Tasmanian Fishing and Boating News Issue 079 2009 April

Print Post approved; PP 702512 00027

Issue 79 April - May 2009

$5

Trout Bums Western Lakes Chasing Records Monster Brook Trout 48 Pound Bluefin on Fly Autumn Trouting Hot Spots Plus Kayaks and much more..

John Orchard with a 48 pound southern bluefin tuna on fly. See more on page 14-15

Bringing you the biggest and best in Tasmanian fishing news

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Fishing News - Page 2

CONTENTS

Lake Louise - Shane Flude 4

4 8

Bluefin time - John Orchard

8

Chasing records - Craig Rist

11

World records - can it be done?

15

Trout Bums - Gavin Hicks 16 Jan’s Flies - Jan Spencer 19

11

Monster brook trout - Chris Reygaert

20

Reviews 30 Autumn end of the trout season - Joe Riley

20

31

Accommodation directory 37 Fishing, boating services directory

38

Classifieds and Subscriptions 40 ‘Yaking - John Pollard and Craig Vertigan

42

My Say The Global Financial Crisis or GFC as it has become known is a boon for anglers.

It means tightening our belt and staying home a little more. Well I can put up with that.

Fortunately most of us live relatively close to the water, so let’s just fish more often. Take a nice feed of fish home to supplement the food bill and think of some people that are not as lucky as us.

Fishing tackle has never been cheaper, and in most stores you’ll find plenty of bargains. As Autumn takes hold you don’t need to stop either. There is some great gamefishing, surf fishing and estuaries are going really well with garfish and salmon.

So take some friends and wet a line.

We had a bit of a think about what GFC really should stand for in our circle—an acronym for something fishy.

How about: Go Fishing Consistently Gar Fish Catches Good Fish Couta??

Good Fishing at Catagunya Great Fishing at Coles Bay Gorgeous Fish Carp (Oops not really) Go Fast Carefully (Boating) Great Fishing Captures Grand Father’s Capture If you can think of a few more email me at mike@tasfish.com

On a more serious note is the marine Scalefish Plan that is currently under review. This an abysmal effort by DPIW to implement their management ideas with scant regard to consultation.

There were 400 submissions originally, many with some excellent ideas, but these were breezed over and many of these ideas never even got discussed

by RECFac, which is supposed to advise the Minister, David Llewellyn. Much of the advice was hijacked by DPIW and before RECFac knew it plans and Rules had been drawn up.

DPIW has no guiding policy behind this plan. It is all Ad Hoc management, perhaps with good intention, but no scientific basis or background.

I will give just one example.

DPIW has written into the rules to cut the recreational possession limit on blue eye trevalla from 8 to 4 and a boat limit of 15.

This is a robust fishery under no threat of over fishing from recs or commercial fishers. It is a particularly difficult fishery to target by recs and a good trip is a rare event that needs tide, weather, opportunity and a large boat. To catch a few of these superb fish some recreational fishers have $200 000 or more tied up in just a boat and vehicle. The Gov’t don’t seem to care though.

This plan is ill conceived in many ways and you need to put in a submission before then end of the month. Go to www.tasfish.com for help in putting in a submission.

Mike Stevens

Tasmanian Fishing and Boating News

Published by Michael Stevens PO Box 7504, Launceston, 7250.

Ph/fax; 6331 1278 Email; mike@tasfish.com 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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The approach to Lake Bill is delightful.

Somewhere completely different

The heading sounds like something from a Monty Python sketch, but Shane Flude teaches us here about the joys of fishing and exploring. Or maybe that should be exploring and fishing. Nevertheless, sometimes, probably more often than you perhaps do, you should put some boots and a pack on and walk to the fishing. Walking is one of the easiest and healthiest things to do. So take a tip and take a trip by foot with Shane and discover new water.

Its quite rare these days to visit a large inland water and catch trout after researching the area to discover that all the guide books say it is trout free.

So just how could a 4 km long, 1 km wide lake in the upper Mersey remain as unknown as it apparently has been up until now. I guess because it is situated in a glacial bowl surrounded by rainforest and has been overlooked by the excellent rainbow trout fishing a few kilometres further up the track.

Its time to put Lake Louisa on the fishing map and reveal this hidden jewel in the upper Mersey.

Description

Lake Louise is situated just a few kilometres south of Lake Rowallan at an elevation of 847m, about the same as Lake Echo. Its fed by waters from Lakes Adelaide, Charles and Poa and drains into Rowallan via Juno Creek, itself a major spawning stream of Rowallan.

It sits in quite a distinct glacial valley, shaped rather like a large banana and can really only be viewed by walking to the edge of the Fishing News - Page 4

escarpment that surrounds it. The crystal clear waters plunge dramatically into the blue green depths around much of the shoreline. Other shores feature some shallows and pin rush type weed beds extend into the lake in several places. Overall I would estimate this lake to be extremely deep, my portable depth sounder has not yet made the trip with me so I cant give a precise figure. The lake is completely surrounded by rainforest which becomes quite thick towards the northern end and difficult to walk through. The forest opens out towards the southern end and is simply magnificent to wander through. Thick scrub extends right to the lakeshore around the entire lake and apart from narrow openings or small rocky points every few hundred metres the banks are basically unfishable. Some shores could be waded but this lake is best fished from a float tube, boat or canoe.

Lake Bill. A delightful campsite is situated on the approach to this lake quite close to the water. A thriving population of brown trout to about 2.5 lb now inhabit this lake and most of the shoreline can be easily waded. The walking track around the eastern side of Lake Bill was altered further away from the lakeshore many years ago and as such the track depicted on the old Cathedral 1:25 000 sheet is now inaccurate by a few hundred metres. It is here on the track that the easiest access to Louisa is obtained.

An obvious saddle to the escarpment is only about 200 metres from the Myrtle track along the eastern side of Lake Bill. Simply walk off track up this saddle to the rim surrounding

the lake. Thick rainforest drops away at your feet and you should just be able to catch a tiny glimpse of the northern part of the lake.

Descend directly into the forest and follow the small valley that leads down to the waters edge about 700 metres away. During the last 300 metres the forest opens up with huge Myrtles and Sassafras. Once near the shore it is then just a matter of deciding which way to go. As I described earlier if you stick to the land the forest becomes increasingly thick the further north you go, the southern most shores are far more accessible and enjoyable to walk through.

Getting there

There is no specific walking track to Lake Louisa although the Lake Myrtle track, which is the main walking track to Meston, passes quite close by and it is from this track that I have visited the lake. The Myrtle track starts in bushland just past Juno Creek on the Mersey Forest Road. It is not actually named at the start but a small carpark and standard fuel stove only sign mark the beginning. The first kilometre is not for the fainthearted, especially if you are carrying a full overnight pack. Its rises from 570 metres to almost 900. It flattens out considerably for the next 1.5 kilometres through open scrub before topping out at 950 metres. Another kilometre further on down a gradual descending open marsh sees you at

Small, but effective float boats are light and give you extra options.

Fishing News - Page 5

Trout stocks

Officially Lake Louisa has never been stocked with either brown or rainbow trout. When I first visited the water in 2000 I discovered it held a reasonable population of browns to about 2.5 lb. Imagine the monsters that must have surely swam around in the early days. The lake now appears to support a larger population of browns to about 2 pound and in early 2009 they were in excellent condition. I have not caught rainbows but cannot discount them at this stage. Numerous smaller fish can now be seen around the shallows of the lake. A short walk up the inflow creek towards Lake Charles reveals a number of quarter pounders in Fishing acccess is really restricted from most small pools. I can only guess that the shore and unless you are good this shingly stream has now become a at roll casting, fishing soft plastics or major spawning stream. The other major inflow runs in from Lake Adelaide, this lures, take a float tube or float boat. stream however is far steeper and trout would probably be able to spawn only in the first few hundred metres. Regardless of the lake’s apparently limited spawning grounds it appears to now support a fairly high population of smallish fish. It was rumoured years ago that Lake Adelaide supported a small population of trout, if so then it is quite possible that some of these made their way downstream and seeded Lake Louisa. Lakes Bill and Myrtle were apparently stocked in the late nineties, it is also possible that Louisa was stocked around the same time by the same person. Certainly the fish size in both Bill and Louisa were very similar in 2000. Regardless of their origins they are now firmly established and will not be fished out any time soon.

Fishing methods;

The fully bush encircled shoreline of Louisa dictates the fishing methods that will prevail. It is obviously best fished from a boat and due to its remote nature float tubes or boats are the only real choice. Once floating around the shoreline the opportunities are endless and all methods would be possible. If the wind gets up however as it did on my last trip the row back can be interesting. On a perfect calm sunny day the fishing and scenery are simply superb. The setting is reminiscent of a New Zealand South Island lake, OK the fish may be a bit smaller. I can guarantee you will not be disturbed by other anglers.

Apart from boat fishing the restricted shores offer very limited shore fishing and unless you have mastered 20 ft roll casts then fly fishing from the bank is definitely out. The lake lends itself well to soft plastic and spin fishing along the many deeper shores but you would still need to wade out along the edges to cover any reasonable distance. In general terms Lake Louisa will never rate amongst Tassies top ten fishing locations but the sheer isolation and grandeur of the area make up for it. Dare to venture somewhere completely different, try Lake Louisa, you will not be disappointed.

Shane Flude

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Fishing News - Page 7 23/3/09 3:31:38 PM

Bluefin time again John Orchard takes a look at the lures you need to catch one of the toughest fish around - and without doubt the most highly regarded fish for sashimi in the world.

Once again the long awaited run of bluefin tuna has commenced with numerous fish being taken over the past few weeks out of Eaglehawk Neck and Port Arthur in the 25—‑30 kg bracket, plus the odd larger fish thrown into the mix just to keep anglers on their toes!

Most of the fish taken have had a diet consisting of an array of bait fish—ranging from squid, redbait, mackerel, pilchards and even a few sauris. This has made the selection of lure colours relatively easy with few fish refusing anything that even remotely resembled a mackerel.

Stuart Nichols from Personalised Sea Charters runs a 26’ centre console boat called “Big Pig” and over the past few years has earnt the reputation as being somewhat of a specialist at capturing bluefin tuna in Tasmania. With over 192 captures during March 2009 this season he has racked up some important information about what catches, when and how. Stuart does not keep all these fish of course, but his clients usually get a good feed of the world’s premium tuna.

He is a great supporter of releaseing a good number of fish to ensure there are plenty of fish for coming seasons.

At $800 for a full days fishing shared between 4 people, you would have to consider whether in fact it is even worth while going to the cost of dragging a boat all the way south for a days fishing – much easier to pack your fish in the esky, jump in the car and just head for home at the end of the day; no mess no fuss and no cleaning up afterwards.

Stuart spoke with me about the type and colour of lures he uses. You will find some photos of these over the page.

On days that have been bright and sunny, lures such as the new Classic F18 deep divers and also Mack Baits in mackerel patterns have worked with great success. On days when the weather has been overcast with a bit of rain and wind thrown into the mix, lures such as the ever reliable Meridian Demon 5 in patterns such as Bonito, Stripey, Voodoo, Midnite and Brown Dog (super donger) have all had great success.

Tom Crawford, fishing guru from Spot On Hobart took some of his own advice and ended up nursing this fabulous southern bluefin tuna from Eaglehawk Neck during March.

This season has seen a new range of weighted lures under the brand called Screamer that have enjoyed instant success – once again in mackerel and pilchard colours.

These lures will prove to be of great value to anglers on days when the stronger winds make it difficult to stop the lures from “skipping” across the water and getting tangled.

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Fishing News - Page 8

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Bluewater Classic F18 Skipjack Are there big fish coming?

There are currently some large specimens being taken off Victoria around Portland— with a number of fish over 100 kg bracket.

All this bodes well for Tassie over the coming weeks and many people will now start to set their sights on the infamous Pedra Branca Rock. An area highly renowned for some spectacular bluefin fishing from April onwards. Anglers looking to head down that way would be well advised check out one of the charter boats.

Lee Harris runs a 46’ Cresta (GO Charters) that carries up to 10 anglers at a time and is comfort plus fishing. Operating out of Southport, he would certainly be the most experienced skipper fishing Pedra Branca so give him a call on 0407 240 750 – and don’t forget to take your camera as the fishing AND the scenery down that way is spectacular.

So, dust off the tuna gear – get on the phone to your mates and head south for some fun – its BLUEFIN TIME !!!

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Fishing News - Page 10

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Facilities at Pirates Bay have been greatly improved, but when the fish are ‘on’ parking space is at a premium.

Chasing Records Craig Rist is one of our regular writers.

He has a burning desire to capture a World Record, but for the time being he is looking at Australian Records as a way forward. The following account is generally about Australian GFAA records.

Two fish that have potential as World Record captures in Tasmania are mako shark and southern bluefin tuna.

Gamefishing Clubs

Gamefishing clubs offer many opportunities to the angler. The many game fishing tournaments held throughout the year gives anglers a chance to fish amongst like-minded people and to win some great prizes along the way. By rubbing shoulders with some of the more experienced members at these events, it gives the newcomer to the sport a great way to pick up on some helpful tips. Most members are only too happy to steer the newcomer in the right direction.

A game fishing club also promotes a more sporting aspect to game fishing with the many different line classes used to capture fish. By targeting fish well over your line class the angler obtains a greater sense of achievement, going beyond merely putting food on the table.

