a compromise.

Even a beginner trying the most basic fishing should be aware of choosing the best hook for the job at hand.

Commercial fishers are very fussy about using specific hooks for the right fish to both increase their hook-up and reduce the by-catch. Likewise, recreational anglers should also look at the best hooks for the fish they want to catch.

Just recently recreational anglers have shown an increase in the use of the ‘circle’ hook style. This style of hook generally hooks a fish in the side of its mouth and reduces mortality if a fish is being released. It has long been used in commercial fishing and has recently been recommended by the Marine Fisheries department for recreational use.

Hook size

Hook size is important and it is common for big fish to be caught on small hooks, which can lead to bigger fish being ‘gut’ hooked and this is not desirable. Small gape hooks are needed for fish such as garfish as they only have tiny mouths.

Combine the small gape with a long shank and you will find almost all garfish will be hooked in the mouth and are easily unhooked.

Long shank hooks are also useful for fish with sharp teeth or strong jaws. This ensures they are biting on the hook rather than on the line.

Short shank hooks are useful for fish that are wary of anything un-natural and are also often used for trout flies.

Size is something that often confuses the beginner. A size 32 is about the smallest currently available and as the number drop to zero the hooks get bigger. Then the scale changes to 1/0, 2/0 and as the number gets bigger so does the hook.

These are not called one zero hooks though, but ‘one o’, ‘two o’, ‘three o’ etc. right up to 20/0.

So from small 32, 30, 28 ... 12, 10, 8, 6, 4, 2, 1, then 1/0, 2/0, 3/0 … 20/0.

Some styles of hooks used in Tasmania Kirby

The Kirby is the original pattern introduced by Charles Kirby of London in 1651. Old as it is the Kirby is still a common and popular style hook. The bend is well rounded with reasonably wide gape, shallow throat and offset or Kirbed shank.

Octopus

One of Tasmania’s most popular hooks the Octopus is a short, strong hook with upturned eye and offset shank. The Octopus was originally a Suicide hook produced by Sealey in England under the name Octopus. It tends to be a more rounded hook than the Suicide.

Suicide

Also an upturned short strong hook with an offset shank.

It is probably shorter in the throat than a try Octopus. An excellent all round hook. From size 10 up to a 2 they can be used for trout and for bream a hook size from 2 to 2/0 and in bigger sizes flathead and up to a 4/0 or 5/0 for snapper.

Baitholders

Can be found on Octopus, Suicide or any number of hooks. Baitholders usually have sliced barbs on the shank which is designed to hold bait in place a little longer.

Circle

Using the correct hooks can make the difference between catching fish or not.

It can also make a significant difference in the species which are caught. easier to remove the fish from the hook. Long shanks are also used for the very toothy fish such as tailor and couta as they offer some protection from the sharp teeth. Leatherjackets are another fish which will be better caught using long shank hooks. Long shank hooks are usually designated 2X or 4X which denotes the extra length in the shank.

Offset or not?

There are as many opinions as to whether offset or straight shanks are best as there are styles of hooks. One belief is that by the hook point being offset from the shank there is a better chance of it penetrating the mouth of the fish. Other people don’t believe this at all. Fly hooks and game lure hooks are never offset as this would cause the lure or fly to spin.

Chemically sharpened

Trout 14 for mudeye hooks, 6 to 8 for worms Salmon 1/0 to 3/0 Octopus or Suicide Garfish 8 or 10; 4X long shank or long beak Leatherjacket 4 or 2; 4X long shank or long beak

Coloured hooks or not?

Snapper 3/0 to 6/0 Octopus or Suicide

Maybe this is a con. In shallow water colour may be discernible, but in deep water colour disappears. Red is said to be good for fish such as whiting, but I am sure it makes no difference to most fish. If you like red hooks use them-if not don’t.

Whiting 6 to 8 long shank or long beak Tailor 1/0 to 3/0 long shank or ganged for large baits

Variety of hooks - shown same size WasabiSuicide1/0 Wasabilongbeak2

Long shank

GamakatsuOctopus4/0

Fishing News - Page 6

Bream 4 to 8 baitholder styles.

There has been a huge surge in chemically sharpened hooks over the last few years. It is true ultra sharp hooks are better, but some chemically sharpened hooks are not as good as others. Good anglers always sharpen their hooks.

Long used by commercial fishers the circle hook is gaining popularity with recreational anglers. The Circle hook tends to hook a fish in the scissor or side of the mouth and does less damage if the fish is to be released. Once hooked a fish is also less likely to come off and this is why the commercial fishers use this style on long and drop lines. There are many styles available, but they are easily recognised as the point turns in towards the shank.

Anglers tend to use these for species such as whiting and garfish so they don’t swallow the whole hook. This makes it

Flathead 1/0 to 3/0 Suicide or Octopus, but there has been a move towards Circle hooks.

BlackMagicK/S1/0 GamakatsuShiner2/0 Gamakatsubaitholder2 GamakatsuOctopusCircle4/0 Wasabi baitholder 1

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Fishing News - Page 7

New fishing technology just released in Australia

I

n July of 2003 Pro-Troll, based in USA, introduced some amazing new technolog y; a new electronic fish attractor, designed to entice more fish to both lures and baits. Developed over several years it has been highly successful. Eight lures and bait holders were fitted with the EChip and used for a full season in the USA. These lures outfished everything in their class almost across the board. Dramatic increases in catches of salmon, trout, lake trout, bass and striped bass are now well documented with Echip lures.

What is EChip?

The EChip is a small tubular device that is mounted on an artificial lure. There are two sizes, 12 mm long and 18 mm long. Inside the tiny tube is a stainless steel ball and a specially developed ceramic crystal. As the lure wobbles, the ball strikes the ceramic crystal inside the tube. The crystal gives off a tiny nerve like electric pulse which replicates the nerve discharge of a baitfish. Predator fish sense this pulse as they approach and will hit

the lure just like it is alive. The result is a dramatic increase in the number of fish caught.

The patented EChip never wears out or deteriorates in any way.

Fish have five sensing mechanisms they use to find their prey. Sight (color), sound, smell, vibrations (lateral line) and electro sensor receptors.

Electro sensor receptors detect the pulse given off by the EChip. The more of these five mechanisms that exist in a lure, the better chance a fisherman has of getting a strike. The EChip is the first and only device that adds a nerve pulse to the other attractors. Pro-Troll invested five years of research to engineer the precise mechanism for duplicating the nerve pulse of a baitfish.

Pro-Troll currently produces eight lures and attractors with EChips built in. They include: 

Above left from top; RatZap is a 14 gram lure that will suit trout ideally.

It comes in many different colours with EChip inserted into the nose of the lure.

Pro Troll Trout Killer with EChip also comes in some great colours such as Fire Tiger and Frog.

Pro Troll Flashers are not commonly used in Tasmania, but are in mainland states. Flashers, run in front of a lure can dramatically increase the catch.

Pro Troll RotoChip bait holder clip comes in several sizes and colours.

With the EChip emitting its tiny electric impulse its fish attracting power is vastly improved.



                       

         

      

  

 

Fishing News - Page 8

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     

The EChip is a small stainless steel tube that presses into the lure. It is also available separately and able to be used with bait and flies.

The RotoChip plastic bait holder for strip baits and small whole fish. In three sizes and nine colors; The StingKing arched plastic salmon and lake trout trolling lure in five sizes and twenty three finishes; The ProChip and HotChip plastic salmon flashers in eight and eleven inch sizes and multiple finishes; The Pro-Troll Trout Killer, a small arched plastic darting lure in two sizes and nineteen finishes; The Pro-Troll Kokanee Killer lure with tandem hooks, two sizes and ten finishes; The StingFish flatfish type salmon river lure in six finishes in size 15; The RatZap lure in six finishes in the ½ oz size.

For 2005, the company will add several new finishes to its existing products and it is introducing a new 4 inch ProChip 4 flasher with the EChip for trout. Pro-Troll is also licensing several other manufacturers to add EChips to their products. The G-Fly company will add EChips to its trolling flies and the B.S. Fishtales Company will add EChips to its Brad’s Wobblers.

Fishermen can see all the EChip products and read about the excellent results on the Pro-Troll website; www. protroll.com Products available in Australia will be shown in TF&BN over the next couple of issues.

Garfish - a winter delight

G

arfish are one of Tasmania’s most sought estuarine fish during the cooler months. They are plentiful, great fun to catch and delicious to eat.

The cooler months are best, and finds the bigger fish inshore and in many Tasmanian estuaries.

Southern garfish: Hyporhamphus australis Common names: Garies, gardies, beakies.

Size limit: 25cm, measured from upper jaw to end of tail.

Possession Limit: 30* *Daily bag limits have been removed and replaced by a personal possession limit. Possession limits apply everywhere, including the home.

Garfish are bluish green in colour along the back and a silver stripe bordered by a bluish stripe extending from behind the head to the tail. The belly is silver and fins may be translucent or tinged with green. Body long and rounded covered with small scales which come off easily when handled.

They can grow to around 40 cm in length and over 0.5kg in weight, at which size they are around 8 years old. In Tasmania it is not uncommon to catch garfish to 50 cm.

Spawning occurs in shallow water (2-5m) over an extended period from October to February but reaches a peak in December.

An adult garfish female can produce 10,000 eggs which when laid sink to the bottom and attach to drifting algae.

Growth is rapid following hatching with the fish reaching 22cm total length between 1-2 years. Maturity occurs between 2 and 3 years.

Southern garfish are a schooling fish found in sheltered bays, inshore coastal areas and estuaries-especially where seagrass meadows are established.

They tend to be near the surface at night and on the bottom to midwater during the day.

They are enthusiastic fighters when hooked on light gear, however they have small mouths and delicate bite and most anglers find using a float better in providing more successful

results. Burley is essential to both attract fish and to ensure that the school of fish remains near the angler.

Favoured baits include; bread, prawns, sandworms, fish flesh and raw chicken.

They will also take a small fly.

Garfish are excellent eating, providing the time is taken to remove the numerous bones. The flesh is translucent when raw A good sized St Helens garfish fished up from a burley trail. and cooks white. It is sweet to the taste.

They are also a favoured fish for sashimi dishes. no run the burley won’t be dispersed and the garfish often Southern garfish are mainly herbivorous with seagrass won’t appear. So use your common sense here. Some places in the dominant food item. They also eat plankton, worms and Tasmania can be fish at any tide, whilst places like the Tamar small crustaceans.

River can be all but impossible on a fast running tide.

It is desirable to set your anchor at the front so you can Fishing methods fish over the back of the boat. If there is too much wind The most productive method for garfish is to set up a and from the wrong direction you will have the boat blowburley trail to entice them and then use of small baits. Flies ing one way, burley blowing across the top of the water and can be also be used. Some anglers like to use a small bait under the current taking burley the other way. Be aware of these a float, whilst others will watch the bait intensely and drift it factors and make sure you know what is going on. You may back in the burley waiting for a garfish to take it. have to bridle the anchor or even use an anchor at both ends to stop the swing.

