Issue 58 October - November 2005
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ABT Tournament organiser, Leroy Tirant with a good sized Derwent River bream.
• Fishing with kids • Craigbourne Dam • Catching squid • The bizarre Booby • ABT bream tournament • Fishing on a limited budget • Jan’s flies • Sarah’s kitchen • Oct-Nov fly fishing
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Fishing News Page 2 HS5J1 Who Says-185x255.indd
1
WORLD’S BEST 4-STROKE
7/1/05 5:10:44 PM
CONTENTS
Fishing with kids - Damon Sherriff 4 On the beach - Teaching a mate to fish - Andrew Richardson
5
Catching squid - The basics - Brett Spinks
8
Fishing on a limited budget - Andrew Richardson
10
The bizarre Booby - Joe Riley 14 Craigbourne Dam - Scott McDonald 18 October - November fly fishing - Nick Voce
21
Sarah’s kitchen - Sarah Sherriff 23 Jan’s flies - Jan Spencer 24 ABT Tournament 25 Fishing and Boating Directory 28 Classifieds 29 Calendar of events 30
My Say I don’t usually go in for competitions-least of all fishing competitions. However, I was keen to support the first ABT Tournament in Tasmania. ABT run bass and bream tournaments around Australia and Leroy Tirant from Tasmania’s north west coast decided Tasmania should also have one here. It had been mooted by many, but no one had managed to move it past the talking stage. Leroy encouraged around 25 teams teams of two anglers to compete and organised some fabulous prizes. I was particularly interested in supporting this bream tournament as in the last few years we have managed to remove both commercial and recreational netting from most estuaries around Tasmania. The removal of this effort has seen a huge improvement in these fragile fisheries, not just for bream, but other species as well. Having some of Tasmania’s best anglers fishing or bream would, in all likelihood, give us a fair indication on how these estuaries were performing. On my own efforts one would say they were poor, but on the results of some others they can be seen to be very healthy. Some big bream were caught and all are held in live wells until they are weighed and released. It was great to see these big fish swim off. Some of the big fish are probably 30 years old or more, so killing them for a tournament is not an option. It was a pity we could not hold off this issue until the final was run in the Swan River, but it wasn’t to be. You can see the results of the first two rounds on page 25. Liawenee winners At the Liaweenee Inland Fisheries Service open day during May Tasmanian Fishing and Boating News ran a subscribers competition. The two winners were: Wayne Burr of Ulverstone and Anthony Peters of Bellerive. Both won a Jarvis Walker rod and reel combo.
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Fishing News - Page 3
Fishing with kids A
s I have aged I’ve found it more enjoyable fishing with my children. I get huge satisfaction these days watching them catch a fish - even more than I do catching one myself. I have three sons, Ben, Jack and Sam who I taken fishing from a very young age. My eldest Ben who is 7 years old, is now completely self sufficient. From tying knots, casting spinners, baiting hooks and fighting and landing his own fish he can do it all. I think fishing at such a young age is very important. They learn many valuable lessons such as patience stick-ability and also gives them a hobby that will, hopefully, last them a lifetime. Fishing to me is not about winning fishing competitions but is about personal goals which can be very rewarding.
Freshwater fishing and kids
Before taking your child fishing in freshwater from the shore, always make sure that it is a safe fishing platform. High banks and deep drop offs are definitely not recommended for very young children. My youngest child Sam who is two is made to wear a PFD whenever he is fishing. It is always better to be safe than sorry. If you do it right from the start they will not know any different and will not complain.
Rods
One thing parents do wrong when buying their children fishing rods for freshwater is that they purchase a rod that is too short. My kids have grown up using 6 ½ foot rods. I find that the extra length makes it easier for them to cast because they are a lot shorter than us.
Reels
A nice light spinning reel is also important. Purchase a known brand and the best that you can afford. Around the 2000 size is adequate for freshwater use. It may get knocked around a bit but the really cheap reels won’t last and they are sometimes harder to use than a slightly dearer reel. You can buy a reasonable reel from $25. Or have a look at a combo. You can find a reasonable outfit for $40.
Fish where the fish are
The next thing to think about is by taking them to an area which they have a high chance of catching something. Some parents I know take their kids to places were the fish are scarce and hard to catch. It is a good idea to have a look through the Inland Fisheries Code booklet to see which areas have been stocked recently. These are the areas that I would be taking your kids. They don’t always care how big the fish is as long as they catch something. Some of the best spots that I would recommend for young kids would be Curries River Dam, Brushy Lagoon, Lake Barrington, Craigbourne Dam, Brumbys Creek and any other location that has been recently stocked.
Start with bait fishing
Bait fishing can be done from a very young age with parental assistance. It is a good way to introduce young children to fishing. The best baits are worms, grubs and power bait. A light running sinker rig is all that is needed.
Then try lure fishing
My kids started spinning from an age of 5 years. Any younger than this and it does become a little bit difficult especially controlling multiple fishers. This will keep them going for years. They may try fly fishing later, but then again they might not.
Salt water fishing
This is always a great way for the kids to catch a fish as you never know what you might catch from a jetty, pontoon, the shore or a boat. Most of my kids saltwater fishing has been in the Tamar River estuary which has a wide variety of species to be caught from a toadie to a snapper even the odd shark. My middle son Jack loves fishing off Inspection Head wharf where quite often I take them after work on a summer afternoon. Jack was fortunate enough to catch a lovely 1kg pinkie snapper from the wharf. The pontoons along the west and east sides of the Tamar can also be very productive. My kids love fishing off the Deviot pontoon when the snotty trevally are running in autumn.
Lake Leake - Anglers Paradise
Jetties are a great place to take kids to fish. Structure nearly always attracts fish and a few handfuls of berley thrown around will often liven up the bite. A sabiki rig baited up with small pieces of chicken is all that is required to catch most species out of the Tamar and other coastal estuaries. Burley is also important to increase your catch rate and keep them interested. It is a great job for the young ones to grab a hand full of chook pellets and throw it in the water, they love it! Try and plan your families fishing trip around the high or low tide change. The author’s son, Sam Sherriff, with his first trout—caught in Brushy Lagoon.
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The tackle we use A smallish Sabiki jig is an excellent rig for wharves, pontoons, jetties and boats in saltwater. Just add a little bait to two of the hooks and drop it straight off the wharf. Take care though when the fish comes up with the extra hooks though.
The rods and reels that I recommend for the Tamar and alike consists of a Daiwa Samurai 7i 2500 reel and a 6 ½ foot spinning rod. This is the same rod that I recommended in the freshwater. It is a good idea to have 2 spools for your spinning reel. One spooled up with 6lb for trout and the other spooled up with 10lb for estuary work.
Safety
At the end of the day your childs safety is the most important thing and so you should take that in to consideration no matter where you go. There will be times where they test your patience but don’t lose your cool as it is a sport that they can enjoy for ever. Damon Sherriff
M
On the beach
y best friend Martin and I have been fishing buddies for years. We grew up together at Mole Creek in the state’s north and together we have fished for trout for as long as I can remember. We would often venture down to the local creek or ride our bikes to the Lobster River at Chudleigh to try and catch a trout for tea. Often we were successful and perhaps equally often, we were not. Yet through this common interest we have forged a friendship that has lasted. And though my childhood fishing experience extended past the fresh waters of the region and onto the salt waters of the Tamar River at Deviot, where my grandparents lived. Martin’s interest was solely in fresh water and trout. So it came as somewhat of a surprise to me when he phoned me up one day and told me he had purchased a surf rod and reel and wanted me to teach him ‘what this salt water fishing was all about’. I agreed without hesitation and a date was set for a couple of weekends forward. Martin arrived at my house on a crisp yet sunny July morning complete with new surf combo and shiny tackle box equipped with dozens of sinkers and hooks. We set off in my little silver van intent on exploring the salty waters of Coles Bay on the east coast. It was here that I first took my wife fishing and she had a ball catching cod and flathead from the rocks. My plan was to take Martin to this same spot, hopefully with the same result. However this plan went pear shaped about an hour into our drive when what was a pleasant sunny day suddenly became quite overcast and then started to rain. As we neared the coast it also became very windy and the rain, which I had hoped was only going to be showers, looked set in for the day. We decided to give Coles Bay a miss and head for Bicheno, the plan being to stop for lunch and hope the rain would subside. We stopped at the local bakery for lunch, and although the food was fantastic, the rain didn’t stop. In fact it probably got heavier. We jumped back in the van and headed north hoping the weather would improve.
Beaches can be wild windy places. They can also be a great place to catch a fish - or see a whale.