A game fishing club that is affiliated with the ‘Game fishing Association of Australian’ (GFAA) also gives you the opportunity to set or break the current State, Australian or World game fishing records. These records (including fly fishing) are gained by abiding to the current GFAA and International Game Fishing Association (IGFA) rules and regulations. To view the current Australian game fishing records you can use the GFAA web site www.gfaa.asn.au or the latest Australian Game fishing Journal.

Ed. To qualify for a World Record anglers do not need to be a member of any club, nor the IGFA. Anglers do need to comply with all regulations however, and club membership gives good access to this information.

Make sure your hooks are sharp and all terminal tackle is checked and rechecked.

2009 Early Bird Competition

The game fishing season kicked off with the Mountain Designs Devonport Early Bird Competition. This competition caters for both inshore and offshore anglers with prizes for both scalefish and sharks. The event is run with the help of the Mersey River Yacht Club. The Yacht Club makes an ideal all day venue for an event such as this. With egg and bacon sandwiches available to those who have missed breakfast, followed by the briefing at 6:30 am to run through the rules and safety precautions of the day.

With the briefing over, the competition was under way. Captains and their crews hastily made their way down to their boats tied along side the Yacht Club’s jetty. With a 5 knot speed limit enforced in the river, the urge to get out to their chosen destination as fast as possible had to be suppressed until past the the mouth of the river.

As each boat passed the 5 knot limit, the throttle went down as a progression of boats fanned out into Bass Strait. Each boat wanting to start their berley trail as quickly as possible in the hope of raising a mako or blue whaler shark before the designated finish time at 2pm.

Fishing News - Page 11

Ashley Artis and I were aboard Steve Hambleton’s boat “Wahoo”, a six-metre centre console powered by a 130 HP Honda. We soon had our berley slick doing its thing. We settled into a bit of bottom bouncing while we waited for the sight of the first shark to approach the boat. When fishing for sharks we prefer to have hookless baits in the water until we have estimated the size of the fish alongside the boat.

To us, it would be a wasted opportunity if a 50 or 60 kg shark took a bait on 24 kg line class. It’s far better to sight the fish first and then decide what line class best suits its size. In the Australian Game Fishing Journal there are graphs for mako and tiger sharks to help gauge the weight of a fish by its length.

When a shark is swimming hard up along side your boat it’s not too hard to estimate its length and then refer to the graph, before throwing a bait or fly into the water.

Although there wasn’t a fly fishing category in this competition we always have a fly rod on board just in case the opportunity presents itself. When we go shark fishing we rotate the opportunities and all know who is next in line to present the bait. The rest of the crew standby ready to assist in any way they can. On this occasion it was my turn, and given the chance, it was a fly that was going to hit the water first.

As the hours passed we caught squid, couta, flathead and the unwanted gurnard perch and those spiky little dog sharks.

With only half an hour to go before the designated end of fishing time, Steve caught a glimpse of a mako as it circled the boat in search of the source of the berley. In an instant everyone jumped into gear, all the bottom bouncing rigs were quickly wound in. This mako appeared to be between 45 and 50 kg—too small to be weighed in for the competition with the minimum weight of 60 kg set for the day, but it would still be eligible for the vacant Australian fly rod record on 15 kg class tippet. Fifteen kilo line may sound heavy for a fish of this size but it is the one metre maximum allowable length of wire trace that has the odds with the shark. With the class tippet being so close to the fish it only needs to make contact with a fin under load or get tail wrapped and the 15kg line will break like cotton.

The mako cautiously returned to the boat staying well clear of the teaser bait. A few chunks of bait were thrown into the water, but they were ignored, not a good sign at this point. The mako edged closer and closer to the teaser bait gaining confidence with every minute. As always, Steve had his under water video in hand filming the shark as it swam

If you are chasing records it is too late to check the drag when on the water. You need to know exactly what three, five or six pounds of drag really feels like. around the boat. The footage from this camera gives you a greater appreciation of these magnificent game fish, with the sun beams filtering through the waves lighting up the mako’s back with beams of light. Eventually the temptation was too great as the mako grabbed hold of the teaser bait. The bait was pulled from the shark’s mouth leaving only half of the couta we were using as the teaser. This usually gets them fired up a bit but this time the shark disappeared, spooking off after the short tug-of-war.

Ten minutes had passed with no signs of it returning, so Steve decided to clean the fish we had caught, throwing the frames over the side in the hope of luring the shark back to the boat. A short time later the same shark had returned. It was time to have a shot with the fly. Ashley had the teaser rope while Steve operated the under water camera to see if we could get the mako taking the fly on film. The mako approached the teaser bait obviously intent on eating it.

Ashley slowly pulled the bait towards the boat with the shark in close pursuit before it took hold of the bait. It shook its

COLOUR LASTING

head violently as it tore off another chunk of the couta. This time the shark looked ready for the fly as it circled to find the bait. This was my chance. Out went the fly into the path of the mako. As it sank the mako slowly swam over to the fly. Was it going to take the fly or simply glide straight past? I watched the fly disappear into its mouth holding onto the fly line as it came up tight pulling the fly into the corner of its mouth. A couple of low strikes with the rod made sure the hook was firmly imbedded into the jaw bone. At this stage I had very little pressure on the fish so it would not panic and take off in an uncontrolled run, before we had cleared the deck of all the rods and bags that had been scattered around the boat when the shark had first shown up in the berley trail. With the deck cleared I locked up the reel with my hand and laid back into the fish with as much pressure as I dared. Now the shark knew it was hooked and started to take line. Steve got the boat fired up and was continually manoeuvering to keep the class tippet away from the sharks’ body.

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Fishing News - Page 12

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Half an hour later the mako started to tire and was getting close for a gaff shot. Because Steve has had more experience gaffing sharks, Ashley took control of the boat while Steve waited for a clean gaff shot. Ashley did a great job of controlling the boat with directions coming from both Steve and myself as the closing minutes of the fight felt like they were nearing to an end. Ashley opened up the throttle in an attempt to turn the boat around, and get alongside the shark that was now at the surface. Suddenly the shark took off and within seconds had left the water in a spectacular jump. With my heart in my mouth I watched the mako land back in the water, clear of the class tippet. After that last run I pumped the mako back up to the side of the boat where Steve hit the gaff shot on his first attempt. It was all over.

We had finally done it.

Back at the Yacht Club, hundreds of people had turned out for the weigh in and the presentation of the trophies and prizes. The certified scales had been left up to weigh our shark and with the help of Clinton Howe and Michael Hay of the Northern Game Fishing Club the paper work for the record claim was completed along with the required photos for the submission. The Mako weighed in at 51.5 kg. After going through the procedure of a record application I could see how a person could miss out on a potential record claim if they had not fully understood what was needed to accompany a claim.

My capture is now a pending Australian record. Whether it passes all of the requirements is now a waiting game.

Team Work

Most game fish captures involve more than one person to assist the capture of a big fish. When it comes to qualifying for a record, only one person can hook and play out a fish.

No other person can assist the angler by taking turns with the rod, fighting the fish, or even touch the rod, while the fish is being fought. This doesn’t mean the crew on board have nothing to do with landing that fish, far from it. The driver of the boat has the job of positioning the boat to maintain the best possible fighting angle between fish and angler. This in itself takes skill and experience and can greatly increase or decrease the angler’s chances of a successful capture. When it comes time to gaff, tail rope or tag a big fish, the driver of the boat or another person on board can assist the angler by using one of these methods. Again the experience and skill of the person involved plays a major part in the final seconds of landing a fish. Many fish have been lost at this stage with a misplaced gaff shot.

There are, however, anglers out there who have single handedly hooked and landed big game fish from a boat. When you see what is involved in a capture with the help of a driver and a person to gaff the fish, you really have to take you hat off to these anglers and what they have achieved.

Getting a record fish to the scales takes a lot of planning, a fair degree of skill and a little luck. Author Craig Rist got the lot.

Fair Play

The rules and regulations put in place by the Game Fishing Association of Australian have been made to promote a sportsman like aspect to angling and to give a uniform and fair approach when it comes to participating in tournaments and record applications. Anglers who submit record claims where the fish has not fought or has not been given the chance to fight such as a hook and gaff approach do not truly deserve the recognition, nor does it reflect the skill and achievement of an angler or crew.

Record Categories - GFFA Saltwater Freshwater Saltwater Fly Freshwater Fly Saltwater land Based All tackle Records

All these categories have a separate category for men, women and juniors (under 16 years of age)

Line Class categories

Whilst it looks a lot, there is probably only three to four pounds of drag being applied here.

With the exception of the fly rod category, line class records are recorded in 1kg, 2kg, 3kg, 4kg, 6kg, 8kg, 10kg, 15kg, 24 kg, 37kg and 60kg.

Association of Australia. No World Record claims can be made using 15kg tippet at this stage. 10kg is the maximum World Record line class for fly rod.

Fly Rod Records

Preparing for a record-breaking capture

Line class records for fly-fishing are 1kg, 2kg, 3kg, 4kg, 6kg, 8kg, 10kg and 15kg. The 15kg tippet category is for shark and marlin only and is only recognised by the Game Fishing

Once you have become a member of a game fishing club affiliated with the GFAA, you need to get hold of the

current Australian Game Fishing Journal or log onto www. gfaa.asn.au to familiarise yourself and crew with the GFAA angling rules and regulations. Look up the Australian game fishing record claim form and go through the check list so that on the day of the capture everything will be in order for a successful record claim.

continued next page...

Fishing News - Page 13

Lines

IGFA pre-tested lines are a must if you are attempting to break a certain line class record. When the line you have submitted with your claim is tested, it must break at, or below, the specified breaking strain. If it doesn’t, all your hard work is lost.

Knots

The type of knot you use to make up your leader or tie on your hook, trace or lure can drastically reduce the breaking strain of your line. Knots that claim to have 100 percent knot strength still need to be tested before they are put in use. The type and hardness of the line you use, as well as how you tie the knot in the first place, can affect its knot strength.

Test the knot strength of the line you are using at home with a set of scales, or fill a bucket with water to the weight of the breaking strain you want to test. You may well be surprised at how little weight it takes to break a knot that is not suitable for that particular line. By experimenting with the amount of twists or turns can increase or decrease the breaking point of a knot. The main point I am trying to make is, be prepared and know what limits you are fishing with.

Photo Evidence

Photos to be submitted with your catch need to show the scales and the weight of the fish at the time of the weighing, a full length photo of the fish, showing dorsal fin and pectoral fins and tackle used to catch the fish. If a lure is not going to be submitted a photo of it, with the length noted on the back, will be required.

In the case of sharks a photo of the shark’s teeth is needed to help positively identify the species.

World Records and that front page photo

Scales

Certified scales are needed to weigh your catch and knowing their location, and who to contact, is very important prior to attempting a record-breaking capture. On the many game fishing tournaments held throughout the year, certified scales are used at the weigh-in. With this in mind there is no better time to have a go at a state, Australian or even a World Record.

Craig Rist

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John Orchard, pictured here, and on the cover, along with the Editor Mike Stevens, headed off in search of a World Record southern bluefin tuna on fly. early March.

Hosted by former tackle shop owner Adam Hill John and Mike spent most of the day trolling lures to try and tease some SBTs to the surface. The plan was once a bluefin was hooked to knock the boat out of gear and cast the fly in the direction of the fish. With a bluefin hooked and swimming around it was figured others would be closeby.

John was first up with the fly rod when the trolling rods hooked up he dumped his fly and line over the back and before the boat was out of gear a bluefin had engulfed the fly.

To count as a record capture the boat has to out of gear—otherwise you could just troll a fly. Over one hour later John boated a 48 pound southern bluefin tuna.

A huge achievement and well over the current World Record of 36 pounds 12 ounces, but no cigar.

It shows they can be landed though and another trip is being planned. Unfortunately the Editor didn’t get a chance, but soon.

Trolling lures to tease the fish to the surface with the fly rod on standby.

John Orchard at the ready.

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Pump and wind.

Fishing News - Page 15

Trout Bums Tassie Style Gavin Hicks turns Trout Bum, film extra, and assistant in producing The Source - a film by Gin Clear.

I never thought one of my regular visits to Big Fin in East Devonport for a chat with Leroy would end in such a great week’s fishing. But that is exactly what happened towards the end of 2008.

Leroy had been contacted by Nick Reygaert from New Zealand to see if he knew any locals that would be able to assist in the making of his latest fly-fishing adventure movie.

Nick was keen to make a movie he could take around the world showcasing what Tasmania has to offer the fly-fishing fraternity. Of course it was no trouble for Leroy to drum up some interest in the locals, as I think he knows every person in Tasmania that has ever held a fishing rod!

When he mentioned he had told Nick I might be able to give him a hand for some of his trip, naturally I was more than keen. I must admit though I was slightly nervous, as Nick had become one of my fly-fishing heroes through his previous movie efforts. His adventurous spirit and willingness to make dreams happen really struck accord with me. After a few phone calls and emails to set things up here is how my part in the trip unfolded.

It was a Wednesday in mid November when I drove to Launceston to pick up Nick and his fishing mate Silvio. The plan was for them to spend a couple of days crashed out in my fly tying room before we had to pick up Nick’s brother Chris on Friday afternoon. Chris was flying in from Western Australia to spend a couple of weeks fishing and to help out with the camera work. The plan for the two days sorting gear and resting up for what lay ahead didn’t really work out.

After a visit to Leroy’s shop he had them on the Mersey River straight away to get a taste of some local fishing. When Friday came and it was time to pick Chris up the weather was not looking promising. I was to take them to the Arthur River on Saturday morning where they would spend some time with one of the locals.