Time to fish

There must be some tide running and it depends where you are in Tasmania as to how much is suitable. Fast current doesn’t worry the garfish, but it will disperse the burley quickly and this makes the fishing a little harder. Likewise if the is

Burley

There is nothing more simple than burley for garfish. The smell of fish or tuna oil is often enough to attract them, but continued next page ....

They’re still here

Still plenty of game fish around as the season continues.

Ron McBain, Manager

Fred Lunstroo

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including bread is better. Buy a loaf of unsliced white bread.

I am not sure why I prefer the unsliced as I am sure sliced is just as good. White bread is more ‘doughy’ and makes better bait as it stays on the hook better.

Cut the bread into halves and pull the centre out of one half and put in a bucket. Eat the crusts-it makes you hair grow. Pour in some fish or tuna oil. The Jarvis Walker oil is my preference. Keep it off your clothes and hands if you want to get near your partner when you get home. It stinks and takes several days to disappear. My wife says it never goes.

Mix the oil in with the bread and when reasonably soaked add some salt water. Get working on this until you have a nice slurry. Some anglers add pellets, cat food or various other additives, but I don’t find it necessary. You can use a fish based cat food if you have no oil and the cans with mackerel are best as they are oily.

Fishing for garfish only requires basic gear, burley and patience.

Places to fish

The best areas are shallow bays with good beds of weed and seagrass nearby. Some rubbly bottom often holds garfish as well. Set your boat so your burley drifts back over these areas, rather than over deep water or sand.

Method

Start the burley with a spoonful every couple of minutes.

It is best if you take a mate with you and give him the job.

You will need a constant stream and a little bit often is what is needed. As well as the bucket mix some tuna oil soaked pellets or bread in a burley bucket often helps keep a constant stream of aroma going, but the spoon fed mushy bread is certainly the best.

You will often start seeing fish within five minutes, but it may take up to twenty. If no fish appear in twenty minutes I usually find moving the best option. Once the fish appear you will see them in the water as well as dimpling the top.

A variety of baits can be used. Soft white bread rolled on to a size 8 or 10 long shank hook works well. Fish baits tend not to be as good, but I have had good success with some scrappy bits of yellowfin. Small pieces of prawn seem good and some of the Berkley artificial Power Baits also do a good job. Don’t discount the bread though as it will do an admirable job.

The smaller the better is the rule. You will only be dropping your bait back a few metres and as long as you can see the float it will do. A size 8 or 10 long beak or long shank hook will suffice 60 cm under a float.

Crimp on a split shot about 15 cm above the hook.

Drift the baited hook back to the fish and watch the float intensely. When the float goes under lift the rod gently skywards and you should have a fish. Don’t jerk it, just a gentle lift is all that is required.

A small quill or bubble float makes it very easy to see if a garfish has taken you bait.

A small split shot will keep the quill float upright and keep the hook in the strike zone.

Great advice and the latest gear - always

Steve Suitor & Andrew Braithwaite

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Fishing News - Page 10

Preferred by myself and some others. Just a baited hook on some 4-5 pound line. I put on the polaroids, cast out the bait-more drift it into ‘the zone’ really and watch the little white piece of bread. It is often easy to see the fish take it and when it disappears lift the rod gently.

Bait jigs

The little bait jigs you can buy in tackle stores also work extremely well. A maximum of five hooks is allowed though so check your rigs. Attach a very light sinker to keep the rig straight and put a little bait of prawn or squid on alternate hooks. This rig is deadly.

Look after your catch

Fishing Gear

Mack Baits

Float free

Floats make it simple

Kill the fish you want to keep and put them on ice. They are messy when caught as they often expel vegetable matter and loose their scales quickly so a big bin is good. Some people roll the backbones out of garfish while others just cook them whole. Cooked in a pan, tossed in egg and bread crumbs garfish are an absolute delight.

Mike Stevens

Baked garfish

Pan fried garfish

You’ll need; Butter Garfish Fillets Lemon Tomato Salt Pepper White wine Mozzarella cheese

You’ll need; 2 or 3 fillets per person plain flour olive oil 2 eggs 1tablespoonchoppedparsley 1 tablespoon chopped dill salt and pepper

Method: De-bonegarfishasaboveandcut into fillets.

Brushabakingdishwithbutter andputinthefirstlayerofgarfish fillets.Sprinklewithalittlesaltand pepperandthenaddsomethinly slicedlemon.Addanotherlayerof garfishandsprinklewithmoresalt andpepper.Brushwithalittlemelted butter.Addthinlyslicedtomato, thinlyslicedlemon,andasplash ofwhitewine.Takeasipofwine yourselftoensureitisOK.Sprinkle withsaltandpepperandtopwith withmozzarellacheeseandbakein amoderatelyhotovenabout20-25 minutes.

Method: Drythegarfishfilletsinpapertowel, thendustwithplainflouranddip intobeatenegg.Heatoliveoilina non-stickpanandbeforeitstartsto smoke,placethefishfilletsinasingle layer,skinup,andseason.Allowto cookforaminute,thenturnoverand allowtocookafurtherminute.

Serveimmediatelyonapileof mashedpotatowithasliceoflime and some mayonnaise.

Fishing and Boating Calendar 2005

Tasmanian Fishing and Boating News is pleased to provide this calendar of events for the year 2005. Events and dates are correct, to the best of the editors knowledge, at the time of printing but are always subject to amendment or cancellation.

Date Event & Venue More Info MARCH 25 March - 30 June Recreational scallop season - dive only Avril Brown 6233 2033 APRIL 9 – 10 April Coles Bay Classic (Southern Game Fishing Club) John Brooker 6231 0255 16 April Max Stratton’s Camping & Fishing Competition Day, St Helens (GFCNT) Sheryl Turner 6394 4587 23 -25 April 4th. Tom Jenkins Memorial Bluefin Tuna Contest, Eaglehawk Neck (Tuna Club of Tasmania) John Brooker 6231 0255 MAY 5-7th May Agfest 14 -15 May 44th. Surf Angling Championships. Swimcart Beach via St Helens.

Matt Walker 0409 761 066 21-22 May Inland Fisheries Open Day. Liawenee Field Station Sarah Burton 6233 8930 JUNE 11-12 June Far South Contest, Southport (Southern Game Fishing Club).

John Brooker 6231 0255 AUGUST Sat 6 August Brown Trout season opens Sarah Burton 6233 8930 OCTOBER October 1 Rainbow Trout season opens Sarah Burton 6233 8930 October 1-31 Recreational whitebait season Sarah Burton 6233 8930 October TBA Tasmanian Boating & Leisure Show. Lindisfarne Motor Yacht Club Graham Floyed 0418123797 October TBA Boags Great Bronte Tie-in. Bronte Highland Village Robyn Wiss 6243 8078 October 30 Take a Kid Fishing, Beauty Point Wharf Quenton Higgs 0407502046 NOVEMBER November TBA IFS Free Fishing Day. Statewide Sarah Burton 6233 8930 November TBA Crayfish season opens. Statewide November TBA Abalone season opens. Statewide November 19-21 Lake Burbury Fishing Classic. Lake Burbury Joy Marshall 6471 2286 November 20 Take a Kid Fishing, Hobart Wharf Avril Brown 6233 2033 November TBA Tamar River Fishing Competition, Deviot Sailing Club.

Libby Simmons 6394 4426 DECEMBER December 3 Take a Kid Fishing, Stanley Wharf Damian Heran

The Minister’s View

Plans to improve the freshwater fishery and support Tasmania’s claim as a world class trout fishery are being put into practice.

The Great Lake fishery is being enhanced with the Inland Fisheries Service releasing 45,000 rainbow trout fingerlings into the Lake along with 1500 into Penstock Lagoon. The fingerlings were hatched and raised by Saltas at no cost to the Service, at its Wayatinah hatchery, from wild rainbow ova collected from Great Lake last year.

This generous donation of time and resources by Saltas is much appreciated. It was a fantastic cooperative venture undertaken as a trial for one year, and proved to be highly successful. Over the rearing period, the Saltas stock achieved increased growth rates to approximately 20 grams compared with 5 grams for similar stock reared at the Salmon Ponds. At this larger size, the young fish have a much greater chance of survival once released.

The stocking of rainbow trout at Great Lake arises from the Great Lake Management Plan released last year, which recommended an enhancement of the rainbow trout population there, as well as the maintenance of the brown trout population. The aim of the Management Plan is ‘to provide a reliable, well-used and accessible recreational fishery based on a multi-species trout fishery, providing a quality angling experience for all anglers.’ The Management Plan for Penstock Lagoon is to be released in the next few months.

This year, the Service has put greater effort into its stocking program, with much appreciated support and donations from private industry. For instance, since January this year, the Service has released more than 4000 adult Atlantic salmon, averaging 3kg, donated by Saltas from its brood stock. Of these, 700 went into Lake Barrington, 300 to Brushy Lagoon, 300 in Trevallyn Dam, 1400 into Lake Meadowbank, and 720 into each of Bradys Lake and Craigbourne Dam. Saltas also raised 18,500 brown trout to fingerling size. Of these, 15,000 were released into Bradys and 3500 into Curries River Dam. As well as the ongoing brown trout fry stocking program in January, the Service has undertaken stockings of triploid rainbow fingerlings reared by Sevrup Hatchery at Cressy and Tassal at Russell Falls. Of these, 6500 went into Dee Lagoon, 7000 into Lake Echo and 3000 into Bronte Lagoon.

Brook trout fingerlings, which were raised at Snowy Range Fishery and Sevrup Fisheries hatcheries, were also released with 2500 and 16,000 going into Craigbourne Dam and Lake Leake, respectively.

The increased stocking efforts targeting waters close to population centres around the State, have been paying off with increased angler interest. A typical example I heard of was a confirmed fly-fisher, who hadn’t had time to bother buying a licence for years, but had been encouraged to do so after the big fish went into Lake Barrington.

He was rewarded big time with some excellent catches from trolling lures! Further evidence that this strategy is working is the fact that licence sales are up on previous years.

Steven Kons Minister for Primary Industries and Water

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Fishing News - Page 11

Bruny Island part 2

T

he Channel and Storm Bay area adjacent to Bruny Island provides a picturesque and productive fishing location which is well catered for boating anglers with numerous launching ramps and quiet bays. Flathead are prolific and can be found through out the area and respond well to all fishing techniques.

Atlantic Salmon are an achievable target particularly when fishing in proximity to the salmon farms. Gummy and School sharks are also widespread and a popular target due to their excellent table qualities. Calamari, which are abundant during the warmer months are a popular target and provide excellent eating and bait.

Channel Atlantic salmon

I use three main strategies when chasing the escapee Atlantic Salmon in the channel.

These three strategies are detailed below; Strategy 1 Cast to visible bait schools. I always cast to the edges of the school rather than through the school as this causes fewer disturbances to the school. The best approach is to determine what direction the school is feeding in and position yourself up wind or up current of them. In this way they will feed towards you and will not be put off by the boat or kayak coming towards them Strategy 2 Cast to the shoreline while drifting with the current/wind or troll parallel to the shoreline. When following this strategy, fish within 10 metres of the shoreline at all times unless working pens as these fish school and feed very close to the shoreline.