About half an hour from Bicheno I decided I was sick of Over the past couple of years I have come to know the driving in the rain and told Martin I was going to pull over beach at Four Mile Creek very well. I travel from Launceston at a little rest spot alongside a beach and take some photos via St. Marys Pass, turning right at the bottom of the hill with my then-new digital camera. to take the road towards Bicheno. Usually I will stop at the I didn’t know it at the time, but this was the beach at Four car park at the northern end of the beach. This car park is Mile Creek. indicated with one of those ‘scenic point’ signs (the road sign The waves were crashing in with a mighty force and with the picture of a camera on it). From here it is a short breaking a long way out from the beach. It was windy and walk to the beach, and I usually fish a little gutter that has wet, yet not overly cold. formed beside rocks that extend into the water. This is my We ventured down to the beach to stretch our legs favorite spot though there is a good kilometre of beach to and upon inspection noticed the water dropped off quite choose from. I often see fishermen with lines in the water deeply. about half way along the beach where, at high tide, a small ‘What do you reckon?’ I asked Martin. rivulet runs across the sand to the sea. ‘Pity to come all this way and not throw a line in!’ he Beach fishing is a fairly simple affair. Casting with a surf replied. rod can be a little difficult to master at first but with a little So it was we decided to risk getting our ample backsides practice will become second nature. The most important wet and bravely fish where no man had fished before…. point to remember when learning how to cast with a surf Okay that’s a claim I can’t substantiate…………. rod is not to go for too much distance too soon. Concentrate Anyway we put on our jackets, baited our hooks and threw firstly on getting your technique right. Use the leverage of our lines to the surf hoping some unsuspecting fish would the long rod to your advantage before trying to put a lot of come along and become our dinner. power into your casting. Nine times out of ten this will get It didn’t take long be- your line further into the water than if you try throwing your fore Martin was to catch sinker to New Zealand! The golfers and cricketers amongst the first fish of the day, a you will realize that the secret to success is all in the timing, little Australian or ‘cocky’ and surf casting is really no different. Power is important but salmon. is not the most essential thing. I was a bit peeved. I The best conditions for surf fishing are, in my opinion, thought I was supposed to the days when the waves are crashing onto the beach. Many be the ‘expert’! Here I was days I have stood on a beach somewhere around the state with supposedly the ‘master’ and the sun blazing, the water calm and no fish biting whatsoever. Martin the ‘apprentice’ and However on the days when it has been a bit windy and the yet he was upstaging me! water is a bit choppy I have enjoyed much more success. On ‘Oh well’, I thought, the day I first discovered the beach at Four Mile Creek the ‘where there’s one salmon waves were pounding the sand so hard that the water was there’s usually more’. literarily turning a yellow colour, such was the sand being I was right! churned over. So we were wet but smilWhen beach fishing look for darker patches in the water ing as we left that afternoon as this indicates deeper water or ‘gutters’ where food will with a total of sixteen fish collect and fish will gather. Alternatively I like to fish where caught. Martin caught an the water is at its choppiest, usually around a sand bar, as I even dozen and myself only have had success in these areas in the past. four. A lot were returned, but I have had days on this beach when nothing has been a good feed was retained. biting, however these days have been pretty rare. When I Martin was justifiably have got bored of getting no bites from my favorite spot I pleased with his first expedi- have moved around to the rocks at the northern end of the tion into the salt-water fish- beach. Here there are plenty of wrasse to be caught amongst ing caper, even Sendinyourphotos.We’llgiveyou$100 Name .......................................... if he did liken ofBlackMagictackleforthebestphoto’s winching in a Address ....................................... published.IfyourcatchwasmadeusingBlack small salmon ...................................................... 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the kelp, and though I consider them poor eating, they can be fun to catch! Be careful though because Wrasse fight a dirty fight and will happily drag your line into the kelp or under a rock at any given opportunity! When I am fishing from the beach I use a twelve-foot surf rod coupled with a large thread-line reel. The reel is spooled with twelve-pound line and I usually attach a pre purchased wire trace with sinker and double hook clips, or tie a paternoster rig. I then attach my sinker, and my bait to my hooks and cast it out. Simple. I have found the most successful bait from the beach to be either pre packaged blue bait or squid. Prawns seem to wash off the hook in the surf far too readily and I have never caught a fish from the beach on chicken or steak that I can recall. Australian salmon are, by far, the most prolific species I have caught from the beach at Four Mile Creek, the largest being a blackback of around two kilograms. Average size would be a kilogram or lighter. These fish are great fighters and a lot of fun to catch. I have also caught several yellow eyed mullet from here and have seen a small skate caught upon dusk. My job as a delivery driver sometimes allows me the fortune of a delivery to the east coast. I always look forward to these days and often I will come to an arrangement with my boss that sees me able to throw in my fishing rod and spend a couple of hours on the beach instead of rushing back to work. On one of these occasions the fish weren’t biting from the beach so I did as I have mentioned and went over to the rocks to muck around with the wrasse before heading home. I had just hooked my first when I noticed what I thought was a rock protruding from the water about one hundred metres from the shore. I thought this strange, as I had not noticed it before. I then thought it particularly strange when it then disappeared and a jet of water sprayed into the air! This wasn’t a rock! This was a whale! I had never seen a whale before and thought myself fortunate to be visited by one so close to the shore! I tried desperately to get a photo of it but he or she was being
camera shy and only showing the top of their head as they headed south. Still I was quite excited by the experience! Four Mile Creek is home to what is my favorite beach for fishing in Tasmania. What’s more it’s nestled in a snug little location along one of the most scenic drives in the state, that being the road from St. Helens to Bicheno. I would definitely recommend a visit to Four Mile Creek for a spot of beach fishing. You may catch a fish or even see a whale! If not the bakery at Bicheno comes with my recommendation! Andrew Richardson.
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Some of Tasmania’s best beach and surf fishing is on the east coast. They are not always as calm as this, but even these days can be productive.
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Catching squid – The basics
ith summer fast approaching and many anglers, both serious ones and those seeking some family fun chasing the bread and butter species, its worth considering trying your luck catching something a little different, so why not squid. Catching squid can provide great fun for the family, doesn’t require a boat, or expensive tackle, and provides the added bonus of being a delectable table fish. Tasmanian waters are home to two main species of squid, the Southern calamari (calamari), and arrow squid. Anglers can take both species, however the calamari is more commonly captured as it’s found in the shallower inshore waters. Calamari have a life span of around 12 months, but are voracious feeders and some specimens can obtain weights in excess of 2 kilograms. On light tackle, a squid of this size can put up an entertaining fight. Arrow squid (arrows) tend to school in large numbers and can be found in waters up to 500 metres deep. They are easily differentiated from calamari in that instead of two long wings down the side of the hood, they have two short triangular fins near their tail that form a distinctive arrow shape. Recreational anglers often capture arrows whilst targeting other species. I have caught good specimens while chasing flathead in waters up to 60 metres deep. Arrows tend to be very aggressive predators and will often take lures or baits intended for other species. However, this article is focused on the capture of calamari, as they are more frequently encountered in inshore waters. Here are some of the basics that should increase your chances of angling success with this interesting mollusc.
• The beaches of Great Oyster Bay and Mercury Passage; • Skeleton Bay, near Binalong Bay; • Most southern and south eastern jetties with broken bottom or seagrass in the vicinity, for example, Pirates Bay, Woodbridge, Dover, or Dunnalley just to name a few; • Sheltered bays and beaches of Bruny Island, with Dennes Point a favourite of mine; • The Hobart wharves, particularly from dusk onwards. These are a just a few of the many spots you may find squid. It’s just a matter of thinking about the location.
Tackle
In terms of necessary tackle, there are no special requirements. Any medium sized spinning rod in the range of five to seven feet with a reasonable amount of tip action, combined with a threadline or baitcaster reel spooled with line in the vicinity of 10 pound breaking strain, should be sufficient. It’s beneficial to be able to cast the jig a reasonable distance. A squid jig does not have normal hooks, instead it has a number of very sharp barbs grouped tightly together at the base of the jig that do the same job.
Locating potential hot spots
Calamari are frequently encountered in the vicinity of seagrass beds or broken bottom. They are most abundant around these habitats through the summer months however, with a little planning, can still be captured all year round. They will often be found around sheltered rocky bays, or inshore along beaches where patches of seagrass can be found. They can be caught in water as shallow as 2-3 metres, although a depth of 5-10 metres is better. Many jetties and piers also seem to attract calamari - perhaps due to the shelter and protection offered to the schools of baitfish upon which the squid feed. Whilst a boat is not a necessity, it can provide access to a wider range of potential hot spots. Contrary to common belief, squid are as easily caught during the day as at night, although dusk remains popular with the experienced angler. This is certainly not an exhaustive list by any means, but both my fishing companions and I have had regular success in the following locations:
Squid jigs are many and varied. They all work, but at times some work better than others.
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Calamari are both great fun to catch and superb eating as well. Tying the jig directly onto the line is the simplest way to go. I am a big supporter of the idea that the less swivels, ‘quickchanges’, etc the better, as this provides fewer distractions for the fish. Most jigs on the market are already weighted correctly to achieve a mid-water floating action as you retrieve, so there is no need to add any sinkers to your rig. No bait either, so what could be simpler! In terms of brand, I believe you cannot go past the Yo-Zuri range of jigs. They are a bit more expensive, but when the squid are not striking consistently or being a little cagey, you will have a far better chance if your tackle box contains at least one Yo-Zuri. Priced between $15 and $17, those Yo-Zuri jigs with a smooth finish, white with a red head, or white with a pink or green back, in the size range 2.5 to 3.5 (this indicates the length in inches) have an excellent strike rate. There are many other good quality jigs available for $10 or less. The majority of these are finished in a cloth like material, in a range of colours. Sure Catch, Jarvis Walker, Razorback and Alpha are some of the better-known brands. When the squid are hot on the bite however, they will pretty much take whatever is presented. An effective, but rarely used alternative is to use a bare jig, (a metal spike with barbs at the base), threaded with bait chunks and cast and retrieved in the usual manner. Soaking the bait in tuna oil can enhance this method even further, and its good option if the action is a little quiet.
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Technique
Catching squid isn’t difficult, and requires a technique similar to working a soft plastic lure. A cast followed by a slow retrieve, using the rod tip to impart the odd sharper action, will normally do the trick. If your jig is coming in across or close to the surface, you are definitely retrieving too fast. A squid will take the lure with a solid pulling motion, and you may be mistaken for thinking you have struck weed. Once hooked, it becomes very much a tug‑of-war style of fight and a good test of skill. If you are too aggressive, it is easy to lose the squid, as it may only be connected to the jig by one or two tentacles. When a squid is first hooked, (more often than not) there may be others close by, so it is well worth a mate directing a cast to the same area. Other squid may also follow the hooked quarry in close to the boat, presenting additional opportunities for further hookups. Being able to see the squid you are trying to hook makes for exciting fishing, and can be a lot of fun for kids. As with many species of fish, berley can also assist in attracting squid to within striking distance.
If conditions are quite windy, a running barrel sinker above a swivel positioned around 30 to 40 cm above the jig, will assist casting and lessen wind drift as you retrieve, allowing the jig to remain at a better depth in the water column. The only downside to squid is their ability to release jet-black ink when hooked. For the unsuspecting angler this can make quite a mess of the boat, or worse, you, as they have a tendency to save their final spurt for landing. The ink stain can be difficult to remove from clothing and lifejackets, although a good soak prior to washing really helps. The best advice to avoid this is to use a landing net wherever possible, and always keep the head of the squid parallel to your boat as you lift the net from the water. It also pays to shake the net a few times on top of the water before lifting as this will often force the squid to harmlessly release the last of its ink. If you’re fishing from a jetty that’s too high to use a landing net, just try and swing the squid up onto the jetty, in preference to winding it straight up towards you.