Stuart Smith had agreed to help the boys out after some more organisational genius from Leroy. The only problem was, from the time Chris was picked up on Friday night until Saturday morning when we were due to head to the West Coast we received around 75mm of rain. Unsure of what this would do to the river, the decision was made to go regardless.

After a night at Stuarts we headed for the Arthur on Sunday morning bright and early. With my boat in tow, as well as Stuart’s the plan was to fish from mine and film from the other. I was super keen to get on the water myself as I only had the one day to fish before I had to head back home for work. It wasn’t much of a shock when we arrived at the boat ramp and the river was in full flood. It was obvious the fishing would be virtually impossible, but we had come too far not to give it a go.

So the boats were launched and we headed off upstream.

When we arrived as far upstream as Stuart had ever taken his boat and the river was still around five metres. There was nothing left to do but float back down and try to fish where possible. After a day of no luck it was time to leave my boat with the boys and head back to reality for the working week.

Searching for the big one.

Fishing News - Page 16

Hearing their stories when they returned was hard to take.

Then having to listen to them for the next two weeks as they fished from my home, as base camp, was just too much to handle. It was time to take a week’s annual leave and get in some fishing for myself.

Sunday 23 November 2008

We headed off mid morning to fish the Liffey River, upstream from the falls. There were a few caddis on the water when we arrived, but no fish rising to them. I was looking forward to fishing this section of the river as it would give me a chance to try out my new 7 foot, 3 weight rod. We had a great session with the fish rising freely to any nondescript dry I threw at them. On the odd occasion they wouldn’t take the dry a small bead head nymph dropper, of any colour would bring them undone. When lunch was called seven fat brown trout up to a pound in weight had been caught and released. Nearly as many had been missed on the strike, but we don’t need to go into that! It was a brilliant session in magic surrounds, but it was time to drop down to the Mersey River for the evening session.

On arrival at the Mersey near my home town of Railton the fish were rising freely to caddis and red spinners. After trying unsuccessfully to trick a few spinner feeders, I changed to a parachute caddis pattern and my luck changed instantly. One thing I did notice was, the fish would only look at my fly if it was skating across the surface. If it was presented to them dead drift they were not the slightest bit interested. They had obviously locked into the movement of the naturals skating on the waters surface. Two more brown trout were caught and released to finish off a good start to the week. And a good start for the new 3 weight, as I am sure most would be aware sometimes the first fish on a new rod can be hard to fool.

Monday 24 November

Left home around 7.00 am for the drive to Longford where we were to meet Daniel Hackett. The plan was to fish with him for a couple of days on the lowland rivers. Daniel is a professional guide, spending a lot of his time on these rivers and his knowledge of these waterways is extensive.

I was looking forward to this part of the week as I had not fished with a guide before, and was interested to see how it unfolded. When we met Dan thought we should try a spot on Brumbys Creek.

Greeted on the water with a strong breeze blowing into our faces, it made the fishing hard work. Whenever there was a lull in the breeze the fish would rise to mayfly and caddis, and we were able to pick a few off. The day ended for me with a total four browns and four rainbows. The browns were all beautiful, fit fish weighing around two pounds each, whilst the rainbows were small escapees under a pound. My best fly for the day was a brown Snowshoe Emerger, but we had success on a range of different mayfly and caddis patterns.

Trout live in beautiful places.

Tuesday 25 November

Another early start, but this time we were off to fish the South Esk River. It would be another interesting day as we were going to fish from Dan’s raft. The strong wind theme from the day before had continued, but the raft would make the fishing easier. I was slightly nervous as I had not fished from a raft before and I didn’t want to let the boys down. Nick was doing some amazing work with the camera and didn’t need me making it any harder. Did I mention the missed fish on the strike before!

Through the course of the day there were enough caddis and mayfly coming off the water to keep the fish rising, although not consistently. Again when the wind dropped the insects would come out and the fish would rise long enough for us to pick one or two off. The raft was brilliant for this application, as all you had to do was put the fly in the right seam and eventually it would drift over a fish and disappear into a rise form. In fact some of our drifts were so long that by the time the fish took, I was so wound up I could have jumped in and taken the fly myself. By the time the day was over I had landed and released six brown trout up to two pounds, with the brown Snowshoe Emerger again the standout fly.

Wednesday 26 November

Up before the sun again, this time for another session on Brumbys Creek. When we arrived conditions had improved somewhat to the previous two days. The wind had left us and we were greeted with an overcast sky. Fish were already rising wherever you looked, so it was a mad dash to get the raft in and start fishing. The fish were taking caenid mayflies and they were hard to fool early on. My lucky fly from the last two days was changed to a small possum Shaving Brush as it no longer wanted to float. Why do they only ever sink when you don’t want them to? We managed to pick a couple of these fish off early, but as the morning wore on and there was increased insect activity the fishing became slightly easier.

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Fishing News - Page 17

I was having trouble hooking these slow taking fish, and after Dan’s insistence to slow down the strike (I might add for about the 200th time) I finally took his advice.

I watched a consistently rising fish engulf my fly and after a slow count to three, and then pausing for a bit, Dan yelled out “Strike Gav he has taken it”. I set the hook this time—into another golden brown. This turned out to be my favourite session for the week with four browns landed up to two pounds—all released. Another highlight of the morning was setting the hook into a cracking fish estimated at around four pounds, only to have it bust the five pound tippet in a matter of seconds. After a quick clean up it was time for the next appointment of the day, into Launceston Tattoos to get some new trouty styled inkwork from Tubby.

After that was over we were again faced with the long drive to the Arthur River.

Thursday 27 November

Back on the Arthur River today, unable to resist the call of those big whitebait feeding trout. We motored as far upstream as reasonably possible. What I mean is, we motored till half my prop was worn off and then we stopped to fish! There wasn’t much activity from neither the whitebait nor the fish, so we swung large wets down and across the riffles. This resulted in a few smaller resident fish being caught. Although they were good fun, it wasn’t what we had come back for.

We decided to drift back downstream and bomb some of the snags looking for one of the massive browns the Arthur is famous for. Using the electric motor we were able to effectively hold in the current and give these spots a good working over. We fished hard using big Muz Wilson Fuzzle Buggers with lead putty on them to get down into the depths.

After only a couple more small fish it was time for a rest and to prepare for the evenings fishing. The boat was packed up and we headed to the mouth to fish from the shore till darkness fell. A couple of hours on the bank flogging big Fuzzle Buggers again and we had both had enough. The day had resulted in four browns to around one pound.

Filming ‘The Source’.

Friday 28 to Saturday 29 November

Time for a couple of rest days. There were some camera issues to sort out, and a couple of young boys to spend some time with. We took Nick to a local wildlife park on Saturday, and played the part of tourists for a while.

Sunday 30 November

Today was time for Nick to put the camera away, so we could just fish, having only a few hours before he was due to head off on the next part of his adventure. With this in mind we decided to fish the headwaters of the Meander River. The fish weren’t really in the mood, but we managed to land a few. Most were caught on a small nymph dropper, as the dry fly was overlooked. Before we knew it, it was time to head back to car. In our short session I had landed two fish, as had Nick on our ultra-light fly rods. They were all small fish, each weighing around half a pound. These would

We spent a long day on the Arthur River for little result.

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Fishing News - Page 18

have to be some of the prettiest fish you could ever hope to catch with their brilliant red spots.

It was now time for the moment I had been dreading all week. I had to drop Nick off at his next stop and prepare myself to go back to work the next day.

In all it had turned out to be a magical week of fishing for me. I had managed to land and release a total of 33 fish, with countless others lost. Must try and relax on the strike! You would think I wouldn’t get so wound up after all this practice.

Funny things these fish, and cameras for that matter.

Not only did I have some great fishing, but I made some lasting friendships as well. Finally I would like to thank a few people for making the week so memorable for me. Leroy at Big Fin for making it all happen, his range of contacts and knowledge of the local fishery is second to none. Daniel Hackett for giving up his time to take us to spots that are so valuable to his guiding business, it was a pleasure to fish with such a passionate angler. Stuart Smith and his West Coast crew for all there help. Tubby for some fine tattooing, again. Nick Reygaert for helping to reignite the passion inside me, and also for the trip to New Zealand in March 09. I promise I will pause on the strike this time! Mike Stevens for his local knowledge.

And finally to my beautiful wife Allison, for housing the boys for nearly three weeks, but more importantly, encouraging me to fish wherever, whenever I like. I love you Ally.

Gavin Hicks - Trout Bum.

Jan’s Flies Jan Spencer

Nearly every fly fisher has to, at some time, use a heavy line and large sinking flies. Nobody more than I likes to fish dry fly or semi dry, but this does not always catch fish and when it’s all said and done that’s what we fish for—to catch fish.

Those days that some call ‘dog days’—when nothing seems to happen is the time to get the heavy gear out and work hard.

Trout will feed deep on smaller fish if the water they are in sustains a food population of small fish. These may be native fish or often their own young.

As the seasonal insects are only there for short periods and are usually not abundant enough to totally meet their feeding demands, trout have to find other food sources to meet their feeding habits. So certainly small fish fill an empty stomach.

To represent a small fish there are numerous flies. These include original Matukas, marabou streamers, bullhead matukas and many others. But the fly everybody seems to be using at the moment is a weighted marabou streamer.

These can be tied in dozens of different styles and most flyfishers have their own little secrets in doing this. One of my favourites is a fairly basic fly but really has done well on the ‘dog days’ of the past season.

It’s important to have the right amount of marabou on the described fly as it is a must to get the wriggle right, not enough or too much and the fly will not swim right. For the tyer to get this exactly right will take some experimenting as it’s difficult to specify on paper the exact amount of marabou required.

Method

When fishing this fly I use it the point with a dropper 4ft up the leader. The dropper will normally be a nymph of one sort of another depending what time of the trout season it is.

An intermediate fly line is my choice to get down in the fish zone fairly quickly. I usually add some lead to the body to get it sinking quickly.

Marabou Streamer Hook: Lead wire: Thread: Tail: Rib: Body: Throat: Wing:

Long shanked heavy guage size 6 or 8 015 diameter Black Black marabou feather Flat silver tinsel Cream coloured wool or chenille Red marabou Black marabou

1. Wrap the full length of the shank with leadwire.

2. Make a few turns of thread toward the hook bend. Take one small complete black marabou feather, place on top of hook shank with feather tips making a nice long tail.

This should be about the same length as the hook shank.

With the thread, continue on with nice close turns, ending at the hook bend. Cut away excess feather stalk.

3. Tie rib in firmly, cut away excess, tie in body material and bring thread forward—keeping back from the eye a little.

Now wind body material forward to the eye, tie in firmly, cut away excess body material. Bring the rib forward, make sure you space the ribs evenly, tie in firmly with thread and cut away excess rib.

4. Tie in a small bunch of red marabou tips under the hook shank for the throat. Cut away excess marabou ends.

5. For the marabou wing, when tied in the tips should reach mid-way along the tail, this will form a nice shaped body.

Again not too much marabou as bulk will only stiffen the body movement. Cut away excess marabou.

6. Form a nice head, whip finish and cut thread away.

7. Varnish head with black varnish.

Tip: Try changing the body colour, for example, it could be red, yellow or olive green. I particularly like the olive green.

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Fishing News - Page 19

Cherry Popping Mega fontinalis Chris Reygaert on capturing one of the world’s most beautiful trout. The world record for a brook trout is just over 10 pounds and anything from the wild at three pound or more is a real trophy. So maybe you should take a trip and try for one of these fabulous fish.

The smile on Tim’s face said it all. I reeled my line in hastily and headed in his direction. All I could hear through the howling wind and rain was Tim sniggling to himself, then I caught the added saying “Oh my god, look at the size of this thing”. Knowing Tim, I knew he was onto something big. By the time I’d scrambled over the steep rocky shoreline, Tim was well and truly locked in. Boils of dark stained tannin water and the bend in the 10ft 7wt revealed the relentless battle. I was now muttering similar words “Jeezuz, look at the shoulders on it” as I caught my first glimpse of the fish.

The pan sized net was dwarfed, head and tail hanging out either side. The beautiful deep colors and markings were in full display, it was the biggest brook trout we’d ever laid eye’s on.

Fishing News - Page 20

Brook Trout History

Originally native to North America the brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis) was introduced to Tasmania around 1880s. They acclimatized and were liberated around the state in a number of streams and lakes right through to the early 1900s, however wild populations were not recorded until the mid 1900s. The first wild population was recorded in Lake Leake. It is said that the Canadian ova supplied back in 1962 proved to be the most resilient to Tasmanian conditions and to this day a brood stock strain has been managed at the Salmon Ponds hatchery. Hatcheries in the north of Tasmania and in Victoria also keep brook trout brood stock in the event of a disaster at Salmon Ponds. It is documented that brook trout survival rates are extremely slim when placed in waters that contain other salmonid species i.e. rainbow and brown trout and is unlikely that wild populations would exist in such Tasmanian environments. It is interesting to note that native North American brook trout have been known to hybridize. The tiger trout being the hybridization of the brown and brook trout and the splake a cross between the lake trout and brook trout. Natural hybrid spawns have been recorded but are extremely rare and propagation of hatchery reared fish is relied on to support hybrid stocks.

Lake Plimsoll is one of three lakes highly regarded as brook trout fisheries.

