Tasmanian Fishing and Boating News Issue 072 2008 February

Issue 72 February - March 2008

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Yellowfin tuna

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CONTENTS

Tassie yellowfin tuna - Mason Paull 4 Game fishing in Tasmania - Mason Paull 8 Grasshopper time - Craig Rist 11 Junction Lake - Craig Rist 14 Sashimi - Joe Riley 18 Burnie’s Red Rock - Daniel Paull 20 Fishing around Devonport - Shane Flude 22 Restricted to six flies - Joe Riley 25 Sea eagles 28 Fly fishing championships 29 Jan’s flies - Jan Spencer 29 Choosing a kayak - James Ainslie 32 Mako sharks on fly - Craig Rist 33 Reviews 35 Fishing and boating calendar 36 Boat wrapping - Leroy Tirant 41 Fishing and Boating Directory 44

I had two delightful experiences since the last issue. The first was two days on a tiny little stream. It was a section of a stream that I had never fished although I had fished the stream many times.

It was a red letter day and one afternoon between a couple of mates and I we caught and released something like 40 little trout. My rod on the day was a Peter McKean cane rod, and what a delight it is to catch these little trout on bamboo.

Trouble was, much of the stream is really tight and the hookups in trees were more often than hooking trout.

In order to free the fly I am not the most gentle, and am not opposed to a sharp tug. This is a real enemy for cane rods, so I went to my local fly fishing store and bought a 6’6” Vison 3Zone, 3 weight rod. It is a sensational stream rod and under $200.

Then I went back a week later to the same stretch and caught 30 trout in three hours using a little Bibio Hopper fly. It was one of the best days I have ever had on a stream

and I must say fishing with a tiny rod, for tiny fish does great things for my soul. I could happily spend my last day on earth fishing a place like that.

The second experience was ‘nearly catching’ a kingfish in Georges Bay. A couple of mates and I had an early morning bream fishing session and as we went back to the ramp I told one of them to have a cast at a channel marker. ‘There might be a kingfish on that pole’ I said. There was, and he landed a nice fish of perhaps three kilos.

For the next few days I fished that pole every time I went past. I had one hookup and a follow from a kingie of well over five kilos.

I have caught kingies at Low Head and Elephant Rock, but the ultimate goal is to catch one in the bay. I know they are there somewhere. Maybe you will read about that next time.

Mike Stevens

Tasmanian Fishing and Boating News Published by Michael Stevens PO Box 7504, Launceston, 7250.

Ph/fax; 6331 1278 Email; fishn@bigpond.net.au Advertising: Quenton Higgs - 0427 129 949 Stevens Publishing, ABN 79 095 217 299 All material is copyright and cannot be reproduced without the permission of the publisher. Print Post approved; PP 702512 00027

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My Say

Inland and Marine Fishery News 47

Fishing News - Page 3

Tassie Yellowfin Tuna The yellowfin tuna is one of the great sport and game fish of tthe world. Thunnus Albacares is sought after by all tassie game fishermen and is highest standard, which we all would like the achieve. The power and beauty of these fish is something you will not forget once you have done battle with one of these powerful tuna. Sadly these tuna are plundered all down the east coast of Australia and around the world. These tuna are apex predators, meaning they are near the top of the food chain, they will eat anything that crosses their path. Their main diet consists of slimey mackeral, jack mackeral, pilchards and number one on their menu is sauries. They also will follow trawlers around and eat trawler trash that is thrown over the side of these boats.

Tackle

These tuna are tough apponents and will reveal any weak points in your gear. I would recommend a minimum of 15 kg for yellowfin as they are a hard running fish. Each year I replace my line, service rod rollers and reel, making sure gear is in optimun condition. My reel of choice is Shimano’s Tiagra series, a smooth faultless drag, strong and reliable.

For St. Helens and surrounding areas, I still use rods with quality eyes and a roller tip. Leroy Tirant at Bigfin, East Devonport custom makes all my sticks and makes a beautiful rod. I use wind on leaders on all my reels now, so I can run short leaders on my lures. most of my lures are rigged on 250 or 400 lb Jinkia leader material. This allows you to fight the fish all the way to the boat without having to take leader to early. With all lures, make sure all connections have armour, so leaders will not wear through in a drawn out fight, and hooks are razor sharp. With my gaffs I only use big fixed head gaffs, they are easy to control the fish at the side of the boat and there is less chance of making a mistake with them.

Finding yellowfin

A couple of years back, myself and Tim Anderson were late out of bed, packed a few rods and were going to set my cray pot on Merricks Reef off St. Helens. At about 10:30am, we were watching the sounder looking for a good spot for the pot.

The radio crackled to life and we heard a angler complaining that he had just broke his rod on a large tuna. I knew the voice, looked around and saw the boat. Needless to say the pot went over the side and the next 2 hours were mayhem. We ran 4 lures out and did a lap out the back of Merricks resulting in two massive fish taking two lures, and such was the force of the strike, they smashed both lures off. Now I was driving the boat and did not see anything but Tim assured me they were fish the size a wheely bins. My 50W had a strike in the

carnage but failed to hook up. I wound the lure in, checked it and let it back out, turned to go back to the wheel and the Tiagra let out a huge howl with line disappearing fast, yellowfin I thought, after a tense hour long fight a beautiful 53 kg yellowfin layed on the floor of the boat.

Now with a severe case of arm pump, a few pics were taken, then into them again. We finished the session with four yellowfin ranging from 53 kg to 25 kg. I have been fishing for 18 years and that has been my hottest session on yellowfin.

Most of the yellowfin I have caught have been inside the shelf between Merricks and the 120m mark, down at Pulfers and off the Gardens. One thing I have noticed when cleaning these fish, they have been feeding hard.

Don’t be frightened to run a varied spread of lures, run big and small.

I have had success with both. I haved landed a 30 kg fish on a 12 inch marlin lure with twin 12/0 hooks. We have caught a lot of small fish on the cheap Barramundi Mauler, which is a small diving minnow.

I was lucky enough to land a Tasmanian record yellowfin on 15kg line class which weighed in at 66kg. This fish was the result of a long day fishing with not much activity and fishing with good friends Geoff and Tim Cook and Rob Stevenson. We were scanning the horizon when we saw a heap of white birds hovering over the Binalong Patch. The birds were well up in the air, all looking straight down at the water. We sped the boat up to reach the spot and on the arrival the water was boiling with big fish. We ran through the school resulting in one 6 kg bust off and one 15 kg record. All these fish have been caught in fairly uncomfortable south easterley conditions.

Livebaiting and cubing means a lot of waiting around.

Fishing News - Page 4

I have caught very few yellowfin in calm conditions.

Finding these fish still comes down to a keen eye watching for the white bird. Last year while fishing the Coles Bay comp I smashed the transducer off the rear of my boat. Great! I

Wayne Hansen with a superb 50 kg yellowfin taken on Rocky Carosi’s boat Satshaker thought sounder completely disabled, no water temp and can’t find any bait schools. It all came down to waching out for the white birds again. Conditions were overcast, with rain squalls, and made for pretty tough going. But later in the afternoon my son Daniel spotted about five gannets hovering above the water, on closer investigation we spotted two yellowfin launching out of the water, one pass with the lures and Daniel’s on and a lovely yellowfin comes to the gaff after a tough 40 minute fight. The fish later pulled the scales down to 28 kg, and gave Daniel second overall in the competition.

So with all the gadgets on hand it came down to a keen eye and plenty of time scanning the ocean. So watch out for the tell tale signs white birds, dolphins feeding hard, bait on the sounder and temp breaks, tide lines, all these conditions will show up yellowfin at sometime.

The most effective and most productive method for all gamefishing though is heaps of time on the water. In my opinion the best months are March and April. There are a few crews at St. Helens that perform well on the yellowfin and they do so through hard work.

Live Bait

As everyone knows, I love shark fishing, and when berleying for big makos you spend heaps of time waiting around. I spend this time chasing other fish while waiting for a shark to swim along. Time is utilized cubing, live baiting and

Fishing News - Page 5

the use of knife jigs deep in the trail. Each morning we stop at the bait grounds (Bobby Halls Rock, Elephant Rock, or Merricks Reef) to pick up our live bait, which is the humble jack mackerel. We use the sounder to find these fish around the rocky headlands, early morning is the best time for them when the sun is low, they seem to be a bit harder when the sun is higher. I use the sabiki bait rig to collect them, 10 to 20 will be plenty. This is good fun for your children if they are keen budding gamefishers, my son still enjoys this part of the morning. All my shark fishing these days is well out over the shelf, so we are in the deep water with a fair chance to see both target species (sharks, tuna). I make my own mince logs - usually for the sharks - which is very fine and makes a huge slick.

Once the trail is established we start to drop the live bait back in the trail. My rigs are nice and simple, two metres of 100 lb Jinkia leader with a Mustad Big Gun chemically sharpened hook in a 12/0. these hooks have given me a good hook up ratio.

The live bait is hooked in the nose or in the back depending on the wind and current. Be careful when inserting the hook in the back of the mackeral to keep it above the lateral line in the fish, otherwise to close to this line seems to kill them pretty quickly. Done properly I have had baits out all day and released them to swim off to fight another day.

We hang the live bait back in the berley trail, if the drift is a bit quick I use a small sinker to make the bait sit low in in the water column. Set the drag to prevent an over run and then the waiting game starts. When yellowfin are feeding they don’t mess about.

They normally smash the bait and take off,

when this happens free spool the reel to give the fish no resistance. Give them time to take bait right down, then push drag up to strike and let the hook find its mark.

I can’t say I have caught heaps of yellowfin this way, but it is the most rewarding way to catch these fish I have found. My best yellowfin to date on live bait was 32 kg. It was caught on the Eddystone trevalla patch on a bright, glassy calm day (there goes my theory on rough weather producing the best results).

Some good albacore to 10 kg were also caught on the liveys. In finishing this segment we also use knife jigs with great effect on the albies, let them sink well down the berley trail and retrieve them quickly albies love them.

Records

I like to chase records for all my game fish, I always carry the latest newsletter from the club which has all the current state records.

Always be mindful when rigging your gear that it meets IGFA rules and regulations. The legal lengths of leaders are in the back of the St Helens newsletter so make your self familiar with this. If you think you have a potetial record keep your catch covered with a damp towel or keep it on ice, so to retain maximum weight. Find your official weigh master, he will help with all the paper work. Tagging of this great fish is also a winner; the fish lives to fight another day and you come away with 5000 points. Conservation of all fish is everyones responsibility. I want my son to target yellowfin and many other magnificent fish in years to come.

Mason Paull

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Fishing News - Page 7

8/1/08 11:45:39 AM

Game fishing Tasmania I have been game fishing in Tasmania for about 18 years.

With the onset of the warm East Australian current, most game fishers eagerly await the first of our target game species, albacore, stripey tuna, yellowfin tuna, striped marlin, mako sharks, blue sharks and so on. This article is a guide to the game fisher who is just starting out.

There is nothing like the anticipation of launching your own craft and heading to sea to to pit your skills against some of the great fish Tasmania has to offer. I started fishing at St Helens in a 14 foot Stessl with a 1974 model tiller steer Evinrude outboard. I can still remember vividly my first game fish, the mighty striped tuna. I might also add my lovely wife, Denise, bought my first boat for me, and since then has seen me turn into a game fishing junkie, with a few boat changes and many thousands of dollars spent on tackle.

In Tasmania we have quite a few great places to chase game fish; St Helens, Coles Bay, Eaglehawk Neck and so on.

There are plenty more game fishing destinations, but I will stick to the ones have fished myself. All of these places offer stunning back drops to great fishing.

Basic needs

You don’t need a hundred thousand dollar boat to chase a fish of a lifetime. Many years ago Graeme Walker and a couple of fishing buddies landed two massive yellowfin tuna in a double hookup. One weighed 87 kilo and is still the current Tasmanian record on 24 kg tackle. They were fishing from a 4.5 metre centre console Quintrex. Your boat should be sea worthy and have the following saftey gear if heading out of sheltered waters; off shore flare kit, radar reflector, VHF or 27 mhz radio, anchor, chain and at least 100 metres of rope, EPIRB, fresh water, life jackets. I also carry a large sea anchor, if you do run into trouble these will slow your drift and keep the nose of the boat into the sea. If unsure of requirements give MAST a ring they are only to happy to help you out.

With the advance sounders over the last couple of years they have become a integral part of the modern game boat, and the GPS plotter are standard on most boats. Rods and reels don’t need to be all that expensive when starting out.

There are plenty of quality combos from Shimano, Penn and other leading brands that will handle just about any thing tassie has to offer. Lures come in all shapes and sizes, I find the most productive lures for albacore are small jet heads, bibless minnows, Rapala Xraps. I rig most of these lures on 150 and 250 lb Jinkia leader material, and use Mustad 7691S tuna hooks to rig all my skirted lures. These are all sub-surface lures and work very well in all conditions. I can go on and on about tackle and lures but this is a basic look about getting started.

Lets bag a few

I will base this section on St Helens where I do the lions share of my fishing. You are heading around St Helens Point and are confronted by a massive watery paddock. You must

Striped marlin are pretty much the ultimate game fish in Tasmania, but some might also give that to a big mako shark. Marlin by Barry Hay, mako by Mason Paull. be very vigalant when trolling and make the most of all the signs the ocean will give you.

I usually start with a range of lures to troll for tuna, two jet heads in the wash close to the boat, one bibless lure on the starboard side just on the edge of the prop wash, a medium size pusher on the port side long (love the Meridian Salt Shaker in lumo there or lumo Demon in the ten inch) and a couple of big pushers on the outriggers. Right! now we start looking. I always fish Merricks Reef - a reef system just off St Helens Point. I have caught some huge fish there over the years so it is always worth a look.

This is also where we start to use the sounder for two reasons. Firstly we are looking for bait schools below the surface and secondly, we need to watch for temperature variations. Where there is a change in temperature is always a good spot to work your lures over and back through this temperature break.

Now we are trolling we need to look for other signs of activity, we are seated or standing in our boats trolling we can

not see very much around us on the surface of the ocean. This is where we look for the next sign post of activity, white birds - the gannets, terns and albatross. These birds are constantly soaring about the ocean looking for food. When tuna locate bait schools, they push them to surface to feed attracting the attention of the white birds which will hover over the bait schools. These birds are easy to see in the sky and are always worth a look, so when you are trolling always have the crew on their toes looking for these signs. This could be the difference between a good day and a great day.

Now we are probably catching some good albies. I always mark on my plotter where I have caught the fish, then work that spot really hard, don’t leave fish to go looking for more fish. As I write this early February there are some good fish been caught on the 100 metre mark directly off St Helens Point. I have caught big yellowfin on this contour line. I am not sure why, but always seems to be a good depth to work over.

Next stop is the Continental Shelf, this is 15 nautical miles off St Helens Point. There are plenty of GPS marks to look out

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for, including the Hill, Plateau, Cliff and Binalong Patch. These spots are all great on there day. When I work the shelf I always work back and forth across the deep edge back inside the shelf and out to deep water again. The reality of trolling is there is a fair amount of luck involved with locating the fish but once found it’s on for young and old. Just remember those who put plenty of time in are often rewarded.

Caring for catch

Now hopefully you have caught some fish. Always be prepared to properly care for your catch. When you have boated your tuna, bleed them straight away. Do this by inserting a filleting knife directly behind pectoral fin on both sides of the fish. This allows the blood to drain from tuna and makes them better table fare. I leave them in my wet well till bled out then get them on ice. It is a waste of time and money if you do not care for your fish properly. Only take as many as you need, and leave some for future generations.

Join a club

Now you have started your tuna fishing, why not join a club? I have been a member of the St Helens game fishing club for 15

Incredible

years and formed great friendships and have learnt from the many of the club members, new and old. When in a club every one shares info and the comps are always good fun. The launching ramps have improved so much in St Helens and this is mainly due to the hard work of commitee members of our club over recent years. So get behind this club if you fish St Helens regularly.

Your membership will help improve the Burns Bay boat ramp and facilities.