Cleaning
Cleaning a squid is not a difficult or dangerous task, although it is a messy one. The best eating is the hood, or body. Thus, it’s necessary to remove everything that is attached to this part of the fish, including the wings, head and tentacles. Some people enjoy eating the tentacles, but I prefer to keep both these and the head for bait. Squid bait is excellent for most species with the added benefit of staying on the hook for long periods of time. Once the hood has been isolated, all that remains is to remove the quill, a clear plastic like backbone located down the inside of the hood. By digging a thumbnail or knife under the top of the quill, it should peel easily away. If you turn the hood inside out, this allows for easy removal of the remaining squid gut. If you find this difficult, it’s just as easy to slice the hood up one side and then scrape the remaining skin and ink away with a knife. All this means is that you will have to dine on calamari strips rather than rings - I guarantee it will be equally as tasty!
Almost every jetty around Tasmania will have squid attracted to it at some stage. A possession limit of 15 of each species is the maximum that an angler can be in possession of at any time. This possession limit applies everywhere, including those kept in the home freezer. Whilst there is no legal minimum size for squid, the small ones are better released to try for again later. A closed season exists for the capture of both species of squid in some east coast waters from 15 September 2005 to 14 December 2005 inclusive. The closed area runs from the northern end of Marion Bay Beach as
far north as Coles Bay, including Mercury Passage and all of Great Oyster Bay, and extends east to the outer limit of State waters. This is essentially to protect the squid as they mass in great numbers for breeding, and since its introduction, has been to the benefit of all amateur anglers. Further detail of the regulations can be found on the Government website www. dpiwe.tas.gov.au. Brett Spinks
Regulations Kids really enjoy catching squid.
It’s important to be aware that there are regulations surrounding the capture of squid.
PRESS RELEASE Sunday 18/09/05
New statewide fresh water fishing association representation with a professional approach that will assist the Inland Fisheries service to continue their policies of improvement and sustainability of the fresh water fishery.’ Interim Chair of AAT Mr. Barry Hickman thanked Mr. Richards and FACT retiring Secretary Mr. David Driver for their outstanding efforts of the past and for paving the way for the new Alliance. AAT has now adopted a new constitution with the main objective being: ‘The representation of all licensed anglers to ensure the realization and maintenance of the full potential of the fresh water fishery.’ Major projects already identified include assisting the Inland Fisheries Service to gain a contemporary fish hatchery, issues of access, signage and information and a new angling education programme. Further information: Richard Dax: daxy@trump.net.au Ph: 0417 591 289 or 6266-4445
■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■
Anglers Alliance Tasmania (AAT) was today formed as the new peak angling body representing all licensed anglers. The announcement was made by the retiring President of the Fresh Water Anglers Council of Tasmania (FACT), Mr. Peter Richards following their Annual General Meeting. FACT members voted to join and assist in the establishment of the new body and dissolve all operations of FACT. Mr. Richards welcomed the new alliance consisting of representatives of the Southern, Northern and North West Fishing Associations together with the Tasmanian Fly Fishing and Australian Fishing Tackle Associations, Trout Guides and Lodges Tasmania and three unaligned independent anglers who will be selected following a public process. Mr. Richards stated that ‘no longer could an organization like FACT exist on the good will of its members’ and ‘that it was now time for a new body to build on the work of the past. Anglers Alliance will provide wider
Fishing News - Page 9
Fishing on a limited budget
R
ecently I had a conversation with a colleague of mine regarding his desire to take his stepson fishing. He explained that although his wife’s twelve-year-old son loved to fish, my colleague was unable to justify the expense. I must admit I probably gave him a stupid puzzled look before enquiring exactly why he thought a fishing trip was going to leave him bankrupt. “It’s all that special gear you need mate” he said in a deadly serious tone, “you know, those expensive surf rods and big reels, and all the floats and sinkers and stuff you need. I can’t justify the price of it. Not for a fishing trip here and there.” Oh my poor misguided colleague! It seems he had been listening to me giving someone else a run down on all the fishing gear I own and had formed the wrong impression. I had to explain to him that although someone like myself does indeed own a reasonably expensive surf rod with a large reel, and is quite happy to spend twenty dollars here or there on sinkers alone, it really didn’t have to be that way. I explained that I certainly didn’t start out with all this flash equipment I own today, and that much of it I own simply because I fish quite a lot and wanted gear that was robust enough to handle it. It got me thinking. Essentially I own lots of fishing gear not because it helps me catch more fish, but because I love to fish and I guess I love to spend money on it! So having stated this case to my colleague he rightfully enquired ‘So how do I go fishing without spending a fortune then?’.
How do you start
The best place to start is probably your local fishing store. The staff at these stores are well aware that not everybody has truckloads of cash to splurge on fishing gear and will be more than willing to point you in the direction of budget priced items.
Look at a tackle store combo
If you are looking at purchasing surf fishing equipment, a reasonable combination of twelve foot rod and pre-spooled ball bearing reel will set you back around one hundred dollars. If you are looking for something more general purpose, a six-foot medium action rod and pre-spooled reel will start from around forty dollars.
Hooks are cheap
A packet of hooks will cost anywhere from five dollars upwards and a good idea is to buy a pack consisting of a range of hook sizes. This will give you an array of options depending upon where you’re fishing and what you are fishing for. I recently purchased such a pack consisting of around one hundred hooks, the previous pack I owned lasted me for more than three years. So as you can see they’re pretty good value.
Options with sinkers
Sinkers will vary in cost depending on the size you buy. A good surf sinker of around sixty grams will cost you about a dollar each, a little more if they’re heavier and a little less if they’re lighter. You can also buy packets consisting of several sinkers and they come in a wide array of shapes ranging from spherical to oblong with protruding wire to grip the bottom more successfully. Another way to keep costs down is to make your own sinkers. Sinker mould kits can be purchased from most fishing stores and although they are a bit of an outlay to start with they can save you money in the long run. Depending on the sizes and shapes, a decent mould will set you back around twenty five dollars. Lead can be purchased in sheets from hardware stores for around ten dollars a metre, but a better option would be to try your local scrap metal merchant as mine sells lead for one dollar per kilogram. I must admit these days I do tend to buy my sinkers more often than not as making sinkers can be a labor-intensive pastime. The back panel of sinker mould packets will often show a diagram of a pot on a stovetop, presumably melting down your lead. I have found a stovetop does not get hot enough. Instead I usually light a fire in my outside barbecue and put my pot containing my lead directly into the coals – the hotter the better! Be careful not to breathe in the fumes, as I am sure this would do a person no good at all! Again be careful when pouring your lead into your moulds. A pair of leather gloves is essential for this job. If you do not wish to purchase sinker moulds you can improvise my making an imprint in a bucket of wet sand with something such as the pointy end of a steel dropper, or a pre-purchased sinker, and pouring your molten lead directly
Sitting on a rock waiting for a fish. The gear can be basic and the rewards fulfilling.
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into this. You will need some fencing staples to place into the sinker after you’ve poured it, and before the lead sets, so you have something to attach your line to. It’s fiddly but it’s effective. If you don’t want to go to all this trouble, just do what I did for years and use tin snips to cut the lead sheets into small rectangular sections, say six centimetres by two centimetres, roll it up long ways then tie it directly to your line. It’s simple, cheap and effective. Once you are outfitted with your rod, reel, hooks, line and sinkers you are ready to go fishing! However tying your sinker and hooks to your line and casting it in to the wild blue yonder will do you little good unless you attach something to the hooks for the fish to nibble on!
Bait options
Bait is obviously essential when it comes to catching fish and many, including myself, believe the type of bait used to be the most important factor when it comes to catching fish. There are many options. If you open the bait freezer at your corner store or anywhere else advertising the sale of bait you will be greeted with a plethora of choices. My advice would be to buy a packet of ‘blue bait’, which is essentially small fish in preservative, and then purchase another packet of something else to change to if the blue bait isn’t catching. Squid would probably be my preferred second option, as it tends to stay attached to the hook better than say prawns or pippies, or even blue bait for that matter. (A handy tip is to buy some fuse wire and wrap a small piece around your blue bait after you have attached it to the hook. This will stop the bait from being easily removed from the hook by pests such as crabs.)
In my opinion your bait selection should be dependent on where you choose to fish. My experience tells me that prawns are effective bait in estuaries or rivers where the current flow is not too fast, and pippies work quite well from a beach. Blue bait seems to work everywhere. Packets of bait will set you back anywhere from three to five dollars, and a packet is normally enough for a days fishing with a couple of lines in the water. If all of these options fail, or if you don’t like the idea of packet bait, try a cheap piece of steak or chicken breast. Both of these options, the steak in particular, have caught me plenty of fish from the Tamar river in years gone by.
Chasing trout - try bait
If you are chasing trout rather than saltwater fish then a lot of these same principles apply. Effectively a rod, reel and line will set you on your way! A great way to spend a days fishing is to gain permission from a land owner with a river or creek running through their property, then walk the river/creek casting an unweighted bait into the water, just over the bank. Freshly dug garden worms are best early in the season, especially if the waterway is in flood, and grasshoppers make great bait in the dryer months. (Just be careful to make sure no one is watching you as you ridiculously leap and bound around in the paddocks trying to catch the little suckers!) Early morning is best for catching hoppers. If you are after something a little less strenuous for fresh water fishing the answer would be to try fishing with grubs or mudeyes. These can be purchased from tackle stores and are well suited to set lines in lakes and rivers. Going fishing after dark with these baits can be fun as species such as eels and blackfish can be caught to add variety to the night.
Kids and jetties go hand in hand. Jetties are often covered with barnacles, mussels and other foods irresistible to scavenging fish. Drop a line off this sort of structure and you are sure to find a fish nibbling the end of your line soon enough. There is no better place to take a kid.