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Biology and habitat

Brook trout are a member of the trout and salmon (Salmonid) family and Char (Salvenilus) genus. They require cold well oxygenated water and generally spawn over gravel in river and streams or on groundwater springs. Largely affected by changes in water quality they are a good indicator as to water conditions which drain into their ecosystem. Any major changes to water temperature and quality can be disastrous to brook trout populations. They can inhabit most water courses such as lakes, rivers, brooks/streams, tributaries, ponds and estuaries.

Sea-run brook trout known a ‘salters’ exist in the Northern Hemisphere; there are no such reports of ocean going brook trout in Tasmania.

Where and When

Today’s current population of brook trout in Tasmania seems to be focused more on the West Coast Range. Here you’ll find the more popular waters of Lakes Plimsoll, Rolleston and Lake Selina. These three lakes, although remotely located, make a great adventure for the brook trout enthusiast. The scenery surrounding the lakes is breath-taking and one that has to be seen.

Clarence Lagoon is also noted for its magnificent fishing and can be accessed by 4WD or on foot.

These waters have been reported to contain wild populations but also receive hatchery reared fish through stocking programs to maintain the validity of the fisheries. Other waters statewide have periodically been stocked with hatchery reared fish and catches are reported from time to time.

We chose to fish Lake Plimsoll situated approximately half way along the Anthony road located between Queenstown and Tullah.

There are a number of bays and pockets which offer protection from prevailing conditions. The majority of the shoreline is quiet steep however the South East and East shores seem to offer the best option for the fly angler.

The season is similar to that of other trout fishing waters, commencing 1st Saturday in August and ending last Sunday in April. A freshwater angling license needs to be obtained to catch brook trout. Please check IFS regulation charts for a more accurate description of your selected water, as regulations do change from time to time. Due to the fact that wild populations are hard to maintain, catch and release policy, although not regulatory, is considered good practice.

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Fishing News - Page 21

Reported as being relatively easy to catch, they can be awkward feeders at certain times. When temperatures warm fish tend to seek colder deeper waters and may go “off the bite”. Cooler times of the year, early spring and late autumn will increase the chance of fish feeding in shallower water.

Overcast and rough weather can also bring them in looking for a feed.

Flies and Techniques

A brook trout will virtually eat anything its mouth can accommodate. In general a brook trout’s diet includes a range of aquatic insects and fish life. Tim and I opted to use large heavy sinking streamers with a bit of bulk, a good profile and a bit of movement. Trolls, tungsten bead head Wooly Buggers, cone head Buggers, Matukas are some good examples. Brook trout are known to take dry flies off the surface occasionally and fishing a nymph can also be a worthy prospect.

Fly rods 9ft and longer, weights 5 and above will cover most of the fishable water. We used standard 10ft + mono leaders, breaking strain 4lbs +.

We worked the shoreline thoroughly, covering as much water as we could. The fish were caught in about 6 to 10 ft of water and not much more than a few meters offshore. Sinking leaders could be of an advantage but may be of hindrance on the back cast when fishing the steeper banks. For the boat or flotation device angler A variety of deep swimming fishing deep would certainly be rewarding. flies might work—this one did.

Popping the Cherry

It was Tim’s first brook trout adventure and he’d scoured himself a fish of a lifetime. As he lifted the scale and net we watched the marker bounce then settle bang on the 6lb mark.

It seemed surreal. We couldn’t stop remarking on the shape,

A Birch with a smirk. Tim Birch with a brookie of a lifetime from Lake Plimsoll.

size and color of the fish. The typical pale yellow spots surrounded by more discrete reddish spots haloed in a spectacular pale blue. The deep orangey/brown throughout the body suggesting it may have been close to breeding time. Only minutes before we’d contemplated whether we would see anything at all. With the hook safely removed from the kype jaw, the dark prehistoric shape cruised off into the tannin stained depths. It was like

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Fishing News - Page 22

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Fishing News - Page 23

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Fishing News - Page 24

07_09_KEA_Aut Mag TasF&B.indd 1-2

all items featured available from all stores. *The prices as shown are recommended sale prices that may vary from store to store. Images shown are for illustration purposes only. Accessories not included. All prices include GST. Limited rights reserved. Sale valid until 30th April 2009.

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all items featured available from all stores. *The prices as shown are recommended sale prices that may vary from store to store. Images shown are for illustration purposes only. Accessories not included. All prices include GST. Limited rights reserved. Sale valid until 30th April 2009.

Fishing News - Page 25 10/03/09 12:59 PM

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Fishing News - Page 26

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all items featured available from all stores. *The prices as shown are recommended sale prices that may vary from store to store. Images shown are for illustration purposes only. Accessories not included. All prices include GST. Limited rights reserved. Sale valid until 30th April 2009.

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DISCLAIMER: All items shown are included in good faith on the basis that the goods, as described, will be available at the time of sale. A failure by a supplier to deliver in accordance with the sample described, or at all, or other unintentional causes may result in some items being unavailable. Not

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all items featured available from all stores. *The prices as shown are recommended sale prices that may vary from store to store. Images shown are for illustration purposes only. Accessories not included. All prices include GST. Limited rights reserved. Sale valid until 30th April 2009.

Fishing News - Page 27 10/03/09 1:00 PM

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Fishing News - Page 28

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DISCLAIMER: All items shown are included in good faith on the basis that the goods, as described, will be available at the time of sale. A failure by a supplier to deliver in accordance with the sample described, or at all, or other unintentional causes may result in some items being unavailable. Not

Marineline

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all items featured available from all stores. *The prices as shown are recommended sale prices that may vary from store to store. Images shown are for illustration purposes only. Accessories not included. All prices include GST. Limited rights reserved. Sale valid until 30th April 2009.

Fishing News - Page 29 10/03/09 1:00 PM

Simms Rivershed Boots are available in sizes #7 through to #14. Simms HardBite™ Boot Studs available separately. Phone Mayfly Tackle 03 9899 0034 for your closest stockist.

Secondhand Boat Secrets

Bushy’s Stiffy Devilfish Vibe

Vibes are the hot ticket at the moment - and always one to not disappoint, the Bushman has come up with one of the best bits of Bream candy around that will have your local fish gorging like pigs.

Constructed of strong yet lightweight acrylic material – the range comes in a variety of great matte and transparent colours to suit a variety of Australian river and estuary environments.

The Devilfish comes in 5g and 8g weights and features quality Owner hooks and rings.

Website: www.shimanofish.com.au

Shimano Spheros Reel

Considered by many as one of Shimano’s most reliable and robust reels, the Spheros range has long been a favourite of many anglers that demand the best out of their reels – day in, day out.

Redesigned for 2009, one of the most significant enhancements has been the incorporation of the Propulsion Line Management System – keeping line woes to a minimum. The system features - Propulsion Spool Lip, SR one-piece bail system and Power Roller III. Large line capacities throughout the range provide an option for just about any application, with models equally at home pitching livies for Sailfish or dropping knife jigs over pinnacles for Samsons and Kingfish.

Designed tough, each model features a light-weight aluminium frame, coldforged aluminium spool and graphite rotor (aluminium in 14000 & 18000 models).

Dartainium drag system (6000 & 18000), AeroWave (8000) and AeroWrap oscillation (14000 & 18000), Fluidrive II, Dyna-Balance and stopperless design round out a true Shimano work horse.

Website: www.shimanofish.com.au

Simms Rivershed Wading Boot

Simms has a long-established reputation as a manufacturer of the finest wading and fishing apparel; their products being the first choice of professional guides throughout the world.

Using the most advanced fabric technologies and manufacturing techniques, Simms designs its products around the demanding needs of professional anglers. Guides that spend day after day in waders in the course of earning a living, demand one thing from their apparel – total comfort.

Simms recent addition to their footwear range: Rivershed boot is a classic example of their functional design philosophy. The Rivershed, unlike most other wading boots, is a water-hiker, built to cover ground both in an out of the water, and get you many kilometers up-river in comfort. Riversheds provide the outstanding support required of a hiking styled boot and features Simms StreamTread™ technology sole to keep you upright in wet, mossy wading environments.

This exclusive Simms sole uses the Vibram® patented 360 lug that provides traction in all directions and is easy to clean.

All StreamTread™ soles can accept Simms HardBite™ Boot Studs which are made specifically for rubber soles. The combination of StreamTread™ Soles and removable studs provide superior allround traction. Additional features include: • Synthetic leather construction for lightness and easy rinsing.

• Rubber coated ballistic mesh panels and full perimeter rubber rands for durability.

• Rubber-capped asymmetrical moulded toe box to protect against unseen obstacles • Dual density EVA midsole • Fully neoprene lined • Easy-on heel loop • Non-corrosive hardware If you’re planning on hiking into the headwaters of a New Zealand freestone river or maybe into Tasmania’s Western Lakes region, Riversheds will get you there, keep you upright and get you back, in comfort.

Well known boating journalist, Jeff Webster, has released a new edition of his best selling magazine, Secondhand Boat Secrets. First published in 1995, this unique publication quickly became established as the “bible” for anyone interested in buying a used power trailerboat in Australia.

Available from leading newsagents (and online at www.jeffwebster.com.au), the new “Collector’s Edition” of Secondhand Boat Secrets has been completely revised, and expanded to more than 160 pages will prove invaluable to both novice and experienced boat buyers.

Secondhand Boat Secrets, the author takes the reader right through the process

Fishing for Science

A new project by the Tasmanian Aquaculture and Fisheries Institute (TAFI) is hoping to explain to Tasmanians exactly what climate change means to them.

TAFI has been awarded a grant under the Tasmanian Community Fund for the Coastal Climate Change Range Extension Database & Mapping Project (CCC REDMAP). REDMAP will be an interactive website where members of the public can report sightings of marine species that may be changing their distributions as a consequence of warming waters along our coastline.

The REDMAP project will be led by Dr Gretta Pecl, a marine scientist at the TAFI Marine Research Laboratories in Hobart, who designed the project specifically to engage and inform the community.

“Recent research and anecdotal evidence has indicated particular marine species are shifting their ranges further south along the Tasmanian coast, with some species being ‘newcomers’ to our waters from Victoria and New South Wales” said Dr Pecl “While there may be many reasons for habitat shifts, it is suspected that the effects of climate change, in particular rising sea temperatures, are creating the greatest impact” said Dr Pecl.

REDMAP, specific to Tasmanian waters, will incorporate an extensive marine species database and interactive website aimed at linking fishing, science and education in a unique way.

REDMAP will utilise the knowledge and experience of fishers and divers to

of buying a secondhand boat - commencing with an in depth discussion about the pros and cons of buying a used boat, and concluding with a comprehensive engine re-power chapter. In between there are chapters on powered cats and trihulls, aluminium vs fibreglass boats, how to inspect the boat, motor and trailer, along with tips on how to avoid buying a “dog, lemon, or clunker.”

Buying a used trailerboat is a tricky process, with plenty of traps and pitfalls for the inexperienced and unwary. If you’re thinking of buying a used powerboat, do yourself a favour and pick up a copy of Secondhand Boat Secrets. create a network of keen observers that can help identify how the waters they enjoy are changing, in particular the marine species they catch or observe.

This information will be immediately available to the public through the website, and also available for use in teaching in our primary and high schools about local changes occurring as a function of climate change.

The educational resources for teachers to download will be fact sheets and lesson plans on climate change and the marine environment, ecological changes occurring in Tasmanian waters, and information on local research projects into the impacts of climate change.

The Director of TAFI, Professor Colin Buxton, said that the project was exciting because it was based on the principles of ‘citizen science’. It extended research beyond the realms of the laboratory and its success would depend entirely on the data collected and provided by the Tasmanian community.

He said that REDMAP gave the community the opportunity to actually contribute data that can be used to address the challenges of climate change.

“It will be the locals fishing, boating, diving and enjoying the Tasmanian coast that will provide the data, and anybody will be able to log-on to REDMAP and see the information for themselves” said Prof Buxton.

Interested members of the community including divers, recreational and commercial fishers and schools are invited to contact the REDMAP team for further information on 6227 7257 For information contact: Rebecca Brown; Tasmanian Aquaculture & Fisheries Institute

Camping, kayaking and fishing Feel Free Kayaks

Stacer 529 Northern Fisher

This big beauty is born to fish and comes with a long list of standard features including grey carpeted floor and casting platform, roto moulded motor well, side pockets, tall console with mechanical steering, transom step and rail and a 70L underfloor fuel tank. What are you waiting for? Get out there!

Fishing News - Page 30

Desert Edge Campers Get away from it all, but still have some little luxuries. Desert Edge trailers are compact, easy to tow and pack a huge amount into a small space.

The Moken. Huge range of features. Complete with rudder the Moken is the ideal way to fish. $1550 with paddle and leash. Ph

See us at Agfest

Port Sorell Marine

6428 7124 Shopping Centre, Club Drive, Shearwater www.portsorellmarine.com.au

Open 6 Days. Mon-Fri 9am to 5.30pm, Sat: 9am to 2pm

Autumn on the Lakes Joe Riley looks at the tail end of the trout season and encourages anglers to make the best of it. You can be sure he will.

As daylight savings comes to pass and the days grow cooler through autumn, winter approaches and the brown trout season draws to a close. All is not despair though as there are still fish to be caught, even the prospect of specimen dry fly fishing in the highland lakes on the warmer days. It’s the last surge to make the most out of a season which has been challenged by water draw downs, blustery weather and controversy over one of the world’s finest brown trout lakes coming under threat from irrigation schemes.