Strategy 3 Either anchor or using the electric motor position yourself near a pen during feeding time as the escapees will congregate around these areas at these times and cast and retrieve soft plastics lures or anchor or position yourself near a pen and burley with chicken pellets and fish small live baits such as pretty fish around 1&1/2 to 2 metres deep below a weighted float which is weighted so that it neutrally buoyant.

Channel and Storm Bay flathead

The flathead in the Channel and Storm Bay can be found in all water depths from the edges of the weed beds just wide of the shoreline to the deeper holes and channels.

The prominent food source of the flathead during the warmer months seems to be small crayfish like crustaceans in addition to small squid. The flathead consume these small crustaceans by the hundreds and always regurgitate large amounts of them when being boated.

As would be obvious by the flatheads food source, small soft plastic lures fished on jigheads in the shallower water and on drop shot rigs in the deeper water is an ideal and productive way to target these fish and a lot more fun than bait fishing. For those who like to baitfish however strips of squid seem to give the best performance bait wise and is a hardy tough bait which stays on the hook well.

I favour the method of fishing small soft plastics for these fish and generally use two inch Berkley Powergrubs when fishing the edge of the weed beds. While colour doesn’t seem as critical as it does in other fishing scenarios, I find that either a black marble or a pumpkinseed coloured soft plastic with a 1/16 oz jig head to be the best in this situation. A pinkish orange coloured soft plastic which matches the small crustaceans the Fishing News - Page 12

Sharks are one of the most exciting ctches around the Channel and Storm Bay. flathead are feeding on is also an excellent fish producer.

When lure fishing for the flathead in deeper water I use a drop shot rig which is a variation of the standard paternoster bottom fishing rig. This rig utilises a sinker on the bottom with sufficient weight to take the rig straight to the bottom. This weight lies inert on the bottom of the water and doesn’t affect the action of the soft plastic. This allows the soft plastic to be worked on a semi slack line in the same manner as it would if the soft plastic was rigged unweighted.

When drop shotting for flathead, by far the most productive soft plastics I have used are the Berkley three inch drop shot bass minnows and the Berkley three inch Gulp minnow. These lures were designed for drop shotting for American bass and have a superior action for this form of fishing. I find the pearl blue and pearl green colourations to be the most effective for this fishing application.

Gummy and school sharks

These fish are prevalent in the channel and Storm bay during the warmer months. All sharks and rays caught in the channel must be released due to the channel being classified as a shark nursery area. Storm bay also holds good quantities of these fish and they are a permissible capture from this area.

These sharks can be taken by either bait fishing or by lure fishing soft plastics. They are a easy fish to target, a large strip of squid or whole squid fished around two metres off the bottom will produce these fish when a school is found. A wire trace isn’t necessary, as a short length of 40-60 pond nylon line will protect an angler from being bitten off.

A legal size of 75cm exists for these fish but the average specimen encountered is around a metre with a few trophy fish around the 2 metre mark being regularly encountered.

Night fishing for them is the most productive however early morning and evening sessions can produce good numbers of these fish. They will be found in water depths in excess of 15-20 metres. Berley can be used however it must be dispensed near the bottom to be effective and most anglers drift with the knowledge that they will soon encounter a school.

I have found that early of a morning, the school sharks will readily take a lure if it is presented in their face long enough. I do this in the following manner. I mark a school of these fish using my electronics. Once I have established what depth the shark school is suspended at I rig a drop shot rig so that the soft plastic will be at the same depth that the sharks are suspended at. Using the drop shot fishing method which was developed to catch suspended fish works well in this situation with one of the sharks generally grabbing the lure within a couple of minutes of the lure being worked in their faces.

When drop shotting for these fish I use a 4/0 short shanked hook rigged with a Berkley three inch drop shot bass minnow.

The school sharks show a preference for the pearl green colouration in this soft plastic lure.

If you have correctly marked the depth of the school on your sounder and rigged your drop

shot rig so that the lure is at the right depth it is as simple as slowly jigging your lure on a semi slack line to tempt the fish in to striking. Using a small overhead outfit with 3kg braided line these sharks give a good account of themselves when they are hooked. I find that a 15-20 pound fluorocarbon leader is sufficient when lure fishing for these fish as they are always lightly hooked in the jaw.

Australian Salmon

These fish are prevalent during the warmer months and respond well to trolled or cast and retrieved lures. Virtually every headland during the summer months has a small school of these fish in attendance. While unweighted or lightly weighted baits can be used, these fish are aggressive takers of lures and using this method increases an anglers catch rate as well as being more fun.

I cast and retrieve small soft plastic lures such as two and three inch single tails or shads. These styles of soft plastics tend to closely match the baitfish that the salmon are foraging on. Natural baitfish colorations such as blues, greys and pearl greens give the best results. Small metal spoons and hard bodied diving minnows also give excellent results and troll very well for people who prefer this method to cast and retrieving. A fly rod is also a productive way to target these fish

with small deceivers being readily taken by the salmon.

Calamari

These cephalopods are a common capture during the warmer months. They are fun to catch and their tubes are excellent eating with their head and tentacles being excellent bait.

Calamari school around weed beds, wharfs and other structure where baitfish can be found. They can be targeted both of a day and also of a night with a high tide on dusk being the peak period.

The most effective way to target the squid is to cast and slowly retrieve squid jigs. Most anglers use pink and white jigs but I favour a black jig for use during the daytime and a luminous orange or green for night time usage. Of a night the squid are attracted to lights so a wharf with constant lighting is an excellent location to try.

I favour a slow and constant retrieve for the calamari but always pause just when the jig comes in to sight as quite often a squid will be following and this pause will allow you to work to jig in a semi stationary position which will often result in a hook up from the following squid. When a squid is hooked, a slow retrieve which keeps the pressure on the squid and which stops the barbless squid jig hooks from falling out works best.

Other Species

Numerous other species can be encountered while fishing this area. Cod are prolific on the inshore reefs and can make targeting quality fish such as Bastard Trumpeter difficult. Bastard Trumpeter can be targeted in Storm Bay with the bulk of my captures being in close to Variety and Trumpeter bay where the water is around 20 metres deep just off the rocks. Small strips of squid fished on lightly weighted rigs fished back towards the rocks seems to be the best method of targeting these fish particularly when fished in conjunction with a burley trail.

Large bluethroat wrasse are also taken

while fishing in this way and fight well on the light gear being used to target the trumpeter.

These bluethroat wrasse are also willing lure takers and can be taken on small soft plastic lures as well as diving minnows and spoons.

The wrasse provide a lot of entertainment when hooked on a lure on light tackle in shallow and snaggy water due to their initial determined fight and their habit of running for the structure in an effort to free themselves.

Gurnards are encountered while flathead fishing over both sand and reef areas. While these fish have beautiful sweet white flesh, they require care while being handled. The Gurnards have venomous spikes which will cause pain and discomfort in anyone unlucky enough to get spiked. Hot water will neutralise the venom and should be used in the event of getting spiked to quickly provide relief.

Barracouta are common in Storm Bay during the summer months and are targeted by trolling lures or by drifting and jigging with metal spoons. A popular method is to troll until the fish are found and then jig for them. As the barracouta are an aggressive

schooling species of fish, a barracouta bite will be a fast and frenzied affair with anglers hooking up within seconds of their lure hitting the water. The barracouta in Storm Bay are often around 80cm in length and provide good sport on light line.

Conclusion The Channel and Storm Bay area offers anglers a chance at catching some quality table fish in beautiful and non crowded locations. Most of the fish species present can be successfully targeted on lures to increase an angler’s enjoyment. Several sportfish such as Atlantic Salmon, Barracouta, Australian Salmon and School sharks can be targeted using lures and light line to provide a enjoyable days sport by targeting these species on the appropriate gear.

Scott McDonald The flathead is the staple fish for many Tasmanians is also one of the most sought from the Channel and surrounds

Better casters catch more fish..

I

love to cast. I am fascinated by it and I have been since I was a 13 YO boy. I’m not sure whether it is the feel of the loading and unloading rod or the mesmerising motion of the fly line as it weaves it way backwards and forwards.

Even after 30 years of fly casting and fly fishing I am constantly amazed at the ability of the fly to land within an inch of the target at distances of 60 feet. There is something very special about the effect of hand eye co–ordination and it is immensely pleasing if you have this ability. I am in constant awe of the ability of dart players, shotgun shooters etc.

Of course there is a correlation between the level of this ability and the number of fish you catch. Not always, but most often. There are a few anglers I know that are not great casters but they are very confident and adept at handling their fly rod in the sort of fishing situations they prefer.

Most often this is close quarter stalking fishing where there is often the opportunity to set a trap by casting poorly into more or less the correct spot and waiting for the trout to come back.

Jim Allen lives at the lakes for the main 3 months of the fishing season. He has migrated to the highlands from his home in Victoria for some 30 plus years. Jim is a sensational Tasmanian lake angler I can assure you there is not much he does not know about bringing trout undone in the highlands. Not many trout are safe when Jim is about. Jim hosts a truck load of fishing visitors in his Great Lake shack every season and whilst they are in the main keen anglers they are generally hopeless when it comes to the fishing. He is often frustrated by taking low skilled anglers out into terrific fishing opportunities and Jim often quotes semi jokingly ‘that you should not be allowed to fish in the highlands until you can cast 80 points in the SKISH fly’.

The Skish is a tournament casting event very popular on the mainland. It encompasses dry fly casting, roll casting and wet fly casting within the one round. The possible score is 100 points. 80 is not beyond most keen fly casters with just a couple of months practice.

I guide most every day of the season and I often get people practicing their casting for the first hour. I tell them that if they can improve their casting just 5% in this hour (which is easy) they will double the number of fish they would catch on the day otherwise. In truth the difference may not be this obvious but it nearly right.

In fact I think if you could improve your casting 10% you would triple your catch rate. 15% would be quadruple the catch rate etc. I wish my bank interest multiplied like this.

This is my job. I see it every day. If you want to catch more fish and derive a greater enjoyment from this wonderful sport invest a little time into

practicing your casting. I guess you have heard the argument about whether presentation is more important than imitation? I can assure you presentation is the only thing you need to focus on to be a much greater fisherman. Worry about the imitation after that.

Some do’s and don’ts:

Do a casting course some day soon. You will be amazed at what you do not understand about the cast.

Do practice doing things efficiently. From how you hook up your fly into the rod ring and undo it again. Practice quick, clean deliveries.

Practice landing the fly and leader gently. Practice around the wind casting at different angles.

Practice low trajectory deliveries. Practice roll casting. Always use a target, in fact email me at hayes@flyfishtasmania.com.au or phone 6398 2333 and order one of our Practice Casting Kits with reel, fluro orange line, targets and exercises it will be the best $95 you ever spent on fly fishing if you use it often.

Don’t ever take your eye off the fish while you are casting. Many casters look up at the rod and line while they cast then look back at the target on the delivery. Learn to trust your hand eye coordination.

Don’t just practice with the wind behind you and to one length – you will learn nothing.

Don’t spend hours at a time practicing.

Practice a little but often.