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Tops and bottoms
Even in the middle of Tasmania’s capital city, Hobart, there are plenty of easily accessed fishing spots. This rocky groyne, situated on the eastern shore just south of the Bowen Bridge, is a great place for flathead, bream and other species. It is a safe and easy place to get to and try your luck.
Or try a lure
If casting a lure is more your style then try the ‘mark down’ or ‘seconds’ bins at your favorite fishing store. Quite often you can buy cobra style lures at discounted prices. These lures are probably imperfect in some small way, usually having more to do with the way the lure looks than the way it will work. With these lures you can run the line directly through the body of the lure and tie it to a treble hook. Even tying the line to a standard single hook will catch fish effectively.
Keep it interesting
Variety, as well as quantity, is important if you are taking a young person fishing. A child who will sit on a beach for two hours of bite-less fishing and not get impatient or bored is a rarity, so I would recommend starting off fishing on a wharf or jetty. Small fish will regularly feed in these areas and they can be great fun to catch. Also try a location as close to home as possible, to avoid hearing the timeless ‘are we there yet?’ question too regularly.
So for a small initial outlay, then by using some of the above tips, you can spend a day fishing without breaking the bank. You never know, after a while you might decide that you love fishing and want to upgrade your gear. However starting out with budget priced items is, in my opinion, the smarter way to go. Most of all have fun and enjoy it even if you don’t catch a fish. Even the most experienced fishermen with the most expensive gear come home empty handed sometimes. Not that they often admit it! Spend plenty of time at the local tackle store. Don’t be shy to ask for fishing advice, because the more fish you catch after a visit to a fishing store the more likely you are to return that shop again! Andrew Richardson.
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The top lures were: Squidgy Flick Baits - Green Meany Wriggler - Avacado and Bloodworm Shad - Red Rum Fishing News - Page 13
The bizarre Booby - a great import A
nyone who has picked up an English fly fishing magazine will have read about the virtues of the Booby. This bizarre looking fly has been around the lake fly fishing scene in England for close on twenty years. In this time it has become one of the ‘must have’ patterns in fly boxes for everyone from rank beginners to the top competition anglers. The Booby is a fly that can be fished on every line from a super fast sinker to a floating line, it can be used for very specific purposes as a sacrificial fly, but will catch plenty of brown and rainbow trout in its own right. You would think that a fly with such abilities would be well recognised here in Tassie, however if you asked ten fly fisherman about the Booby, I reckon about 8 or 9 of them would be thinking lingerie not fishing.
The fly
The Booby is a fly, which is designed to float; it is as simple as that. The Booby is tied with two balls of foam near the eye, across the shank of the hook, and a traditional dressing such as a Woolly Bugger, or Yeti style tie on the rest of the fly. The fly can be fished on any variation of fly line as an attractor on the top dropper or as a suspender on the point to either hang nymphs on a floating line, or to keep a team of flies off the weed when fishing deep. One of the real beauties of the Booby is that you can fish slow and deep without constantly snagging the bottom. If you tie flies, Booby cord is a commercially available material, which you can tie to the front of the hook and then trim to shape. Alternatively you can purchase little polystyrene balls, the kind used in bean bags, which can be wrapped in your wife or girlfriend’s discarded stockings and tied in. (This works well but is not very durable). Once the eyes are secured, tie your favourite wet fly pattern behind the Booby eyes, all done on a size 8 or 10 hook. Most of the European patterns for the Booby leave the bright white foam eyes showing, with no attempt to subdue their appearance. I must admit here in Tasmania, I prefer to colour the eyes with black permanent marker. I don’t know whether there is anything in it… maybe I’m just used to fishing subdued colours.
Sinking Lines
My first real success using a Booby came in September Fishing News - Page 14
2004, when I fished in the Commonwealth Fly Fishing Championships on Loch Fitty, in Scotland. In this competition one of the most successful tactics was to fish a type 5 sinking line (medium to fast) with a Booby on the top dropper, Booby on the point and your own choice in the middle. A cast was made to full distance, then let the flies sink to mid water, (About 15 seconds and 6-8ft) then this was followed by a medium paced retrieve. The rainbows in this lake would take the Booby as the line pulled the flies down or as the flies began to move. This technique was deadly and some of the trout actually swallowed the Booby as it slowly moved towards the bottom with a waggling, side to side motion. At the time I put my success with the Booby down to the ‘stupid stockies’, which were regularly put into the loch. Upon returning to Tassie, I tried this technique at home in Arthurs Lake, I had mixed success fishing in deep water. I caught the odd brownie, but no more on the Booby than on the other flies I was using on a three fly rig. I must admit that I only tried this technique in hard fishing weather, as I was not a convinced at that stage. In March 2005, I travelled to New Zealand for the Oceania Fly Fishing Championships. One of the venues was a Lake Aniwhenua, (pronounced Anefanooa), a magnificent piece of water with weed beds growing vertically from 15ft deep to the surface all around the lake. The weather on this trip was bright and calm… for nearly three weeks. The only fishing that was going to be successful for the resident, wild rainbows and browns was going to have to be done slowly. What proved to be a killer in the calm weather was to fish a DI7 line with a Booby on the point and two damsel nymphs on the top and middle dropper. Fishing a clear deep section of the lake, the flies were allowed to sink to the bottom, followed by a dead slow retrieve, staying in contact with the line, moving the flies at a crawling pace. The fly line was on the bottom and the Booby was about three or four feet up, with the damsel nymphs in between, takes were detected as a tapping sensation or a tightening in the line. The real issue in hooking up was stopping yourself from doing a traditional strike, if you lifted the rod up, you would pull the flies away from the trout sometimes missing the take and spooking the fish. The best way to connect with the trout was to speed up the retrieve and ‘feel’ for the weight of the fish before pulling hard on the line with the line hand. This technique was
deadly catching both rainbow and brown trout, on both the Booby and damsel nymphs. This proved to be ‘the go’ for the rest of the competition when weather was calm, catching rainbows and browns at a rate of 2 to 1 over other methods. These fish were all naturally spawned, wild fish, so much for the ‘stockie’ excuse.
A New Season
The new season has is on us now in Tasmania and with it the enthusiasm to fish the Booby here at home. So far I have only had a couple of outings. An olive Booby took my first fish at Arthurs Lake for the season. The Booby was being fished with a pull pause retrieve on the type 5 line in about 8 feet of water. On Saturday the 27 August, I had a couple of hours on Brushy Lagoon, which has recently received heavy stocking by the IFS with brook trout, Atlantic salmon, as well as some mature browns. I only fished for just over two hours, again with the type 5 line. The set up was originally 3 flies with a Booby on the point and two more traditional wets on the droppers. I soon caught two small brook trout on the Booby, and had no takes on the other flies, so I put a Booby on the top dropper also and proceeded to catch another two brookies, this time on the top Booby. The colours that worked were grey rabbit, light olive and chartreuse with a white marabou tail. While the fish were only small (around the ¾ to 1lb mark), they were a lot of fun, and a nice change from browns and rainbows.
Not just for ‘flogging’.
There are plenty of applications for the Booby when you are fishing a floating line. First is the ‘clothes line’ method. When fish are taking nymphs or emergers near the surface, a team of three flies can be fished with a floating line, Booby on the point and two nymphs on the top and middle dropper. The floating line keeps things up at one end and the Booby keeps things afloat at the other with the nymphs hanging deliciously just under the surface between the two. This will also work well in the wind lanes, where you can cast well ahead of a cruising rainbow or brown, setting a trap for him to stumble across without the nymphs sinking before he gets there, and without spooking the fish by casting when it gets close to you.
22/9/05
11:46 AM
Page 1
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Fishing News - Page 15
I’ve got to say I haven’t tried this last technique yet, but I can’t wait to get out there this season. A single Booby, just on dark twitched in the surface creating an enticing ripple around the shores of Great Lake or Arthurs or any mudeye waters, will no doubt be received with a mighty smash or audible slurp at the end of the line. A fly fishing friend recently told me of an end of season trip he had to Lake Leake where due to hard conditions (bright and calm), he tried using a Booby on a floating line, pulling the fly occasionally in the surface. For those who are familiar with saltwater fishing, the fly acts like a popper, making a very visible disturbance in the surface. He caught six trout, both browns and rainbows, while his boat partner caught nothing fishing more traditional wets below the surface.
Conclusion
As you might be able to guess, I’m still only experimenting with the applications that the Booby has here in Tasmania with our wild trout. I’ve got no doubt that further dedicated efforts will show this fly to be as versatile here in Tasmania as it has been back in pommie land for the last couple of decades. Rainbow trout seem especially susceptible to taking the Booby, as do the recently stocked brook trout that are appearing in some of our ‘under utilised waters’. Give the Booby a try, you may well get a very pleasant surprise. Joe Riley
A bird’s eye view of of a Booby’s head.
Two different versions of Booby flies. These cab any wet fly with buoyant booby heads attached.
The author with a good rainbow caught boobying in New Zealand.
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Craigbourne Dam Atlantic salmon hotspot
C
raigbourne Dam was constructed outside the village of Colebrook in 1986. The area was previously a dryland grazing area; however irrigation from the dam has enabled intensive cropping. Local farmers are now producing stone fruit and fresh vegetables as well as vegetable seed for export to Japan, vineyards and also poppies. However it is through the focus and dedication of the IFS that it has become an absolute fishing hotspot that is around an hour from Hobart. In recent times it has been heavily stocked with Rainbow Trout, Brook Trout and some Atlantic salmon kindly donated to the IFS by SALTAS.