There are two distinctly different ways to approach fishing the lakes towards the end of the season, fishing for numbers in bays around spawning streams or targeting trout which remain in the lake, not spawning but continuing to feed, bypassing the need to mate for one season. A reasonable percentage (and don’t ask me what it is) of trout will not spawn each year. These fish stay in the body of the lake and continue to feed and keep their condition through the winter. We have all caught that fish on the opening weekend, fights like a demon, has firm silver flanks, bright pink flesh and a full tail that has not been knocked around from the rigours of spawning. These fish can be targeted and offer good sport late season and through winter. Unfortunately they are thinner on the ground, or lake bed as the case may be, but persistently fishing over known weed beds and structure away from the spawning streams will produce these fish. If you are partial to a feed of trout like I am these are the ones to target.

If on the other had you are going out for a bit of sport and want to catch fish in numbers, brown trout gather to spawn in bays close to feeder streams around the lakes. These areas become hot spots for fishing as the trout will still feed and the males will arguably become territorial, attacking large flies or lures with gusto. There are area limits to fishing around spawning streams and these rules need to be obeyed, however fish will gather in numbers in bays approaching feeder streams and can legitimately be targeted. These trout will offer plenty of sport but are not exactly what you would call palatable

There is some excellent late season fishing around. Fish like this brownie caught by Lisa Isles over a weed bed in Arthurs remains in super condition.

M

A NI A N

U

RY

TAS

Now selling: Savage and Trailcraft • Alloy boats • Boat motor trailer • Packages available

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DEALER OF THE YEAR

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ph (03) 6267 1456 Fishing News - Page 31

when it comes to table qualities. You can easily tell when a fish has moved into spawning mode, the skin has darkened considerably, they become slimy and the flesh goes grey and soft...really only suitable for serving up to your mother-in-law.

These fish are still good fun to catch but should be handled gently, treated with respect and returned to the water as soon as they are caught as they still have to spawn and will provide progeny for seasons to come.

Dry fly opportunities

Although the dun hatches have run their race, warm days still see gum beetles hitting the water and the late arriver in the terrestrial scene starts to show himself. From March through to May, the jassid turns up each year in varying numbers. This leaf hopper with a red belly and black and white body is like candy to the trout. When jassids hit the water trout switch on to them often feeding selectively. I have been fishing Great Lake in a late gum beetle hatch where there are plenty of beetles on the water and fish rising happily without a jassid in sight. However at the end of the day upon returning to the boat ramp and cleaning a couple of browns taken on English hoppers, a post mortem revealed nothing but jassids in the stomach of each fish.

Jassids are a leaf hopper and therefore they are best found along shorelines timbered with eucalypts. Penstock Lagoon, Great Lake particularly the Northern and Eastern Shores, Bronte Lagoon and Arthurs Lake are just a few of the waters where jassids can fall in numbers. Sport can be localised to individual areas so scout around on warmer days looking for rising fish or jassids on the water where the wind is blowing out of the trees over the water. A jassid imitation does not need to be too fancy, a #14 dry fly tied with a red body, black over wing and black hackle. Alternatively a red English hopper with black legs and hackle is a terrific dry fly all season and makes a good representation of a jassid.

With shorter days through autumn, fishing dawn and dusk does not mean being out at ungodly hours. Midge and sedge will still bring fish to the top of the water in morning and evening still presenting more opportunity for dry fly. We have literally hundreds of species of Caddis and any warmish evening along the lee shore fish will take caddis as they flutter out of the tussocks and bushes over the water. Little Pine is

Gary Kode with an Arthurs Lake brown caught late in the season. In great condition and full of scud.

2008 Models to Clear Crazy CruiseCraft Deals - Don’t miss out Full Offshore Safety Gear and Colour GPS/ fishfinder included

Full Offshore Safety Gear and Colour GPS/ fishfinder included

625 Outsider F200hp Yamaha SAVE $7,600 reduced to $83,900 The walkaround deck on the Outsider provides unparalleled access to the deck, while the cabin is fitted with plush bunks and great storage. An exceptional boat, with a generous inventory of optional equipment.

The Outsider 625 is a big performing, fully featured blue water fishing boat. Comfortably fish four up, with plenty of space to land game fish. A thoroughbread sports fishing machine with the credentials to travel long distances in safety and comfort.

575 Explorer F115hp Yamaha 625 Explorer F150hp Yamaha SAVE $6,600 reduced to $63,900 SAVE $6100 reduced to $79,900 regroup, the cuddy cabin that is flat, broad and The Explorer is a sports provides the perfect place stable for extreme fishing machine fully to gain some respite from angling action. featured and big on the conditions.

Built strong with the dry performance. The Easy to fish from, easy riding deep vee hull that Explorer lacks nothing to handle and easy to comes right in to its own when it comes to heading launch… It’s a pity that when the going gets out to sea for a big day’s all boats aren’t as good rough. And when the fishing. to own as an Explorer conditions do chop up The Explorer retains a from CruiseCraft. and you need to rest and generous sized cockpit Explorer 575 Specifications Hull Length: 5.712m Length with Bow sprit: 6.097m Beam: 2.37m Maximum HP: 150hp Recommended power: 135hp Deadrise transom: 20 degrees Weight BMT: 1800kg (Approx) LOA on trailer: 7.3m (Engine Vertical) Transom Height: Extra Long Max No. Persons: 6 Fuel capacity: 160L

Outsider 625 Specifications Hull Length: 6.215m Length with Bow sprit: 6.54m Beam: 2.45m. Maximum HP: 200hp Recommended power: 150/175hp Deadrise transom: 20 degrees Weight BMT: 2300kg (Approx) Length Overall on trailer 7.70m (Engine Vertical) Transom Height: Extra long. Max No. persons: 6 Fuel capacity: 195L 273 Kennedy Dr, Cambridge, Tas 7170 Fishing News - Page 32

Explorer 575 Specifications Hull Length: 6.215m Length with bow sprit: 6.54m Beam: 2.4 m Maximum HP: 200hp Recommended power: 150/175hp Deadrise transom: 20 degrees Weight BMT: 2300kg (Approx) LOA on trailer 7.7m: (Engine Vertical) Transom height: Extra Long Max No. Persons: 6 Fuel capacity: 240L

Ph: 1300 853 947 www.lewismarine.com.au

Tasmania’s Undercover Mega Store

a favourite piece of water of mine for this dry fly fishing as are the bays on Great Lake where the kerosene bush comes closer to the water. Small slim flies in a natural light grey colour are good representations. A slim March Brown or a classic river dry fly, the F fly both work well when the caddis are on the water.

Opportunities after May

Rainbow waters remain open until the 31st of May and Great Lake, lakes Barrington, Burbury, King William, Pedder, Gordon, Meadowbank and Brushy Lagoon remain open all year round. Great Lake has some good polaroiding on bright days around shallow bays and fish can still be caught fishing blind along shores which have recently been stirred up by the wind. Fish are patchy though, so keep moving and fishing until you find them and then concentrate on that area.

Brushy Lagoon continues to be regularly stocked with trout and salmon by the Inland Fisheries Service and can be fished right through the winter. Although redfin perch are a designated pest species and should be humanely destroyed when caught, Brushy Lagoon has got some monster redfin which are a surprise by catch, and are starting to be targeted by a few anglers for their eating qualities. The bigger redfin seem to hang around the sticks and snags and are a definite taker of a fly. The big redfin are not fussy and will take lures or nymphs without much hesitation.

Although some of the opportunities available may seem a bit unusual and not every ones cup of tea there’s something to be had for everyone in autumn and winter.

Whether it be seeking out dry fly fishing or non spawning quality fish for the table or simply satisfying the need for a regular pull on the end of the line, there are still plenty of waters in this the lucky State to do it.

Joe Riley

Brushy Lagoon is a great place to take the kids. It is a small relatively protected water

Riley F Fly with CDC wing.

Whilst redfin are considered a most humble fish by most Tasmanians, Brushy offers some monsters to over two kilograms.

Avast Thar Matey!

The NEW Treazure be here...

An immature orange jassid.

Joe’s Red Jassid

Jan Spencer’s Red Jassid

Hook – A short shanked size 14 hook.

Thread – Black.

Body – Bright red cock hackle.

Wing – One guinea fowl feather.

Hackle – Black cock.

Method: 1. Take thread full length of hook shank.

2. Tie in red cock hackle; bring thread forward leaving enough room behind the eye for wing and hackle.

3. Bring red hack forward with nice tight turns making a very full body tie down, firmly, cut away excess hackle.

Trim hackle fibres back enough to make the body nicely shaped.

4. Take the guinea fowl feather and pull the fibres in the opposite direction they normally face this will form a nice little wing, tie this in making sure to hold firmly while tying in as the fibres will slip out and the process will have to be started again.

When tied down firmly, cut away excess fibres and also hackle back from where the fibres have been pulled forward.

Trade enquiries: JM Gillies Agencies Pty Ltd Phone: (03) 8360 8191 www.jmgillies.com.au Email: sales@jmgillies.com.au

Fishing News - Page 33

Scalefish Fishery Management Plan Review

Prohibiting the take of commercial scalefish in certain areas

NOTE: These are DPIW recommendations to the Minister. The only way to change them is by written submissions.

Fabulous idea. At the Statewide meetings the commercial sector was happy to leave these areas immediately with agreed compensation. Rec fishers were happy to compensate from rec licence funds.

Do it now.

Summary of Recommendations – March 2009

If you want to put in a submission you can download this document from www.tasfish.com along with the submission from Australian National Sportfishing Association.

The Editor’s thoughts are blue and in quotes. You are welcome to expand on these and use them in your submission.

Submissions must be in by 30 April.

Improving fishing practices: maximum soak times for gillnets Introduce a maximum soak time for the use of all gillnets by commercial and recreational fishers. The maximum soak time is 2 hours in all Shark Refuge Areas and 6 hours in all State waters.

“An improvement, but difficult to police. Better to ban nets completely.”

Recreational set lines: and usage

(Long and Drop lines)

licences

Introduce the requirement for a licence to use recreational set lines or ban them for recreational fishers.

“A bombastic, dictatorial approach by Government that does little to consider the money and effort put in by rec fishers to catch a few fish. It is likely there are only 2-300 that participate in this fishery and licence money from that would do nothing to improve the management. Put up as a way to ‘get more information about the fishery’. It is easy to collect this information from other sources. A money grab.”

Southern calamari

That the recreational possession limit of southern calamari in all State waters is reduced from 15 to 10.

Robust fishery and no need for a reduction. Some seasonal closures protect spawning fish.

Prohibit commercial scalefish fishing in Ansons Bay and Port Sorell with the exception of the two scalefish fishers who have a gillnet endorsement for Port Sorell.

Striped trumpeter

A minimum size limit increase from 450mm to 500mm.

A reduction in the commercial trip limit from 250 kg to 200 kg (combined striped trumpeter, snapper and yellowtail kingfish).

Reduce the recreational “personal” possession limit from 8 to 4.

Introduce a recreational boat limit of 15.

Introduce the requirement to land striped trumpeter whole (but allow to gill and gut).

Maintain a seasonal closure to protect peak spawning period. The length of the season will be periodically reviewed.

Seems reasonable except a reduction of 50% for recs against 20% for commercial sector.

Absolutely against any boat limits for recs. Stick to personal possession limits for the whole fishery.

This disadvantages bigger boats and a very small number of Charter boats (with rec fishers on board) on a rare occasion.

Snapper and yellowtail kingfish

Implement a minimum legal size limit for snapper of 300 mm; a possession limit for snapper of 5 fish; a possession limit for yellowtail kingfish of 5 fish.

Reduce the combined commercial trip limit for striped trumpeter, snapper and yellowtail kingfish from 250 kilograms to 200 kilograms.

Seems fair, but maybe snapper and kingfish, and Aust salmon should be rec only species.

Bastard trumpeter

A minimum size limit increase from 350 mm to 380 mm; commercial trip limit of 200kg; recreational possession limit of 15 is reduced to 10; Investigate having a network of inshore netting area closures.

Good idea

Blue eye trevalla

Reduce the recreational “personal” possession limit for blue-eye trevalla from 8 to 4; Introduce a recreational boat limit of 15 blue-eye trevalla.

A robust fishery with no known biomass, recruitment or over fishing problems. NO to reduction of possession limit when so much effort goes to catching these on a rare occasion when it is possible. NO boat limits.

Stick to personal possession limits.

Restrictions on shark finning

Require all sharks to be landed with the fins attached, with the exception of pelvic fins, claspers and the tail.

Other changes include: Alterations to the small pelagic fishery of anchovies, sardines and redbait; Management of octopus within the Scalefish rules; Inshore crabs be included within the scalefish management plan; Marking of buoys.

Responses can be submitted to DPIW in the following ways:

Scalefish fishery Review, DPIW GPO BOX 44 HOBART TAS 7001 Email to: fishreview@dpiw.tas.gov.au Enquiries phone: (03) 6233 7042 or 6233 6717 Fax to: (03) 6223 1539, marked “Attention: Scalefish Fishery Review” Hand deliver to: Wild Fisheries Management Branch, DPIW Level 1, Marine Board Building 1 Franklin Wharf, Hobart

Reliable, efficient, fishing reel that won’t let you down No bearings, no gears - no problems Deepwater Combo Alvey 825BCV/6R

ViewallourBlueFindinghiesinstocknow onlineatwww.deeganmarine.com.au Blue Fin 420 rogue • Custom Blue Fin trailer • 25hp Johnson 4 stroke • 3mm bottom • Side decks • Rails and side pockets • Rear step • Front casting deck • Anchor well • Plus heaps more ONLINE NOW - ALL Limited stock be quick New & Used Boats

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

$9,300

Name.................................