Boat safety

Lastly, boat safety is the responsibility of every skipper. At St Helens there is the St Helens Marine Rescue. When leaving the boat ramp always log on with rescue boys in town, they are on channel 94 on 27 mhz and channel 16 vhf give your number of people on board and where you are heading. It always makes for a safer day out when the coastal patrol know of your position throughout the day. And lastly always log off, they don’t like to have to drive to the boat ramp of a night to check on trailers at the ramp for no reason. They are all volunteers and do a great job.

Mason Paull

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It’s Grasshopper Time This summer, the riverbanks have come alive with grasshoppers, making it an ideal time to use a hopper or a fly imitation.

Fishing rivers and creeks with a grasshopper is a very easy and effective way of catching a few fish and an ideal introduction for anyone new to trout fishing. Fly fishing is also productive at this time, with trout responding well to a grasshopper fly that is laid out with a splat. For that reason, trout are very forgiving to anyone who is still in the process of learning to cast a fly.

There are many rivers in our state, which provide exceptional grasshopper fishing. To be successful with this type of fishing, find a river or creek running through dry pasture that has plenty of grasshoppers. More often than not, this will mean gaining access to private land. If asked, most farmers are only too happy to allow access to the rivers running through their property. Sometimes knowing which house to approach is not clear, but the neighbours will soon point you in the right direction. If you are denied access, respect the owner’s wishes and move onto the next property or river. The land owners reason for denying entry may have stemmed from a bad experience in the past with a minority of people who have not left gates as found, thus allowing their stock to escape or have had rubbish left behind. The property owner can also let you know the extent of the property and the best way to access the river without the need to climb over fences. If the land owner enjoys a feed of trout, I like to show my appreciation, by dropping off one or two fish for their table.

Small creeks, drains and tributaries of larger rivers can produce some surprising results when fished with a hopper.

Trout are highly tuned towards the sound of a grasshopper landing on the water at this time and I have seen trout bow wave downstream for up to three metres, to intercept a grasshopper or fly imitation. Sections of river that have high grassy banks are prime lies for these grasshopper feeders.

Bait fishing

Collecting enough bait at this time of year never seems to be a problem, unless it’s teaming down with rain of course. The area you are about to fish should have plenty of grasshoppers available. You can catch them with your hands or by waving a finely meshed hand net back and forth as you walk across a grasshopper infested area, catching them in midair as they leap away from you. A small plastic soft drink bottle, with a narrow neck makes an ideal container to keep your bait in. The restricted opening will help to prevent all of the grasshoppers jumping out at once.

Top: Donna Rist is a dab hand at ‘hopper’ fishing.

Above: Grassy verges brings hoppers close to the river and a good breeze helps land a few where fish can feast on them.

Left: When hoppers are about, virtually every fish comes out to feed.

Fishing News - Page 11

One or two grasshoppers, on a No. 8 bait saver hook, can be very hard to cast. Small diameter lines in the 2 or 3 kilogram class will reduce the friction between the line as it comes off the reel spool and through the rod eyes, allowing you to cast an unweighted grasshopper further. A 6 to 7 foot spinning rod and reel is all that is needed to lob a couple of grasshoppers 4 or 5 metres up stream.

Another very effective way of casting unweighted baits is to use a fly rod. In this case the fly line is no longer used and is replaced with 3 to 4 kg line on a dedicated fly reel or several metres of line can be wound over the existing fly line. When you’re ready to make a cast, pull enough line off the reel to make the distance, holding onto the loops of line with your free hand. The two grasshoppers pinned on the No. 8 hook are then lobbed up stream. Allow the loops of line to feed off your hand as you make the cast.

Once you have delivered your bait into a likely run or pool, watch the line as the grasshoppers sink and travel down stream in the current. Take up the slack in the line by winding the spinning reel or by pulling in loops of line with your line hand, when using a fly rod. The line will stop or draw away when a fish has taken the grasshoppers. As soon as I see this, I pause then lift the rod to set the hook. Hopefully, hooking the fish in the mouth instead of the stomach, allowing the hook to be removed easily, if the fish is to be released unharmed.

Because only a short cast is possible with an unweighted bait, a stealthy approach is required, so as not to spook the trout before you have had a chance to make a cast. Try and avoid simply walking up to the edge of a riverbank in full

The real deal, above, brought undone this nice river trout. view and casting a line. This is a sure way of spooking any fish that may have readily taken your bait had you approached unnoticed. You can move quite close to fish by staying low and out of the skyline, using any available cover. By fishing upstream, you will move up to fish from behind, taking advantage of their blind spot, as they face into the current.

Carefully wading the river will also help you to stay low and fish many areas that would otherwise be impossible to fish from the river bank.

Some rivers and creeks slow down to a trickle, leaving pools with very little or no flow. In situations such as these, fish will feed more like lake trout, patrolling the banks up and down the river or creek. Polarised sunglasses will add another dimension to your fishing, allowing you to first spot the fish and then cast to the largest fish in the pool. The immediate response of the fish is seen as it charges over to take the grasshopper before the other fish in the pool have a chance.

If it is an overcast day and visibility is limited, stay well back from the edge and cast the grasshoppers over the bank. Allow the grasshoppers to sink and then slowly retrieve them, if there is any indication of a take, quickly lower the rod tip to give slack line, before setting the hook.

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Fishing News - Page 12

Fly fishing

Unlike fishing a natural grasshopper that will sink under the weight of the hook and line, a grasshopper fly is usually fished as a dry in the surface film imitating a grasshopper, when it first lands in the water. One of the best things about fishing a grasshopper is that a delicate presentation is not necessary. By delivering the fly with a splat, the sound and the ripples from the fly will be like a dinner bell to a trout that has responded to the naturals doing just that, all day.

The best time to fish a river is on those hot windy summer days when grasshoppers are frequently being blown into the water. Four to six weight rods are ideal for big rivers on windy days, while the lighter weight rods come into their own on the overgrown creeks, where a fish of a kilo is considered large.

With most dry fly fishing, a drag free float of the fly is needed. You can use a Slack Line Cast or a Reach Cast to achieve this, but these require some practice. A simpler way is to lengthen your tippet until the leader falls loosely to the water thereby extending the time it takes the current to impart drag on your fly. There are many different casts worth learning that will help you overcome line drag across the different currents found in a river. These casts are best learnt on the water, from someone who has already mastered them or by watching one of the many fly casting DVDs available.

As mentioned, polarised sunglasses will help you locate fish. They also give you the opportunity to observe the fish’s response to your fly and make any necessary changes to your presentation or fly after a refusal.

Three different hoppers, including the ‘real McCoy’ at the bottom.

Large numbers of small fish are readily caught using a grasshopper in these small streams and rivers, but there is always the possibility of finding a larger fish in the very next run or pool. With the thought of that, you will be led around the next bend in the river, and the next, and the next until the light begins to fade, but then again, there’s always tomorrow.

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Fax (03) 6234 8024 Fishing News - Page 13

Junction Lake The upper Mersey starts its flow from Lake Meston and continues down through Lake Youd and Junction Lake.

Rainbows were first introduced into these waterways by the one and only airdrop of rainbows into Lake Meston in the 1950s. These lakes and the upper Mersey River, now have a wild population of rainbow trout. The Mersey River continues it’s flow out of Junction Lake over a series of plummeting waterfalls that have prevented the migration of brown trout from Lake Rowallan.

The thought of catching some truly wild mountain rainbow trout in this area has been on my must do list for over 10 years now. The torturous walk and the time needed to make a trip into this lake worthwhile, has always prevented it from becoming a reality.

On a recent fishing trip with Peter Broomhall, our conversation turned towards the many great fishing destinations in Tasmania that we had not yet experienced. I mentioned the wild rainbow trout in Junction Lake and the upper Mersey River. Peter had also wanted to fish this area for a long time and suggested I give him a call, if I decided to plan a trip. A few weeks later I made the call to Peter. He was still interested and managed to recruit Todd Lamprey and Simon Tueon. They both jumped at the opportunity to explore a new fishing destination and discover another part of Tasmania.

Getting there

Take a map and follow the Mersey River back up from Devonport into the mountains, past Lake Rowallan into the Walls of Jerusalem National Park. Here you will come across a small lake in a valley between Mount Rogoona to the north and the Mountains of Jupiter in the south.

Fishing News - Page 14

From Devonport it takes a bit over an hour to drive to Lake Rowallan. From Lake Rowallan you have a choice of three walking tracks, Junction Lake Track, Lake Myrtle Track and the Moses Creek Track. All three tracks start at different locations along the unsealed Mersey Forest Road that travels along the eastern side of Lake Rowallan. These tracks vary in distance and pass different lakes along the way.

We chose the Moses Creek Track at the very end of the Mersey Forest Road. Of the three tracks available, this was the most direct route to Junction Lake. The track is about 10 kilometres long, climbing 470 metres before descending down onto Junction Lake.

Our trip into Junction Lake would start early on a Friday morning in January and would finish some time Monday afternoon, giving us two and a half days to fish the area.

We started the walk at 6:30 a.m., each of us carrying 20 kilogram packs. After crossing a suspension bridge over Jacksons Creek, we were soon navigating our way through a myrtle beech forest with thick green moss underfoot. Here the track was not obvious and our only means of identifying it was to sight small piles of rocks, known as Cairns, that marked the way forward. Red markers and plastic tape tied onto tree branches also marked the rough track to Junction Lake. From here the track climbed steeply, giving us a taste of the pain our legs were soon to endure. The track weaved its way up the mountain then descended steeply and we found ourselves literally climbing down the track, using small trees and large rocks as leverage making our way down through the thick forest onto Chapter Lake. From Chapter Lake we could see the spectacular Grail Falls crashing down the mountain from Chalice Lake above. After taking a few photos of the falls and reviewing the track notes, we realised we had walked off the track leading to Junction Lake. We knew we had to be on the ridge above, but couldn’t find where the track continued from Chapter Lake. Peter was convinced he had found the track and led us straight up to the ridge on what could only be described as a wallaby run, bashing our way through the scrub we eventually rejoining the track. Naturally, Peter was temporarily sacked as leader, leaving Todd to take over the lead.

In some places the track was hard to follow and we all lost our way more than once, retracing our steps to the last marker.

We continued past Cloister Lagoon emerging from thick trees onto the edge of the grassy Mayfield Flats that run down to Junction Lake. The northern end of the Lake is shallow with pin reeds lining most of the water’s edge, with the exception of a fifty metre stretch of deeper water where the grassy flats extend down to the lakeshore. The southern side of the lake becomes much deeper and the shoreline is covered in dense bush right down to the water’s edge. As well as the Mersey river flowing in from Lake Meston, Junction Lake is also fed from Lees Creek flowing in on the southern shore. Lees Creek sounds more like a river as it can clearly be heard crashing down the mountain from Lake Artimis above.

Fish were rising steadily in the Lake and it took a lot of self control to continue on to the Junction Lake Hut to see if it was occupied. As it turned out, a couple of bush walkers, passing through the area on a seven day walk, had already set up camp.

The Hut would be free for us to use over the next couple of days as this was their final night before moving on.

The Hut is a magnificent piece of mountain history, built in a perfect location set back off the Lake, surrounded by trees on the banks of the upper Mersey River flowing into Junction Lake. Dick Reed and his friends finished building this Hut on New Years Day in 1970. The Hut was built from Pencil Pine and other timbers found in the area. It has a shingle roof and palings line the exterior walls. The interior walls and ceiling are lined with plastic. There are four bunks, shelves and an open fireplace with a chimney made from galvanised sheet metal.

The Hut has been left in good condition by bush walkers and anglers and is now the property of the Crown.

Fishing Junction

Back at the lake our tents where hastily erected, back packs thrown to one side and rods put together. The northern shore is open and is an ideal place to cast a fly or lure. The southern shore would be better suited to casting lures for anyone willing to push their way through the thick scrub to make a cast. Wading the shores also proved difficult in most areas we

fished as thick layers of silt would suddenly give way—leaving us immersed up to our knees.

With the fish still rising we spread out around the northern shore casting dry flies to these wild rainbows. Red Tags and Peter’s ever reliable box of foam Chernobyl Ants did the trick on these strong fighting, aerobatic rainbows. I kept one small rainbow to go in my fish steamer for the evening meal. On the way back to camp I met up with the two bushwalkers at the Lake shore watching the swans. They seemed a little surprised that we had actually caught fish and vowed to learn how to fish before they ventured on another trip.

That evening, we had steamed trout, cooked in a Billie using a piece of stainless steel wire mesh to keep the fish out of the boiling water. The was followed by a couple of our surprise packets of gourmet dehydrated meals.

During the day we watched rainbows hunting the edge of the pin reeds in less than two feet of water along the northern shore.

Unlike the normal slow pace of a brown trout, these rainbows were swimming quite fast and would swim onto you if you left your eyes fixed in one spot for any length of time. When things were a bit quiet, a nymph, worked slowly back, would soon have the line tightening into a leaping rainbow.

During the evening until dark, large numbers of cadis would emerge from the water with the rainbows in hot pursuit. An Elk Hair Cadis or small Chernobyl Ant twitched across the surface with a two or three second pause would usually result in a savage take.

On this occasion none of us had brought along a rod to cast lures or soft plastics, but I have no doubt casting lures or soft plastics would have produced many fish and covered water that was difficult to fish successfully with a fly rod.

Upper Mersey system

The Mersey River starts its flow out of Lake Meston down to Lake Youd and then onto Junction lake. The rainbows in this system tend to be small with some bigger fish reported in Lake Youd.

Peter and Simon packed their two weight fly rods just to experience this magic little river and the beautifully marked rainbows that inhabit it.

The upper Mersey River rainbows are one of nature’s beauties.

Fishing News - Page 15

From the Junction Hut they walked down the bank into the river. They both proceeded to catch small rainbows on tiny dries at every pool, following the river up stream through small waterfalls, surrounded by over hanging pencil pines.

Peter left the river to Simon and made his way up to Lake Youd in search of some slightly larger fish. Lake Youd is a small shallow lagoon, created by the river spreading out across the open grassy flats midway between Lake Meston and Junction Lake. Peter managed to catch plenty of small rainbows, up to three quarters of a pound, in the lake, but didn’t encounter any larger fish. The lake does have some deep undercut banks that would no doubt hold some larger fish that may only come out into the shallows under the right conditions. Wet fly fishing or retrieving a lure along these deeper sections towards evening and into the night, may have seen better results. Regardless of the size of the fish, Peter and Simon had a great day’s fishing in the crystal clear waters of the upper Mersey River.

What to pack

When taking on a hiking trip into any off the remote lakes in Tasmania, careful consideration is needed when it comes to packing the right gear.

All of our cooking was done with boiling water, eliminating the need for pots and fry pans.

Here is a list of what we took for a three night stay at Junction Lake.

Equipment and clothing

Lake Meston

Lake Meston is situated three and a half kilometres north of Junction Lake. Compared to Junction Lake, Lake Meston is huge, spanning one kilometre wide and three kilometres long.

The lake is deep and clear and almost entirely surrounded by thick forest, running down to the water’s edge. The northern shore is quite unique, with its shallow sandy shore.

As we were already so close to Lake Meston we decided to do a day trip to this lake, in the hope we might see some bigger fish close to shore. The track along the western shore of Lake Meston runs well off the lake, apart from a small section along the south western shore. As we neared this shore, Peter and I left the track and pushed our way through the scrub down to the lake. Todd and Simon did the same a little further up. The rocky shore can be waded out for three or four metres, before quickly dropping away into deeper water. This shore has many large fallen trees running out into the lake. We used these trees to gain some height, enabling us to see further out into the lake. We had only covered 20 metres of shore, when Peter spotted a big rainbow from one of the fallen trees. Estimating it to be somewhere around the six pound mark. With a couple of false casts, Peter had his Chernobyl Ant sitting in the path of the rainbow. Peter gave me a running commentary as the fish approached his fly, only to refuse it at the last moment. The fish continued on its beat, almost swimming under Peter’s rod tip. From my position I had too much glare on the water to see the fish. Peter shouted out its location, pointing his rod tip towards the fish. I put out a cast allowing my nymph to sink and waited. I gave the nymph a twitch, hoping to attract the fish’s attention, but as I did, I felt the slightest touch through the line and then nothing.

I had just pulled the fly from the fish’s mouth. If only I had of waited for the line to draw away instead. Peter watched in amazement as the fish disappeared out into deeper water.