Email us for a copy of our client newsletter with information on fishing techniques, fly patterns and casting tips. hayes@flyfishtasmania. com.au Peter Hayes

Fly casting lessons Beginner Level: 3hr introduction to fly-fishing for those with 1 year’s experience. $120 p.p.

Intermediate level: Full day $185 p.p.

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Peter Hayes 6398 2333, or by email hayes@flyfishtasmania.com.au See our web site for information on Peter Hayes Products, Guided Fly Fishing Packages, Free Tips and Fishing Articles and much more at www.flyfishtasmania.com.au

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Sarah’s Kitchen

With plenty of tuna around-either being caught or now in the fridge I thought that this would be a good one for those tuna steaks.

TUNA WITH BRAISED ONIONS 30g butter 2 tablespoons oil 1.2 kg onions, sliced (approx 8 onions) ½ med red capsicum ½ med green capsicum 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar 2 sprigs fresh thyme 4 tuna steaks

Heat butter and oil in a pan.

Cook onions, covered over low heat until onions are very soft (about 45 mins).

Add the capsicums and cook for a further 10 mins covered.

Add the vinegar, thyme and tuna, cook, covered for about 5 mins or until tuna is just tender.

This is another recipe that I thought was appropriate, as there have been some more atlantic salmon released into Brushy Lagoon and Trevallyn Dam. Ihope you like it.

SALMON AND LEMON GRASS PARCELS 4 Salmon fillets 30g butter 8 sheets filo pastry 60g extra melted butter 8 pieces lemon grass Remove skin from fillets.

Heat butter in a pan and cook the fillets quickly on both sides until browned but not cooked through.

Drain on absorbent paper.

Layer 2 sheets of pastry together, brushing each side with the extra butter.

Fishing News - Page 14

Place on piece of the lemon grass on the pastry then a piece of the salmon then another piece of the grass.

Fold the pastry to form a parcel and brush with butter.

Repeat with other pastry and salmon.

Place parcels onto a greased oven tray, bake in hot oven (200) for about 12 mins or until browned.

Serve with tomato basil sauce.

TOMATO BASIL SAUCE 1 tablespoon olive oil 4 green shallots, chopped 425g tin tomatoes ½ cup fish stock ¼ cup dry red wine 1 teaspoon sugar ½ cup cream 2 tablespoons chopped basil Heat oil in a pan.

Add shallots.

Stir until soft.

Stir in tin tomatoes, stock, wine, and sugar.

Bring to the boil, uncovered for 2 mins.

Place tomato sauce through a blender till smooth.

Return to the pan.

Add the cream, simmer, uncovered until just slightly thickened, stir in basil.

Sarah Sherriff

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It’s bluefin time

O

nce again it’s that time of year when avid game fishermen pull out their gear and give it the once over in anticipation of the arrival of the mighty southern bluefin tuna. These powerhouse fish put both angler skill and product quality to the ultimate test each year and anglers look forward to the challenge.

Although the game season was somewhat late starting this year, it has so far produced many good fish with a number of albacore up around the 18-20 kilo mark and yellowfin up to 63.5 kilos.

In the south Eaglehawk Neck has fished the most consistently so far this season and anglers are hoping this is a good sign of things to come as we near the start of the bluefin season. Already there have been plenty of sightings with a number of anglers already notching up their first ‘bluey’.

As we all know, there are days when the fish seem wary about coming too close to the surface, particularly bright calm sunny days. Bearing in mind the fact that tuna have no eyelids to protect their eyes from the sun it is quite understandable that they will prefer to stay deeper until something entices them to the surface, and sometimes this enticing takes a bit of doing.

So what will give you the edge when it comes to getting fish to strike and make your reel scream?

One way that often helps to produce the goods is run a deeper diving style of lure such as a ‘Mack Bait’ that is capable of being trolled at around 6-8 knots, at the front of your lure spread.

This puts a ‘bait’ in a conspicuous position underneath the outboard wash, out of the direct glare of the sun and deep enough that the fish aren’t required to come right up to the surface in order to strike. The good thing about this is that it will usually draw more than one fish up from the depths and

The author, John Orchard with a nice sized ‘bluey’ . those that ‘miss out’ will then have a go at the other lures that are now so close–bingo! Multiple hook-up. On days like this it often pays to keep all bar one of your spread ‘bunched’ up fairly tight behind the deep diver, the other lure should be run well back from the rest to represent a lone baitfish out on its own.

If this fails then its time to back the trolling speed off a bit and run out a spread of all deep diving style lures.

Mack Baits, Halco Tremblers and the mighty Barra Mauler #9 are ideal lures for this and should produce the goods.

Also when chasing tuna, don’t underestimate the power of the teaser! These aren’t used just to draw marlin to the boat, they work just as well on tuna, particularly the one’s that create a lot of surface disturbance, lots of splashing etc that represents fleeing baitfish trying to escape a predator–the ‘Raider Teaser’ is a ripper for this. Run it to one side of the boat, in close off one of the back corners where it can be retrieved quickly in the event of a hook-up.

Vary the colours of your lure spread from dark to light and dull to flashy patterns until you find what they are taking

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Fishing News - Page 16 HS5J1 Who Says 185x255.indd

1

WORLD’S BEST 4-STROKE

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on the day. If they are taking light coloured lures and all is going well and then you find that the action seems to have died over the past hour or so there is a strong possibility that they will have switched their feeding habits to a different type of baitfish and the odds are they will now be taking darker coloured lures.

For example, you may find that in the morning they are feeding on Sauri’s (which look like a garfish-only without the bill); these fish will most likely take lighter coloured lures–silvers, blues and lumo type colours.

Later in the day when the sun heats up and the ‘redbait’ (which are a bit like a 3–4 inch darkish red pilchard) start to appear you may well find that they are now taking darker colours, black and red, black and purple, green and gold etc.

The only lure I tend to leave out in almost all weather conditions is a true lumo coloured one, which I run way out the back on its own (as a lone baitfish) and has been responsible for many a fine capture when all else has been struggling.

If they are feeding on squid then try the brownish type lures such as ‘Brown Dog’ and ‘Super Donger’.

The main thing is to be prepared to experiment if things aren’t going your way, clean your fish as you catch them and pay attention to the stomach contents and whereabouts in the stomach each type of baitfish is found–this will be your early warning signal that the feeding habits are starting to change and give you an indication as to what colours you should now be thinking of running.

So far this season there have been a couple of lures that have stood out on albacore and y ellowfin when it comes to consistently bringing home the goods!

The ever popular green and gold Zuker’s, the new Steeley’s ‘Brown Dog’ and also the ‘Green and Gold’ have also been consistent catchers as has the infamous Saltshaker in ‘Green Lumo’, ‘Super Donger’ and ‘Bullfrog. If you have any of these in your tackle bag you can’t go far wrong.

Don’t forget to keep an eye out for circling/diving birds, particularly gannets and albatross, and what ever you do, don’t overlook the humble muttonbird Shearwaters spend hours every day cruising the ocean in search of krill, the same thing that small baitfish search for-which are in turn sought out by bigger fish and these are in turn being sought out by you!

Look for large congregations of muttonbirds feeding on the surface, lifting off and then settling back down again ahead of the main mob–a sure sign that something is going on down below and well worth investigating.

Another thing to watch out for is how your lures are presented in the water.

Many believe that so long as they have a spread of lures out that are known bluefin takers and they are out there ‘doing it’ then they have as much chance as the next person to take a bluefin, and yet many anglers, particularly those new to the sport, are merely towing their lures around the ocean for 75% of the time and are in actual fact only trolling them in the manner that they were designed for the remaining 25% of the time–enter the toothpick and the kebab skewer, either/or play a great part in ensuring that on quiet days, what few tuna that are around view the lure in the way that it is supposed to look.

What is he talking about you might say?

Well, if you think about it, fish are darker on top fading to lighter colours underneath; this is the case with all fish including the baitfish that tuna feed on and therefore this is the way your lure needs to appear at that exact point in time when it crosses the path of your intended prey.

Now bearing in mind that your lure, due to the forces of water pressure upon it, is going to gradually rotate around the line on which it runs meaning that it is only in the upright position for 25% of the time it is in the water–the rest of the time it is either swimming on its side or worse, upside down!

Because the lures are back behind the boat and basically out of sight, the problem goes un-noticed.

Now for the trick! As with a yacht that has a fixed keel to keep it in the upright position, so too does a tuna lure (in the form of a hook) however the hook is not attached to the lure, only to the line, and so the lure rotates whilst the hook stays in the correct position.

Simply hold the lure up and position the hook so that the bend of the hook comes out through the bottom (or lightest part) of the lure and then jam it in place front and rear (where the line runs through) with a toothpick or kebab stick. This will ensure that the lure travels in the correct manner at all times, held in place by the ‘keel’.

I hope that these few tips Is your boat trailer wearing out? will help you to catch more Don’t wait until it breaks on the fish and more fun doing it! ramp - or on the way to the ramp.

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Fishing News - Page 17

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Stessl • Trailcraft • Cruise Craft • Stabi-Craft • Honda • Evinrude • Johnson • Tohatsu Fishing News - Page 18

Back issues ISSUE 1 • Bigger Flathead • Tasmania’s Top Trout Lures • Berleying for better results • Trevally at Stanley • Port Sorell • Tamar River Snapper ISSUE 2 • Surf fishing • Trolling for tuna • Swan River Bream • Mersey Bluff • Tamar River • John Fox on trout • West Head fishing ISSUE 3 • Tamar River snapper • Tempting marlin • Tassie Devil lures • Water temp. and trout • Bream - East Coast • Avoiding sea sickness • Ansons Bay secrets ISSUE 4 • Kite Fishing • Manns Lures • Trout Management • New Zealand • Understanding tides ISSUE 5 • Great Lake report • Lures and flies for the start of the season • Lake Echo report • Choosing a fly rod • Rapala lures • Derwent River trout • Bait fishing ISSUE 6 • West Coast fishing • Macquarie River • Derwent Bream on fly • Flinders Island profile • Planing Boards • Curries River Dam ISSUE 7 • Arthurs Lake • South West Tas. • Mayfly fishing Jim Allen • Baitcasting techniques • Electric Motors ISSUE 8 • Bronte Lagoon • Game Fishing • Fly Tying • Bream on lures • Mudeye fishing • Jigging ISSUE 9 • Late season trout opportunities • Tasman Peninsula • Surf Techniques • Baitcasters ISSUE 10 • Winter opportunities • Choosing a rod • Soft plastic lures • Internet fishing • Fish Finders

ISSUE 11 • Season opener • Choosing a rod • Best baits • Tassie’s top lures • Finding trout Greg French ISSUE 12 • Choosing a fly rod • Tassie’s top spots • New Zealand • Central Highlands - Peter Hayes • Down rigging

ISSUE 22 • Big boating issue • Boat handling techniques • Tassie’s best fly techniques • Kids Stuff ISSUE 23 • Four Springs Lake • Peter Hayes casting tips • Lure fishing lakes • $100 - $400 fly rods • Sea-run trout on lures • IFC Commissioner profile

ISSUE 13 • Lake Burbury • More on mudeyes • Game fishing teasers • Game fishing • New products • Float tubing

ISSUE 24 • Tamar River Snapper • Peter Hayes casting tips • Meadowbank Lake • West Coast sea-trout • Fly fish Tamar River • Nymphing secrets • Squid on bait, lure & fly

ISSUE 14 • Boating techniques • Surf Fishing • Game fishing tips • Fish finders • Marine Communications

ISSUE 25 • English hopper flies • Peter Hayes casting tips • Arthurs Lake - Cowpaddock • Gum beetles • Game fishing

ISSUE 15 • Polaroiding Great Lake • Trout tips • Game fishing tips • Fly tying • Understanding fish finders

ISSUE 26 • Albacore on fly • Peter Hayes casting tips • Mudeye magic • Lifejackets • Game fishing - live baits

ISSUE 16 • Lure and fly colour - does it matter • Spearing flounder • Penn fishing stories • Fly tying

ISSUE 27 • Gamefishing • Peter Hayes casting tips • St Helens bream • Lake Skinner rainbows • Windlane fishing

ISSUE 17 • Trophy Atlantic Salmon • Fly Fishing tactics • Smoking fish • Choosing a fly rod • Fish Finders

ISSUE 28 • Dover Atlantic Salmon • Which Boat?