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

We Take Tasmania Boating Fishing News - Page 34

Phil Atherton N.E. Tas.

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

Liawenee Trout Weekend 23 and 24 May 2009

It is on again, the IFS Trout Weekend at Liawenee, Great Lake! This year the IFS base will open its gates both on Saturday 23 and Sunday 24 May at 10 am till 3 pm. Come and see hundreds of brown trout on their annual spawning migration. Plenty of activities for the kids including the fishout pond. Trade exhibits, freshwater aquaria, fisheries management displays, demonstrations and helicopter rides.

Come and see what the IFS and trout fishing is all about and enjoy what is a fun weekend for all.

Information above courtesy of IFS.

Tasmanian Fishing and Boating News will be there with showbags ($10 with $35 value.)

FREE Learn to Fish DVDs (when you register on www.tasfish.com) and more.

Pirtek Fishing Challenge

A competition open to everyone in each State and Territory across the country.

The aim is to raise $100,000 for the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia.

Every State and Territory will win BIG CASH and terrific prizes. Pirtek together with Berkley, Lowrance and Evinrude have amassed a massive prize pool in excess of $100,000.

Each winning target species is worth $5000 cash with great prize packs for second, third and junior anglers.

The competition will be held on Sunday, 19 April. Each State’s target species will be revealed after 6.00 pm on Saturday, 18 April via website www.pirtekfishingchallenge.com.au.

Log on to www.pirtekfishingchallenge.com. au, read the rules and pay a registration fee of $15. Entrants will be sent a limited edition Pirtek Fishing Challenge cap and brag mat.

The registration fee is contributing to the goal of raising $100,000 for the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia.

All competitors need to do is catch their State’s target species, photograph the fish on the Pirtek brag mat along with their registered angler number and send the photo into www. pirtekfishingchallenge.com.au.

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In a word they’re TOUGH!

Townsville Marine 190 Huge St Currajong Townsville Qld 4812 07 4779 0800 www.townsvillemarine.com.au

Cooee Bay Marine 49 Tanby Rd Yeppoon Qld 4703 07 4939 1675 www.cooeebaymarine.com.au

Midtown Marinas River End of Targo St Bundaberg Qld 4670 07 4152 9633 www.midtownm.com

Cunninghams Marine 51 - 59 Snook St Clontarf Qld 4019 07 3284 2342 www.cunninghamsmarine.com.au

Active Marine 123 Mornington Rd Mornington Tas 7018 03 6244 5544

Family Boats 15 Chicago Ave Blacktown Nsw 2148 02 9622 0222 www.familyboats.com.au

Graham Barclay Marine 129 The Lakes Way Forster Nsw 2428 02 6554 5866 www.barclaymarine.com.au

Mid Coast Marine 75 Hastings River Dr Port Macquarie Nsw 2444 02 6583 1492 www.midcoastmarine.net.au

•Piranha boats •Suzuki outboards •Polycraft boats •Viking kayaks

Platinum Marine 3/5 Mcphail Rd Coomera Qld 4209 07 5502 3855 www.platinummarine.com.au

DEALER ENQUIRIES ACTIVEWELCOME MARINE

Dave Wilkinson: 6244 5544 w w w. p i r a n h a b o a t s .Mornington c o mRd .a u 123 Mornington

• All work guaranteed • Qualified technicans • On-site service available

Plano SoftSider Fishing Vest

Ross Pullin for the Essential Fly Fisher showed me this. It was in his catalogue from the distributor as a kayak vest.

The Plano SoftSider Gear Vest Bag is perfect for anglers fishing from kayaks, canoes, float tubes, but also anglers who like to wade deep or just those that like a vest/yoke style bag.

The Plano SoftSider features three zippered pockets, with a large compartment for bulk storage. You can fit heaps in these, both front and back and it is a simple exercise to swing the whole deal around and get to the other pocket without taking it off. I didn’t get the price, but ask you local tackle dealer, or give Ross a call. He has an advert on page 2.

Get Real Get RODLOK The RODLOK product range is innovative and technologically advanced, far beyond similar products currently available in the international market place.

RODLOK Bull Bar Mounted Rod Holder, Magnetic Bonnet, Platinum and GFN adjustable Boat Mounts.

If you want Quality ­ Innovation and Practicality then you want RODLOK products.

Available from good tackle stores and chandleries.

www.rodlok.com Fishing News - Page 35

Australia’s BIGGEST National Fishing Competition!

Sunday 19 April 2009

Just $15 to register and proceeds go to the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia • Each state will have target species • $5000 cash for each winning target species • Catch and release your fish • Competition open to all ages

Proudly Supported by:

Fishing News - Page 36

DERWENT BRIDGE CHALETS AND STUDIOS

simply magic

Airlines of Tasmania Your link to Flinders Island

Each chalet and studio has TV/CD/DVD

Ph. (03) 6289 1000, Fax (03) 6289 1230 See www.derwent-bridge.com

Enjoy one of the best fishing destinations in Australia

2074249 dp

Flights available from Melbourne and Launceston Book online at www.airtasmania.com.au p: 1800 144 460 e: flinders@airtasmania.com.au

People search the world for a place like Flinders Island...

Fully equipped cottage with all home comforts. Contact Shane or Dianne.

Phone 6359 3703

Phone or book online info@derwent-bridge.com

Explore King Island

www.kingisland.org.au 1800 645 014

Stackhouse Beachfront Accommodation

Divers Paradise

Lady Barron Holiday Home—comfortable self contained accommodation in a garden setting with sea views of Franklin Sound.It is just a moment from the waters edge and within walking distance to restaurant, supermarket/post office/news agent and all attractions that Lady Barron has to offer.

This 3 bedroom home sleeps 6. The main bedroom has a king size double or 2 king singles. The other 2 bedroom both have twin singles. There is a fully equipped kitchen. The lounge room has DVD/VCR, TV.,& CD player and sliding doors to front patio—great place to watch movement of boats and yachts. A reverse cycle heater/ cooler has been installed for winter/summer comfort. Most of the year yiu have the choice of a gas or wood BBQ. Separate laundry has washer, dryer, airer, iron and ironing board.

The house is opposite the start to the Lady Barron coastal walk also the boat slip area one of the popular fishing spots. The wharf is also very popular with fishermen and within easy walking distance. The tennis courts are nearby and tennis racquets are supplied. A visit to Vinegar Hill is essential as the views of Franklin Sound and Islands are superb and is within walking distance. Flinders Island has a lot to offer and all attractions are amazingly close and a short distance by car.

Phone Allan or Pat on (03) 6359 3555

Absolute beach frontage to Killiecrankie Bay. Explore endlessly the surrounds via the beach, rock-hopping or bushwalking tracks.

You can practically fish from the balcony or if your casting is not so good, walk the 30 metres to the fishing rock right outside the front door.

Phone: 03 6359 6518

Get around the Island in comfort

where the forest meets the sea on port arthur’s waterfront...

Ph: 03 6250 2888 www.stewar tsbaylodge.com.au

Inspections are welcome 500 metres toward Hobart from the Lake St Clair Road Junction

Fishing holiday packages,2to5days.

Continental shelf, inshore and surf cateredfor.Fromtunaandtrumpetertosnapper andkingfish-fishwithJamesLuddington03 6359 4507 www.flindersisland.com.au James Luddington Ph 03 63594 507

Lady Barron Cottage A great place to stay while you explore, discover, sightsee and fish Flinders Island

• Self cont. chalets and studios only 5 minutes from Lake St Clair, about 2½ hours from Hobart, Strahan and Launceston.

• Spark some romance in one of the luxurious spa chalets.

• Spacious 2 and 3 bedroom chalets.

• Studios for two people.

• Self cater or dine out nearby.

• Private laundries in each chalet.

• One studio has disabled access.

• Experience easy-medium wilderness bushwalks from 1 - 7 hours • Spoil yourself after the Overland Track, best facilities and value.

• Enjoy trout fishing - licenses available, launch your own boat, book a trout guide in advance • Take a day trip to Queenstown for the West Coast Railway • Cruise on the Lake St Clair ferry • AAA 3½ • Seniors - book direct to save 10%

2005960GL

GREAT TASMANIAN FISHING ACCOMMODATION

380 Pirates Bay Drive Eaglehawk Neck Toll free 1800 639 532 (03) 6250 3262 www.lufrahotel.com or lufrareception@bigpond.com

P & A Car Rentals •Businessorholidayrental.•MitsubishiMagna vehiclesfrom$66perdayinclGSTandinsurance.

•Bookingsareessentialpriortotraveltoensure availability.•Freepickupanddropatairport.

Ph:0364621603E:kimotors@bigpond.com Web: www.kingisland.org.au

Flinders Island is a diver’s paradise.

Diving, fishing, snorkelling; day or halfday fishing tours or cruises.

Shipwrecks, reef dives, scenic dives, drift dives, crayfish and abalone diving, photography, naturalist and research dives are all in abundance.

Flinders Island Dive - Mike Nichols (03) 6359 8429

Shannon Coastal Cottages Set on 2 hectares overlooking Currie Harbour and the rugged West Coast, Shannon Coastal Cottages offer a complete home away from home.

The air is clean and the sunsets spectacular.

Three kilometres from the main town of Currie or a fifteen minute walk along the beach and track.

One and two bedroom cottages accommodate up to 6 people.

Fishing rods are provided. Sightings of wallabies, possums, pheasants, turkeys and a variety of sea birds are common.

The perfect base to explore the island.

Denise O’Keefe 03 64611074 Moores Drive, Devils Gap, King Island TAS 7256 Email: denise@shannoncoastalcottages.com.au

Historic Port Arthur

6789ArthurHighwayPortArthur(03)62502217

“ What a great place to stay! These quality, new bungalows have everything you could ask for to comfortably explore this beautiful region of Tasmania.” (Wendy & Harry- Ulverstone TAS)

Superbly situated on a beautiful waterfront, The Fox & Hounds Inn is a family owned and operated business, located at Port Arthur on Tasmania’s spectacular Tasman Peninsula.

Just one minute from the Historic Site, the property provides a link to our convict history, as well as the opportunity to explore 24 acres of native bushland, perhaps spotting wildlife such as cockatoos, echidnas, or wallabies at night.

The Fox & Hounds Inn is a one-stop location, with an on-site bottle shop, bar, and licensed restaurant – renowned for delicious, hearty meals made from the freshest Tasmanian produce.

Cnr Andrew and Harvey Sts. Strahan 7468. ph: 03 6471 7268

email: enquiries@strahanbungalows.com.au

Portside Links

JustoneklmfromthecentreofthetownofGrassy,ontheSouthEastcoastof KingIslandwithviewsoverBassStrait,theoldGrassygolfcourseandupto the town of Grassy.

Twoluxuryself-containedunits,plusaBedandBreakfastsuite,providinga quiet and relaxing atmosphere for the ideal get away.

FeaturedonNine'sTV‘Postcards’andSouthernCross‘DiscoverTasmania’.

Bookings or enquiries: Ken or Marilyn Chapman Grassy Harbour Rd, Grassy, King Island, Tasmania 7256 Ph: (03) 6461 1134, 0427 093194 Email: ki@portsidelinks.com.au www.portsidelinks.com.au

www.foxandhounds.com.au

Fishing News - Page 37

Fishing and Boating Directory Advertise here for $77. Contact Quenton Higgs 0427 129949

St Helens Your every need catered for • Eight en-suite cabins • Convenience store • Hot takeaways • Groceries • Newspapers • Boat parking • Fuel • Bait and tackle • Boat and car wash

Hillcrest Tourist Park & Mini Market

The Tamar’s fishing authority For the very best advice on fishing the Tamar River and surrounding area call in and see Sarah and Damon Sherriff.

For the best range of fishing tackle and watersport gear in the Tamar Valley.

Open: 9 - 5.30 weekdays 9 - 1 Saturday

Tackle and Supplies

Call in for all your fishing tackle including full range rods, reels, lures, landing nets and bait. Also life jackets plus diving gear and stuff for all water sports.

Scott, 53 King Street Scottsdale.Ph. 63522357 Julie-Anne, 41 Quail Street St Helens. Ph. 63761390

44 Macquarie St George Town Ph: 6382 2373

100 Chimney Heights Rd. 6376 3298

Boat building and repairs

Aluman

Engineering

Vandieman Seaman boats

Top Service – Top Price

Proplate BURNIE MARINE custom boats Services • Over 30 years experience on all types of motors • Approved Boat repairs insurance repairer to boats and motors • Propellor rebuild and refurbishing • Repairs of all types - including skegs etc.

• Contact: Cyril Stevens Phone 6431 3082 Fax 6431 1255

MOONSHINE CHARTERS

36’ Steber Sportsfisher Eaglehawk Neck - Jan-April Pedra Branca - July Bookings/info - Steve Gilbert 03 6261 1558 or 0408 105 311

Propellor repairs Mark Tapsell 424 Hobart Road, L’ton Ph 6343 3341

www.moonshinecharters.com.au

GREAT LAKE SHOP SPINNING RODS, REELS & LURES • Hooks, sinkers, bait including mudeyes, scubworms •Excellentselectionlocallytiedflies • Fishing licences • Maps Petrol, diesel, air, ice, gas bottle refills.

Full range groceries, magazines and papers.

Ph 6259 8149

Cnr.MarlboroughandGreatLakeHighways.

St Helens

STORAGE SHEDS

Brand new industrial sheds at St Helens

Strata titled - $60 000 incl GST. Size: 10m x 6m x 6.5m.