We continued to fish the shore down to the start of the upper Mersey River flowing out of the southern end of the lake and met up with Todd and Simon along the way. None of us had seen another fish. We pushed our way back up to the track through the thick bush and continued up the lake to have a look at the Meston Hut, built by Dick Reed and his friends prior to the Junction Hut. The condition of the hut didn’t disappoint and was built in the traditional log cabin style with a shingle roof. The visitor’s logbook inside the hut had entries from people as far away as Alaska, mentioning the similarity of the country side with theirs.

At this stage Peter’s knee was starting to lock up causing him some pain and he seriously considered laying up in the hut for the afternoon. Simon had blisters on his feet the size of twenty cent pieces from walking in his waders. We all wanted to see the top end of the lake, as a result Peter and Simon decided to push through the pain and continue. The track soon opened up onto the magnificent sandy shallows at the northern end of the lake. A small rocky island, covered in Pencil Pines, sat out in the middle of the shallow sandy bay.

To the east, shear cliffs drop into the lake, while the western shore has Pencil Pines down to the water’s edge. Todd and I waded across to the sandy shallows to fish the deep water on the eastern shore. We saw the occasional rise to gum beetles, but couldn’t tempt them with dries or wets. Across the water, on the western shore, I could hear Peter telling Simon he had just landed a couple of fish. Simon asked Peter how big they were, he replied with, “around three and four”. I waded back across the flats to have a look at the photos of Peter’s fish, only to find out that the three and four pound rainbows I had assumed he had caught, were actually three and four inch long native galaxias.

Fishing News - Page 16

Your feet need to be well looked after with good walking boots that will keep your feet dry and that have proven not to give you blisters in the past. Wearing quality walking socks and keeping your feet dry will also help to prevent blisters forming.

Weary walkers at Meston Hut

• Quality Pack that allows the weight to be carried on your hips.

• Light weight Tent • Two small hiking gas burners with one spare gas bottle • Two small light weight billies • Sleeping mats • Quality sleeping bag, capable of compressing down in size, to save space.

• Light weight cutlery and cups plates and bowls • Compass, maps and track notes • Head lamps and spare batteries • Water proof jackets and trousers • Change of clothes, thermal gear, several pairs of quality walking socks, gators, gloves and sun hats • First aid kit complete with compression bandage, bandaids, Panadol, Triangular bandage, antiseptic powder or cream etc.

• Lighter and water proof matches • Toiletry gear • Cameras • Nylon cord (used for a variety of reasons)

Food

Junction Lake Hut

• Cereal • Powdered milk • Two minute noodles • Ready to eat snacks such as muesli bars, pre-packaged cheese and biscuits, dried fruit, nuts and high energy sweets etc..

• Pre-packaged dehydrated meals for the main evening meal • Tea, coffee and sugar • Hip flask of favourite alcoholic beverage (Optional)

Fishing gear

• Rods • One spare rod available to anyone who has an accident • Breathable waders • Wading boots • Reels • Tippet material • Gink • Small selection of flies • Pocket knife • Polaroid sunglasses The amazing experience of walking into these lakes, catching wild mountain rainbows, surrounded by magnificent mountains is a memory that will stay with me, long after the physical recover of the arduous track has been forgotten. Half a day spent at Lake Meston was nowhere near enough time to fully explore this area and a return trip back into this Lake is already being planned.

Maybe I’ll tackle the Myrtle Track next time!

Craig Rist

Releasing a nice rainbow

Help Help Protect Protect Tasmania’s Tasmania’s Freshwater Freshwater Environment.

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Declare Declare All AllYour YourFishing Fishing Equipment Equipment

Sometimes a bow and arrow cast is the only way

The catastrohic impact of accidentally introduced alga “Didymo”, also known as Rock Snot, on New Zealand’s freshwater environment.

The catastrophic impact of accidentally introduced alga “Didymo”, also known as Rock Snot, on New Zealand’s freshwater environment.

Be Be aa Barrier Barrier -–Not NotaaCarrier Carrier of of pests pests to toTasmania.

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Check, & Dry Dry your yourfishing fishingequipment. equipment.

Check, Clean Clean & For more information visit www.ifs.tas.gov.au For more information visit www.ifs.tas.gov.au or www.biosecurity.govt.nz/didymo or www.biosecurity.govt.nz/didymo or phone Quarantine on 03 6233 3352 or phone Quarantine on 03 6233 3352

Photo - Brad Harris

One drop of water. One microscopic cell. One ecological disaster.

One drop of water. One microscopic cell. One ecological disaster.

That’s all it takes. Don’t take our fishery for granted.

That’s all it takes. Don’t take our fishery for granted.

Tents in paradise at Junction Lake

The upper Mersey is small, but rewarding Fishing News - Page 17

Sashimi - a heavenly slice Sushi and Sashimi are one of the mainstay meals in the varied fare available from the many multi cultural restaurants around Australia. These simple dishes have a strikingly attractive presentation and have delicate, rich and sometimes robust taste making them a very popular meal at Japanese restaurants and every upmarket cafe in town. While these delicacies may command a high price at exclusive restaurants you can prepare sashimi and sushi at home for a pittance, and with the abundance of fresh fish available around Tasmania in both salt and fresh water you can serve a sushi meal that any restaurant in Japan would be envious of.

Before we get ahead of ourselves lets break down a few terms. Sushi is a dish, in this case raw fish served on a small rectangular pad of rice. It is also the generic name used in Japanese restaurants to describe a platter or meal of varied items which can include sashimi, sushi and nori rolls. It can include raw or cooked fish, other seafood, omelette, or any other ingredient the imagination can conjure up. Sashimi is fresh slices of raw fish which is usually served with condiments like soy sauce and wasabi. Nori rolls refers to rolls of dry seaweed which have a layer of rice on which is placed further ingredients that are then rolled up and sliced. Wasabi is a root plant similar to horseradish however it is presented as a green paste and has a kick like granddads double barrel shotgun, so beware.

Only two things are essential to make sashimi, fresh fish and a very sharp knife. There are many commercial sashimi knives available, traditionally they have a single beveled edge to the blade and a flat edge, therefore they are right or left handed. Commercial filleting knives, even cheap ones these days come with extremely sharp edges and can fit the cause for home use if you just want to give it a try and aren't too serious at this stage of the game. The second ingredient is the fish, commercial species used at restaurants include tuna (blue fin or yellow fin), blue eye trevalla and sea trout or Atlantic salmon.

All are regularly available at commercial fish shops, but make sure they are fresh. Also don't be put off by the sometimes extremely high price commanded by tuna as you can get away with a chunk of 100 gm to 200 gm depending on how much you intend to serve. As I said though, fresh is best and there are plenty of species that you can catch yourself to make a fantastic sashimi or sushi meal. Brown or rainbow trout with a good orange to red flesh is ideal as is our fabulous Atlantic salmon, silver trevally, garfish and flathead also make beautiful sashimi. The Japanese also love the oilier mackerel which is simply filleted, skinned and sliced once all bones have been picked out which is as simple as can be. (But don't tell the missus what you did with her tweezers!).

Sushi and Nori rolls can be made with readily available sushi kits from most supermarkets. Kits include most of the stuff you need including a bamboo mat for rolling nori sheets into rolls once the ingredients are added. All sorts of ingredients can be added to Nori rolls, but fresh raw fish with a slice of carrot and cucumber and a light smear of wasabi is the making of a fantastic Nori.

I love to make a sushi platter when friends are coming for dinner, especially over the Christmas break at the shack.

Fishing News - Page 18

The contrasting colours between the white flesh of trevalla, the deeper hues of yellowfin tuna and lovely orange of both fresh trout and prawns make a fantastic sushi and you have a meal to remember. I have recently done a bit of reading into sushi and sashimi to find out that squid and scallops also rate highly, I am looking forward to testing these in future platters. Squid is simply gutted, skinned and cut into rectangles for sushi or sliced very thinly for sashimi, while scallops are simply cut in half straight out of the shell. Scallops can also have boiling water tipped over them and then wiped off with paper towel to firm the flesh slightly once they are cut in half. Tasmania is ideally positioned for nearly all of the fish I have mentioned. Catch them fresh, treat them well and you have ingredients that the best in the restaurant trade can only dream of.

A couple of quick hints if you are having trouble slicing your fresh fish, wrap it in glad wrap and put it in the freezer for half an hour before slicing it, this will firm the flesh to enable thin slices. Cut fish into rectangles and slice across the grain where possible. Pick the pin bones out of fish before slicing and remove flesh from the blood line after slicing, the blood line is quite oily and is apparent as a darker streak of flesh near where the skin was removed. Prepare sushi and sashimi as close to serving time as possible.

With all of the fresh fish we have available in Tasmania, give sashimi and sushi a try. Don't be afraid to buy the ingredients but get them from a reputable fish trader and make sure they are fresh enough for sushi. Better still, catch it yourself and stick to the 'fresh is best' motto and you can't go wrong.

One final word is to be sure of what you are dealing with when making sushi or sashimi. The Japanese have a 'special' sashimi they call fugu. This is made from the flesh of toad fish which hosts a deadly toxin in the liver and internal organs.

Fugu chefs spend years perfecting their skills in preparation of this delicacy, which apparently leaves a tingling on the tongue and lips when eaten. Apparently from residual poison in the flesh. A number of people die every year in Japan from eating this delicacy and the moral of the story is to only prepare sushi or sashimi from fish you know are safe to eat.

We have lots of great eating fish which are not too hard to catch so have a go and impress friends and relatives with your culinary talent. You might even surprise yourself with how easy sashimi and sushi are to prepare.

Joe Riley

Japanese sashimi knives

In our research for this story we had difficulty in finding a good sashimi knife at a reasonable price. It is remarkable that‘good’sashimi knives can be well over $1000, some are more, but many are over $200. We have found some very good value‘Made in Japan’knives for around $100.The price is not firm yet at time of going to press.

These knives are made of carbon steel and are NOT stainless! Good-quality, three-layer laminated Japanese kitchen knives are expensive. So when you’re looking for knives, you’ll generally find many offers for ‘high quality’ knives at unrealistically low prices. Of course, the offers neither clearly state that the knives are laminated or made of single-layer steel, nor if they’re made in Japan or in a low-wage Third World country.

However, especially in knives, the quality of the steel and workmanship are paramount if the knife is not to become a constant source of annoyance. These sashimi kitchen knives are made in Japan. Japanese kitchen knives customarily consist of three layers of steel; two soft outer layers and an extremely hard high-carbon steel central layer.

Most of the knives of this type exhibit hardnesses of Rc 61 and higher, which is extremely high for knife blades. On the other hand, the single-layer sashimi knive we have found is typically hardened to approximately Rc 57 - 58, which is still the equivalent of very high-grade European cutlery.

They do, however, require more frequent sharpening than the three-layer knives.

The knives are not‘rust free’and should be oiled lightly with any kitchen oil when washed. Wash by hand and never place in a dishwasher where they can bump other objects and be dulled. Likewise never keep in the ‘cutlery’ drawer, but in a knife block or wrapped in a protective cover.

Sashimi knives are flat on one side and ground on the other. This design allows you to cut wafer thin slices of fish consistently. It will surprise you how much easier it is with the correct knife. Sashimi knives are sharpened on one side only.

If you are interested in one of the genuine Japanese knives give the TFBN office a call on 03 6331 1278.

Mike Stevens.

Fishing News - Page 19

Holidays at Burnie’s Red Rock

Hi my name is Daniel, I am 15 and I love fishing.. From my first fish to my most recent, fishing is a major part of my life.

When I’m not out in the boat with dad hunting shark or tuna, casting for bream or trout, there is only one place I would want to be, Red Rock.

Red Rock is situated on the North West coast of Tasmania in Burnie. Next to the Bass Highway near the suburb of Cooee it is a great spot for all ages to fish. Techniques play an important role in fishing from Red Rock. My dad, Mason, has taught me everything he knows about rock fishing, I have also picked up a few techniques myself from fishing from Red Rock.

The day out

School’s out and I want to go fishing, so I call a few buddies and organize a trip to Red Rock.

The night before my friends and I head down to the rock, we get everything ready so when the clock strikes 6:00 am, we are ready to go. We are driven down by my mum, Denise, most of the time because of all the gear we take! We get to the rock and quickly set up a 10 kilo outfit that we will use to catch eagle rays and draughtboard sharks. We will then load the burley bucket up with our home made burley and toss it in. It doesn’t take long before the burley trail is loaded with mullet and cocky salmon. We put out another line with a Jig-em rig.

Now our two main lines are out, we can focus on the small fish in the burley trail. We catch about 30 mullet throughout the day and keep two or three for fresh bait. Throughout the day we catch mullet, cocky salmon and garfish and when the sun goes down we pull in the light rods and try our luck with a gummy shark. At about 10 or 11:30 p.m. we pack up and head home and share photos and stories about the long day, and then we start to plan another trip.

What to catch

There are many species of fish you can catch from Red Rock, depending on the techniques you are using. Here is a list of fish you can catch.

Silver trevally Sweep Wrasse Barracouta Draughtboard shark Gummy shark Eagle ray Southern stingray Mullet Garfish Rough nosed skate Leatherjacket Blackback salmon Cocky salmon Calamari

How to catch

For silver trevally, mullet and sweep I use a tiny long shank hook with a small clip on sinker with a supplement of bread, pealed prawns, dough and small cutlets of squid, two kilo line is recommended.

For wrasse and leatherjacket a strong six kilo monofilament trace with a small bean sinker and small long shank hook will work as long as you keep the fish away from snags, two kilo line is recommended.

Barracouta and blackback salmon are easily captured with a metal jigs or lures and a sturdy 10 kilo outfit or for the thrill seeker a two kilo outfit.

Calamari are easy to catch from Red Rock, simply use a 6 kilo outfit with a pink or red squid jig and cast into the rocky structures to the left of the rock.

Using a small clip on float rig with a small clip on sinker just above the hook and bait of bread or dough garfish can be caught easily, I recommend a tiny long shank hook and a two kilo outfit.

Fishing News - Page 20

Red Rock is very easy to access on the western side of Burnie at Cooee.

The variety of fish is extensive and often changes dramatically throughout the day.

For Skate, Eagle Rays and draughtboard sharks I use a one metre long running sinker rig with 24 kilo line and a 10 kilo outfit using a strip of fresh mullet for bait.

Gummy sharks can be caught on a 10 or 6 kilo outfit with a crystal tip and typical surf fishing rig and a mullet fillet for bait, these fish are best caught at a 9:00 high tide.

There are some fish that cannot be tackled from Red Rock using 2-15 kilo line. The southern stingray will fill in four to five hours on one fish if you are fishing at Red Rock.

Southern stingrays at Red Rock can be as small as 20 kilos or as large as 80 kilos, so if you really want to tackle one, I would use a 24 kilo outfit with a 37 kilo monofilament trace with a large long shank hook and whole mullet for bait.

Catching these fish are fun unless the fish buries itself, in which case simply back the drag off and eventually the fish will move off again.

Try having a flick around with some Gulp Sandworms or Lime Tiger in Fry as these can produce some great fish.

Night fishing

Safety comes first when it comes to night fishing on the rocks, especially when there’s big fish around. Always take a torch and glow sticks and make sure the area you are fishing is not wet or slippery. Use two 15 kilo outfits when night fishing as you never know what’s out there. Attach a glow stick to the tips of your rods to save your torches battery power. Tying knots and rigs in the dark is a pain so use a head light. You may be required to move about the rock whilst angling a large fish at night so always have someone to guide you around with a torch.

Landing your fish

Red Rock has a great range of places your can land your fish. Fish like mullet or garfish can be lifted out of the water with ease. Larger fish like shark and rays can be guided around into a small inlet and can be landed on its smooth rock surface. Be careful whilst doing this as it can get slippery. You can also use a long landing net if the fish is on light line. When you get the occasional "huge" fish it is a good idea to guide it around to a gravel beach on the right hand side of the rock.

Safety

My friends and I were at Red Rock one day catching large mullet, my friend decided to get a closer shot and slipped and fell into the drink. He climbed out with ease but remember always to take at least 10 metres of safety rope.