• Dressing for the cold • David Scholes new book

ISSUE 18 • Loch style techniques • St Helens sportfishing • Henty River secrets • Big Bream • Brook trout • Back country browns ISSUE 19 • Dun fishing techniques • Great Lake tips • Game fishing • Kids stuff • Getting started ISSUE 20 • Mako shark on fly • Tasman Peninsula • Fly leaders • Outriggers • North west coast • Caring for your catch • Pakula gamefishing tips ISSUE 21 • Secret English fly fishing techniques by John Horsey • Tassie’s best Bluefin lures • Fly tying

ISSUE 29 • More Atlantic Salmon • Fly rod comparison • New Zealand on the cheap • Starting the season ISSUE 30 • Spinning techniques • Tailing techniques • Huon River secrets • Dog Nobblers • Soft plastics ISSUE 31 • East Coast Bream • Blue Peaks Lake • Choosing a Spinning Reel • Lifejackets ISSUE 32 • Great Lake • Duck Bay • Striped Trumpeter • Derwent Bream • Tamar Kingfish • Bridport Hot Spots • Game Lure Colours ISSUE 33 • Autumn Fishing Tips • Monster Sea Mullet

• Game Fishing • North West Snapper • Bream On Lures • Big Trout Theory ISSUE 34 • Tassy’s most popular boats • Winter trouting • Snapper • Frederick Henry Bay ISSUE 35 • Trout opening destinations • Tamar Secrets • Bushy on Bream • Fly Casting Championships ISSUE 36 • Lake King William • Craigbourne Dam • Tamar River trevally • Mullet on fly • D’Entrecasteaux Channel • Electric power ISSUE 37 • Huon Tributaries • Downrigging baits in current • Flathead on fly

ISSUE 45 • Four Springs • Bream - Tamar River • Calamary • Multi tool review • IFS news ISSUE 46 • Brumbys Creek • Snapper • Great Lake • Flinders Island ISSUE 47 • Little Pine Secrets • Kingfish • Bream on plastics • Trout hotspots • Arthurs Lake ISSUE 48 • Tasmania’s best game lures • Snapper • Penstock • East Australian Current • Big, fat, silly flies • Saltwater fly fishing

ISSUE 38 • Best Game Lures • Georges Bay • Choosing a propellor • Catch and Release

ISSUE 49 • 25 Hotspots around Tasmania • Lake Burbury windlanes • Rainbow opportunities • Big flathead • Scalefish changes

ISSUE 39 • Elephant Fish • Winter Garfish • Soft Plastics • Southern bluefin tuna • Salmon on Fly

ISSUE 50 • Winter opportunities • Warehou • Trolling for flathead • Boating reviews • Funny boating stories

ISSUE 40 • D’Entrecasteaux Channel • Stripey trumpeter • Soft plastics • Fish finder tips • Brook trout • Casting tips

ISSUE 51 • Lake Crescent • Trout Opening • Brook trout • Best lures and flies

ISSUE 41 • Mega sized mullet • Brumbys Creek caenids • Tooms Lake • Bream on lures • Mayflies • Derwent bream ISSUE 42 • Gamefishing teasers • Neil Grose’s secret spots • Stillwater indicator nymphing • Autumn streams • Anglers Hall of Fame ISSUE 43 • Southern bluefin tuna • Yellowfin tuna • Jassids • Surf fishing • Elephant fish ISSUE 44 • Big boat issue • Anchoring correctly • Atlantic salmon • Fly retrieves • IFS news

ISSUE 52 • World record bluefin • Soft Plastics • Eight weight fly rods • Brushy Lagoon • Chartering a Game Boat • Tailing trout ISSUE 53 • Trout and bream on soft plastics • Burleying • Lake Meston • Kayak fishing • River fishing tips ISSUE 54 • Game fishing tips • Great Lake sharks • Saltwater jiggibg • Mako sharks • Bruny Island trout and bream Order any back issue. See below

Subscribing; Just fill in the form, or send your details as below. You can fax the subscription form to 03 6331 1278 or post to Stevens Publishing, PO Box 7504, Launceston, 7250. or email details to fishn@bigpond.net.au Name;___________________________________________________________Address;____________________________ ___________________________________________________________Postcode;____________Phone________________ Subscriptions: $24; one year. $48; two years. Back issues; $3.95 each - Issue Numbers req’d.____________ Payment by; ____ Bankcard ____ MasterCard ____ Visa ____ Cheque ____ Money Order Credit Card No. __ __ __ __ / __ __ __ __ / __ __ __ __ / __ __ __ __ Exp. date __ __/__ __ Total amount;______ From issue no.____ 1 year____ 2 years ___ Fishing News - Page 19

Fishing and Boating Directory Fishing • Guiding • Charters

TROUT and ADVENTURE TASMANIA

•11pristinelakesandrivers within20minutesdrive.•Wildbrown,rainbowand brooktrout.•Professionaltuitionandguidingfornovice andexperiencedanglers.•2hourtoextendedtrips,boat insurvey.•Selfcontainedcottages,ensuites,hostel,and caravanpark.Contact:RobAitkenhead0418139048or BronteParkHighlandVillage:0362891126 www.bronteparkhighlandvillage.com.au

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Precision Charters

What YOU can do to prevent the spread of pest fish, plants and diseases • Do not bring live or dead fish, fish products, animals or aquatic plants into Tasmania from overseas or interstate.

• Do not stock or transfer any freshwater fish species, invertebrates or plants into any inland waters (including private dams, farm dams or public waters).

• Report any unusual fish captures or sightings to the Service immediately.

• Wash mud and weeds from your fishing boat and trailer and clean all fishing gear (eg waders) and camping gear before entering Tasmania and moving between waters.

• Do not use willow as a rod support, as it has the ability to propagate.

• Buy aquarium fish only from registered aquarium dealers in Tasmania.

• Do not release the contents of aquaria and garden ponds (fish, plants and water) into lakes, rivers, farm dams, drains or down the toilet.

• Get involved with your local Waterwatch or community group to clean up waterways.

• Contact the Service for correct and responsible disposal of unwanted fish, aquatic animals and plants.

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198 - 200 Campbell St. Hobart, 7000 Fishing News - Page 21

Locating fish, lure selection and presentation Steve Steer

B

eing able to consistently locate your target species, select an appropriate lure and then present it in a way that the fish likes to see it can be a very daunting task for any angler.

With so many variables at work against us such as different; fishing locations, target species, environmental factors, light levels, water depths, water clarities, water temperatures, water flow/tidal movements, activity/aggression levels of the fish, lure sizes/shapes/colors/actions/weights/smells/sink rates, etc, etc.

How can we anglers get it right and manage to catch the fish we are setting out to target on lures more times than not?… What follows is a common sense approach to lure fishing that any angler can use to help them catch more fish. The system described below relies on at least a basic understanding of the fish species targeted, some careful on the water observation and a willingness from the angler to adjust to the conditions at hand. It is a system that is based on common sense, many years of on the water experience, careful observation of fish and prey behavior and continually trying to understand why a fish lives or feeds were it does and strikes at one lure over another on any given day. This common sense approach to locating and catching fish on lures takes a bit of homework from the angler but it works for me and I am sure it will work for you also!

Location, location, location

Yes we are talking real estate here folks, fish real estate that is! Just as we like to live in prime real estate located in the best positions (i.e. safe environment, with good access to food, water, hospitals, schools, parks and with a nice view, etc), so do fish. Just as different people have different wants and needs so do different fish. Therefore, it makes sense for an angler to familiarize themselves with the preferred real estate of the fish species that they wish to target before setting out in an attempt to catch that species. Ask yourself, if you were a big bream for instance who was looking for a place to live or for somewhere to get a meal, where would you be looking?... To answer this question accurately you would need to understand the wants and needs of a bream right?...Once you had a clear understanding of a breams wants and needs, you would then be able to look for locations that catered well to these wants and needs, right!... I mean there is no use fishing for bream in an area where bream do not like to live or eat, is there!... It also makes sense that you are not likely to catch a bream using a lure that represents something that bream do not typically like to eat. This general common sense approach applies to all aspects of lure fishing and it makes good sense to understand exactly what your target species likes and does not like as this will tell you where to look for them and what lures best represent their preferred prey.

Represent the prey

Once you understand where your target species prefers to live and what they like to eat you can then apply the same basic analysis to the prey of your target species (i.e. If a big bream likes to eat crabs, prawns, shrimp, baitfish, oysters, mussels, barnacles, etc, etc then where do these species like to live?) chances are you will find that prey and predator go hand in hand (i.e. were you find plentiful numbers of the preferred prey of your target species, you will find plentiful numbers of that target species). Taking this basic process of analysis one step further, what does the preferred prey of your target species look like and how does it move through the water? …Wouldn’t it make sense to use a lure that looks a lot like this preferred prey item and then move it through the water in the same way as the natural prey item does?

An Ansons River galaxia beside a soft plastic lure that would represent it well.

Fishing News - Page 22

When you get the equation right the rewards can be great. Just remeber the six Ps. Proper Preparation and lure Presentation Prevents Poor Performance This stuff is common sense I hear you saying!... And you would be right!... But I am continually amazed to see just how many anglers cast out a lure into open water and wind it straight back in towards them relying totally on the target species to bump into their lure and for the inbuilt action of the lure itself to evoke a positive response from the fish.

Question: Have you ever seen a bait fish swimming in a straight line through the water for any length of time?... I never have!... but I have seen plenty of baitfish swimming in an erratic, darting, stop/start type fashion. So, if fishing a baitfish style of lure, why would you not imitate this erratic baitfish type swimming action with your lure so as to better represent a natural baitfish?... Take a shrimp or prawn (common prey of a lot of fish species) as another example, where do prawns and shrimp like to live and how does a shrimp or prawn move through the water to evade a predator?... Firstly, shrimp and prawns eat vegetation so they tend to live in close proximity to natural structure such as weed beds, bank side vegetation, fallen trees etc for food and protection. Secondly, when startled or attempting to avoid a predator, shrimp and prawns will give several quick flicks of their tails to propel themselves in a backwards, darting type swimming motion.