Kayaking access
After reading some of the reports from fellow sportsfishtasmania.com forum members all reporting amazing action on some excellent sized Atlantic salmon as well as good captures of small brook trout I decided to take the kayak up and enjoy the Craigbourne experience for myself. I set out hoping for a brook trout as in my two years living in Tasmania this is one species that has so far eluded me. With high expectations I loaded the kayak on to the roof of the car and headed north towards Hobart. With Hobart behind me I was soon in the Coal Valley and shortly after passing through Richmond I gained my first glimpse of this little waterway. Arriving at the boat ramp I noticed that there were quite a few shore based anglers as well as a number of boat trailers parked at the boat ramp. Obviously the word was out as this was a mid week day, yet a fair number of enthusiastic fisherman were already present. I quickly unloaded the kayak from the roof and prepared my gear and set my drag. Whilst doing this an elderly gentleman came over who was shore fishing near by and asked me a few questions about my kayak as he hadn’t seen one like it before. He told me he had only caught a few small brook trout at that stage but had taken some nice Atlantic salmon a few
Atlantic landed on the first run
I thanked him for his information and quickly paddled across to the other side of the dam where I commenced my first trolling run. My initial plan for the day was to troll a hard bodied deep diving minnow adjacent to the structure while silently gliding along in the kayak. I attached a pearl coloured Salmo deep diver to my line and started trolling. I had been trolling for less than two minutes when my little overhead outfit buckled and started to loose drag. After a spirited fight and a few spectacular leaps during which I struggled to maintain line tension to keep the hooks in the salmon I had a Atlantic salmon around 2.5 kilograms beaten by the side of the kayak. I decided to take this fish for the table as I particularly like eating Atlantic salmon. After offering me an easy net shot I unhooked the fish and put it in the ice slurry that I had in the 50 litre esky in the tank well of my kayak. I commenced paddling and soon approached the area near the silver barn where the small creek flows in. As I paddled I watched my rod tip expectantly as this was the scene where the Sportsfish Tasmania boys had encountered all of their action. I was just past this point and trolling adjacent to some submerged trees when my rod went off in a spectacular fashion. The fish hooked up and immediately tried to run towards the structure in an effort to gain its freedom by busting me off against the submerged trees. I angled the rudder on the kayak so that the unknown but powerful fish was actually dragging the kayak away from the structure which added to the sideways pressure I was exerting through the light graphite overhead rod in an effort to steer the fish away from its ultimate destination.
It changed direction as the sideways pressure took its toll and screamed back out into deeper water away from the danger area. I angled my rudder so that I was towed out towards the middle of the dam after it. I started to make some line back and after a minute or so of aggressive rod work had it down deep below the kayak. I thought to myself good this fish is quickly tiring and reached behind me for the landing net. Just as I was unfolding the fold up net, the fish went on another run during which it ran deep to try to gain shelter on the bottom in the weed beds. Again I applied as much pressure as I thought that I could through the light tackle and with a careful amount of thumb pressure on the spool I turned its head yet again. I was by this stage unsure of whether it was one of the large Lake Cresent brown trout which had been stocked in here by the IFS or one of the large Atlantic salmon which had been donated by SALTAS. I felt that with any luck I would soon find out, as the fish was obviously starting to tire, as its runs were shortening and were slower. After another few minutes during which the fish was content to slug it out down deep below the kayak I got colour. It was a large brown trout/salmon buck with a big hooked jaw. I carefully led it to the waiting landing net and at this stage still couldn’t give a positive identification as to wether it was a large brown trout or Atlantic. It hung there in the water and I thought that it was beaten. I placed the landing net in front of it and it charged into it, actually swimming straight through the net and unfortunately tangling the lure in the net’s cotton mesh in the process. After a brief tantrum on my part I rerigged and commenced trolling.
Too big for the net
I was now concerned how I was going to land any future fish as my landing net was completely ruined. I soon hooked up on another Atlantic salmon around 2.5 kg which I managed
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to get alongside the kayak after a short fight and some spectacular leaps and jumps. I tried to use the lip grippers to grip its jaw but gave up after a few failed attempts. I leaned the kayak over so that the side was flush with the surface of the water and gripping my 5 kg fluorocarbon wind on leader I dragged it on to the kayak. This made it go crazy and I struggled to keep it on the yak while it jumped and flipped around. During this the hook came loose and was soon followed by the salmon jumping over the side.
Landed and lost
This was repeated another two times with me managing to successfully land Atlantic salmon on to the kayak but to have them flip back over the side while trying to unhook them. I decided that this would be a good time to pull in to shore as while I had only been fishing for an hour and a half, I still hadn’t had breakfast by this stage. While unloading my gear out of the front hatch I noticed that my small hand gaff that I use to gaff my gummy sharks with was inside the hull. I was frustrated enough by this stage to disregard the freshwater fishing rule which states that you are not allowed to use gaffs in fresh water situations. After a quick feed I was back in to it. I was originally planning to anchor adjacent to the structure and cast and retrieve as this is how the Sportsfish Tasmania boys saw all of their action. Unfortunately the wind came up so I recommenced trolling. After around 15 minutes of trolling I again hooked up. After an uneventful and quite lethargic fight I had another Atlantic salmon around 2.5 kg by the side of the kayak. A quick gaff shot and it joined its mate on ice. By this stage quite a few other boats had arrived and were trolling around the dam. I had only trolled around 25 metres when the rod buckled and started to loose drag at a lightening rate. Luckily the fish decided to head out towards deeper water and stay just under the surface. It then jumped and I got a good look at it, it was a nice Atlantic salmon around the 4 kilogram mark. After a short fight I had it by the side of the kayak where I quickly gaffed it and stored it on ice. I decided that I had enough fish for my needs at this stage and would release any future salmon caught.
The first brookie
I started trolling again and soon landed a small brook trout around 30 cm long. I was ecstatic as while it was only small, it was a first of species capture for me and as such one that I would always remember. After quickly admiring its beautiful markings I released it. I caught and released another two small brook trout. I decided to troll over to the far side of the dam and was halfway there when I hooked another nice Atlantic around the 4 kilogram mark. After a spirited fight I managed to keep it still by the side of the kayak long enough to grip its upper jaw with the lip grippers where I then took a photo of it and released it for some other angler to enjoy.
One of the superb Atlantic salmon taken by the author at Craigbourne Dam. At length I reached my destination after catching and releasing another Atlantic salmon around 2.5 kilograms on the way. I started trolling alongside the submerged timber and after an uneventful twenty minutes again hooked up to a Atlantic salmon around 2.5 kilogram that spent more time during the fight out of the water than it did in the water as it jumped so much. While trying to grab its jaw with the lip grippers the hooks pulled and I lost my fifth salmon for the day.
Action slowing?
During the next hours trolling all I caught was two redfin. I thought that the action was over and made the decision to troll for another half and hour and if I didn’t taste any more success then I would head on home. I had no sooner told myself this when I had a huge strike. Before I had a chance
to respond the fish had charged in to the submerged timber and was boiling on the surface. I tried to get in there to do something about it but unfortunately my line parted before I could do this. I don’t know if it was a large trout or salmon but its tail was out off the water while it was boiling on the surface and its tail was larger than the two 4 kilogram specimens that I had landed that day. After this my enthusiasm was peaking again and despite being cold and wet I continued on towards the back end of the dam. I hooked and landed another small brook trout which I released. I then hooked another redfin around the 30cm mark. An uneventful forty five minute period followed during which I saw no action at all. I was again about to call it quits when I hooked up again. It was another Atlantic salmon continued next page ............. Fishing News - Page 19
again around the 2.5 kilogram mark which fought well for its size and jumped quite a bit which was pretty spectacular to watch. I successfully got it with the lip grippers and released it after taking its photo. I decided to head back to where I had originally seen all of the action earlier in the morning and headed back. I stopped along the way and got a fisherman to take a couple of photos of me in the kayak with the fish I had kept. I thanked him for doing this and continued trolling towards my ultimate destination. I reached the area where I had encountered all of my morning’s action without getting any more strikes. I started to again work the structure and soon hooked up to another Atlantic. It again fought well for its size but unfortunately the hooks pulled while I was trying to get it with the lip grippers. I wasn’t real concerned as I was going to release it anyway and it saved me the trouble of unhooking it. I trolled for another period of around thirty minutes without any action and decided to call it a day. I thought that I would troll back to the boat ramp from which I had launched my kayak. I had travelled around a quarter of the way when I again hooked up to another Atlantic. I decided during the fight that if I got this fish to the kayak I would take it for the table as well. It didn’t fight very much and was soon at the side of the kayak where I gaffed it without any issues and put it on ice. I pulled in my line and headed for the car.
A quiet last run
I was almost at the car when I decided to troll around the dam wall as there were a lot of shore based anglers in this area and I was keen to see if they had tasted success. From the yahoos I could hear from the distance I figured they were seeing some action. A lot of the shore based anglers had one or two salmon and quite a few of them were catching and releasing brook trout as I paddled past. I reached the ramp and went over to talk to two guys in a boat whom I had seen trolling throughout the day. They had caught and kept nine Atlantic salmon between them all between 2.5 and 4 kilograms. Another fisherman fishing from the shore came over for a chat while I loaded the kayak onto the roof and told me he had caught a salmon just over 6 kilograms the weekend before. I had had fourteen opportunities at Atlantic salmon during a 7 hour fishing session. The three Sportsfish Tasmania anglers
A brown trout - just one of the many different fish in Craigbourne Dam available to anglers. Try for Atlantic salmon, brook trout, brown trout and rainbow trout. mentioned previously had caught 10 Atlantic salmon in a short session a few days previously. As can be seen from this Craigbourne is absolutely firing at present and is a credit to the IFS and SALTAS for providing Hobart’s anglers with such an incredible world class fishery right on its doorstep.
Structure - the place to try
At present the salmon are adjacent to structure either the weed beds running parallel to the shoreline as well as amongst the drowned timber. They can be targeted by either lure or bait fishing from a stationary boat or one that is drifting parallel to the chosen structure. Soft plastics worked around the submerged timber have worked particularly well for quite a few anglers. The Pink Lemonade coloured Berkley 3” Bass minnow fished on a 1/16oz jig head has been the most reliable soft plastic and jig head combination on the Atlantics as well as producing large numbers of brook and rainbow trout as a by catch.
Bait a good producer
Bait fishing unweighted wattle grubs around the submerged trees has also produced good numbers of fish for some anglers. Lightly weighted wattle grubs cast from the shoreline where the deeper water is around either side of the dam wall area have also produced salmon.