Red Rock is a reasonably safe place to fish, it has a vertical drop off around the left of the rock and quiet steep on the right, never the less an easy spot to fish from.

Sturdy shoes with a good grip are most recommended.

Before fishing from any rocky structure always search your surroundings before fishing. There is rarely any swell at Red Rock because of its depth but always be aware.

Getting there

Red Rock is easy to locate. Travel west through Burnie past West Park Oval. You will approach a set of traffics lights in Cooee and Red Rock is on your right hand side just before lights. On the left hand side of the road opposite the rock is Bursons Auto Parts, and Coventry fasteners. Easy to find and a good deep water access.

Daniel Paull

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Sea fishing around Devonport Have you heard about the huge numbers of anglers flocking to Devonport from the east and west coasts to head to the impressive and exotic fishing grounds that lie offshore?

No, I haven’t either.

This is because sea fishing out of Devonport just cannot compare to Tasmania’s more famous locations such as Eaglehawk Neck, Georges Bay or St Helens.

However, this area is on my back doorstep and I’ve learned to make the most of the fishing and discover the best the area has to offer. I’ve found that there are more than enough fish species to target for an enjoyable day on the water.

This article looks at the fishing grounds between the Forth River mouth to the west of Devonport and as far east as Point Sorell.

only sink a few feet when trolling so shallow water can easily be covered. To explore the deeper water for both these species swap to a deep diving rapala minnow type lure.

Salmon don’t seem to break the water much along the north coast of Tassie compared to their east coast counterparts but the odd school may still be seen doing this.

It pays to position your boat in front of the school when there is action on the surface and spin across the fish. They are extremely boat-wary and are easily put down.

Further out from the Don Heads in around 40 feet of water you will locate several small reefs on the sounder – all these hold reasonable numbers of wrasse, cod Mersey River There are three main boat launching ramps on the Mersey and gurnard – but be prepared to lose a few River; the Elimatta ramp off Victoria Parade, the twin ramps bottom rigs to the weed. Any sand patch at the Mersey Yacht Club and the newest ramp at Horsehead as far along as the Forth River mouth will Creek. Due to its convenient floating platform, the Horsehead produce low numbers of reasonable sized Creek ramp has become the most popular, despite the extra 10 flathead.

Further out wide past the 80-foot mark minutes it takes to travel the river out to sea. There is a further launching ramp off River Road near Latrobe which marks the off Lillico Strait you will encounter the odd start of inland waters. It is often slippery and plunges into larger flathead and reasonable numbers of large gurnard. Most people throw these mud at low tide, and is therefore rarely used.

Once on the Mersey there is some fishing to be had, spiky fish back, but they have excellent Big mako sharks are readily available for despite its often muddied appearance. The river mouth is the table qualities. Beware of the spikes, all 13 those that choose to persue them. best location, particularly on an incoming tide. The eastern are venomous. I’m told that immersing the breakwater usually offers a few good salmon close into the wound in hot water is the best first aid as the heat breaks down rocks; there is often the odd pike lurking here as well. The the venom but not too many of us carry this out to sea.

Also out wide in this area are fair numbers of gummy western breakwater also has both these species swimming nearby and the new floodlit area above the raised fishing sharks and several locals regularly set their shark lines here. Its platform has proven to be a reliable casting area. After dark also a consistent area for catching octopus but I don’t know this whole area is nicely illuminated and the squid fishing on too many people that target these.

In close along Lillico Beach to the Forth mouth the bottom a high tide can be excellent.

Speaking of squid, it has been a fantastic year for these is a mixture of sand, weed and rocks. As I’ve already mentioned inky critters all along the coast. I’ve caught them consistently it is an excellent area for the southern calamary squid. Pike are on any shallow reed bed. They have been most prolific on often found in the same location as squid, and if you suddenly the weed beds off the penguin viewing area off Lillico Strait see long fish darting around your squid jig, chances are they’re and around the shallow reefs near Egg and Wrights Islands. pike. Swap to a soft plastic lure with a wiggly tail as these fish Just about any squid jig on the market will produce, it doesn’t provide great entertainment on a light rod. When the smaller seem to matter what colour or size, but a definite stop/start long fin pike(commonly called Jack pike) are about they usually jigging motion is best. Occasionally they will go completely school in good numbers. Both species are fair eating, the flesh off the bite on jigs and at such times the angler should switch is quite soft and they make great fish cakes.

I’ve also caught some very large couta along this beach, to baited jigs for good results. the best times seems to be late summer into autumn. Couta Coastline between Mersey and Forth however, like all school fish, are where you find them on the day, so if you want to target them just follow your nose. There rivers Travelling west from the Mersey mouth, the rocky have been some good catches of large couta recently along this headlands of the Bluff and Don Heads offer good areas coast, although most of these have been out very deep past for trolling. Salmon and pike are the most common species the 120-foot mark. Despite their imposing size I’ve found less Couta are great fun to catch and good to eat, found here. I’ve discovered that the Juro Laser Series of metal wormy ones this year. I should mention a newly-found method but be careful of their sharp and vicious teeth. blade lures in the 25-35 g size work well for both species; the of cleaning these bone-ridden fish – fillet like any normal fish blue/white colour combinations work best. These lures will and lay it skin side down, then starting at the tail end with the biggest spoon you can find simply run Coastline between Mersey and Point this down the length Sorell When the pike are running (usually between November of the fillet. The flesh will peel off in rolls, and April) you will find good numbers along this coastline in already partly mashed shallow water and out to the reefs around the islands. They and ready for your prefer weed covered bottoms at depths of up to 30 feet.

The entire Horseshoe Reef area around Egg and Wrights fishcakes, leaving only the skin and attached islands provides for a variety of fish species and angling methods. All the usual reef-type fish are here, with wrasse or bones.

The Forth River parrot fish being the most prolific. Fishing for these with a mouth provides perhaps light graphite rod and soft plastics is great fun. You won’t be one of the most reliable able to drag the kids away once they’ve learnt what to do. You areas along the coast for will go through the plastics however as they love biting short salmon and sometimes and snipping the tails off.

Squid can be found all around the reefs, although the they are found right in the mouth of the river, narrow channel leading north out to sea is probably the best although a few laps of area. During calm sunny weather they are easily polaroided the whole area usually on the weed beds. It can’t compare to casting a dry fly to produces results. Again, cruising trout but it is still great fun watching the squid swim an incoming tide is over and grab your jig. Salmon will often swim through on the incoming tide, it pays to drift and spin around the reefs best.

Fish early in the day. You will avoid the sea breeze, the kids will for these as the water is very shallow in places. If you haven’t

enjoy it more and you can go home early with a good feed.

Fishing News - Page 22

visited the Horseshoe Reef area much it would pay to explore it at dead low tide on a calm sunny day.

In these conditions several large rocks and reefs will be exposed, so too will the wreck of Individual Produktion, an 8 metre steel yacht that became stranded here in 2004. It pays to turn your radar on at night when travelling between the Mersey and Tamar .

From the islands across to Point Sorell the bottom is a mix of sand and weed, and reasonable numbers of flathead exist, although many will be undersize. Closer to Point Sorell whiting start to appear.

This story would not be complete without a mention of the mako shark fishing that exists out of Devonport. The recent competition run from the Mersey Yacht Club has certainly stirred up angling interest in this species. Boats targeting this fish on the day were out from 6 to 35 kms from

shore with many fishing around the 10 km mark in 60 metres of water. Twelve shark were caught, several being tagged and a few falling below the 60 kg weigh-in mark. The largest was 120 kg, with two others very close behind. The event was a huge success and looks set to become an annual event from this venue.

When next fishing out of Devonport be prepared to try a few different methods and target something new. Try slightly different areas each time and watch the sounder intently. Any new bottom structure is always worth some fishing time. There is usually a fresh feed of seafood swimming around out there. I’ve heard of tuna being caught in nets off Horseshoe Reef and seen snapper taken on longlines further out. Who knows what’s yet to be found. See you out there.

Shane Flude

Calamari are one of the most eagerly sought species.

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Fishing News - Page 24

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If I only had six flies Can I please make it seven ed.?

World Fly Fishing Championship angler Joe Riley takes a look at limiting his fly box to just six flies. Beginning and experienced anglers alike will find this a very useful study.

In modern fly fishing there is an endless procession of development and variation in both flies and fly tying as we constantly see new patterns and materials being pushed onto the market with claims of higher effectiveness and increased catch rates. A contemporary fly box is no different with a pattern for every occasion, all absolute killers made from NASA space shuttle materials and the most exotic genetically modified birds man has ever seen, yet do all of these advancements really equate to more fish in the creel. I carry up to 6 fly boxes at any time with at least 100 different patterns in various sizes and colour variations and probably close to 1000 flies, yet most of these flies barely get tied onto a leader and the same hand full of patterns constantly go on first and rarely come off.

There are trout fly patterns which have stood the test of time and and in this age of new technology with faster rods and longer casting lines, there is more than ample room for the traditional patterns which still catch trout as effectively as they did in the 1800's and 1900's. These flies will catch trout on rivers and lakes, and while variations may have been made to some patterns, they are probably no more effective at deceiving trout than the originals, the exception being they have been adapted for specific reasons. There are some improvements which I believe add to the ability of a fly to take trout and some of these basic advancements do add effectiveness but sorting them out from from the plethora of stuff designed to only catch fishermen is a real dilemma. Here is a run down on some essential patterns that have stood the test of time as well as some improvements which have actually increased their

From top left clockwise: Red Tag, Black Spinner, Sawyer Nymph, Mallard and Claret, Woolly Bugger, Royal Wulff and in the centre a genuine Barry Lodge Emerger. ability to take trout. Some of the patterns have been relatively recent developments but they have now proven their selves as truly consistent killers.

Beetle Patterns:

Red Tag: Here is a pattern someone should have taken a copyright on. I doubt that there would be a fly box that in most of the world let alone Australia that wouldn't have a couple of red tags in it. This fly was originally designed as a Grayling fly in Europe yet and is one of the most effective

generic beetle patterns available. It is not just deadly as a dry but is also effective when tied with a hen hackle as a wet fly for rivers. The traditional pattern is tied with a red wool tag and bronze peacock herl body and a stiff cock hackle on a dry fly hook. More recent variations have occurred with the aim of making the fly more buoyant by substituting a deer hair or seals fur body of an appropriate colour. I tie my red tags with a red seals fur butt and dark olive seals fur body, the buoyancy created by the seals fur allows for a softer cock hackle to be added and the fly will still be all but unsinkable. In windy

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Fishing News - Page 25

weather with waves slopping around, this fly becomes far more fishable as it will not absorb water and sink like a herl and wool body will. In the highlands of Tasmania with ever present wind and some feature fishing fishing opportunities like big brown and rainbow trout cruising in the surface of Great Lake feeding on beetles this is a fantastic advancement.

Seals fur floats superbly and remains more visible making it a far more effective fly.

therefore make them more effective at this stage.

Dun: There must be a million

mayfly dun patterns available, but as a nymph hatches to the dun stage an emerger such as a 'shaving brush' or 'shuttlecock' pattern is a very effective option. The difference between these Mayfly patterns: patterns is that both have a nymph As far anticipated events go, the Tasmanian fly fishing body with a slim pheasant tail or scene is dominated by the mayfly hatch on both lowland seals fur body, the shaving brush has rivers and highland lakes alike. As we need to imitate all three deer hair emerging from the eye of stages of the mayfly life cycle there are several patterns that the hook and the shuttlecock has cul are important in this area. de canard (CDC) feathers. Both are very buoyant and leave the body of Nymph: Sawyers pheasant tail nymph, this nymph the fly hanging vertically in the water developed by English river keeper Frank Sawyer is a nymph while the CDC or deer hair sit above pattern that catches fish on river or lake anywhere around the the surface. This fly is for all intents world. Originally tied with pheasant tail fibres for a tail and and purposes a nymph struggling to body and a copper wire rib for weight, this fly is the original break through the surface film of the and penultimate mayfly nymph imitation. This fly is deadly water, a very attractive proposition to The author has many boxes of flies and has fished all around the when trout are feeding on the mayfly nymph stage but you a feeding trout.

World. If stretched to choose just six (or seven) flies Joe is sure he need several options and variations.

Most dun imitations seem to could still catch his fair share of fish in both rivers and lakes.

On both lake and river when mayfly are not hatching, do similar jobs but for my money a depth is required to reach where trout will be feeding. Lodges Emerger is a very effective Traditionally, lead wire was added to the body of nymph pattern to imitate a mayfly dun. Much to my shame I don't Woolly Bugger: Without a doubt if I had to pick a single patterns requiring weight, however this makes the body of know the precise tying of the original Lodges Emerger but it large wet fly to cast for trout it would be a Woolly Bugger. the nymph thicker and less 'natural' or attractive to trout. is something like this. A dark coloured pattern this fly has a This fly has been around since the 1960s and has had more One of the most effective leaps forward in fly tying was in black or chocolate brown hackle with the bottom clipped out make overs than Cher, however the basic fly is a solid fish the development of brass and more recently tungsten beads. to make it sit flat on the water. A starling or turkey feather for catcher, not because it represents anything in particular, it These beads add sufficient weight to flies to get them deep a wing, chocolate seals fur body with a very light rib and dark just looks ALIVE. This is largely due to the turkey marabou feathers, which quickly which is most applicable on rivers, however it is also cock hackle fibres for a tail. This fly is effective on both lakes effective on lakes and does not add extra bulk to the body and rivers when duns are sitting on water, it is also useful in are soft and supple—the long fibres dance and wiggle when of the fly. The irony of this is that the glint of the gold head both bright or dull weather and is a terrific fly for Western moved, giving a convincing suggestion of life. A Woolly Bugger pattern with the addition of a bead head and subtle can't possibly appear natural but it seems to add to the overall Lakes polaroiding. flash through the tail is better again. The added weight at the effectiveness of the fly.

As a mayfly hatch commences and trout are bulging the Spinners: Tasmania hosts several species of mayfly front of the fly accentuates the movement of the tail and a surface feeding on nymphs struggling to emerge, lightly ranging from tiny #18 models on some lowland rivers up bit of flash mixed in is a trigger for fish to take the fly.

One point of debate I regularly have with fishing dressed pheasant tail nymph patterns without beads or to the more well known mayfly of the lakes which average lead or heavy wire sink slowly so they fit perfectly into the around a #12 to #14. Traditional simple patterns for mayfly companions is how long is too long for a tail, a lot of anglers requirement for this hatch. Lighter hooks also help to keep spinners are super effective and have not required much believe that trout nip the tails of longer flies and don't take unweighted pheasant tail nymphs at or near the surface and in the way of change from the early versions. Either floss them cleanly. I believe there is no problem with the length silk or quill bodies in orange of a marabou tail at least two times as long as the hook or black with a matching itself, basically the longer the better. Trout engulf these flies, hackle and long hackle fibre sometimes to the gills in aggressive takes as the fly represents tails are all that is required, a good size feed. Mistaking takes as being 'short' or nipping wings are not essential in at the tail can more often than not be put down to not being these patterns. They remain in contact with the fly, large loose curves of fly line on the simple yet effective and have water or big sags in a sinking fly line mean that the take won't not needed to be redesigned be detected for some time allowing the trout to take and eject the fly just as the take is being seen. I won't say short takes to still catch fish. never happen, but a close examination of how your line lies in the water after a missed take will soon reveal a few clues Wet Flies: Mallard and Claret: as to why the trout was missed. Colours for Woolly Buggers Traditional wet flies have can vary greatly but good olives and blacks are hard to beat, been about for many years in with that bit of flash and bead head for fishing deep.