Therefore, it would make sense for the angler to fish a prawn/ shrimp pattern lure within close proximity to some form of natural vegetation and retrieve it using a darting (flick, flick, flick, stop/flick, flick, stop) type of retrieve. So you can start to see that if an angler looks closely at the target species and at the preferred prey of that species, they can gain a lot of information about where to cast their lures and how to best retrieve them through the water.

When the fishing is tough, go searching

So you have now studied your target species wants and needs, you know were it likes to live and what it likes to eat and you have studied its preferred prey and how this prey looks and moves through the water… What now?

It is now time to purchase yourself a pair of polarized sunglasses, get out on the water and look for areas that satisfy the wants and needs of your target species and look for signs of its preferred prey items within these areas. This reconnaissance type of fishing trip is generally best done on bright sunny days when the water is calm and clear and the tide is at its lowest. These calm, clear, sunny, low water conditions and a set of good polarized sunglasses allow the angler to see structure such as reefs, rocks, weed beds, drop-offs, channels, submerged snags, baitfish, mussels, oysters, shrimps, crabs, fish, etc that sometimes cannot be seen in overcast, windy, dirty water or high tide situations. Once you have discovered areas that look to have potential then mark them down on a map, make a mental note or plot them into your GPS if you are lucky enough to own

one of these brilliant fishing aids and come back and fish these areas when conditions best suit your target species wants and needs not your own wants and needs. Understanding a bit about your target species and teaching yourself to think like the fish species that you target will make a big difference to your angling results. It is not always best to think about your own wants and needs if you wish to catch more fish because if we do think about our own needs, then a warm, calm, sunny, windless day would sound like a perfect day to go fishing to us but maybe you should consider that the species that you target may be shy, spooky and hard to fool with a lure at these times? So try to train yourself to think more like the fish species you target and I guarantee you will catch more fish by doing this.

Study your target species and its prey

Once you have located some prime fish real estate (i.e. where your target species is likely to live or feed on a regular basis), the next step is to think about what might be the best time, tide and weather conditions to target this species and how you should present your lures to best represent the species natural prey. Factors such as the time of day/year, level of tide/water movement, light intensity and the way we present our lures can have a big effect on our success when fishing with lures. By simply observing a target species carefully we can sometimes discover a lot about that species preferred feeding habits and where they might be found at different stages of the tide and what may be the best way to present our lure to this fish. Take the humble flathead for instance, flathead as the name suggests, are flat in body shape with their eyes located at the highest points on the tops of their heads and are typically a sandy coloration on the top side of their body’s. What does this tell us about the feeding habits of the flathead and what information can we gather from thinking about the shape and coloration of this species? Well firstly the shape of a flathead could tell us that they are typically bottom feeders who lay flat on the bottom with there eyes looking straight up for their prey to swim above. Secondly, we could determine from their sandy coloration that this species would be well camouflaged in a sandy environment and could lay in wait for its preferred prey to swim close by before attacking.

We could also determine from this that a flatheads preferred prey items would typically be live baitfish or live crustaceans that are found swimming within close proximity to a sandy bottom. Being an ambush type feeder, we could also safely assume that a flathead would rely heavily on its sight and its ability to detect the movement, noise, vibration and smell coming from its prey to locate its food, making it the perfect lure target.

So what does this information tell us about when, where and how we should be targeting a flathead with lures? This information can tell us: • that flathead live and feed close to or on the bottom

and that our lures need to be swimming in close proximity to the bottom to catch flathead; • it tells us that we would be best to fish our lures around sandy bottoms that have good concentration of baitfish or crustaceans swimming within close proximity; • it tells us that in bright sunshine and clear water situations that we would be best to use lures that closely represent the natural prey in appearance, shape and swim motion as flathead rely heavily on sight ; • it tells us that in dirty water or low light conditions (such as early morning/late afternoon, at night or when fishing greater water depths), that we could benefit from using lures that creates more noise, vibration or give off more flash, color or scent; • it tells us that flathead can move into very shallow sandy areas to hunt their prey and be virtually undetected due to their flat shape and sandy camouflaged colorations; • it tells us that if we can locate good concentration of the natural prey of our target species that we can then expect to find good concentration of our target species within close proximity; • it tells us that we should look closely at the prey of our target species and then select a lure that mimic’s the natural color, size, shape and swim motion of this natural prey item.

So as you can see, by simply taking a much closer look at our target species (whatever that species may be) and its natural prey items you can learn a lot about how, where and when you should be fishing with lures for that species.

Choose a lure to match the bait fish being eaten

The Six P’s of lure fishing

I always find it good to continually remind myself of the six P’s of lure fishing and it is as simple as follows: ‘Proper Preparation and lure Presentation Prevents Poor Performance’

Conclusion

To become a consistently good lure fisherman takes time spent on the water, good powers of observation and a clear understanding of your target species and its prey.

If you just follow the common sense approach that I have described here and look at things a little bit closer, then I am sure you will become a proficient lure angler in no time.

Steve Steer!

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Fishing News - Page 23

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Email: fishconn@bigpond.net.au

Ph (03) 6234 4880

Fax (03) 6234 8024

The Boat Shack Sole Tasmanian Agent

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Fishing News - Page 24

EPIRBS MT 400 $565 MT300 $195 MT310 $295 Craypots $125

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TABS Ocean Series - Priced from $22 000

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TABS Master series runabouts

4.75 to 6.5 metres Boats from $15 250

Agents for Yamaha outboards TABS Boats Ally Craft Boats YMF Dunbier Trailers 24 Gleadow St Invermay Launceston 7250

Ph 6334 3118 Fishing News - Page 25

Close Encounter

A

kayak is an ideal way to enjoy a peaceful day on the water. It is incredibly relaxing to silently glide across the surface of the water without the annoying drone of a motor and its subsequent fumes. Unlike sailing however a kayak allows its user to go where they want when they want without having to rely on the often intermittent wind.

Kayaking is one of the fastest growing offshoots of recreational fishing in the world. It is rapidly becoming a huge sport in the USA, Africa and New Zealand. It is gaining popularity rapidly on the mainland but it is rare to see a kayak fisherman in Tasmania despite the huge amount of recreational kayakers.

A day kayak fishing in the Channel

The morning’s weather was magnificent with the sun shining brightly and virtually no wind at all. With one of my rare days off coinciding with

ASomething great place to stay for everyone A beautiful place during game a great break fishing season

Extraordinary fishing on Tasmania’s beautiful East Coast • • • • •

5 bedroom fishing lodge with large lounge and kitchen 2 or 3 bedroom fully equipped units Affordable family rates • BBQ facilities • Restaurant, bar and shop • Canoe lake Cinema • Swimming pool • Stocked trout lake • Austar • 9 hole Golf course • Tennis Private boat ramp • Fish from shore or bring your boat • Bait available

All resort facilities and access to boat ramp included in tariff.

Half way between St Helens and Bicheno.

Phone 03 6372 2228 www.white-sands.com.au

Fishing News - Page 26

The thief in action playing with my octopus. this incredible autumn day and the knowledge that winter would soon be with us, I decided to have a quick fish for some flathead in the channel.

My first though was to take the tinny out but thought to myself that on a day such as this, the kayak would be the best way to enjoy it.

I grabbed a 3kg overhead outfit, rigged up a drop shot rig and hit the D’Entrecasteaux channel. I paddled for around thirty minutes revelling in the feel of the sun on my shoulders and the peacefulness of a mid week day on the water.

I arrived opposite the Tinderbox boat ramp and started to drift slowly in the current. After a moment’s indecision, I decided to rig the bottom hook of my drop shot rig with a pumpkinseed coloured three inch Berkley Bass Minnow and the top hook of the drop shot rig with a black and white Berkley Gulp Minnow.

I had been fishing for approximately an hour when after catching and releasing a few barely legal flathead as well as the ever present gurnards, I had a solid strike. I lifted the rod to set the hook and the tip folded over into a satisfying bend.

I felt a heavy dead weight and immediately thought that I had hooked the bottom. After a few surges however I knew it was some sort of fish and thought it was an octopus but also felt that it was too large to be an octopus as all of the octopus that I had caught in the Channel were around half a metre long or less.

Fishermans Basket - reviews Seals are quite clever at finding an easy feed. This one devours ‘my’ octopus.

I put my finger on the spool of the small Abu overhead and slowly coaxed the unknown denizen of the deep towards the surface. After a few short surging runs during which I removed my finger from the reels spool and allowed the drag to do its job I saw colour on a huge octopus in excess of a metre in length.

I removed my camera from its waterproof box and was just about to capture the octopus on camera before release when suddenly the water exploded around me literally saturating me in the process. A large seal close to 10 foot long had decided that the octopus looked good enough to eat and that it was going to do just that.

Lucky for me the sudden strike on the octopus by the seal was enough to snap my line and I watched in amazement as the drama unfolded around me. The seal had an amazing and spectacular method of breaking the octopus in to smaller bite size pieces.

The seal would grab the octopus by a tentacle before rearing out of the water and swinging then snapping its head in a rapid motion resulting in the main carcass of the octopus flying in one direction and a tentacle in the other direction.

The seal would then consume the tentacle before swimming over to the sinking octopus carcass, gather it in to its mouth and repeat the procedure.

This happened eight times in all with the seal totally unfazed by my presence as a paddled along side it. At one stage it bumped the kayak while performing a tight turn to retrieve the sinking carcass. It was very much aware of my presence but chose to ignore me and concentrate on feeding. After the show was over I realised that anything else would be an anticlimax so I paddled home totally amazed at the wildlife experience that awaits kayakers in the unspoilt southern Tasmanian waters.

Scott McDonald

Another introduced pest fish, another threat to Tasmania’s freshwater environment.

R

ecent discoveries of the introduced pest fish Gambusia holbrooki in new areas within the Tamar Estuary and dams across the State, is a serious concern. The spread of this pest species to new sites needs to be prevented as it is extremely difficult to eradicate once it becomes established. It is essential that we are able to locate new populations as quickly as possible so that control measures can be quickly put in place. This is where fishers can play a key role whilst at the same time pursuing your favourite pastime. We are asking you to be alert when fishing and to report any sightings of Gambusia or unknown fish as soon as possible (see below for contacts).

A native to North America, G. holbrooki has become a pest around the world, including Australia. It is often mistakenly referred to as a mosquito fish in the belief that it will help control mosquito larvae in waterways. Research indicates that this is not the case, in fact most native fish species are better at controlling mosquitoes than Gambusia. Introduced into Australia in the 1920s to control mosquito larvae in the Sydney Botanical Gardens, Gambusia has now spread to all states of Australia. Tasmania was considered Gambusia free until a pop ulation in the Tamar Valley was reported to the Inland Fisheries Service in 1992. Attempts to eradicate the population failed and they have now spread into wetlands along the estuary.