Facilities include: • Security fencing • Electricsecuritygates•Electricrollerdoors• Easyaccess•Designatedwashdownfacility• Greatforboatowners,smallbusiness,general storage, Industrial use.

PhilMcMaster0418524970orBarrySproal0408561370

Fishing News - Page 38

Protect your boat, motor and trailer with BEL-RAY. Waterproof grease and 6 in 1 Lubricant Available from selected dealers including: Webster Bearing and Engineering Tas Bearing and Chain, Launceston NBC Engineering, Kings Meadows Port Sorell Marine, Shearwater St Helens Mower Centre Trade enquiries P.M. Glover 6327 2322

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

Michael Haley 63 761 553 or 0419 353 041 mhaleycharters@bigpond.com www.breamfishing.com.au

LOOK DEEPER INTO OPTIMAX Look deeper into the OptiMax range and you’ll discover more than just a great range of next generation fuel-injected outboards. You’ll also find an engine created with ultra-low emissions and a fuel economy that’s 30% better than the competition, and with the best power to weight ratio on the market. So optimise your boating experience with an OptiMax at your nearest Mercury Dealer. Look deeper into black.

Best top speed (kph)

Best fuel economy (km per litre)

3% FASTER

15% BETTER

69

F

E

Mercury OptiMax 90hp

3.28

Mercury OptiMax 90hp

2.85 Eninrude EvinrudeE-TEC 90hp

67

F

E Eninrude EvinrudeE-TEC 90hp

Port Sorell Marine 7 Club Drive Shearwater, Port Sorell Phone: 03 6428 7124 Channel Marine Services Lot 10 Gemalla Road, Margate Phone: 03 6267 1456

www.mercurymarine.com.au

Tests where conducted by Mercury Marine using Mercury Marine testing standards and practices. All models were tested using the same procedure on the exact same boat hull. Prior to that, all competitive product was run-in according to their operator’s manuals and propped for best performance within their own maximum RPM range specification. Fuel flow data was taken at idle, 1000, 1500, 2000, 2500 and 2700 RPM, and then every 250RPM increment thereafter to wide open throttle. Note: “Yamaha”, “Suzuki”, “Honda” and “Evinrude E-Tec” are registered trademarks of their respective corporations.

Fishing News - Page 39

Rod and Range Sports - Glenorchy Specialists for all your fishing, shooting and archery equipment Call in and see Ross Heddle for expert advice.

Open Mon to Fri: 9 am to 6 pm Sat: 9 am to 1 pm. Closed Long Weekends Ph/Fax 6273 4330 351 Main Road Glenorchy

Also specialising in service and repairs to firearms,rodsandree ls.

Free Classifieds Advertisements of a non-commercial nature, to current subscribers of Tasmanian Fishing and Boating News, are free and can be inserted for two issues. Cost for commercial and non subscribers remains at $11 and must be pre-paid.

4.05 Quintrex Trophy Explorer 25hp electric start Yamaha 2 Stroke Outboard Motor. Includes • Galvanised trailer, • Lowrance sounder, • Cedar oars and electric Minn Kota trolling motor, • Rule Bilge Pump • Full Marine Carpet, • Upholstered Seats, • Custom Made Boat and Engine Covers, • Boat and Trailer registration for 2009, • All items are in 1st class condition, $8990 Call Brian Hall 0409221673

RL Winston Fly Rod Boron II 8ft 6in AFTM#4 fast taper, light Approx 80grm) yet powerful. Beautiful green rod, unused. Reluctant sale. Bargain at $700 neg.

Phone 6234 2456.

St. Croix Legend Ultra Fly Rod USA made 9 foot 9 inch, 7 weight, 3 piece. Rarely used, great for lake fishing. Includes 2 Cortland 555 floating lines unused in box. $300 the lot.

Call Tim (03)6331 2441.

service historys. From $15000 Ph 0362671456 Quicksilver 5.3mtr Firestar F/glass. 90hp Mercury, Dunbier Trailer, Brand new from $29000 Quicksilver 5.1mtr Dominator F/glass. 90hp Mercury, Dunbier Trailer, Brand new from $25000 Savage 440 Angler Bass style, 40hp Four/stroke Mercury, Side console, Lockers, casting, platforms, nav lights, rod holders etc, Dunbier trailer, Brand new from $17,000 Savage 420 Bay Cruiser, 30hp Mercury, Radio & Fish finder, Dunbier Trailer, Brand New from $14000 Savage 490 Bay Cruiser, 60hp Four/stroke Mercury, Radio, Fish finder & Nav lights, Dunbier Trailer, Brand new from $29000 Channel Marine 62671456

Kingfisher squareback canoe 3.6 metre long x 85 cm wide with outriggers and paddles. Two seater. Capacity 275 kg. Can take 3 hp or 45 lb thrust electric. Ideal fishing or leisure. New price $1950. $1100 o.n.o. Phone 0418 131 538 or AH 6344 8372.

E-Tec 150hp 2006 Saltwater, longshaft, still under warranty $10 000 Phone Leroy 0428347736.

Channel Marine

Fly-fishing boat for Sale.

The Trout Whisperer hangs up his waders and sells his boat and all of his fly-fishing gear.

Boat: LOA 5m Beam 1.8m, 60hp Yamaha motor 60hrs running time, regularly serviced with brand new sealed battery.

Fish finder with horizontal and vertical scanning function, e.g. forward and sidewise ‘looking’.

Bow mounted Minn Kota electric motor with both foot and remote control and separate brand new sealed Battery.

Full weather/travelling cover, life jackets, and many extras included.

Drive-on slide-off trailer with electric breaks, All registered and in excellent condition. $29 500 ready to hook up and go fishing

Contact: Helmut Samerski on 6397 3349

275hp Verado Mercury outboards. 6 to choose from average 900hrs. Only two years old full

Subscribe today 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

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Name;__________________________________Address;____________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________Postcode;_________Phone______________ Advertising payment: ___ $11. Attach details by Fax, email or post.

Subscriptions:___ $30; 1 year. ___ $60; 2 years. Back issues; $5 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 40

HONDA TOPS C U S T O M E R S AT I S F A C T I O N A W A R D

F O U R M A J O R E N G I N E M A N U FAC T U R E R S

S E V E N K E Y P E R F O R M A N C E I N D I C AT O R S S TA R T I N G | Q U I E T N E S S | R E L I A B I L I T Y | F U E L E C O N O M Y | S H I F T I N G S M O O T H N E S S | E X H A U S T F U M E S | A C C E L E R AT I O N

ONE OUTRIGHT WINNER 2005,2006, 2007 & 2009

ENOUGH SAID......

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Fishing News - Page 41

Yak Fishing Kit

How to keep safe and warm on a Tassie Yak Kayaks have boomed in Tasmania—especially over the last year, but with our fickle weather we do need to keep comfortable in a variety of conditions. John Pollard looks at what you need.

We are absolutely blessed in Tassie; we truly get our fair share of all four seasons: summer, autumn, winter and spring—quite often in the same day! All jokes aside we do have at times weather that can be very unpredictable, not just on the saltwater but even on the enclosed waters of the lakes and rivers.

This can present a bit of a problem for the Tassie yak fisherman, what do ‘you wear on the water?’ I used to be dazzled by the enormous range of clothing designed for fishing available in Australia, and then I started fishing from a kayak. The choices just about doubled and every week it seems a new product is hitting the Australian market from the US, Europe or more to my taste Aussie made.

The fun part—just trolling along at an easy pace with everything in place.

PFDs

The first piece of clothing to look at is your PFD, which in its self can come in an astounding range of options; inflatable, vest style, harness style, PFD1 or 2 or even 3.

Personal Flotation Device (PFD) Type 1 - must comply with Australian Standard AS 1512. This will be clearly marked inside of the PFD, they also offer head support and greater buoyancy than other PFDs. They are also usually made from highly visible colours. Some inflatable PFDs on the market also meet this standard.

Personal Flotation Device (PFD) Type 2 - must comply with Australian Standard AS 1499. This will be clearly marked inside the PFD, they are normally manufactured in high visibility colours, but do not offer any head support. According to Marine and Safety Tasmania a PFD Type 2 may be substituted for a PFD Type 1 when operating in Smooth Waters".

Tasmanian maps for any

Both of the above are PFD1 rated. The Stormy on the left is an ‘inflating type’ that are quite popular and used as a jacket as well.

Personal Flotation Device (PFD) Type 3 - must comply with Australian Standard AS 2260. Their buoyancy rating is often similar to that of a PFD Type 2, but does not meet the Australian Standards Association high visibility colour requirements. According to MAST "a PFD 3 can be worn by operators of kayaks, PWCs in sheltered waters and people being towed in the water".

PFDs in my book are a mandatory piece of kit and should not be ignored under any circumstances. Sure if you get the wrong one it may feel uncomfortable but, it still can and will save your life! In my research finding particular rules for PFDs and Kayaks CENT RAL is not easy. MAST produces a very good TASMA NIA brochure with basic tips which includes the safety tip of "always wear a PFD (lifejacket)".

MAST also state on their website that "A PFD 3 can be worn by operators of kayaks, PWCs in sheltered waters and people being towed in the water." (from their website at www.mast.tas.gov.au follow the links to Recreational Boating, Kayak or Canoe Safety Tips) Map a nd

Angli

A DV E N T U R E

So let's first look at the extremely popular inflating style PFDs and at your choice of craft, a kayak. The thing about kayaks is, they are long and in most cases narrow. Which means despite how stable they feel when you are sitting still in one, or have got a regular pattern of paddling going, they do have the potential to roll. From personal experience this first happened to me when I was innocently trying to place a rod in my rear rod holder, I have one of the most stable and widest yaks on the market. Yet all it took was leaning a little too much to one side and splash I was in the water with an upside down yak and my kit floating all over the place. So what's my point here? If I had been wearing a "self-inflating" style of PFD it would have most likely gone off and blown it's self up, now the fact of the matter is I was only in five feet of water so my feet could easily touch the bottom. This would mean the PFD had gone off for no real reason and I would need to get my PFD recharged.

So that would obviously mean then that I recommend getting a "manual inflation" style PFD, well oddly enough yes and no. If I had been in relatively shallower water with a rocky bottom and hit my head on a rock, thereby knocking myself out I could quite probably have drowned and not be writing this article right now. I think the technology involved in the inflatable style PFDs is brilliant and in my opinion is best suited to being used on boats and larger vessels. I also strongly believe that they should all be self inflating, but that's a whole other debate. If you do choose to use an inflatable PFD on your yak, make sure it complies with Australian Standards AS 1512 (PFD Type 1) and keep up your manufacturer recommended maintenance of it.

So that brings us to the "traditional style" PFD, whether rated at PFD 1, 2, or 3. In my research finding particular rules for PFDs and Kayaks is not easy. MAST produces a very good brochure with basic tips which includes the safety tip of "always wear a PFD (lifejacket)". MAST also state on their website that "A PFD 3 can be worn by operators of kayaks, PWCs in sheltered waters and people being towed in the water."

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TASMAP’s Central Tasmania Map and Angling Notes is an invaluable guide to the world class trout fishing in the thousands of lakes and tarns located throughout the region.

It covers most of the Central Plateau, shows all of the lakes, how to get there along with launching facilities, accommodation, camping and caravan areas, fuel supplies and services.

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Fishing News - Page 42

Ready to launch. Notice the furled safety flag so boats can see you more easily.

My one tip whether you decide a PFD 1 or 2, or even both, make sure they are a high visibility colour. It is our responsibility as masters of our water craft to be as safe as possible, and also our responsibility to get home safely to our families. The more we make ourselves visible to other water craft users the more chance we have of being safe.

Specialty kayak fishing PFDs are also now abundant in the market place, they are easy to identify as they have a high back to accommodate the yak's seat, these PFDs are usually Type 2 or 3. They also come with an array of storage pouches; mesh pockets zip pockets and attachments.

If I just wanted to dedicate myself to soft plastic fishing, I wouldn't take a tackle box with me as I could fit almost everything I need in my PFD pockets. I did an inventory after a trip one day to see what I was carrying:

A specialty kayak PFD with the authors gear for a day soft plastic fishing.

Personally I have own two PFDs for my yak fishing, a PFD 1 and a PFD 2, though the vast majority of my fishing is done on "sheltered waters" (small bays, creeks and rivers) so my PFD 2 sees far more use than the other.

The PFD 1 has one very distinct advantage over the PFD 2, head support. One incident that every kayaker, whether yak fisherman, sea kayaker or pleasure yakker, is conscious of is the possibility of being hit by a boat, which is why we recommend high visibility coloured clothing and flags to all kayakers. I could not find a recorded incident of it every happening in Tassie and it should never happen, to quote our boating rules (powerboat): "No boat shall exceed a speed of 5 knots when within 60 metres of a wharf, jetty, mooring, the shoreline or other boat" That "other boat" comment is defined as including sailing boats, canoes, kayak and rafts; however as we all know there are people who know all the rules that apply and adhere to them.

Then there are people who either don't or choose to ignore them, either way there is a risk from both groups. Let’s face it we sit in a craft which, though it is long as an average tinny, only sits 6 inches out of the water and can easily be hidden by a slight swell. It's not likely to happen, but if it does the likelihood of being knocked unconscious is there. With a PFD 1's head support you will have a better chance of survival in this rare and unlikely event.