Tasmania, names like the Peter Ross, Dunkeld, Invicta are all Another dry fly: About the only other addition to the synonymous with Loch Style selection is a good general dry fly pattern for rivers. A Royal techniques. One of the best Wulff is again a generic representation of food rather than a of this breed of traditional specific imitation. An adaptation of a traditional dry the Royal wet fly is the Mallard and Coachman, Lee Wulff added deer hair to the tail instead of Claret. Tied with a golden golden pheasant and replaced white feather slips with calf pheasant tail, claret floss body hair to the wings to make the fly more buoyant. This pattern bronze mallard over wing and catches fish well as a stand alone dry, but is an excellent slight throat hackle, this fly indicator when fishing the pheasant tail nymph under it in consistently catches trout as a combination. well now as it ever has. I have So there you have a simple selection of flies that will catch read some early diary notes from Lake Leake anglers who fish on rivers and lakes right across Tasmania.By varying sizes used #8 Mallard and Clarets and adding things like bead heads you can come up with a to catch their bag limits from simple but super effective selection. Fly fishing is a thinking some of the bays around Lake game and a well planned presentation of the fly to the fish Leake in the early 1900s. Now at the depth he lies will give you a better chance of catching days a size #10 early in the rather than any new must have fly you just bought. It is no mistake that some of these patterns do not imitate specific season or #12 late as part of a team of flies is still a very food items rather they give an appearance of being edible, Before you head outdoors, head to... effective technique. The set up that is their key to effectiveness. Trout do feed selectively and of a leader does not necessarily at these time you need to 'match the hatch' however more We stock a full range of driving lights, include all traditional wets but often than not they feed on a varied diet which makes a simple trailers, fridges, caravans, horse floats, can host a dry, traditional wet selection of flies that generally imitate food a good option. safety equipment and much, much more!

Joe Riley and big wet all on the same leader, mixing the lot to make 9 Florence Street, Moonah (03) 6228 0317 www.kingtrailerindustries.com.au the rig most effective.

Heading Outdoors?

Fishing News - Page 26

Super Tank at round 1 Tasmanian ABT classic a huge hit.

Round one of the ABT bream classic was recently held over the weekend of 2/3 February on the Scamander River.

Twenty one teams entered to fight it out for points in the 3 round competition.

The Bream Super Tank was a huge hit with both competitors and the public. Once the bream were weighed they were released into the tank and then later back into the river.

There are some very flash boats these days in the bream comps.

Shown right is the new TFBN vessel.

Mark Tapsell and Todd Holmes performed well for the Aluman Team Winning Team AFN (N. Martin and A.Cox) caught 10 fish for 8.5 kg Second place Sea Port Marine ( S.Steer and L.Mckenzie)10 fish for 7.52kg Third place Bream Stalker ( D.Dertesi and T.Bryan) 10 fish for 7.42 Five fish per day bag limit applied to the competition.

Big bream was taken out by team Eastern Shore fishing and tackle with a bream weighing a massive 1.4kg - a large specimen for the Scamander River. The river has been recently closed to the ocean by the sand bar and this makes fishing any estuary an interesting task.

With the system closed there is no tidal influence to bring the bream on the bite which usually happens on the incoming tide as new bait fish are pushed upstream.

The techniques that proved popular with most of the high scoring teams was the use of hard body lures such as, Smiths Jades, Chubbys, Bushy’s Stiffys, Ecogear SX40 and SX48.

The same retrieve was used by most using constant stop start twitching retrieve; this action may have been working well due to the odd prawn floating about the lower section of the Scamander River.

Colours varied between competitors with both natural style colours being used as well as more brightly coloured lures with tiger stripes; also a good imitation of the prawn.

Spectators from around the area plus many tourists travelling by stopped to look at the weigh-in that started from 1.30pm onwards for both days.

Dan Clifton brought along the new super tank built by the bream community breeding program. This 3000lt tank is designed to hold the fish for recovery after weighing and to keep a close eye on the health of the bream. It proved to be a huge success with competitors and spectators alike.

The next round of the ABT classic will be held at the Swan River on April 5-6 and all are invited to attend and see the bream in the tank.

You can talk to Tassie’s best bream anglers.

If anyone is interested in joining the bream classic competition please contact Leroy Tirant at Bigfin Sportsfishing in Devonport on 0428347736 for ABT membership and entry form.

All levels of experience from newbies to experienced anglers are welcome to compete.

Dan Clifton

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Fishing News - Page 27

Sea Eagles

The edges of Macquarie Harbour, Freycinet Peninsula and Maria Island National Park are typical habitats for one of Tasmania’s most spectacular birds - the white-breasted sea eagle - a bird of prey with a wing span sometimes exceeding two metres and a weight of up to 4.5 kilograms.

Description

Adults are basically black and white under, and grey over the wings, with a white belly. Immatures are mottled pale brown and take five years to reach adult plumage. The bare legs and feet are heavily scaled as armour. The soles have tiny spikes to aid in grasping slippery prey. Powerful talons, a large hooked beak and hazel eyes complete the picture. Their eye sight is acute. Sea eagles flap slowly and soar or glide with their wings held in a shallow V. Sea eagles are not actually true eagles (which have feathered legs) but giant kites. The only species an adult sea eagle could be confused with is the smaller osprey (which does not occur in Tasmania). A juvenile sea eagle can be confused with a wedge-tailes eagle but look for the sea eagles short, white tail and strongly patterned underwing.

Distribution

The species is widely distributed from India to Australia.

Mainly coastal, it is also found in many large rivers and lakes.

Tasmania’s coastline with its many rivers, bays and islands provides ideal habitats.

Home range and territories

Adults are largely sedentary (not migratory) and will defend an area of about three km (the territory) around the nest against other adults. A larger area, up to 150 sq/km (the home range), is also used for hunting but is not defended.

Pairs nest at least two to three km apart, much further where there is little food.

Hunting and food

Almost all hunting is done by a gliding attack from a prominent perch. Sea eagles find it very hard to take off from the water so when hunting fish, eels or penguins they

snatch them from the surface or the edge of the beach. Objects up to about half the weight of the eagle can be carried in flight. Many types of fish are eaten, including porcupine fish which are deadly to humans. Birds, such as coots, gulls and shearwaters are also caught.

Waterfowl crippled by hunters may be eaten. This may endanger the eagles with lead poisoning. Bluetongued lizards are preyed on as are mammals as varied as water rats and young wombats. Carrion is an important food particularly for young, inexperienced hunters.

Thus, when in lambing paddocks, scavenging eagles are sometimes wrongly blamed for taking lambs.

Extremely few healthy lambs are attacked. Piracy by eagles is common.

Typically they may pursue gannets until a fish is regurgitated. Sea eagles will often scavenge around fishing boats in rivers or near the coast.

Breeding

In Tasmania most nests are in large, sheltered eucalypts.

Exceptions are on small islands where rocky outcrops may be used. Each season nests are repaired and added to. Old nests may be enormous, up to 4.5 m (14 ft) deep and 2.5 m (8 ft) wide! Nests serve as breeding, feeding and sleeping platforms and act as territorial flags. Pairs mate for life. Courtship never really stops but peaks in early spring when pairs may lock talons and tumble through the air. One or two eggs are usually laid during September in a nest lined with green leaves, mainly for hygiene. Hatching takes 40 - 44 days, but often the first to hatch kills the other. Nestling life is about 95 days after which the fledglings are dependent on their parents for another month or so. Once independent - mortality is high. If the young eagles survive for a year then they will probably live to breed, at five years of age. Some will live for 30 years.

Status and conservation

There are about 200 pairs in Tasmania. On average each pair will produce less than one young per year (some have none, some two). Overall, the species is secure, due mainly to its diverse breeding and feeding habits and the fact that about 20% of pairs live in reserves. In addition, the species (like all birds of prey in Tasmania) is protected by law and we are lucky, so far, that contamination by pesticides is generally low. However, there are local threats from vandals shooting, poisoning by land-owners, tree felling and excessive disturbance of breeding from development and recreational activities. Buffers of at least 250 m should be left around nests.

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Fly fishing Championships The Tas Fishing and Boating News State Fly Fishing Championships will be held on the weekend of the 1st and 2nd March based at Bronte Chalet in the central highlands.

The competition will comprise two days of competition with two river sessions on day one on the Derwent and Florentine Rivers and two lake sessions on day two at Bronte Lagoon.

Over 30 local and interstate anglers are expected to compete including the Australian team who will be competing in the World and Commonwealth Championships in mid March 2008 in the North Island of New Zealand.

Entries close for the state competition on the 15th February 2008 and entry forms can be accessed at www.flyfishaustralia.com.au or by calling Mark Youngman on 0419 177706.

Younger anglers in particular are encouraged to enter and participate for the Young Guns Trophy for 18-25 year olds.

A dinner will be held at Bronte Chalet on the Saturday night with past and current Australian Team representatives attending.

Tasmania has a strong record in recent National Championships with the state taking out the teams gold at Falls Creek in early Dec 2007.The competition was fished in the Mitta Mitta River and Rocky Valley Reservoir.

Members of the winning team were Jim Davis, John Donnachy, Craig Carey and Mark Youngman with NSW second and Victoria third.

In the individual section and eligible for selection for the World and Commonwealth Championships in Scotland in 2009 were Jim Davis(2nd), John Donnachy(5th), Craig Carey (8th), Mark Youngman(9th) and Joe Riley(12th).

Joe finished an outstanding 9th in the recent World Fly Fishing Championships in Finland.

The team also included Tasmanians Jim Davis, Jonothan Stagg and Brian McCullagh.

If you want to improve as an angler and meet some of the best sports flyfishers in Tasmania grab an entry form,come along and give it a go. See you at Bronte.

Mark Youngman

Young Guns

Fly Fish Australia Inc. recently announced the establishment of a “YOUNG GUNS” program. The program will be open to fly fishers between the age of 18 and 25 and has been designed to help developed skills in the next generation of competition fly fishers.

President of Fly Fish Australia Inc. Stephen Chatterton explained.

“Not only should younger fly fishers be encouraged to compete against their older peers but there should also be a competition amongst their age peers with the best of our younger members being invited to fish at the Fly Fish Australia National Championships regardless of how they ranked against our ‘war horses’.

The scheme will be tailored to meet the needs of younger members of Fly Fish Australia but will initially include.

1. Reduced out of pocket expenses for younger members.

2. Access to top quality fly fishing tackle and apparel at reduced prices.

3. Mentoring form some of the best Fly Fishers in Australia.

4. The opportunity to fish at state competitions that lead to qualifications to fish at the Australian Fly Fishing championships.

5. Access to wild card entries to fish in the Australian Fly Fishing championships.

6. An opportunity to meet with like minded new generation fly fishers.

Geoff Naylor has been taken on the role of “Young Guns Coordinator and he can be contacted by email on brungle.p.school@det. new.edu.au or contact Mark Youngman 0419 177706

Jan’s Flies Jan Spencer

This season so far has been good to me, due mostly to the early warm conditions. There has been a multitude of insects which prompted the trout to get active and look up.

We have had our annual packing trip to Tasmania’s remote lakes. This country never ceases to amaze me on how breathtakingly beautiful it is, but should Mother Nature put on her grizzle coat it can be dangerous to partake in this terrain. We were lucky in that we had a week of clear blue sky, some strong winds but you can’t have everything. The blue sky enabled us to have some superb polaroiding and catching some beautiful trout. This type of fishing has to be the ultimate in dry fly fishing, to actually see that fish, place the fly, have the fish meander over, rise and sip that fly gently off the surface has a completion to fly fishing that I have never experienced in any other form in the said sport.

Body; Bright green peacocks herl from the moon feather.

Hackle; Bright red/cocks.

Tag; Bright red wool, or scarlet ibis.

Sometimes a turn of gold or silver tinsel is added under the tag, but most tags in this day and age would be minus the tinsel.

It’s a simple little fly with really no representation to any one insect but is so effective in so many situations.

The following is how I would tie most of my tags; Hook; Short shanked light gauge size 16, 14, 12 9 10.

Thread; Black.

Tag; Bright red floss.

Body; One really good peacock herl.

Hackle; Red cock hackle.

Method 1. Take thread full length of shank. Place a nice thick tag in. To make the tag thick double the strand of floss over making twice the thickness. If the tag is too long cut off squarely as too long will only make a heavy bum.

2. Tie the butt end of the peacock herl in, bring the thread forward two thirds the length of the shank.

Now wind the peacock herl forward to this point, tie down and cut away excess herl.

3. Take one nice long red cock There have been various flies of feather and tie in, make a nice thick nondescript patterns we have used over hackle, wind thread through hackle many years of fishing these remote waters. finishing in behind the eye, cut away A well placed dry fly will nearly always bring excess hackle finishing in behind reaction, remembering to give the fish plenty the eye, cut away excess hackle of time to take before the strike. feather, form a nice little head, The one fly that has always been there in whip finish, cut away thread and various sizes is a Red Tag. This fly is a world varnish. renowned for its fish catching abilities.

The above fly would be for reasonably The origin of the Red Tag is English and was choppy water conditions, for smoother said to be used for fishing for grayling until conditions lighten the hackle down by not it was introduced to trout and has never making as many turns. looked back since. There have been many The contemporary tie variations of this fly and I’ll bet if you had is at the top, whilst Also note I use floss for the tag and not a dozen Tags from various tiers that there a more traditional wool. Wool fluffs up nicely when first tied fly with Indian style would be differences in all of them. but will get wet and heavy quickly causing The tie from the book A Dictionary of hackle and wool is at the fly to sink. The red tag would be in my Trout Flies is as follows; top six dry fly patterns. the bottom.

Fishing News - Page 29

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Fishing News - Page 30

Shimano TLD 2 Speed Spruce up The evergreen Shimano TLD two speed lever drag range has been given a bit of a spruce up for this coming game fishing season.

The composite frame material is new, and there have been a few cosmetic changes to give these reliable workhorse reels a more modern look.

Tolerances have been tightened even further, which is especially beneficial to anglers who might use braided lines on them.

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What is a Knot In navigation, measure of speed at sea, equal to one nautical mile (6,080 feet in the British admiralty mile; 1,852 m, or 6,076.115 feet, in the international mile) per hour. This is approximately 1.15 statute miles per hour. Thus, a ship moving at 20 knots is travelling as fast as a land vehicle at about 23 miles (37 km) per hour.

The term knot probably results from its former use as a length measure on ships’ log lines, which were used to measure the speed of a ship through the water.

Such a line was marked off at intervals by knots tied in the rope. Each interval, or knot, was about 47 feet (14.3 m) long. When the log was tossed overboard, it remained more or less stationary while its attached log line trailed out from the vessel as the latter moved forward. After 28 seconds had elapsed, the number of knots that had passed overboard was counted. The number of knots that ran out in 28 seconds was roughly the speed of the ship in nautical miles per hour.

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Fishing News - Page 31

Choosing a fishing kayak Kayaks provide a great fishing platform for the recreational angler. They allow you to fish waters that would be impossible to access from either the shore or a larger boat. They are also very easy to transport and handle to the water. With more and more kayaks appearing on the market, the kayaking angler is now faced with a bewildering choice of boats. Following are a few pointers that should help you choose a boat that meets your needs and provides years of enjoyable fishing.

Boat Materials

Boats suitable for fishing are generally available in either plastic or fiberglass. Nothing beats plastic for durability, lifespan and low maintenance. More advanced moulding techniques are being developed every day so plastic boats are becoming much more sophisticated in shape. For these reasons, plastic boats are by far the most common on the market and we will restrict the following comments to plastic boats.

About Plastics

All good plastic boats are built from polyethylene. But not all polyethylene is the same – it varies dramatically in quality, purity and UV resistance. This is one of the main reasons why boat prices vary so much. High grade polyethylene is stiffer, more impact resistant and holds shape better. This means you end up with a boat that is more structurally sound, generally lighter (as thinner plastic can be used) and bounces back from knocks better. Cheaper boats are made of plastic that has been ‘cut’ with another chemical, with a resultant loss in the above qualities. UV from sunlight has a damaging effect on all plastics. The solution is to add a UV stabilizer to the polyethylene. Better plastics have plenty of stabilizers added.

Many cheaper versions have too little, or worse, none at all. This result is a boat that will fade in the sun, and has the potential to go brittle, crack or craze and lose its overall form over time.

Shapes and Sizes

The big question is what style of boat to choose. The short answer is that different boats are suitable for different types of fishing. Consider the following:

• Boat Length – As a general rule, a

longer boat will be easier and quicker to paddle in open water. This is an advantage if out on open waters or saltwater bottom fishing, but also helps if you estuary or river fish and need to paddle against current, the running tide or longer distances.

Over the course of a day, these boats are also generally less fatiguing to paddle. Longer boats are often more difficult to turn and less maneuverable in tighter waters. They are also a little heavier and more cumbersome to load and unload (especially if you are on your own).