G. holbrooki is only a small fish with adults ranging in size from 35mm to 60mm (see photos). They are generally silver-grey in colour with females having a much deeper stomach and a large dark spot on the rear of their abdomen. The females give birth to live young, in excess of 100 offspring in one brood, which reach maturity in

Platypus line - now on-line

Squidgy Bluewater Livies

They’ve been a long time coming, but the Blue Fox Squidgy Bluewater Livies are finally here.

It has been a labour of love for their creator, Kaj ‘Bushy’ Busch, who has spent countless hours designing, rigging and fine tuning these radical new soft plastics, but the final product is going to stand the bluewater world on its ear.

There are two lure sizes - the Jelly Baby which measures some 250 millimetres overall, and the Jelly Bean, which is 300 millimetres in length. Four colours - Neon, Slimy, Tru Blue and Techo Yawn - will appeal to a long list of game fish.

While primarily developed as a marlin lure, the Bluewater Livies can also be trolled for tuna and kingfish (keep ’em away from wahoo though!), used as hookless teasers, and even jigged for big kings, samsons and amberjack.

Each Squidgy Bluewater Livie pack comes with a spare tail and rigging instructions, and spare tails are available two to a pack

Wapsi hopper legs

Weird things fly tyers.

Being one myself I know how often fly tyers try and find the perfect material that will make a fly irresistible.

Perhaps Wapsi hopper legs are it.

Snip them off the mould and tie them onto your fly. Check them out at the Essential Fly Fisher in Launceston. approximately seven weeks. In Tasmania breeding commences in mid October. Males are generally smaller than the females with a more pointed anal fin.

These are highly aggressive fish for their size and have a habit of nipping the fins of fish species. They have a voracious appetite that can have a major impact on fish populations by consuming eggs and competing for food. They can also impact heavily on frog populations by consuming eggs and tadpoles. Research suggests that predation by Gambusia on macro-invertebrates can create an imbalance in the food chain and contribute to algal blooms, which have the potential to be toxic to fish.

Gambusia thrive in shallow warm slow moving to still water, but can survive down to almost freezing temperatures and tolerate a wide range of salinity levels. They can also tolerate low dissolved oxygen levels and poor water quality. They are most likely to be found on the edges of dams, lakes and wetlands where the water is shallow and warm and vegetation is present. They form dense populations in these areas but usually move to deeper water when disturbed.

Occasionally they can be found in slow flowing streams The Inland Fisheries Service has declared Gambusia a controlled fish under the Inland Fisheries Act 1995. A controlled fish may not be imported, moved or kept in this State and there are heavy fines for doing so. Indeed water, water plants or animals should never be moved from one area to another as this may spread unwanted pests and diseases.

If you would like more information on Gambusia or you find a fish you are not familiar with, please contact either the Gambusia Project Officer, your local Fishcare Volunteer Coordinator or the Inland Fisheries Service. It would be very helpful to have a precise description of what you collected and where and when you found the fish.

Platypus fishing lines was started by George Ross McPherson in 1898. George was a Scottish rope maker by trade and saw the opportunity to make fishing line in Australia. In those days fishing line was made from twisted linen fibres and was a small diameter rope. Within a few years the popularity and reputation of Platypus grew and the business expanded. The name Platypus, was apparently chosen to signify the unique Australian nature of the product and just like the animal, being as good or useful on land (as a string or fine rope) as it was in the water (for catching fish).

Throughout the next century Platypus was passed through the family: Currently the fourth generation McPherson is involved in running the business.

Platypus has always prided itself on innovation; producing Australia’s first extruded nylon fishing lines in the 1960s. Realising the advantages of Gel Spun Polyethylene braided lines, Platypus has operated a braiding plant for the last decade.

Recognised in the plastics industry as an authority on Nylon monofilament extrusion, Platypus produces many products other than fishing line, from hitech fibres for mining and medical applications to bristles for brushes. Diversity of products often allows concepts and materials used in one application to be used in another. Platypus constantly reviews the manufacturing processes, raw materials and additives to offer the best available fishing lines.

Platypus is proudly owned and operated by the same family that established the company in 1898 and is still based in Brisbane over 100 years later.

Australian Monofil Co Pty Ltd www.fishplatypus.com.au

Contacts Inland Fisheries Service: Chris Wisniewski, Ph 6233 4808 Dave Jarvis Ph 6233 2458 Gambusia Project: Rodney Milner Ph 6336 5410 Fishcare - North Quenton Higgs Ph 6336 5474 Fishcare - South Avril Brown Ph 62332033 Fishcare - Nwest Damian Heran Ph 64323898

Mobile 0418 566 272 Mobile 0407 880 369 Mobile 0409 185 684 Mobile 0407 502 046 Mobile 0418 136 777 Mobile 0408 337 317

Gambusia holbrooki – Female Image I.F.S

Gambusia holbrooki – Male Image I.F.S. Fishing News - Page 27

Stacer 565 Coral Runner Protected Boating for the Cooler Months Made affordable with Ready 2 Go When its gotta go first go to get you back safely.

Play it safe with a Marine Pro.

The cooler months are soon approaching, yet the water has never looked so inviting… it’s a dilemma we all have to face - which is why the new Stacer 565 Coral Runner is proving so popular! Stacer cabin boats are the perfect solution for those families who love to fish and cruise, 12 months a year.

The 565 Coral Runner offers allround protection from the elements, the raised water shedding profile at the front offers wind and spray protection, whilst plenty of storage space is located along the front, leaving the cockpit area free from clutter.

This model boasts Stacer’s EVO hull and Mod Pod transom to ensure a smooth, stable, controlled ride.

The E VO hull is manufac tured using advanced alloy press forming

technology, to give extra rigidity and strength within its hulls. The 565 Coral Master is manufactured using tough 4mm bottom sheets and 3mm topsides to give a truly impressive cuddy suited for families and fishers alike.

Measuring 5.90M overall and 2.40M across the beam, this massive cabin boat is easily trailerable with the family sedan or 4WD. “It’s a great sized boat” comments Damien Duncan, National Sales and Marketing Manager, “designed to carry six people - it offers masses of space for camping gear, diving equipment and all the gear for the kids - space is nothing to worry about in this rig!”.

Rated to a maximum 140hp, (minimum 115hp) means you have plenty of power should strong chop arise. With the benefit of the EVO

• Specially designed for the rigors of heavy wave vibration.

• Century reliability to keep you safe on the water.

• A range for all needs.

Available from Marine dealers and leading battery outlets. Call 13 22 87

Port Sorell Marine - It’s worth the drive Stacer, Allison, Seaquest, Northbank, Stejcraft, Skicraft For all boating and watersports needs statewide.

7 Club Drive, Shearwater. Ph (03) 6428 7124

Open: Mon to Fri 9-5.30, Sat 9-2, Sun 10-2 ‘Our prices make the drive worthwhile’

Fishing News - Page 28

Hull and Mod Pod combination fuel efficiency and buoyancy is gained. Its high (1.37M) sides offer protection from spray and gives added peace of mind for those travelling with juniors.

“Perhaps the most remarkable aspect about this boat - is its price” says Damien, “ The Ready 2 Go complete boat, motor, trailer works so well for the customer, there is no confusion about what engine/ trailer combination to choose, popular package inclusion are added as standard and the price is clearly stated in the brochure, making it especially enticing for the novice boatie”.

As a Ready 2 Go package, the 565 Coral Runner comes complete

with 115 Mariner 2-stroke outboard, Stacer tandem loader braked trailer, bimini and front clears for protection, cabin cushions, compass, Eagle Fish 2 Sounder, GX294 Marine Radio, rear lounge and backrest, rear ladder, relax anchor bow roller for easy anchoring, safety equipment and boat and trailer registrations, just add dealer delivery charges - and you’re Ready 2 Go! For all media enquiries and images please contact: Lavinia Gorse-Flint, PR & Marketing Assistant, Stacer Tel: (07) 5585 9898 Fax: (07) 5585 9888 Email: lavinia@stacer.com.au Web: www.stacer.com.au

Inland waters stocked since January 2004 Lake

Size(grams) Species

Numbers

Barrington 3000 Atlantic salmon 700 Brushy

3000 Atlantic salmon 300

Trevallyn 3000 Atlantic salmon 300 Meadowbank 3000 Atlantic salmon 1400 Bradys

3000 Atlantic salmon 720

Craigbourne 3000 Atlantic salmon 720 Dee

24

rainbows (triploid) 7000

Echo

24

rainbows (triploid) 6500

Exclusive Tasmanian agent for

Haines Hunter

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•No1choicefor90%ofTas.troutguides • Hand made in Tasmania •4mmdoublelinedRadialFlexneoprene • Individually leak tested prior to sale • Excellent buoyancy characteristics • Double sealed seams •DoublereinforcedK-Toughkneepads •Suitableforsaltandfreshwaterfishing •Largechestpocketwithhandwarmer • Suitable for aquaculture/commercial •TopqualityTasmanianBlundstoneboots fishing • Warm, comfortable and durable • 12 month guarantee Available from all good tackle, sporting and marine outlets Manufactured by Fly-N-Dry, 10 Negara Crescent, Goodwood, Tas. 7010 Phone: 03 6273 0666 Fax: 03 6273 0692

Hobart’s largest undercover display of boats

RFD Inflatables 2 and 4 Stroke Outboards 2 to 300 hp

Eastern Shore Marine Now located at 14 McIntyre Street, Mornington, Phone 6244 1163

Fishing News - Page 29

Inland Fisheries Prosecutions from July 2004 to February 2005 Infringement notices

Offence: Fish without a licence (7), Fish in closed waters (1), Unattended set rod (9) Use strike indicator (3) Possess net (1)

Court proceedings

Offences that were proceeded with by summons are listed below.

Offender Adam Harry BUSHBY – Kings Meadows (Farm Dam, Campbell Town) Daniel Alan CRANE – Electrona (Tungatinah Lagoon) Luke Thomas WOOLLEY – Glen Huon (Huon River) Joseph Dale BANFIELD – Montagu (Montagu River) Andrew James HAMILTON – Mowbray (Brumbys Creek and Four Springs Lake) Nathan John MANEY – Invermay (Brumbys Creek)

Offences Summary

Total Fine $

Unlicensed Represent to be licensed More than one rod and line Use strike indicator Take whitebait Use net Unlicensed

339-90

Unlicensed Represent to be licensed

489-90

Possess controlled fish – Cherax

238-85

289-90 1 039.90 539-90

Classifieds Heading to Lakes?

Lewis Marine

Stop in at Deloraine Pizza and Pasta, 53 Emu Bay Rd, Deloraine. Ph ahead 6362 2000 to have your delicious pizza or pasta waiting.

Open Wednesday to Sunday from 5pm. Orders taken from 4 pm.