Lures to try
This area has also been a reliable salmon producer on lures. Most successful anglers who have been lure fishing from this
area have been using heavier lures that facilitate casting such as Tassie Devils, Cobras, Spoons or hard bodied minnows that provide sufficient casting weight. Some shore based anglers fishing both soft plastics and fly fishing have also tasted success on the Atlantic salmon and trout population. Due to the persistent wind I encountered on this and my two subsequent trips, I made the decision to troll alongside the structure rather than try to cast and retrieve while trying to hold my position against the wind. I found on this trip that the sweet depth seem to be around the 2.5 metre mark. I trolled this water depth using either Salmo 7cm minnows as well as Tilsan minnows. Both of these lures performed equally as well over this trip and a couple of subsequent trips. The most reliable colour was a yellow tiger colour in the Tilsan minnows as well as a pearl coloured Salmo minnow. The pearl bellied, fluorescent pink backed Salmo minnow also performed well. Another reliable producer was a rainbow trout coloured Tilsan minnow. Both the 6.9kg and the 8.1kg Atlantics I took on my next trip fell to the rainbow trout coloured Tilsan minnow.
My outfits
I have been using a pair of 2 kg outfits, a spinning outfit as well as an overhead outfit. I have used a small Daiwa spinning reel on a 2-3 kg graphite rod over which I was fishing 2 kg fireline with a 4 kg fluorocarbon wind on leader. The second outfit I have been using is a small Abu overhead on a 2-3 kg graphite rod. This outfit was initially spooled up with 2 kg fireline whoever after loosing quite a few good Atlantics to the submerged structure I re-spooled the reel with 3 kg fireline with a 5.5 kg fluorocarbon wind on leader. Both of these outfits have performed faultlessly and the small Daiwa reel spooled with 2 kg fireline has taken both the 6.9 kg and the 8.1 kg Atlantic without any problems. I hope this tale of the fishing currently available at Craigbourne inspires some of you to have and experience these magnificent fish for yourselves. Due to the efforts of the IFS and SALTAS, Atlantic salmon have been stocked in numerous waterways around Tasmania and as such are available within a two hour drive to most people within Tasmania. Scott McDonald
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Fly fishing in October/November S
Tasmanian Northern Lowlands
ome beautiful weather at this time of year has provided conditions that can only highlight the enjoyment of our favourite outdoor pursuits. Many of us will be encouraged to venture forth and pursue our fabulous trout. Currently, the streams of the northern drainage are returning to normal levels after the high rainfalls of recent months. With the reduction of local runoff, water clarity should continue to improve, especially when the influx of water from the tailrace of the Poatina Power Station gets underway. The season is shaping up well as an abundance of worms and grubs, is sure to provide trout with the necessary high protein food required during the times when insects are scarce. The chill of winter and the rigours of spawning often leave trout in less than perfect condition. High water levels wash these foods into the streams and provide trout with access to flooded backwaters in search of frogs and other goodies. I have caught browns to 52 cm. that were healthy and fat with scuds (isopods) and water snails.
Excellent fishing can be had in Brumbys Creek, Macquarie River, North and South Esk rivers. The well known Toom’s Lake, Lake Leake, Brushy Lagoon and (others) to name a few, are all excellent at this time. With changeable early season weather limiting choices for weekend and occasional anglers, the lower altitude of the northern district can offer more predictable and milder conditions compared to the mountain lakes. Rising fuel costs will mean thoughtful planning will be necessary for most of us. Fish respond to changes in weather conditions and may be found actively feeding in the shallows at various times, especially during periods of high air pressure. While tailing fish can at times be found close to the banks and in the flooded backwaters, there is always a chance of insect hatches, especially if it is warm and humid. Midge, stoneflies and mayfly hatches are common enough in the right conditions and you are always in for a treat if the trout start to feed on the surface.
Insects are starting to show in gut contents, mainly stick caddis and a few mayfly and stonefly nymphs. Evening rises have been a little sporadic, although hatches of cockchafer beetles have brought fish to the surface when this has occurred. One fish contained more than thirty of these. They are identified as dark brown to almost in black in colour, about the same size and shape as a peanut.
Useful flies Sub-surface flies.
Fur fly, Black and Peacock Spider, Brown Nymph, Shaving Brush.
Dry flies
Suitable dry flies such as the Royal Wulff, Parachute Black Spinner, Orange Spinner, CDC Caddis, and Red Tag. continued next page .........
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Fishing News - Page 21
Increasing your chances
As usual it pays to be cautious when stalking trout, as they will be extra nervous and alert in the shallows. At no time that I know about are they easy to approach. A times, they are exceedingly difficult Unnatural movement or even shadows will send them packing. Move slowly and make use of available cover such as high banks, trees and bushes etc. Many fine anglers use leaders around 10 feet long, while others prefer much longer for a stealthy presentation especially in calmer conditions. I believe that the use of the longest and finest (up to four and a half meters) is a big advantage where practical, because the fly line is less likely to be seen or heard landing by the fish. Long leaders take some getting used too, but I think that for the extra effort required, the payoff is extra fish on the bank.
Different strokes
River fishing offers much to anglers that enjoy walking, the pace is usually leisurely and patience is required. Sometimes challenging and frustrating when you catch bushes or the wind threatens to blow you away, but very rewarding and enjoyable. Here are some approaches that are working at he moment.
Upstream-dry or nymph
Many will know the fish’s habit of facing the flow. Fishing moving water can be achieved effectively from the bank when we position our selves behind and to one side of them and cast upstream with a nymph imitation. Takes can be rather subtle, and many anglers opt to hang a #12-16 brown nymph below a easily visible dry fly, such as a #12 Royal Wullf, taking advantage of it’s buoyant nature. The key to success is related to the maintenance of correct drift of the pair of flies, and the speed
that you set the hook when the dry is pulled under by the trout grabbing the subsurface nymph as it drifts along at the same sped as the current. The take to the dry fly is obvious and requires a short delay before tightening into the trout as it heads back to its lie.
Fishing wet flies and streamers in rivers
At times, fish will be slow to rise to the dry or nymph, but a well-swum wet fly will attract attention at these times. On dull days with few or no trout visible, persistence will pay off with the skilful use of a suitable pattern. There are many useful wet flies and streamers but in my experience, simple fur or soft feather flies are all that is required.
Wet flies and streamers in lakes.
When conditions allow maximum visibility for the angler, it is a great to see fish swimming about feeding. I enjoy polaroiding whenever I can. There is always a chance to spot a catchable fish at any time the right combination of clear water and sunshine allows it. Lakes are great for polaroiding fish, but on windy and overcast days, we may be forced to adopt other methods. While ‘flogging’ wet flies may not be the ultimate method, there is still the excitement of hooking up to the larger fish. When the weather is really rough and waves crash on the shores, I like to rug up and using a #7 weight outfit with 3 m of 0.2 mm nylon monofilament as leader, work the drop-offs with big streamers or marabou flies. I love the feeling of connecting to fish between 1 and 2 kg, leaping and twisting on the end of your line. They are usually well hooked, as the take is savage due I guess in part to the gameness of the fish under the cover of grey skies and choppy, murky water. Nick Voce
Spring brings some great opportunities for fly fishers.
‘Why I recommend Honda’ ‘Reliability to me is a must as I fish way offshore along the East Coast. Reliability is the reason I chose Honda outboards. My boat is a 6.2 metre Stabi Craft HT with twin Honda 90s. It performs beyond brilliantly. This isn’t the first time I have owned Honda outboards, I have had them on my two previous boats, so I had plenty of time with them. The business I work with, sell and service Honda outboards and I see very little if any concerns regarding these engines. It’s basically oil filter and some fine tuning that’s all. One other thing I will mention is the fuel economy. For a normal day fishing going to the continental shelf and trolling I would use about 80 litres. There’s no two stroke fumes and no oil to refill. I can not recommend Honda highly enough and wouldn’t own anything else!’ Andrew and Sue Tyson
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 Fishing News - Page 22
H
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 a range of four stroke engines 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 wi t h n at u r e
Sarah’s Kitchen
Spicy Calamari
750g calamari hoods 2 tablespoons sweet chilli sauce 2 tablespoons fish sauce 1 teaspoon soy sauce 2 tablespoons lime juice 3cm piece grated ginger ¼ cup fresh coriander leaves, chopped cooking spray 2 mangoes, cheeks removed 150g baby rocket
Slice the calamari and laay it out flat. Score the flesh in a diamond pattern. Cut them into 3cm pieces. Combine the sweet chilli sauce, soy sauce, fish sauce, lime juice, ginger and coriander in a bowl and whisk with a fork. Add the calamri then toss. Cover and refrigerate for about ½ hour. Take out the calamari frm the sauce. Pour the sauce into a saucepan. Bring it to the boil over high heat and then simmer for 3 minutes. Preheat the barbecue to about medium-high heat. Spray the Barbie with the cooking spray. Cook half of the calamari, (Place the scored-side down) and cook for about 1 minute. Turn and cook for a further 1 minute or until just tender. Place it on a plate, and repeat with the other half.
Cook the mango cheeks, Flesh side down for about 2 minutes or until lightly charred. Remove the mango flesh from the skin and cut into cubes. Spread the rocket onto plates and cover with the calamari and mango. Drizzle with the warm sauce.
Blue-eye, fennel and spaghetti This is a good one for the kids as most kids love spaghetti.
400g dry spaghetti 1 tablespoon olive oil 1 clove garlic, crushed 1 fennel bulb, thinly sliced ½ cup fish stock 690g jar tomato pasta sauce ½ teaspoon castor sugar 600g blue-eye trevalla, skinned and cut into cubes Cook the spaghetti as directions. While the pasta is cooking heat the oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat. Cook the garlic and fennel, stirring for about 3 minutes or until fennel is soft. Add the fish stock and cook until it is reduced by half. Stir in the pasta sauce and sugar. Season with a little salt and pepper.
Sarah Sherriff Bring it to the boil. Add the fish and reduce the heat to medium. Spoon the sauce over the fish. Cover and simmer for 3 to 4 minutes or until the fish flakes. Drain the pasta and place it on to the serving plates. Top with the tomato sauce and fish.