• Stability – Stability is critical in fishing situations. This is where the quality kayaks will be far superior. Their whole design will achieve good stability without sacrificing kayak speed or maneuverability. Good recreational boats are plenty stable enough for fishing use. However, many of these are simply wide, flat bottomed boats that sacrifice speed and paddle efficiency. A more sophisticated hull shape will offer the best of both worlds.

• Draft – This is an area many anglers fail to consider. A

lot of fishing, especially in the fresh water, is done in shallow water or around obstacles like logs and rocks. For this reason, a boat that draws less water is preferable. Rudders can also be a hindrance, and can be fragile if knocked against logs, rocks etc. For this reason, many of the pontoon style paddle boats with propulsion fins are also unsuitable for lots of fishing situations.

• Buoyancy – Check the recommended weight rating

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of the boat. Many of the smaller boats and sit on tops have weight limits of around the 100kg mark. A lot of us, unfortunately, are on or above that mark (even if we don’t want to be)! Boats paddle very poorly if you get close to the upper limit of their weight rating. As a general rule, I would try to stay below about 80% of the recommended maximum.

• Sit on Top or Enclosed

– Sit on tops are easy to get on and off, easy to hose down, and provide good open deck space and working areas. They can be quite wet and cold because you are exposed to more wind and spray. Most sit on top kayaks are self draining but this does mean you will be sitting in water most of the time. More traditional ‘enclosed’ boats provide better shelter and more secure stowage. Most recreational boats suitable for fishing have cockpits large enough to fish from, and provide easy unrestricted exit in the unlikely event of a capsize.

• Fittings and Fixtures

– Many boats with specific ‘angler’ setups are now available. In general, I would avoid these, as many have been designed and fitted by suppliers that have little understanding

of the needs of us fishing fanatics. Things like rod holders and the like need to be well placed so as not to hinder your casting or landing your catch. Some features are moulded and cannot be customized. I would be more inclined to buy a ‘bare’ boat, use it a couple of times, and then add aftermarket accessories to your personal preferences. With plastic kayaks this is very easy as you can attach most items using stainless screws.

• Comfort – Again, many anglers overlook this. The paddling action places stress on the abdominals, lower back, buttock, thighs and calves. This can be apparent even after a short paddle. The seating setup of a boat can have a dramatic impact on how long you can spend in your kayak in comfort and with out developing cramps or pain. (And how you feel the next morning!). Check that the seat is adjustable, preferably in both height and rake. Adjustable under-thigh support is also preferable. Most boats have adjustable footpegs, but the better ones are easily adjustable when you’re on the water.

The Final Word

This is by no means an exhaustive list of the things to look for. Hopefully these pointers provide food for thought for the angler looking at getting into kayak fishing. With the above hints and a little bit of investigation, you should be able to select a boat that suits your fishing style and requirements.

The old “you get what you pay for” rule applies to most things, and kayaks are absolutely no different. Stick with a reputable brand from an established retail store and you should have many years of fuss free fishing.

Some interesting hybrids are currently available – Wilderness Systems offer a ‘Pungo’ which has an enormous cockpit and is one of my favourites for those big bays and estuarys. Mad River Canoe offer a ‘Synergy’ which is an open boat but you sit deeper and more protected than in most sit ons and is a very dry kayak to paddle. (This kayak has been designed as a specific fishing kayak and is one of the best in the market to date. A very stable craft with great features for the angler ideal for fly or soft plastic fishing). Both these kayaks provide exciting angling opportunities.

James Ainslie - Tassie Tackle and Outdoor.

Editors note: The next edition will feature several reviews on different kayaks for fishing.

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Fishing News - Page 34

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Vision Radipor Waders

Simon Taylor, a Tasmanian guide and former Autralian team member for Australia in the World Fly Fishing Championships steps out in the latest waders from Vision.

While breathable waders are not a new thing in the world of fly fishing, the Vision Radipor waders have all the advantages of standard breathable waders, but also have the added feature of a waterproof front zipper.

The benefits of incorporating a waterproof zipper into a pair of waders are enormous.

Those annoying nature calls have never been easier. Forget having to remove jackets, vests and waders, the zipper allows you to keep all this on and get the job done. This is a wonderful feature when fishing in cold conditions such as an earlyseason snowstorm in Tassie’s Western Lakes!

The waterproof zipper also makes the process of getting into and out of the waders much simpler. During hot weather the zipper can be undone giving great ventilation, and by wrapping the YKK braces around your waist the waders can be worn as trousers.

The Radipors are made from Vision’s F4 fabric which has a waterproofing of 30,000 mm and has very good breathing ability. They feature a three-layer construction in the upper half, five layers from the knees down for added strength and have neoprene feet for warmth.

The Vision Radipors are not a tight fitting wader and have a curved cut profile, but still give you some room to move. While some people prefer tight fitting waders, the Radipors are what I call a medium fit. Practically, waders with a slightly looser fit have many advantages over body-hugging models: during cold weather they allow you to bulk up on clothing and still fit easily into the waders, and during hot weather the more open fit allows better ventilation. They are also much easier to put on and take off.

RIO announces the Selective Trout II – the ultimate presentation fly line For 2008 RIO has developed the Selective Trout II fly line to help the fly angler excel in technical fishing conditions by making accurate casts and delicate presentations easy.

The Selective Trout II fly lines are available with a unique weight forward or double taper profile, made especially for selective trout fishing in all weather conditions. The weight forward line features a long front taper for feather-light dry fly presentations, and an extended rear taper for effortless roll casting and mending. RIO

has reinvented the timeless double taper by increasing the weight slightly behind the front taper to turnover the long front taper and longer leaders with ease.

The Selective Trout II is built with the supplest and slickest coating RIO has ever produced. This new coating eliminates line memory and aids in the softest of presentations. These attributes make the line a perfect choice for bamboo and softer action fly rods.

The Selective Trout II is manufactured using RIO’s state-of-the-art manufacturing processes and incorporates the new Extreme Slickness Technology for an extraordinarily slick, dirt-repelling coating that results in longer casts. The line also includes RIO’s proprietary AgentX® and Super Floatation Technologies™, ensuring the line tip and running line will not sink and resulting in the smoothest coatings ever made in a fly line.

The Selective Trout II lines are available in either a subtle olive color, ideal for New Zealand or wary fish, in a WF1F to WF7F and a DT1F to DT6F, or an easy to see chartreuse in WF3F to WF7F and DT3F to DT6F. Like the rest of RIO’s premier trout lines, the weight forward Selective Trout II lines incorporate a thin welded loop to easily change leader, or to add of one of RIO’s VersiLeaders, converting the line into a sink tip. The Double Taper Selective Trout lines do not have welded loops.

This new Selective Trout II is available from all authorized RIO dealers

Other features of the Radipors include built-in gravel guards, removable stretch wader belt, two D rings for attaching things like forceps, and they come complete with a wader bag for storage.

Over the past few months I have given the Vision Radipors a solid testing using them everywhere from small streams through to thrashing my way around Tassie’s harsh Western Lakes during spring. During this time

I have been very impressed with the waders.

They are very comfortable, tough, and now having used a pair with a zip, I would find it hard to go back to a conventional pair of breathable waders.

The Vision Radipors retail for around $640 and are available in an extensive range of sizes. Check out www.visionflyfishing.com.

Wholesale enquiries to Clarkson Imports.

Rising LLC Tools

Rising LLC based in Salt Lake City, Utah are well known in the USA for their catch and release tools suitable for both fresh and saltwater anglers. The strong element of catch-andrelease is at the forefront of their design philosophy. For example the “Lippa4Life” tool arose from the concerns of U.S. Striped Bass and Salmon anglers that the Boga-Grip, while an excellent tool for catch-and-release anglers, was not portable enough to have on hand at all times when wading due to weight issues.

Now available in Australia through Mayfly Tackle Pty Ltd their Crocodile and Lippa4Life are stand out items sure to benefit Australian fly anglers. The Crocodile tool is available in 6” and 8.5” sizes and excels as a release tool: clamp jaws around tippet, slide down onto bend of hook, and continue motion to remove hook. This tools means those valuable fly patterns are no longer damaged during removal and keeps fingers well clear of sharp teeth.

The Lippa4Life is designed to minimise handling of fish during catch-and-release practise.

Designed for clamping down on lower lip of all fish species the Lippa4life is easily worn on the hip for easy access at all times while wading or boat fishing. This release aid will minimise stress and handling of fish increasing survival rates when released.

All tools are available separately or in combo format with cordura holster supplied with combos. For those anglers looking for something special the Lippa4Life is also supplied in a combo outfit utilising 6061 T6 bar stock aluminium (blue anodising), 8.5” crocodile tool and hand made leather holster.

Available at all specialist outlets Australia wide. Trade enquiries contact Mayfly Tackle Pty Ltd (03) 9899 0034.

WE’RE BACK! Due to Popular Demand the Aussie colour range of Manns Stretch 5+ are back!

Trade enquiries: JM Gilles Agencies Pty Ltd Phone: (03) 9646 4745 www.jmgillies.com.au Email: sales@jmgillies.com.au

Fishing News - Page 35

Fishing & Boating Calendar from December 2007 Tasmanian Fishing and Boating News is pleased to provide this calendar of events for the year 2006. Events and dates are correct, to the best of the editors knowledge, at the time of printing but are always subject to amendment or cancellation.

Date Event & Venue More Info FEBRUARY Sun 10 Take a Kid Fishing, Hobart 12 to 2.30pm.

Tess McNeill 6233 9073 Sat 23 & Sun 24 ABT Bream Qualifier, Georges Bay ABT (07) 3268 7958 Tue 26 to 28 Flinders Island Game Fishing Challenge Anne Stephenson 6376 3631

MARCH Sat 01 & Sun 02 ABT Bream Qualifier, Derwent River ABT (07) 3268 7958 Sat 8 & Sun 9 Seaport Marine St Helens Game Fishing Classic Jamie Henderson 6376 2244 Sat 22 & Sun 23 SHGFC Easter Competition, St Helens Anne Stephenson 6376 3631 Sat 29 & Sun 30 Coles Bay Game Fishing Comp John Brooker 62310255 APRIL Sat 5 & Sun 6 ABT Bream Classic, Swan River Leroy Tirant 0428347736 Sat 19 & Sun 20 Hillcrest Caravan Park Game Fishing Comp, St Helens Anne Stephenson 6376 3631 Sun 27 Most brown trout waters close, Inland Fisheries Service 6261 8050 Sat 26 & Sun 27 ABT Bream Classic, Derwent River Leroy Tirant 0428347736 MAY Sat 18 & Sun 19 IFS Trout Weekend, Liawenee Canal 6261 8050

BAR CRUSHERS 620C ENTER THE ULTIMATE COASTAL AND OFFSHORE SPORTSFISHING RIG...

The latest model in Bar Crusher’s hugely-successful cuddy cabin series – the 620C – slots in perfectly between the 560C and 640C. Following in the footsteps of every Bar Crusher, the brand new 620C delivers the smoothest ride of any aluminium boat on the market!

OP LIKE A H C S T A E G N I NOTH AR CRUSHER!

B

At last…

...someone has built a stylish-looking boat that provides all the advantages of aluminium while delivering a ride that genuinely feels like a fibreglass boat. While most aluminium boat builders have been struggling for years to make small incremental improvements, Bar Crusher has used cutting-edge technology to leap frog the industry.

For fishing or cruising, this is one clever design. Simply brilliant!

So you’re looking for a new boat?

Do you want a smooth ride, toughness and durability, stability at rest, low cost to buy and run, light to tow and power, and good resale value? Everyone knows aluminium is light and tough, but most aluminium boats just don’t give the smooth ride of a heavy deep-V fibreglass boat.

Enter Bar Crusher Running along the full length of the keel, there is a cavity in the bottom of the hull, open at the transom. When the boat stops, this fills, becomes ballast, lowers the chines into the water and provides tremendous stability. The moment the boat moves forward, this water ballast is jettisoned from the hull allowing the boat to fly up on to the plane.

More on toughness. It’s built right through the boat. Whereas pressed sheet boats will flex, each Bar Crusher has six longitudinal stringers fully welded to cross frames, forming a structurally strong, triangulated sub-floor frame. Then, a strong checkerplate floor is welded in. This super strong sub-frame, when combined with a fully welded floor, is called Rigideck™.

Call for a FREE brochure and your nearest dealer: 0408 776 080

That is until now!

Bar Crusher’s super strong, high-tech hull design gives you the best of both worlds. They are real plate boats built from thick gauge plate aluminium.

Head Office and Showroom

Phone: (03)

The soft ride is created by the Waveslicer™ hull design, which is a deep-V hull that has been tuned to operate without lifting strakes. It slices beautifully through chop when the wind comes up. Stability at rest is created by the patent pending Quickflow™ water ballast system. In the past, boat designers have had to compromise by building flatter hulls to achieve the required stability at rest. As we all know, a flatter hull shape means a hard, pounding ride.

530C

Fishing News - Page 36

560WR

640WR

9702 8555

25-31 Ventura place, Dandenong South. VIC 3175

Life’s short, ring to organise a test ride today!

Or visit our website and read the reviews...

www.barcrusher.com.au

560C

640HT

Bass Highway, Somerset Ph 64 352200 Email: anthony@coastal-marine.com.au

560C

Yamaha’s F350 V8 Awarded for Innovation

The US National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) has honoured the world’s first production V8 4-stroke outboard motor by presenting Yamaha with the 2007 Innovation Award for their ground breaking F350 outboard engine.

Regarded by many as the peak marine manufacturing body in the United States, the NMMA bestowed the accolade upon Ya m a h a a t t h e International Boat Builders Exhibition & Conference (IBEX 2007) at Miami Beach Florida during the International Marine Tr a d e S h o w i n October.

“This international acclaim is again testament to Yamaha’s plan to open up entirely new realms for outboard motor performance,” said Brett Hampson, National Sales and Marketing Manager for Marine Products at Yamaha Motor Australia.

“Locally we are finding that boat builders and owners who had traditionally looked to sterndrive power for larger boats are already specifying the Yamaha F350 outboards. Yamaha has harnessed the torque advantage, once the exclusive domain of sterndrives, and packaged it with the space and weight saving advantage of an outboard. Australian boat owners can now enjoy the benefits of an outboard specifically dedicated to large blue water boats.”

A total of 79 entrants were entered for the NMMA Innovation Award with 10 products receiving the honour across nine categories which included ‘boat manufacturing technology and materials’, ‘mechanical systems’, ‘inboard motors’, ‘outboard motors’ and ‘environmental responsiveness’.

The long list of new outboard features built into the F350 presented a strong case for the NMMA Innovation Award with advancements like single electronic throttle control valves, dual In-Bank exhaust with power surge chambers and individual pulse-tuned long intake tracks all adding to the relentless torque performance of the world’s most sophisticated outboard.

A highly experienced judging panel selected from the exclusive Boating Writers International (BWI) group presided over the NMMA Innovation Award nominees which were screened using four distinct criteria. The criteria stipulated that the product had to be innovative compared to conventional products, must benefit the marine industry and consumers, must be highly cost effective and the product had to be commercially accessible to the public within 60 days of the award.

Yamaha’s new F350 made its Australian debut on the national boat show circuit in July 2007 drawing instant acclaim for its engineering attributes and market potential. Now commercially available in Australia, the Yamaha 5.3 litre V8 F350 is now on the transom of several high profile brands renowned for their appetite for big torque in a range of single, twin and triple outboard configurations.

Yamaha outboards are available through an Australia-wide network of authorised Yamaha outboard dealers. All Yamaha outboard models are fully backed by a comprehensive two-year manufacturer’s warranty.

Yamaha will extend the warranty to 3 years on 2-Stroke and 4 years on 4-Stroke provided the engine is serviced by an authorised Yamaha dealer

Lowrance display devices on the Lowrance Ethernet network, including 2007 GlobalMap chartplotters, when employed with the Broadband Sounder-1. It also allows linkage to other Expansion Port-1 modules for future onboard network expansion.

Both the Broadband Sounder-1 and Navico Expansion Port-1 feature ports that

resist corrosive marine environments and come with a full two-year warranty.