9’ Avon inflatable $600 12’ Marine Ply dinghy $500 12’2” Savage Snipe dinghy $875 10’ Sillinger Inflatable $1200 12’ Punt and trailer $1800 15’ Stejcraft, 40hp merc, trailer. Motor ’92. trailer ’03 $6900 146 Haines Hunter, 60hp Johnson ’91 and trailer, $7500 $7000 465 Savage Scorpion, 60hp Yamaha oil Inj and trailer $16500 530 Haines Breeze, 115hp Yamaha, and trailer, under 10hrs use $32900 Savage centre console, 60hp Mercury oil inj and trailer, sounder, VHF & am radio $19,900 2100 Haines Hunter ski boat, 225hp Vmax & trailer $36,500 Secondhand motors 7.5hp Johnson s/s ’84 $750 8hp Johnson s/s ’99 $1795 9.9hp Mercury l/s ’99 4 stroke $2150 15hp Honda ’00 model S/S $1900 25hp Mercury ’99 $2000 30hp Yamaha l/s ’99 $2850 130hp Evinrude $5750 140hp Evinrude ’88 $3150

Port Sorell Marine Boats Bountycraft 1/2 cab fibreglass 5metre (one owner), Eagle fishfinder, marine radio, Evinrude 70hp, electric start with powertilt, evinrude 15hp auxiliary, galvanised trailer $8900 Entry level Ski Boat. Carribean WildCat skiboat, s/steel ski pole, s/steel bow tank, Mercury 125hp 6 cyl, homemade trailer $4800 Demo boat (low hours) Alison Vision 21’ Fibreglass fish/skiboat, Dunbier fully rollered, tandem, mechanical braked trailer, Mercury 150hp EFI 2stroke, complete with full factory warrantys $45,500 Used outboards Mariner 15ml 2000 model $2100.00 c.n.t Mariner 15ml 1997 model $1950.00 c.n.t Yamaha 75ELPT 3CYL mid 90s model $4150.00

Port Sorell Marine 7 Club Drive, Shearwater Phone 6428 7124

Lewis Marine 198-200 Campbell Street Hobart. Phone 6234 7266

Fly Rod Thomas and Thomas Horizon series 10’ 6 weight 3 piece $550 Ph 0408 170 973

R.L.Winston Rod 5 weight, 2 piece, 2.4metres, $450 Ph 03 62731200. 03 62734330

Tasmanian Highland Holiday Cabins Currawong Cabin - Great Lake. Fully self contained, sleeps six, spacious lounge/dining, laundry, bathroom.

For bookings and information phone Geoff and Jill Parker 03 6428 51-57 7338.

Marine Batteries Now available AC Delco Voyager deep cycle & starting marine/RV, maint. free batteries with built in charge indicator. Nor-Co Batteries, Devonport Ph 6424 6466

Wanted Fishing shack or land Arthurs Lake.

Prefer Morass area. Must have water views Tasmanian/Australian fly fishing books. Wigram, French, Sloane etc. Phone 63446866 (H) 0419 177706.

Fly Fish Magic Seminars each Frid to Sun. 2 people max. Bicheno and Lake Leake area. Beginners Yes! Fish guaranteed (conditions) pike mackerel, gars etc. rainbow and brown trout.

Ph 0429 344 566 52-55

Fly Fish Magic Evenings at Bicheno. Beginners Yes! Tuition. Fish guaranteed (conditions) Gear provided, pike, mackerel, gars etc. $65 for one $55 p.p for two Ph 0429 344 566 52-55

Shack Wanted to rent Elderly couple with good references wanting to rent fishing shack in Miena area for 12 months with option for longer. 03 5259 1747.

Stainless prop 4 blade, 17 inch pitch propellor to suit motors 90 hp to around 130/150. Ideal for four strokes. Phone Mike Stevens 0418129949.

Launceston Marine Stessl 5.5M Bluewater - as new, 90 hp Tohatsu, 9.8HP Tohatsu, only 20 hrs use $29500 Stacer 6.26, Twin Rebuilt 115HP Mariners, canopy + extras, $19250 Carribean Ski/Fish, 85HP Suzuki $3500 Motors 1985 Model 25HP Mariner L/S elec start $700 1993 Model 25HP Mariner L/S elec start $1650 New 15 hp Suzuki s/s $2500 New 50 hp 4 stroke - fitted $8500 New 140 hp 4 stroke - fitted 15950

3 Wilmot Street, Launceston Phone 63443633

Advertisements.$11each.Youcanincludeupto30words-alladvs.mustbeprepaid.Justwriteoutyouradvert.andsend,Emailorfaxitwithcreditcarddetailsto Tasmanian Fishing and Boating News, PO Box 7504, Launceston, 7250 Fax 6331 1278. Email: fishn@bigpond.net.au Name ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................

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Fishing News - Page 30

Jan’s Flies Jan Spencer Fly tyer for the World Champion 2000 Australian Team

I was very interested to read Jim Allen’s thoughts on fly fishing Great Lake in the last issue of Fishing News. Having fished this huge expanse of water for the past twenty five years, I too have some familiar thoughts, my flies differ somewhat but I guess that’s individual choice. Good presentation is a must for these fish. The technique I do differ from is shore fishing in which 75% of my Great Lake fishing is. I have walked the entire perimeter of Great Lake in sections many times over the years and knowing how hard those rocky shores are makes fishing from a boat in the shallow areas a delight. Yes you do have to know your stuff in casting, sighting and speed, but in a boat you will cover many kilometre’s more than being shore based. We have a rudder set up on our boat which makes boat control and direction easy. Getting a good drift in skinny water is a great advantage. Great Lake fish do regularly patrol shallow water, they can be hard to polaroid as they tend to hug the rocky bottom, but with a good blue sky, practise in watching movement it is possible to catch good numbers of these fish from a boat.

Back to fly tying stuff though.

Another new tool has hit the market and I must say after using it there is certainly a place for it in my

Gibson’sFishing Flies Brown Parachute Emerger

Parachute Orange Spinner

The set consists of three table clips of various sizes which the material is placed into then transferred into two regular clips, there are also three wooden dowles which are used for preparing synthetic materials.

Gibson Flies are tied in Tasmania with no compromise on workmanship or quality of materials. Every fly is individually tied to catch fish.

Flies of this quality can’t ever be mass produced and therefore they may cost a little more. However, when you’re about to cast to that trophy fish you’ll be pleased you tied on a Gibson’s fly, or did you?

I know all this sounds confusing, but it really is quite simple, the set comes with excellent instruction.

For the long cold days ahead this would really be worth working with a creating some new designed flies. You can find this tool at the Essential Fly Fisher in Launceston.

Bridges Bros, Hobart BronteParkHighlandVillage CircularHeadMarineServices CompleatAngler-Bentleigh CompleatFlyfisher,Melbourne DevonportBoatnTackle

DevonportMountainDesigns EasternShoreFishing,Hobart EssentialFlyFisher,Launceston Fishing Gear, Launceston SpotOnFishingTackle,Hobart TassieTackleandOutdoor,Burnie

theUltimate line "No other line is so perfectly tuned for classic dry fly presentations - but it's also a great taper for wet flies, nymphs, and streamers." ... Neil Grose [ TROUT GUIDE + AUTHOR ]

““

“ “

fly tying room. There has been many techniques for dubbing materials on hooks, some easy and others a little hard to grasp. Marc Petijean a world renowned fly tier from Switzerland sent me some years ago a collection of his C.D.C. flies, superbly tied. Marc has now come up with a unique tool to dub C.D.C. barbules without getting fibres everywhere. I am sure many of you have used paper clips for many fly tying techniques. Well this new magic tool is a set three different sized clips, the tool comes with special thread which can be split with a needle to place the C.D.C. fibres into or any fibres which may be required for bodies or even hackles. It makes preparing and mixing materials very easy indeed.

If you don’t tie flies buy Tasmania’s best

This unique line is a specially designed trout taper with a midlength head and concave compound front taper for positive turnover while maintaining a delicate delivery. The convex compound rear taper maintains good mending and casting properties without adding extra weight. This allows you to handle a broader range of applications with the ideal balance of distance and control. It’s a high floating line with a supple coating and low memory, the ideal line for all serious trout fisherman.

Available in Dark Willow >WF3F-WF7F-DT2-DT6F .

M AY F LY TA C K L E

(03) 9621 2044

T R A D E E N Q U I R I E S O N LY

Fishing News - Page 31

‘Why I recommend Honda’ ‘Reliable equipment is very important to me and I only buy the best quality products available. I run two boats in my charter business; a 36’ Channel Craft diesel powered game boat and a 5.8 metre Stessl Stinger, powered by a 90 hp Honda, for inshore and estuary fishing.

The Honda 90 hp outboard is fantastic. It is incredibly quiet, reliable, smooth and delivers economy that amazes me. Unlike the two strokes I’ve had in the past - there’s no two-stroke fumes or oil to worry about.

When I pick clients up from the jetty they are surprised when I put the boat into gear and it moves off. They usually can’t even hear the motor running. Sneaking up on a school of salmon is easier in a quiet boat, as is chasing our wary bream. And when I get a day off the Honda has plenty of power to take the kids knee boarding.

I recommend Honda with the greatest confidence. It is a great brand, and the very best quality. Don’t settle for less.’

For further details contact: • Lindsay Deegan Marine; 102 Eastland Drive, Ulverstone, Ph. 6425 2238 • Lifestyle Marine; 14 Dry St Invermay, Launceston, Ph. 6331 9507 • Maynes Marine; 119 New Town Road, Hobart, Ph. 6228 3999

Or phone Honda, freecall 1800 80 75 90

H

Rocky Carosi Professional Charters St Helens Ph. 6376 3083

onda is the biggest manufacturer of four stroke engines in the world, producing around 10 million every year. Honda’s has a single mindedness and commitment to four stroke engines no other company can remotely match. Sure Honda know how to make two stroke engines, in fact we’re famous for them - winning seven of the last eight World Motorcycle Championships with them. In 2002 500cc 2-Stroke Grand Prix bikes were dropped and Moto GP 4-Strokes introduced. It was no suprise to anyone that Honda rider Valentino Rossi blitzed the field - leaving all other riders in his wake.

Honda also know that to achieve the ultimate in boating pleasure, comfort, fuel economy and performance, only a four stroke will do. Honda believes their four stroke outboard engines are the best in the world. Honda has the largest range of four stroke engines on the market, from 2 to 225 horsepower (and 52 models in between).

Honda remains solely dedicated to the advancement and development of four stroke and the benefits it will bring to our environment and the quality of your life.

Thankfully, Honda’s specialist dealers remain as passionate as our engineers. For you, it all adds up to value that lasts. In years to come, when you’re accustomed to the sheer joy of boating with a Honda 4-Stroke, you’ll truly know the satisfaction of having made the right choice.

Honda four stroke outboards - a natural evolution.

2 l 5 l 8 l 10 l 15 l 20 l 25 l 30 l 40 l 50 l 75 l 90 l 115 l 130 l 150 l 175 l 200 l 225 Horsepower

Po we r

i n t u n e wit h n at u r e Issue 55 April - May 2005

A superb yellowfin tuna taken off St Helens on the charter boat Saltshaker horan

$3.95

• Southern bluefin tuna • Bass Strait makos • Garfish • • Bruny Island - part 2 • Tip on finding fish • • Hooks - the basics • Close encounter with seals • • Sarah’s Kitchen • Jan’s flies •