Fishing News - Page 23
Jan’s Flies Jan Spencer Fly tyer for the World Champion 2000 Australian Team
For trout
M
ost of you would have heard of soft plastics as they seemingly take the fishing world by storm. There are hundred of different shapes and sizes. Some, but not all, are fished with what is known as a jig head, these are weighted in the head and this weight allows the fisher to get to various depths depending on where the fish are located. Having done a lot of browsing in the tackle shops in my time I have often looked at the jig heads, especially the fish shaped ones, and thought if the designers made them small and light enough I could tie flies on them. I saw some Squidy heads the other day that will do the trick. They had soft plastic fishing in mind, but the new Finesse Resin Head Jigs will work a treat. For those people who have tied salt water flies and put any sort of resin head on them it can be a painfully slow process to shape the head properly, one has to rotate the fly and hope when it is dry it’s the right shape. The Squidgy heads already have eyes inserted in the resin and for all the world look like the head of a small baitfish, they are available in size six, four and two. Hopefully the producers will do some larger sizes for the saltwater enthusiasts. I have shown two patterns – one for trout and another for salt water use.
For salt water
Hook - Squidy Finesse Resin Head Jig - size 2.
Hook - Squidgy Finesse Resin Head Jig - size 6 Thread - Black Rib - Gold thread Body - Green Chenille Wing - Black zonker strip
Note - I have done the sample fly on a size six as this it was the only size in my kit, but for saltwater the larger size would suit.
When placing the hook in tying vice place it so the hook is turned up. The head is balanced to be this way. 1: Take thread along shank to the bend of hook and tie in rib first the chenille, bring thread forward to the head. 2: Tie in zonker strip and bring chenille forward and tie down firmly, cut away excess chenille. 3: Lay the zonker strip along the shank, you will note the point and bend of the hook will not allow the zonker to go any further than the hook through the middle of the zonker strip this allows the strip to go past the bend. 4: With the rib come forward winding it through the zonker holding it down firmly, cut away excess rib. 5: Whip finish behind the head, cut away thread and varnish. This fly could be fished anywhere you may fish a Matuka, Woolly Bugger, Yeti and similar style of wet flies.
Thread - White Danville’s flat waxed nylon. Body - Pearl body yarn. Wing - White polar fibre. Throat - Chartreuse thread. Place the hook in vice as per previous fly method. 1: Take thread along shank to bend of hook and tie in body yarn, bring thread forward to behind the head, wind body warn, forward in nice even turns tie down firmly and cut away excess yarn. 2: Cut a nice bunch of polar fibres off and place on the hook tie in very firmly, cut excess fibres away that will be facing forward over the head. 3: Tie in some chartreuse thread (this can be varied in colour) sand wind a couple of turns to form a throat behind head, tie down firmly, cut away excess coloured thread, whip finish behind head, cut tying thread away and varnish. The above fly would represent a bait fish for most saltwater situations.
Fly casting lessons Beginner Level: 3 hr introduction to fly-fishing for those with 1 year’s experience. $120 p.p. Intermediate level: Full day $185 p.p. Advanced Modules: Four 3 hr modules for those with more than 3 yrs experience or have completed the Intermediate class. Distance and Double Hauling, Roll Casting, Stream and Mend Casting, Troubleshooting and General Improvements. $120 p.p. module. 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
Hayes Fly Casting
Email;hayes@flyfishtasmania.com.auwww.flyfishtasmania.com.auPh0363975073
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Fishing News - Page 24
Parachute Orange Spinner
Brown Parachute Emerger
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?
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ABT Tournament - qualifying round results
A
nglers from all over Tasmania had registered, and had been waiting in anticipation to compete in their first ABT Bream Classic. On the 17th September they got their chance to fish the Derwent qualifying round. The marquee was erected at the Austins Ferry Yacht Club and had sponsor penants flying by the time the last boat had been launched. The field assembled and filed past the marshalls pontoon to receive their key tag and upon doing so then gunned their boats to the chosen fishing grounds. To see 22 bass style and other mixed boats with awesome horsepower heading down the river at a rate of knots was a spectacular sight. After the weigh in most teams reported that fish were mainly caught early and then struggled to pick up the odd one here and there. The prime location was Prince of Wales Bay. A great day was had by all, and a lot of lessons were learnt about how to improve technique and develope a plan for the next stage of the tournament.
Individual prizes for the Derwent qualifier were awarded to: 1st Joe Mangan 5/5.695kg 2nd Michael Hayley 5/5.465kg 3rd Nik Byrne 5/5.208kg Derwent qualifiers were: 1st: Team Spot On (2). 10/10.375kg. John Huskins and Joe Mangan. 2nd: Team Spot On. 10/9.256kg. Craig Templar and Tom Crawford. 3rd: Team Lyndcraft Boats. 9/8.780kg. Michael Hayley and Mark Turner. 4th: Team Blue Cafe. 10/8.615kg. Danny Warren and Josh Strudwick. Competitors attended the second and last chance qualifier at the Scamander River on the 1st October. Conditions were perfect, slightly overcast but with a gentle warm breeze. Competitors fished all over the river and most found it difficult to find consistent bags, with a lot of teams not being able to make the prefish the day before. Those that were prepared and had done some home work managed to catch their bag limit
Most of the bream caught in the Derwent River round of the ABT Tournament came from Prince of Wales Bay. This beauty was caught the day following from the same area.
Lewis Marine
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Fishing News - Page 25
Stabi-Craft boats serious, safe and stable
Stabi-Craftaresomeofthemostexcitingboatswehaveever driven.Verysolidlybuilt,exceptionalbuiltinsafety,softrideand excellenthandlingmaketheseboatsthepickofthecrop.
of five fish per person, or ten for the team. A large crowd of spectators had gathered at the weigh in with some familiar faces from St Helens and Scamander. At the end of it all only 5 teams managed to catch their bag limit, and the four more teams to qualified for the final. Teams 1st Team Got one 10/8.400kg. Steve Steer and Leigh McKenzie. 2nd Team Coastal Marine 10/7.090kg. Mason Paull and Jamie Harris. 3rd Team Pflueger 10/6.900. Leroy Tirant and Stephen Foster. 4th Team Sportsfishtasmania.com. 10/6.880. Patrick Sullivan and Nik Byrne. Individual bag limits 1st Steve Steer 5/4.700kg 2nd Jamie Harris 5/4.475kg 3rd Nik Byrne 5/3.530kg The final is being fished on the Swan River on the 8th October. Organiser, Leroy Tirant would like to thank the sponsors: Shimano, Humminbird, Minn Kota, Coastal Marine, Suzuki, Fishcare and Tasmanian Fishing and Boating News.
Stabi-Craft 609XR standard boat, motor, trailer start at $52 000. Deegans Tow ‘n’ Go package from $55 850.
Stabi-Craft 559 Fish’r packages start $36 500.
Stabi-Craft459Fish’rcompletepackagestartsfrom$21400. Deegans Tow ‘n’ Go package $25 500. Serious - Stabi-Craft has been designing & building positive buoyancy boats for many years. Stabi-Craft boats are built to last far beyond whatever you are likely to ask of them. Safe - We build to the highest build quality, our world leading design has resulted in a boat that is rugged and virtually unsinkable. Stable - The unique and highly stable hull design allows greater payloads and tougher seas to be navigated
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Editorial comment by Mike Stevens. This was a fantastic event. Organiser, Leroy Tirant had everything running smoothly, so much so he also fished the event. Team Tasmanian Fishing and Boating News did fish the two qualifiers, but we didn’t figure in the results. Over fifty people put up their money, and had a ball. Everyone that competed learnt a lot, and everyone I spoke to has expressed an interest in returning. As a ‘no-kill’ tournament it worked well. Fisheries collected some fin samples for analysis and it was great to see some very big bream swim off as they were released after the weighin. There were some very expensive boats, and very expensive gear, but it was not necessarily the ticket to get into the final. For example, Team Blue Cafe of Danny Warren and Josh Strudwick had their boat break down in the middle of the Derwent. Nevertheless they struggled into Prince of Wales Bay and qualified with a very respectable bag. It was funny to see the start at Scamander with some very powerful boats all limited to five knots. The organiser decided it was not a good idea to have big boats screaming around the river, so stopped them all. It was a good decision. In the wash up this was a well organised comp. with no negatives that I heard. A few things were fine tuned for the second round and it will be interesting to see how the final goes. Unfortunately we could not hold off TF&BN to get the results, but we will publish them in the next issue. Other competition organisers could take some tips from this tournament. Well done Leroy and all involved. I hope to catch a few more fish next year. Mike Stevens.
Inland waters stocked since July 2005 Lake Frombergs Dam Pet Dam Curries River Dam Craigbourne Dam Lagoon of Islands Lake Crescent Risdon Brook Dam* Pawleena Lagoon Four Springs Brushy Lagoon Lake Mikany Lake Barrington Lake Meadowbank Lake Echo Lake Repulse Brumbys Creek
Average size (grams) Species Numbers 200 rainbow trout 500 200 rainbow trout 2 500 200 rainbow trout 9 000 200 rainbow trout 9 000 200 rainbow trout 6 000 200 rainbow trout 3 000 200 rainbow trout 1 500 200 rainbow trout 1 500 200 rainbow trout 3 000 200 rainbow trout 6 000 200 rainbow trout 3 000 200 rainbow trout 9 000 200 rainbow trout 9 000 200 rainbow trout 9 000 200 rainbow trout 9 000 3 000 rainbow trout 80
* Risdon Brook Dam is a water reserved for disabled anglers
Lake Burbury fishing competition The Queenstown Anglers Club Inc. will be holding it’s annual Lake Burbury Fishing Competition on the 25th- 27th November 2005. Competition starts 12 Noon Friday and finishes end of queue 12 noon Sunday. Entry fee is $ 5.00 per person. Entry forms can be found in sponsor stores statewide or direct from the Queenstown Anglers Club Inc. PO Box 363 Queenstown 7467 Entries close Friday 25th November at 12 noon. For further information ring Susan on 0439 712332.