Broadband Sounder-1 – RRP $999, Expansion Port – RRP $299.

Further information: Navico Australia – (02) 9936 1000 or visit: www.lowrance. com

Reliable, efficient, fishing reel that won’t let you down Lowrance’s new Broadband Sounder-1 delivers peerless echo clarity and the highest underwater definition ever achieved.

Lowrance’s new sonar optimiser technology Lowrance has raised the bar in fish-finding technology with its next-generation sonar ‘optimiser’.

Based on the high-speed Lowrance Ethernet network, the new Broadband Sounder-1 delivers peerless echo clarity and the highest underwater definition ever achieved – in both freshwater and saltwater, from shallow water through to extreme sea depths.

The module automatically produces digitally purified marking and separation of fish, structure, thermoclines and bottom, with remarkable elimination of surface and turbulent water clutter to mark targets. For fishing enthusiasts, the result is outstanding clarity when it comes to locating and tracking the next catch.

Featuring an advanced plug-and-play Ethernet module, the Broadband Sounder-1

combines superior Lowrance softwaredriven technology and high-speed signal processing.

The module is compatible with all Lowrance 2007 models with 12.7cm and larger colour displays, along with the five-pin yellow Ethernet connector. That includes all LCX and LMS models, as well as displaying sonar graphs on GlobalMap® chartplotters networked with a sonar-enabled head unit.

The Broadband Sounder-1 also works with all compatible Lowrance transducers – Skimmer®, pod, shoot-or bolt-thru hull – and accommodates all transducer-frequency ranges: 50kHz, 83kHz and 200kHz. The enhanced digital module also features a nominal output power of 250-watts peakto-peak (31 watts RMS), with an analogue output power equivalent of 30,000 watts peak-to-peak (3750 watts RMS).

The Broadband Sounder-1 offers direct connectivity between a transducer and a single sonar-equipped Lowrance head unit, as well as connectivity between a transducer and multiple Lowrance head units using the new, optional Navico Expansion Port-1.

The plug-and-play Navico Expansion Port-1 network switch allows optimised sonar sharing for up to four compatible

No bearings, no gears - no problems Deepwater Combo Alvey 825BCV/6R

250 mm diameter with powerful 1:1 winding power. 600 metre/23 kilogram line capacity, powerful multiplate drag system, strong solid 1.6 metre fibreglass rod.

Ideal outfit for striped trumpeter.

Don’t risk a good fish - get it in the boat.

Available from all good tackle stores.

free catalogue

For your free copy of our 84 page catalogue and guide to better fishing simply fill in the coupon and send to: ALVEY REELS, P.O. Box 105 Goodna, Qld 4300 Name.................................

Address ..............................

Phil Atherton N.E. Tas.

........................................... ............... Postcode .............

QUICKSILVER 6.4WARRIOR A stunning 6.4 metre day boat with all the capabilities you could want.

From fishing to watersports the Warrior does.

175HP Mercury Optimax with Smartcraft guages.

Check this out soon.

5.1, 5.3 and 5.8 models also available.

$48,990

Fishing News - Page 37

Travel Dry Bags

Shimano Tournament Wind-on Leaders Snowbee Shimano’s Wind-on leaders with a Dacron loop at the end makes controlling a fish boatside far easier, and means that it can be netted, gaffed or tagged without anyone else having to touch the leader — which is often the reason for pulled hooks.

Shimano now have their own wind-ons, hand-crafted here in Australia, from 50 pound up to 400 pound breaking strains in a variety of lengths. For the northern fishermen, windons in 50 and 60 pound breaking strain and six old-fashioned feet in length will handle any size barra. The game fishos really are spoilt for choice, as there’s 20 foot long 60 pound leaders perfect for shy yellowfin tuna, 80, 100, 150 and 200 pound for light tackle marlin, and 300 and 400 pound for striped and blue marlin work well off shore. The game fishing leaders are all 20 feet in length, but just remember that if using light tackle (ten kilo and under) they can only be a maximum of 15 feet in length if fishing under IGFA rules.

Backpack

Constructed from 210 Demier diamond rip-stop, ballistic nylon, with a double PVC backing to keep it water proof.

Constructed in the same rip-stop ballistic nylon as the Chestpack. The thick, contoured back panel, adjustable, padded shoulder straps and slim line design allow you to fish in comfort, with the bag on. The pack panel and shoulder straps are lined with an air-mesh material to allow air circulation to keep you cool. It can be worn alone, or in conjunction with the clip-on Chestpack. The large main compartment can be enlarged by means of an expansion zip, increasing the volume for larger loads. Inside is a zipped pocket, which will take a hydration system, if required (not supplied). There are then two further front compartments for fly boxes, water bottles and accessories. In front of this is a further triple pocket for leaders and accessories.

Designed to carry everything from a full set of waders and wading boots to spare clothing, whether wet or dry, the reinforced wide-mouthed opening with rill-down facility allows for easy management of contents.

The roll down feature incorporates two end and two top adjustable clip straps to secure contents, creating all-round protection from the elements. Two 1 and a half webbing straps track under the bag adding even more strength, especially when carrying heavier loads.

The removable webbing shoulder strap has a rubber shoulder pad for comfort and is fully adjustable to 4ft/130 cm when fully extended. In addition there are two hand carry-handles for convenience.

Each bag also has an outer zipped compartment ideally suited for travel documents with a clear address label pouch.

Medium: 25 litre capacity: 24 cm dia. X 51 cm long Large: 60 litre capacity: 32 dia. X 69 cm long

Snowbee Chestpack

The Snowbee Chestpack has a water resistant coating. The rear comp. has a double zip, a rear zipped pocket, a front mesh pocket and elastic strap to hold fly boxes in place.

The front pocket features a hinge-down front panel, with a ripple-foam fly patch, which is Velcro removable. In the back of the pocket is a further elastic strap to hold fly boxes in place. On the front of this is a further triple pocket for leaders and accessories.

Two small mesh side pockets for ‘lotions and potions’ plus ample hanging loops and straps.

Can be worn as a ‘stand-alone’ item or can be clipped onto the Snowbee Backpack or Rucksack.

The new range of boats are so tough, Champagne’s too sissy to launch them.

Smash a full keg of beer into the bow of any new Ensign from The Haines Group – and you might dent the keg.

You definitely won’t hurt the boat.

With no seams to split, no gel coat to scratch, no paint to fade; Ensign’s ultra-tough polyethylene hull will just bounce back for more.

For over 20 years, Ensign Boats have survived grounding on rocks, being rammed into pylons and scraped across barnacles; even being dropped from a helicopter!

For details on the full range of unsinkable, indestructible, survey-tested, low maintenance boats for the 21st century,

B92439

check out the new affordable Ensign range now.

(07) 3271 4400 www.thehainesgroup.com

TOUGHER THAN A TINNIE, AS SMOOTH AS GLASS

Fishing News - Page 38

seaport marine

St Helens Game Fishing Classic 2008 1st PRIZE

2nd PRIZE

OVERALL TAG & RELEASE PRIZE

Savage 385 Jabiru Aluminium Dinghy Aristocraft Bayrunner 270 Inflatable Mercury 15HP Outboard & Trailer Dinghy .

Inc niaercury 3.3HP 2 Stroke Outboard RRP $6,500 ing Club of Northern TasmaM e Fish Gam sent... pre .

Inc and St Helens Game Fishing Club RRP $2,699

Darrens NT Barra Safari’s 2 Day Barramundi Fishing Safari for 2 People RRP $2,380

March Long Weekend 8-10 March Friday 7th March

6pm - BBQ on Foreshore; 7pm - Briefing and Calcutta

St Helens Game Fishing Classic Saturday 8th & Sunday 9th March 2008

Saturday 8th March

Fishing time - 7:30am - 3:00pm; Weigh in - 4:30 - 6:00pm; BBQ on foreshore - 4:30 - 6:30

Sunday 9th March

Fishing Time: - 7:30am - 2:00pm; Weigh in - 3:00 - 4:30pm Presentation dinner on foreshore - 6:45pm(licensed) Entry forms available at all good tackle stores or contact Jamie at St Helens Bait & Tackle on 63762244, or 0409 445 006

MAJOR SPONSORS

biru WIN a Savage 38ler5RRPJa$6,5 00.00 with 15 Horsepower Mercury & Trai

Aussie Discount Meats Bayside Inn St Helens Break O’Day Council Catherines • Gazzmans ScamanderBeachResort

Fishing News - Page 39

Mercury & Mariner go 5 years

Scott Fly Rods

Mayfly Tackle Pty Ltd is pleased to announce that it has been appointed the sole Australian agent for the Scott Fly Rod Company.

The Scott Fly Rod Company has earned a world-wide reputation for producing fly rods of exceptional perfor mance and craftsmanship.

Utilising cutting edge raw materials from Mitsubishi (Japan) for their blanks to world- reputed companies such as REC and Fuji for components, each Scott Fly Rod is hand crafted in Montrose, Colorado by anglers for anglers.

Mayfly Tackle is committed to ensuring Scott fly rods and products are available to Australian fly fishers.

Trade enquiries, Mayfly Tackle

Mercury and Mariner is giving its owner a two year warranty bonus on top of its existing three year factory warranty - to provide a total of five years’ protection*.

This new 5-year warranty program will be offered to all eligible owners of Mercury and Mariner outboard engines** purchased since the start of 2007 (provided that all of the extended warranty conditions have been met).

Mercury Marine is now offering five years’ warranty coverage for its full outboard product line**: • 2-Stroke, • FourStroke, • OptiMax, • Verado.

“Quite clearly this is fantastic for our customers across Australia,” said Ken Evans, Mercury’s Product Director, Outboards.

“There is now five years’ comprehensive factory-backed coverage, including labour, for failures caused by defects in material or workmanship.

“It means you can buy with even greater confidence. Mercury and Mariner outboards are

Gone Fishing Charters

• East coast estuary and bay • Bream, salmon, garfish, flathead, mullet and squid • Specialising in BIG BREAM • Soft plastics, lures, flies and bait • 5.8 metre sportfishing boat.

Gone Fishing Charters - St Helens MichaelHaley63761553or0419353041 mhaleycharters@bigpond.com www.breamfishing.com.au

great engines, and we’re more than happy to stand behind them. “ T h e n e w wa r r a n t y i s e ve n transferable if you sell the engine within the five year period.”

The new 3+2 warranty program will provide owners with warranty coverage for a total period of five years (provided that the bonus warranty conditions have been met). The bonus 2 years of warranty becomes effective when the standard 3 year factory limited warranty expires.

The recommended services (20hrs, 100hrs, 200hrs, 300hrs, 400hrs & 500hrs) must be performed. Service and maintenance must be conducted by a Certified Service Centre, and only genuine parts, oils and lubricants must be used.

Mercury’s new 3+2 warranty offer applies to recreational use only. Warranties on high performance engines or engines used for racing or commercial purposes will remain unchanged. Modified engines are not covered.

The extended warranty is in addition to and does not detract from owner’s rights under the standard 3-year Mercury & Mariner factory warranties.

The 3+2 warranty is not available to government agencies or volunteer agencies or commercial owners. For full details on Mercury’s new 3+2 warranty visit www.mercurymarine.com.au *Conditions and exclusions apply. **Except for Racing & Mercury Performance Products.

Bream Community gets underway with Fishcare volunteers help Fish care volunteers gathered together on Monday to help finalise construction of the breedingfacilityandlivefeeds room.

Co n s t r u c t i o n o f t h e recirculationsystemgotunderway last month after a lengthy transition period in getting access to the site.

Although the system isn’t due to be operational now until the end of February we have set up a temporary tank to hold brood stock.

At this stage we are running short of brood stock with only two Tamar River fish suitable for the program being captured. Although this is not a real concern as some keen bream fisherman have been able to locate small numbers of bream within the river.

The total number of brood stock required is quite minimal with only 10-15 being sufficient to supply over 45 million eggs. Other events over the past few months include the addition of the new bream community logo seen above and the new super tank built to monitor and display bream at the weigh-ins of the bream tournaments. This tank will be hired to such events to keep a small income for the project and can be hired by fishing clubs around the state for various other events and competitions.

For any information on the super tank please email Dan Clifton at breamcommunity@iinet.net.au

Introducing the new Trailcraft Centrecab $56,800

or $249.20* per week

Package includes F150hp Yamaha outboard motor Trailer, Registrations

Trailcraft 610 CENTRECAB With the serious sportsfisher in mind the 610 Centrecab has been designed where there can only be one winner, “the angler”. Including a raised forward deck area and a roomy console station with heaps of storage, this is a boat for the serious fisherman who wants strength and durability in a stable soft riding hull.

Fishing News - Page 40

610 *Theweeklyequivalent shown is based on a $50,000consumerloanover 60monthsataninterest rateof10.25%.Weekly repaymentsbasedona $6,800deposit.Finance toapprovedcustomers.

Feesandchargespayable.

Comparisonrateis10.57% andisbasedonasecured consumerloanof$50,000 for5years.Comparisonrate schedulesareavailableatour premisesandatthepremises ofYamahaMotorFinance Australia Pty Ltd.

www.easternshoremarine.com.au

14 McIntyre St, Mornington Ph: 6244 1163

Boat Wrapping

Wrapping cars, trucks and buses in a companies logos has been around for a few years now, but did you know you can also have your boat wrapped with any picture or logo you wish? Wrapping is the term used for a process that is used to adhere printed vinyl medium to a surface. I guess it is called wrapping because it can be adhered to just about any surface and can be wrapped around corners and edges to appear almost 3 dimensional.

Getting a vehicle or a boat wrapped starts with the artwork. The company whom is doing your wrap will normally have a graphics artist employed to help you with design ideas and develop a picture for you to suit your needs. Anything at all can be put into the design because the vinyl and the printer that is used can print picture quality.

Quite a few wraps I have seen on boats on the mainland have photographic pictures of lures and fish that looked so good they looked like they just came out of magazine.

The vinyl once printed needs 24 hours to dry properly it also has a clear over laminate put over the top to give the wrap a gloss effect. It can be then handled and adhered onto your boat. The vinyl is manhandled and any means needed is used like stretching and the use of a heat gun or squeegee to push air bubbles and wrinkles out whilst the wrap is being worked down the boat.

Usually the main picture or logo is the focal and starting point of the wrap and that is usually the first part that is stuck on and the wrap worked out to the edges from there. On a boat a special glue is also used along the edges to ensure a water tight seal to protect the integrity of the wrap. The process of wrapping isn’t a quick one. Once the design is settled on, measurements then have to be taken to ensure all logos or pictures are going to be printed where they should be so they are mirrored on each side of the boat. Then the labor component to actually put the wrap on comes into effect.

My boat initially took three people to put the wrap on at first then two guys worked the wrap around the fiddly bits until one guy finally did the finishing off and trimming. Just the wrap work took one and a half days. So the question is why get a boat wrapped? Well the vinyl is pretty thick so it actually protects your boat from things like stone chips, the weather etc. I recently purchased a second hand American

Bass boat from a guy in Queensland. The original owner had a wrap on the boat for 2 years. Now when I saw the hull under the wrap once it was peeled off I knew I had to do the same thing as there was not a mark on the hull and it looked like brand new. It’s also a great way to change the appearance of your boat with taking drastic measures such as painting. My boat has a plain white hull which I thought was fairly boring but now it is three different shades of blue. The great thing is if I ever sell the boat I just peel off the wrap and its back to its initial glory. Now you couldn’t do that with a paint job! Painting would also cost more than a wrap.

There is no special maintenance either just the occasional wash will suffice and because of the over laminate it never needs waxing. The wrap comes with a 3 year guarantee against fading and peeling but should last closer to 5 years. Now that doesn’t sound long but if the boat is garaged and not keep out in direct sunlight this life of the wrap will extend beyond this time. You have to remember salt air and water and the sun have detrimental effects on everything. The cost of a wrap can be broken down into two parts the first of course being the graphic design. This will usually cost approximately $300-$500 depending on the size of your boat and how much of an idea you have before hand of what you want in the design.

The second part is the printing and labor to put the wrap on this will of course vary according to the size of your boat.

My boat is 18’6 long and cost approximately $1500.