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• 5 packets of soft plastic lures • 8 spare jig heads in an old film canister • a 50 m roll of 10 lb leader line • a pocket knife • an emergency whistle • my mobile phone in a waterproof satchel • my camera • braid scissors • a squid jig (with barb case), and drum roll please • an empty Mars bar wrapper (you get hungry out there sometimes)

(It’s all there, except camera which I was using and the Mars bar wrapper, but I usually do take a couple of snack type items with me.)

Both the mobile and camera are attached to the PFD with a lanyard. There was still plenty of room left in the pockets and I am sure I could also fit a small lure container, with about 4 lures in it, in there if I wanted. My PFD 1 has none of these options, which is probably another reason I don't use it, unless I am heading out onto open water. However if there is a chance of a change in conditions I will take the PFD 1 stored in my hull just in case.

If you are taking kids out with you on a kayak, I recommend that they wear a PFD 1, as it will provide the best support in the water. It is also worth your while to teach them how to float themselves in a PFD and also make sure they have a whistle as well.

Whilst dry suits sound like a great idea the author does not favour them. Do your research though if they appeal to you.

Okay so you can't just wear a PFD on your yak, of course there are certain beaches you can get away with that but let's not go there. As I mentioned at the start of the article we can have a variety of weather in one day, my best advice for going out in a yak is where what you think will suit most of the day's expected weather. Also remember your yak usually has storage options so take a dry bag with a polar fleece top in it and a change of clothes.

On your body

As far as clothing goes it down to personal choice, in the warmer months I wear a pair of light weight, quick drying pants and a fishing shirt, such as a Columbia or Kokoda fishing shirt. In autumn or winter I wear a ‘long john’ style wetsuit, where as some of my fellow yakkers go for the complete dry suit and others choose waders (I'll cover this option in some detail below), plus I still wear the shirt as well. As far as the shirt goes look for something that offers sun protection, many fishing shirts these days have a UPF rating of 30 or higher.

Wetsuits are tight (or snug) fitting, you basically just wear briefs underneath and they can be fun to get both in and out of, well okay fun probably isn't the best choice of words but it fits. The warmth factor is controlled by your own body heat affecting the small amount of water that penetrates the suit and you will need a change of clothes to get into once you get out of the water. I have been out in my favourite stretch of water in mid July wearing the wetsuit and not felt cold in the slightest. A well fitted wetsuit will keep you quite warm, despite being wet. Another distinct advantage is that they are relatively cheap, around $200 for a tailor made suit. If you do decide to go with a wetsuit, get your manufacturer to install a fly, just trust me on this it's well worth while. Oh yeah and they aren't necessarily the most flattering outfit to wear, especially if you are like me a bit on the biggish side of the line.

Unlike wet suits, dry suits are quite loose fitting, pretty comfortable to move around in and very easy to get on and off. You control your warmth with the clothing layer or layers you wear under the dry suit. The dry suit keeps your clothing dry but it doesn't provide much insulation in or of itself. This for me is the one drawback of a dry suit, if you over do the

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layers underneath, once you are out on the water it's a bit of a chore to fix the problem, especially if you are heading out onto open water. Dry suits are something you will need to spend a lot of time researching as they are an expensive piece of kit with prices starting at about $700 and upwards. They are however money well spent, if there is one thing that I do envy some of my yak fishing colleagues having, it is a Dry suit.

Now for the controversial option of waders!

This is one of the most hotly debated topics in not only the Australian kayak fishing fraternity but also overseas in the USA as well. Search any kayak fishing forum, such as www.akff.net and you will find heated debate about wearing waders on a kayak.

Yak fishermen in the States have even gone to the lengths of creating YouTube videos on the topic, search www.youtube.com with the words “waders” and “kayak” and you will find a few videos of people testing the theories.

I am no expert on the subject, but from the videos I have seen and the debate I have participated in on the subject, I am still torn on this option. However if you choose to wear waders on a kayak, you do so at your own risk. Make sure you know every safety recommendation there is for what happens if you fall into deep water wearing waders. One thing that does seem to be true however; you really should invest in a good set of waders. Not specifically for the kayak but also for wading, it’s just as easy to slip into deep water from a lakes edge, as it is to fall out of a kayak.

Footwear

As far as foot wear is concerned I wear wetsuit booties, they are comfortable and offer reasonable protection from spiky fish that may end up in your foot well or a rock lined shore or sea bed. Alternatively "Crocs" are becoming a popular choice especially when it is warmer, and then there are the various ranges of quick draining footwear designed with boaties and fishermen in mind. When fishing from a yak almost anything is better than bare feet or thongs.

With the right safety, fishing and personal gear you can spend a fun and frustration free day on the water.

Headwear

What to wear on your head is just as important as the rest of your body, you will loose body heat from the top of you head quite quickly despite the rest of you being rugged up. So in the colder months wear something warm and waterproof, there is nothing worse than a soggy cold hat. In the warmer months go for something with a wide bream forget the baseball cap, it only does about a quarter of the job as the back of your neck is going to get rather burnt. Legionnaire’s style caps are a good choice and the very popular "Arafat" cap is a very good option.

Hands

I am one of those lucky people, I don't really feel the cold all that much, some say it may have something to with an extra layer of insulation but I reckon I am just lucky. The only time I wear gloves is when I am handling fish that I am going to

release, but I usually have a pair of neoprene gloves with me on the yak especially in the colder months just in case. You can also get light weight Gore-Tex type material gloves for sun protection or specialty kayaking gloves. What ever you do don't neglect this area of your body; it's hard to paddle with cold hands and fingers.

Eyes

It doesn't matter if it's warm or cold, your eyes still need some form of protection, the glare off of the water can be quite bright and can in extreme cases it can cause some eye damage. A good pair of polaroid glasses will help with finding those elusive fish. One thing with eye wear, use a restraining device of some sort, I have lost a couple of pairs over board and it can get quite expensive.

John Pollard

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Fishing News - Page 44 Kayak accessories.indd 1

4/09/2008 9:56:07 AM

Bream from a kayak Craig Vertigan loves chasing all sorts from his ‘yak, but one of his favourites is Tassie’s bream. Take some tips from him, get your ‘yak and go looking.

Targeting bream from a kayak is a challenging and rewarding activity. Bream provide a challenge for the angler whether fishing from the shore, boat or kayak. They are an elusive fish, and you can spend many hours trying to find them. When you do find them they can be equally hard to catch and will do their best to make sure you don’t land them, with blistering runs for cover.

The place to find a bream is in just about any estuary or coastal lagoon around Tassie. Some of the better known spots are the rivers such as the Derwent, Ansons, Scamander, Swan and Little Swanport, and Georges Bay. Perhaps, some of the most rewarding spots for kayak based fishing are the small coastal lagoons and rivers, where it’s impossible to launch a boat. These places don’t receive as much angling pressure and are usually pristine waterways, where a paddle in beautiful scenery is reward in itself, and catching a fish is a bonus.

Fishing heavy structure

Some of a bream’s favourite hiding holes include rocks, pylons and fallen trees all encrusted with oysters, mussels and barnacles. Needless to say fishing in these conditions can be

Fishing a snag from a ‘yak is an up close and personal deal. It is easy to sneak right onto a snag without spooking the fish. Getting them out often gets creative though. tough on your gear, and you’re bound to have your fair share of bust-offs as the bream cut your line and give you a good roasting. But that’s half the fun isn’t it?

Recently I spent a few hours on Prince of Wales Bay on the Derwent for a mixed bag of flathead, couta, salmon and eventually a fat 39cm blue nose bream. Damn those couta can be a pain, grabbing your lure and slicing the line before it has a chance to get down to the bream! Just one more challenge to make the pursuit interesting, I suppose.

When fishing around the pylons you need to be able to do short and accurate casts. The idea is to get a soft plastic as close as possible to a pylon or under a jetty and let it sink down with a few twitches. I like to use a 1/16th jig head in this type of area. When the lure is near the bottom you then give it some gentle lifts and pauses while you retrieve it. Don’t be scared to lose a lure or two on the pylons. You need to have the soft plastic in the zone to be in with a chance. Bream are real ambush feeders, lying in cover waiting for an easy meal to chance by and then pouncing. I prefer a short fast action graphite rod for this purpose. You can cast lightweight lures accurately with such a rod around 6’ to 6’ 6”.

It pays to think about your angle of attack and how you’re going to land a fish if you get one on when fishing the pylons and other dense structure. A good sized bream can tow your kayak deeper into structure and get you into a bit of trouble.

The fish I got today did two good long runs away from the pylon I pulled him from towards more open water, and then changed tactics. He then did a number of solid runs back to the shellfish encrusted pylon from whence he came. I had to tighten up the drag a few notches to stop him about 50cm short of getting back to it. He did manage to tow me a couple of metres towards the snag too. By the time I gave him the comfort lift into the yak I found myself under the jetty and

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One of the rewards—a young black bream.

Fishing News - Page 45

surrounded by pylons. Exciting fishing! The bream went 39cm to the fork and was a fat pig!

When targeting bream in tight snaggy spots it pays to have your paddle on your lap ready to go. On a previous trip I pulled a 41cm brute out of a similar wharf. That time I had to use the paddle with one hand while I played the fish with some side pressure with the other. You can paddle one handed by using your body as a fulcrum, bracing the paddle to your chest and pushing to go backward or putting it behind your other arm and pulling to go forward. That extra couple of metres can mean the difference between a lost fish and landing the fish of a lifetime.

Another thing to think about when fishing around jetties and wharves is being aware of where your second rod is, if you are taking a couple with you. I usually take two, so that I can troll a hard body minnow between snags and then swap to another rod rigged with a soft plastic for probing the snags. My second rod usually sits in the rod holder behind me or in the one up front. But when fishing around wharves it could easily get snapped in two while you paddle under the wharf or get pulled in while fighting a horse bream. So after a couple of near disasters, I now strap my second rod in the paddle keeper on the side of the boat, making sure that the tip of the rod is inboard and won’t get snagged up on anything.

Coastal rivers and lagoons

These places are built for paddling. Often times when the wind is blowing hard offshore in the bays, you can find a sheltered spot on a coastal river to get amongst some bream.

There are some large rivers on the East coast which contain a large population of bream. But you’ll also find them in a number of other systems around the Southeast and the North coast. Around Hobart there’s Browns Rivulet and the Jordan River. Further a field there’s any number of rivers that hold populations of bream.

I had a session recently on a small creek on the Tasman Peninsula. I worked a lightly weighted soft plastic around all the likely looking snags, such as fallen timber, and rocky drop offs. The place was alive with cocky salmon and I ended up landing about a dozen of the lively critters. Using the stealth of the kayak, I was able to park myself on the side of a few snags and plonk a lure down amongst the branches. I love this style

Snags like these are often the home to very big bream. Fish them slowly and thoroughly. of fishing more for the excitement value than the success at times. Since the fish often can’t resist the soft plastic when you gently jig it up and down at their front door. But sometimes they seem to sense at the same time that something isn’t quite right. Consequently this makes for exciting polaroiding and fishing as the bream sometimes come out for a slow inspection and you’re meantime willing them to take it and at other times they dart out at a million miles an hour, grab your lure and head straight back into the snag. I probably lose the same amount of fish as I land in these conditions, but I love every minute of it. I ended up catching and releasing 4 good bream between 35 and 40cm, but lost another 4 or 5 and got a good close look at a monster. That’s the kind of thing that will keep you coming back for more.

A good technique when fishing a good snag in these rivers and lagoons is to use a small anchor to keep you in prime

position if there is a bit of a breeze. Make sure you lower your anchor slowly and gently so as not to spook the fish. I like to make sure I try all the angles of the snag before drift fishing down to the next one.

That same trip I saw real eye opener. The bream started feeding on the surface on mass. I attempted flicking resin head soft plastics at them, but soon realised that it was futile, since they were only feeding on the surface in heavy weed cover.

I think the only thing that would have worked was a floating weedless rigged soft plastic or fly fishing with a dry fly. What they were feeding on was a mystery to me. But I decided to just sneak up on a few of them and observe. They didn’t seem to sense the kayak until I was a couple of metres away. So I managed to get a good view of them coming up on their sides and grabbing something from the surface before splashing their tails and heading back down. It didn’t matter that they seemed uncatchable, it was just a joy to observe this activity close up. Such is the stealth factor of the kayak that you tend to see some amazing things. In fact on a previous trip in the same spot I saw a sea eagle swoop down and grab a salmon from the surface about ten metres away from me.

Observations from the yak

Kayaking has also been a big learning tool for breaming for me. In places where I previously have not caught anything I’ve been able to observe that there are fish about, but they are so deep in the structure that attempts to cast a lure in there from the shore would result in many lost lures and some serious frustration. It’s an eye opener to see how many casts around a snag result in no interest until you park yourself in the snag with branches on either side of the yak. At times I’ve dangled a soft plastic for what seems like a ridiculously long time, before a bream has come out of nowhere to swipe the lure. Another trip recently I came across about five schools of bream so far inside the fallen trees that it was impossible to coax them out. One tree had a school of about 20 and I attempted to get some photos of them, but they were spoilt by the glare on the water. I can highly recommend a paddle and a fish in a river chasing these truly magnificent sportfish. They are just about the perfect sports fish. Challenging and rewarding to catch, they put on some brutally good fighting, and when they’re ready to land are the most well behaved fish I’ve encountered. I love the way you can give them a simple comfort lift with your hand underneath their body, bring them into the boat, take a photo, get the hook out and set them free and all that time they don’t tend to do any flapping about at all. It’s as though they are designed for catch and release fishing!

Craig Vertigan

A stonking bream pulled from the pylons.

Fishing News - Page 46

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