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Fishing News - Page 27
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Boating accessories
Motortrim Complete car interiors Boat interiors and canopies Ute covers and canopies Moulded carpets and dash mats Canvas car and truck seat covers Qualified motor trimmers Phone Colin or Scott 153 Argyle Street, Hobart Ph 6231 0330
Tackle and Supplies
Scottsdale St Helens Call in for all your fishing tackle including full range rods, reels, lures, landing nets and bait. Also life jackets plus diving gear and stuff for all water sports. Talk to:
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Cnr.MarlboroughandGreatLakeHighways. (Summertrading8.00amto5.30pm,7days)
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Fishing News - Page 28
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Wanted to Buy Flylife Magazine - Back Issues. In good condition. Any location. Please send details to Erin at eabb@bigpond.com or call 6267 1144 or SMS to 0417 399 189.
Eastern Shore Marine
Free Classifieds Advertisements of a non-commercial nature, to current subscribers of Tasmanian Fishing and Boating News, are free and can be inserted for two issues. Cost for commecial and non subscribers remains at $11 and must be pre-paid.
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Stay at the Shannon Rise Lodge, Now available AC Delco Voyager Great Lake, Miena. Fully self condeep cycle & starting marine/RV, tained lodge. Accommodates up maint. free batteries with built in to 7 people. charge indicator. Nor-Co Batteries, Ph 5334 3851 0408 179927 Devonport Ph 6424 6466 Email: shagfish70@hotmail.com Web: http//groups.msn.com/shannonriselodge 58-59 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 Currawong Cabin - Great Lake. Fully 5pm. Orders taken from 4 pm. self contained, sleeps six, spacious lounge/dining, laundry, bathroom. For bookings and information phone Seminars each Frid to Sun. 2 people Geoff and Jill Parker 03 6428 max. Bicheno and Lake Leake 7338. 51-57 area. Beginners Yes! Fish guaranteed (conditions) pike mackerel, gars etc. rainbow and brown trout. Shack, leased site must be removed Ph 0429 344 566 52-55 or relocated to nearby prime freehold aailable only to the purchaser. Last of the 14 Pine sites. Details Evenings at Bicheno. Beginners Yes! 03 62252542 0408252498 Tuition. Fish guaranteed (condi0428252498 58-59 tions) Gear provided, pike, mackerel, gars etc. $65 for one $55 p.p for two Ph 0429 344 566 52-55
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editions.)Youcanincludeupto30 words.Justwriteoutyouradvert. 5.7 m rear console, 2004 80 HP 4-stroke Yamaha (60 hours) New Dunbier tandem trailer. $25 000. Mark Tapsell, 63 433 341 Yamaha 150 HP V6 Saltwater series 2, 2004. Immaculate $10 000 Mark Tapsell, 63 433 341
andsend,Emailorfaxitwithcredit carddetailstoTasmanianFishing andBoatingNews,POBox7504, Launceston,7250Fax63311278. Email:fishn@bigpond.net.au
Subscriptions, ads and back issues 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________________ Advertising payment: ___ $11. Attach details by Fax, email or post. Subscriptions:___ $24; 1 year. ___ $48; 2 years. Back issues; $3.95 each - Issue No req’d.____________ Payment by; ____ Bankcard ____ MasterCard ____ Visa ____ Cheque ____ Money Order Credit Card __ __ __ __ / __ __ __ __ / __ __ __ __ / __ __ __ __ Exp. date __ __/__ __ Total amount; ______ From issue no. ____ Fishing News - Page 29
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 OCTOBER Saturday 1 Saturday 1 October October 1-31 Saturday 8 Saturday 29 October Sunday 30 October Monday 31 NOVEMBER Sunday13 Saturday 5 Sat/Sun 19-20 November Sat/Sun/Mon19-21November Friday18 to 20th. DECEMBER JANUARY 2006 Saturday 14 January FEBRUARY MARCH Sunday 5 March
Event & Venue
More Info
Tasmanian “Australian Bream Tournament” Scamander River – 2nd. heat Rainbow Trout season opens Recreational whitebait season Tasmanian “Australian Bream Tournament” Swan River – Final Take a Kid Fishing, StanleyWharf - Coinciding with Stanley Dockside Festival. Take a Kid Fishing, Beauty Point Wharf Last chance to win Inland Fisheries beaut boat package
Leroy Tirant. Phone 0428 347736 Sarah Burton 62338930 Sarah Burton 62338930 Leroy Tirant. Phone 0428 347736 Damian Heran Quenton Higgs 0407502046 Sarah Burton 62338930
IFS Free Fishing Day. Statewide, various locations Crayfish season opens. Statewide Tasmanian Boating and Leisure Show. Lindisfarne Motor Yacht Club Lake Burbury Fishing Classic. Tamar River Fishing Competition, Deviot Sailing Club.
Sarah Burton 62338930 Helen Mulcahy 62333063 Mark Chivers 62439021 Joy Marshall 64712286 Libby Simmons 63944426
Take a Kid Fishing, St Helens Wharf
Quenton Higgs. Phone 0407 502 046
Take a Kid Fishing, Hobart – Princes Wharf No. 2
Avril Brown 62332033
Thank you
Fishcare wish to thank local businesses, tackle shops and our major sponsors past and present.
Next Take a Kid Fishing Dates Stanley Wharf - Saturday 29 October Contact: Damian Heran 0408 337 317
Beauty Point Wharf - Sunday 30 October Contact: Quenton Higgs 0407 502 046
St Helens - 14 January, Hobart - 5 March Port of Launceston, Hobart Ports Corporation and Tasmanian Fishing and Boating News Fishing News - Page 30
coates
Tasmania’s biggest range of soft plastics - and the best advice
Normally $256 Now only
Budget ‘Soft Plastic’ combo
220
$
Features the fabulous Berkely‘drop shot’rod,combinedwiththe supersmoothPennApplausereel andloadedwithBerkleyFireline. Berkley Soft Plastics DVD. 1½hroftipsandaction$19.95
Premium ‘Soft Plastic’ outfits
Loomis DSR820 IMX rod TeamDaiwaCertate2000reel. Amagnificentoutfit.$1100 Loomis DSR820 GL2 rod TeamDaiwaTheory2000reel. $490
Many anglers believe G Loomis rods are the best in the world. We have tiny stream rods, spinning rods, soft plastic specialist rods, fly rods and premium game rods.
Steve Steer recently won one of Australia’s toughest bream competitions - the Gippsland, Victoria round of ABT. He is a G. Loomis pro-staffer and arguably the most experienced soft plastic users in Tasmania. Steve ensures our shelves are loaded with the latest and greatest range of plastics from all around the world. Steve can advise you on all aspects of soft plastic fishing from setting up your gear to techniques and selection of plastics for individual waters. Whilst he can show you the latest hi-tech rods from G. Loomis he is equally at home showing you the impressive range from Shimano, Berkley, Daiwa and more. Steve has put together some impressive soft plastic combos starting at $120 right through to the top of the range at $1100 or more.
Tasmania’s biggest range of lures We stock the full range of Tassie Devils, Loftys, Tillins, Johnsons and Sting lures in all colours. We have your favourite colour. Our range is enormous and we are always up to date with the hot lures and best colours. • Large range of the popular Flatfish in many colours.
Team Daiwa reels are Daiwa’s premium range and prices have just been reduced in Australia. Check out our range of these superb reels.
144-150 Hobart Rd Kings Meadows Launceston (Up from McDonalds - next to NBC)
Ph 6344 7466
Email: launceston@gotone.com.au
Sole Tasmanian dealers for Seaquest Olympian and Northbank fibreglass
Stacer, Allison, Seaquest, Northbank, Stejcraft, Skicraft For all boating and watersports needs statewide.
7 Club Drive, Shearwater. Ph 6428 7124
Daylight saving open Hours: Mon-Fri 9-5.30 Sat 9-2 Sun 10-2 Fishing News - Page 31
FIRST IT WAS THE 2-STROKE. THEN CAME THE 4-STROKE. NOW THE FUTURE’S ARRIVED ...
E-TECS ARE EASIER TO OWN AND OPERATE
E-TECS ARE LIGHTER THAN COMPARABLE 4-STROKES
✔
E-TECS ARE JUST AS QUIET AS 4-STROKES
The new E-TEC 225HP is 54kg lighter than the Mercury Verado 225HP. Less weight means significantly better handling, improved out-of-the-hole performance, and optimised speed.
✔
Not only are E-TECs as quiet as 4-strokes, they produce a more pleasing, less obtrusive sound. In other words, the sound of your E-TEC engine will not interfere with the sound of your own voice.
391/1a Westbury Road Prospect. Phone 6344 3311
E-TECs require no scheduled dealer maintenance for the first 3 years or 300 hours of normal recreational use. You’ll never have to change oil or oil filter – ever. Plus, no belts to change, carburetors to set or lifters to adjust. Compare that to a 4-stroke.
✔
EVINRUDE E-TEC V6 – 200HP, 225HP AND 250HP.
E-TECS ARE CLEANER THAN THE CLEANEST 4-STROKE
✔
E-TECS ARE AS FUEL EFFICIENT AS 4-STROKES The environmentally friendly E-TECs already meet 2006 EPA EU and 2008 CARB 3-Star emissions requirements. Every drop of the E-TEC engine oil is combusted and accounted for in it’s 3-Star rating. This is not the case with 4-strokes.
✔ Thanks to stratified combustion E-TECs achieve fuel economy and efficiency only previously possible with 4-strokes. In fact, the new E-TEC 250HP is 36% more fuel efficient than the Mercury Verado 250HP at Wide Open Throttle.
Seaport Marine
PN 99050
Data: Evinrude Performance Report PE126. Evinrude Testing @ RETC. Trailer Boat Magazine April 2004. U.S. EPA 2004 Database. Each manufacturer’s 2004 product brochure. PMA-ads.com 6173
Issue 58 October - November 2005
$3.95
ABT Tournament organiser, Leroy Tirant with a good sized Derwent River bream.
• Fishing with kids • Craigbourne Dam • Catching squid • The bizarre Booby • ABT bream tournament • Fishing on a limited budget • Jan’s flies • Sarah’s kitchen • Oct-Nov fly fishing