There are many sign writers that are now offering wrapping as a service but I chose to use Mobile Wraps in Launceston as they specialize in this field. Scott is a great bloke whom will only be to happy to supply you with a free quote and I’m sure his graphics people will only be too happy to help you out with your design.

I also used Cyrus Halfacre at Rogers Signs. I went through Cyrus as he has done work for me before so I had confidence in him coming up with a design I would be happy with and as usual he delivered.

Scott at Mobile Wraps can be contacted on 6334 0211.

Cyrus can be contacted on 6433 4333.

Leroy Tirant

fishingkayaks Feelfree Moken

Catch big fish with the Moken! Features front storage locker, cockpit hatches and a large storage area for a storage crate.

Complete with rudder and even room for your GPS and sounder the Moken is the ideal way to fish. $1450 with paddle and leash.

X-Press Tourer

Versatile, stable and comfortable, the X-Press is a great fishing kayak. Comfortable seat with an adjustable backrest, stern hatch, rod holders and rudder. Stable with heaps of storage the X-Press Tourer is a value packed sit in kayak for those long days fishing. $1140 with paddle and leash.

Fishing News - Page 41

G.Loomis - Review

In this issue I wanted to take a sort of revised look at G.Loomis rods and perhaps give the reader an explanation as to the type of rod you may be looking for in the G.Loomis range. G.Loomis is a brand that was first started by Gary Loomis in the U.S.A. His idea was simple, he wanted to produce a line of fishing rods that were made of high quality materials that made the action of the blank super responsive but light for its given power rating.

This put Gary at the forefront of the industry because he and his design team basically invented some of the highest modulus graphites we as fishermen enjoy today. The GLX range that G.Loomis has patented is the highest modulus graphite made in the fishing industry. No other brand can claim that honour. He also wanted to ensure that quality remained equal regardless of how many blanks were produced and use his graphite’s to design rods across a broad range of fishing styles that the graphite would suit. His IMX range was probably one of his earliest examples of this.

G.Loomis today is owned by parent company Shimano.

This partnership has allowed G.Loomis to expand and develop a larger range of product than ever before. There is no compromise on quality with G.Loomis products and as such they are a premium brand of rod. Priced from approximately $220 to about $1250 depending on the model. Some people believe them to be out of their price range, but to justify the cost ask yourself how much do you like your fishing and what price what you put on something you enjoy so much. For example I have a really good mate that fishes 2-3 days a week, every week all year round. But he is fairly tight with his money and doesn’t believe in spending a couple of hundred dollars or more on a fishing rod. Funny thing is whenever he fishes with me he lasts about an hour before I see him grabbing one of my G.Loomis rods from the rod locker in my boat. Sure they may cost more, but if you’re fishing all day a rod that will cast further, is lighter in weight and loads up better when you have a fish on, is worth the extra money.

There is no possible way I could cover the full range of G.Loomis rods in their range in one article for two reasons, one is I haven’t used all the rods they list and two there are simply too many to mention. So what I intend to do is list the models I use and what I use them for. Whilst rods can be a personal thing and not everybody would use the same rod as me for a particular circumstance it’ll still give you a rough idea what to ask for from your G.Loomis Pro Dealer store.

GL3 range

For fly fishing to tailers and even just normal casting I really like my GL3 7wt. I team this with a double taper line or a triangle taper line and it is a dream to cast, very forgiving as it has a moderate taper. In fact I pick this rod up first before my GLXs for most of the fly fishing that I do.

For freshwater trolling I use a few different rods depending on the type of lures I am using.

The GL3 SR-843 is 7 ft and has a moderate to fast action which really works well with bibbed lures.

The GL3 CR -842 is a 7 ft rod built for overhead reels that works well with winged Cobra style lures as it is very forgiving in the tip.

The GL3 SR-782 is 6’6” and suits nearly all style of lures and also makes a great spinning rod.

For spinning rods in the GL3 range the SR-843 is a firm favorite that can be used for surface lures, spinners and diving lures.

GL2 range

The DSR-820S in GL2 is a great entry level rod for those keen on a rod to use with soft plastics. The rod is 7’ in length a short and features an A grade short cork handle and finished off in a rich navy blue color makes the rod appealing to the eye.

The GL2 720 is 6’ and in 1-4kg is a great stream rod to use with Celta’s and smaller lures.

The GL2 CR643 is a great casing rod for the tropics. I use this rod for Barra and Jacks whenever I travel north. This rod is 5’4 and is rated 10-17 lbs.

The GL2 CR665 is another rod is use on Barra. Slightly longer at 5’6 and rate to 25 lbs these light, short casting rods will have you putting a Gold Bomber in a tea cup at 30 yds every time. Because it is a blended graphite they a very forgiving and take the lunges of big fish well. My father in law has one also and once landed a 55 lb giant trevally on one of these little sticks.

DROPSHOT range

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The DSR 820S in an IMX is probably my favorite bream rod. A nice crisp fast taper allows you to feel every little bump and you can work lures through snags and rocks and know what’s going on all the time. Very responsive when loaded and a pleasure to use.

GLX Range

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In the GLX range I only have fly rods. GLX is the highest modulus graphite G.Loomis make. It consists of 80 million modulus parts per inch. They are the stronger for less weight because of this. I haven’t started using GLX spin rods yet mainly because I haven’t had a need to as my rods cover most of what I do but I guess eventually I’ll find something I’m missing and feel I cannot live without.

The GLX FR1085-2 is the original GLX fly rod G.Loomis offered. This is now referred to as the ‘Classic’ range. This one is a 5wt and is a standard 9 ft. All Classic GLX fly rods are fast tapered and are two piece.

I have a load of G.Loomis rods and something for every occasion from bream to trout and many other species.

The GLX FR1089-2 is a great light saltwater rod. Great on anything from Salmon to tropic flats.

The GLX FR933-3 is the sweetest small water rod you will ever use. This rod replaced a GL4 I had in a 4wt. This rod is a 7’9” 3wt. It is 3 piece and has a very moderate taper. I use a Rio Gold DT on this as it is used for mainly short casts on small streams and rivers with little or no false casting. Excellent for light dry fly presentations.

The GLX FR1086 -4 is a 6wt 4 piece that I brought for backpacking our back country it has a very fast taper and its one of those rods that I don’t think would suit everyone. I actually brought this rod from a friend that had it until he had a cast of my GL3 and found he cast better with that so he sold it to me and moved on to GL3 6wt and has never looked back.

ESCAPE TRAVEL range

This is another range of rods suited to the backpacker.

They are an excellent spinning rod.

The ETR75-3 is 6’3” and rated 2-6lbs is has a light action and is a great stream rod that you could use on anything from flicking a grasshopper or Celta. It can be used with small hard bodies and although it feels very light in your hand it does have a fair bit of power in the butt section.

The ETR84-3 is 7’ and rated 4-8lbs. This rod can do just about anything. Still very light in the hand but with a tonne of grunt when need to turn a big fish.

FLOAT/COURSE fishing

We all have been through that stage in our normal progression of our fishing careers where we want to try the whole course fishing thing that was the ‘in’ thing a few years ago now. Back then the NOODLE rod was the ultimate float fishing rod G.Loomis had in their range and is still used today.

It was originally developed for fishing for American Steelhead in big rivers on really light line so it is a long slow actioned rod that resembles a noodle hence the name. It is 11’6 long.

The newer STFR1601-SK is a better rod for course fishing or float fishing. Still retaining the long reach needed for casting ultra light floats or small baits such as unweighted maggots it has a length of 13’4 is 3 piece and rated 4-8 lbs. It is the ultimate mudeye rod.

The G.Loomis range of rods is huge and there is something there for everybody especially for those looking for a rod that has one of the highest qualities of finish available.

They are made with the worlds best components and have a well deserved reputation of being one of the best brands of fishing rods worldwide.

All G.Loomis rods come with a lifetime warranty that is called “Xpeditor” service. Basically your rod is guaranteed and if you have a mishap just take it in to a Pro dealer and he will organize a replacement rod for a fee set by G.Loomis.

Spoil yourself, take a look at the G.Loomis range of rods now.

Leroy Tirant.

Summer Specials G Loomis FLY

GL2 9’ 5/6/7 wt Fly Rods $300 GL3 9’ 5/6/7 wt Fly Rods $450 GLX 9’ 5/6/7 wt Streamdance Fly Rods $950

G Loomis SPIN

IMX DSR 820S 7’ Spin - bream, trout $495 GL2 DSR 820S 7’ Spin - bream, trout $240 Escape 4 pc 2-4kg Spin $420 GL2 SR782 6’6” Spin $220

Custom Rod Building and Rod Repairs

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G. Loomis - for life

Go G. Loomis Xpeditor and never worry about a broken rod again What is the Xpeditor program and how does it work?

If you have a breakage contact or call into any G. Loomis Pro Store and request the G.Loomis Xpeditor Service.

Tell them the model number and rod series. If G. Loomis no longer offer that model it will be replaced with what G. Loomis determine to be the closest current comparable model.

Pending stock and availability, you may receive a current replacement rod immediately and walk out of the store with a brand new rod. The cost: $150 or $200 for GLX. Do I have to return my broken rod? Yes, all broken rods replaced by our Expeditor Service do need to be sent back to the factory.

Tasmanian G. Loomis Pro Store dealers: Spot-On Hobart; Bridges Bros Hobart; Got One Launceston; Big Fin Sports East Devonport

Fishing News - Page 43

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Fishing News - Page 44

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Fishing News - Page 45

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2 Fly Rods Redington 8wt, 7pc, see review issue #52, used once rrp $350, now $250. Orvis TLS 10wt, 4pc, used twice RRP $400, now $300. Tim 6331 2441

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BoronII 8ft 6in AFTM#4 fast taper, light Approx 80grm) yet powerful.

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Subscription prize winner from Dec/Jan

Wanted

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Subscribe and WIN a Stormy PFD Subscribe, Back Issues: Just fill in the form, or send your details as below.

Fax to 03 6331 1278 or post to Stevens Publishing, PO Box 7504, Launceston, 7250 or email details to fishn@bigpond.net.au Classifieds - FREE for subscribers 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 46

Inland Fisheries News

Recreational Marine Fisheries News

Johnathan Duddles of Greening Australia said “The site was the perfect example of what can be achieved under these funding programmes. It is a great result”.

More work is planned for other sites in the Derwent Valley this year.

The NNLAA would like to thank Malcom Hills of MSD Constructions for donating his time and resources, Geoff Williams, Hazell Bros, Tas Timber Industries and DV Concrete.

Thanks also to club members who help with BBQ on the day and all other people who contributed to such a great result for the club, the public and the waterway.

Fishing platform at Windsor’s Corner to allow access for all

The New Norfolk Licensed Anglers Association (NNLAA) proudly opened its Windsor’s Corner Rehabilitation and Angler Access Project on Tuesday 5 February.

On the banks of the Derwent River 4km north of New Norfolk the popular fishing spot has undergone a dramatic transformation. Derwent Valley Mayor, Tony Nicholson cut the ribbon and officially opened the site in front of around 50 guests.

NNLAA Treasurer Ray Aitchison, the driving force behind the project, spoke of the history of the site and the project. In conjunction with Greening Australia the NNLAA applied successfully for funding under the Federal Government’s Recreational Fishing Community Grants Programme.

The site was cleared and levelled with the car park extended and defined with treated pine logs. A concrete pathway leads past picnic tables down to the waters edge where a fishing platform has level access for elderly and disabled persons and can easily accommodate several anglers.

Around 20m of riverbank has been now cleared to allow more anglers and a greater area to fish.

Third FISH4CASH fish capture at Lake Meadowbank

The tagged rainbow trout which was 7 kg when it was released during October into Lake Meadowbank was caught December 27 2007. The lucky angler, Darren Collins is from NSW and was visiting his Tasmanian family when he was taken fishing to Meadowbank by his brother. Darren receives $1000 for capturing one of the fish released as part of the promotion. For more details on the promotion see the FISH4CASH page on the IFS website www.ifs. tas.gov.au

Recreational Fishing Research When the Department seeks public comment on proposed changes to bag, possession and size limits for recreational fisheries, fishers often question why the changes are needed. In many cases it is the results of fisheries research that has prompted the decision to change the rules for that species.

A proportion of funding from sea fishing licence fees is provided to the Tasmanian Aquaculture and Fisheries Institute (TAFI) to enable then to conduct research projects on the status of our fisheries.

The results of which help fisheries managers make informed decisions on appropriate rules that will ensure we have healthy and sustainable fisheries for years to come.

Research projects relevant to recreational fisheries include finding out more about the biology and lifecycles of important fish species and looking at the impact of recreational fishing on fish population levels. Research projects currently being conducted by TAFI include ongoing monitoring of catch and effort in the recreational abalone, rock lobster and scallop fisheries, examining the biology and movement patterns of a number of inshore fish and shark species and possible controls of the long spined sea urchin.

In addition, TAFI have received a Fishwise Community Grant to complete a major survey of the Tasmanian recreational fishery. This follows on from a national recreational fishing survey in 2000-01, which showed Tasmania had the second highest recreational fishing participation rate in the nation, with almost one in three Tasmanians fishing at least once a year.

With so many recreational fishers taking advantage of Tasmania’s fish stocks it is important that we have a good understanding of what is happening in our recreational fisheries.

The recreational fishing research project is already underway with almost 4,000 Tasmanian households participating in a telephone survey about recreational fishing during October and November 2007. The second phase of the project began in December 2007 with fishers identified in the initial telephone surveys being invited to participate in a 12-month fishing diary study to collect more detailed information about their fishing activities.

The final phase of the research project will take place in December 2008, with a telephone survey on awareness and attitudes towards recreational fishing issues before the research results are released in mid-2009. The results will help guide fisheries management decisions by giving a clearer picture of recreational fishing participation rates, demographic profiles of fishers, catch and effort by fish species, fishing methods and areas and expenditure on fishing activities.

More information on the recreational fishing research project is available on the DPIW website at www.fishing.tas.gov.au. Stock assessments on Tasmania’s major fisheries are available on the TAFI website at www.utas.edu.au/tafi

Need more information?

For information on recreational sea fishing: • call the Recreational Sea Fishing Line on (03) 6233 7042; • visit www.fishing.tas.gov.au; or • subscribe online to have fishing news information updates emailed to you.

Resort Chair Aluminium High Quality finish.

Durable aluminium frame and armrests. Heavy duty 600 denier fabric with foam padding. Drink holder, storage pocket and carry bag.

Black Canyon Dome Tent 2-3 person dome tent, heavy duty P.E. floor, polyester fly and fibreglass poles.

$39.95

Sevylor Fish Hunter 4 person (HF280) Fish Hunter inflatable boat features rod holders, gear bay, battery pouch and seats

$339

$59.95

Trailer Converta Tent

12 Volt Fan Inflator 12 Volt fan inflator ideal for airbeds and kids beach toys. Comes with 3 adaptors.

A compact, easy to use trailer system.

180gsm ripstop canvas with reinforced PVC floor. Fits a standard 6x4’ box trailer (not included) (on display at Tent City Launceston only)

$24.95 Coleman Hot Water on Demand Portable hot water heater, heats water in only 5 seconds. Mention this advertisement for a free shower hose adaptor valued at $19.95

Sevylor 12v Trolling Motor 12v electric trolling motor to fit Sevylor inflatables, 121bs thrust.

$199

Portable Gas Heater Variable heat control, up to 4500 BTU output, attaches to 3/8’ gas cylinder (not included)

$79.99

$12.95

$1999

$399 Deluxe Fish Smoker Sturdy stainless steel body with twin burners

Coleman Cooler Jug 1.9 litre capacity insulated jug (more sizes available in store now)

$49.95

Frosty Ice Boxes Robust and light weight!

Moulded outer and inner skins with high density ICI polyurethane to offer better ice retention. No sharp edges to damage vehicles or boats, full width grips for easy carrying, 25 mm From drainage bung.

ALLGOODS

$149

Sorry some items are not available at all stores but may be placed on overnight order.

Launceston 71-79 York St 6331 36 44

Tent City Launceston 60 Elizabeth St 6331 3644

Devonport 6 Formby Rd 6424 7099

Glenorchy 15/352 Main Rd

(opp. Elwick Hotel)

6272 1122 Fishing News - Page 47