Tasmanian Fishing and Boating News Issue 105 2013 August

Issue 105 August - September 2013 $5.95

Trout Season OPENER

Print Post approved; 100003074

101 Trout Hot Spots, Techniques, Lures, Flies and Baits to Guarantee Fish

Leroy Tirant with a Lake Plimsoll brook trout

Over 1000 FISHING STORIES

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4

Trout Tips from Tackle Shops

4

Trout Tips from a Fishing Guide — Bob McKinley

10

Jan’s Flies — Jan Spencer

12

Tiny Creeks to Sea Run Trout — Christopher Bassano

13

Mersey River – Now Even Better — Adrian Webb

16

Ninteen Lagoons – Beyond the Boom — Peter Broomhall 20

10

16 I

t is all about trout this time of the year. We have put together a comprehensive coverage of predictions for the start of the season from a variety of sources.

These comes from tackle shops staff and owners, guides, our regular writers and others.

My plan was to go to Lake Leake - and if you check out our Facebook page you will see how I went.

Yes - we have finally embraced Facebook. We are generally early adopters of technology, but in this instance we thought our hug website www.tasfish.com would do all we needed. We were wrong. So now we have Tasmanian Fishing & Boating News Facebook page that works with our website.

This gives you immediate updates to fishing and links to more comprehensive information on the website.

Inland Fishery News

24

Hicks Havens – More Trouting Choices — Gavin Hicks

26

Marine Fishery News — And Who Does What

30

Reviews 36 Fishing, boating and accommodation services directory

On page 30 the Government Recreational Fishing Management talks about a decline in Marine Fishing licences. These are needed - quite rightly for all high value fisheries - such as rock lobster, abalone, scallops, striped trumpeter etc. These fisheries need some research, monitoring and careful management. They are also commercial fisheries.

Current licence money goes to Consolidated Revenue, Fishwise fund and managing the recreational fishery.

Did you know there is only one full time marine recreational employee in DPIPWE. I do not believe simply fishing with a rod from a jetty EVER needs to be licenced. To me, that is what I see the Government trying to do in the future. It will stop people fishing, not encourage.

Like us on Facebook to keep in touch on this and other fishing issues.

Mike Stevens

Mike Stevens talks fishing ABC Statewide Saturday mornings 6.40 a.m.

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

Fax: 6331 1378 Email; mike@tasfish.com Phone: 0418 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; 100003074

For subscriptions go to www.tasfish.com or phone Mike 0418 129 949 One year $36 - two years $70 includes postage.

38

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Fishing News - Page 3

Trout tips ... from tackle shops W

e did a bit of a runaround Tasmania’s tackle stores to see what their tips for the first month or so of the tackle season were. We asked what the top three places to fish were, plus lures, flies, baits and a few other things.

Top three lures, flies etc: Lure (troll or cast): Ashley 14 Green and Gold Plastic: 65mm Squidgey Fish in Garry Glitter Fly: Big wets fished slow

Here is a rundown on their answers

Bait: Wattle Grubs

Whenever, and wherever you fish - anywhere, or for any fish in the world - ask the locals and especially ask at the local tackle store. They know what was caught today, yesterday and on what.

Recommended gear:

Leroy Tirant with a Lake Plimsoll brookie taken on a Maria Shad 50D suspending.

Lake Plimsoll is a great early season fishery.

TackleWorld and Outdoor Burnie Top three waters for the opening of the trout season Burnie and West Coast area: 1.Pet and Guide Dam 2 Inglis River 3.Lake Plimsoll Top three lures, flies etc: Lure (troll or cast): Ashley 2” Number 28,14, 29; Rapala spotted dog F7; Yo-Zuri Pins Minnow 70mm Plastic: Berkley black and gold T-tail, Gulp pumpkinseed minnow grub.

Fly: Woolly Worm, Gibson woolly bugger mk2 Bait: Scrub and garden worms, PowerBait Recommended gear: Spin rod and lures: Shimano Jewel. Ideal for Ashley/Devon 2”spinners plus most Cobras.

Troll Rod and lures: Silstar Leadline Combo’s with 5 colours of leadline. King Cobra/Tassie Devils/ Hellins Flatfish Soft Plastic rod and lures: Shimano Catana Combo - New Crucis rods

2. Lake Paloona, plenty of shore access along banks. Most under fished lake in Tassie. Lucky craft Tangos, F7 Rapala in Brook Trout and Perch.

Woolly buggers in black and red.

3. Lake Plimsol. Along edges with inflowing water, Maria 50mm suspending shad in black silver or Luckycraft Tango in Brown and Rapala Cd7 in Golden Albernus. Plastics deep in black/gold ttailon 1/8th jigheads

Tuffwear - Burnie Top three waters for start of the season: 1. Pet Dam 2. Guide Dam 3. Lake Burbury Top three lures, flies etc: Plastic: Berkley Black and Gold T-tail minnow Fly: Woolly Bugger Bait: Power Bait

NW Coast angler - Bryan Van Wyk Top three waters for start of the season: It’s gotta be lakes/dams! Rivers are usually slow.

1. Guide Dam.

2. Arthurs Lake 3. Four Springs

2. Talbots Lagoon.

Coastal Marine Top three waters for start of the season:

Although you need to get a permit to fish here (which is not hard to get), it is an absolutely awesome spot to catch a bigger than average brownie! I like fishing it from around SeptemberNovember (for rainbows) which is why it’s not my number 1, but it is a great spot to fish opening season. My favourite lure is a Berkley black and gold T-tail fished on a 1/8th jighead or less.

Tips for better results: When spinning pick the shore with the onshore wind.

Fish your plastics slow and deep.

When fishing with bait (worms) fish as light as possible with a single worm.

3. Four Springs.

Bigfin Sportsfishing - Devonport Top three waters for start of the season: 1. Mersey River: Anywhere along its length now IFS has secured many angler access points.

Fishing News - Page 4

I find that the slower you fish with soft plastics the more you will catch.

I’ve had some of my best sessions at this place early on in the season. If you’re a north-wester then don’t forget to have a crack at your door step before going across the state to other areas. The trusty green and gold Ashley spinner with red spots is a winner here.

Fly Rod, lines and flies: Vision Zulu combo, Gibson Flies

Shallow Maria lures and F5 floating Rapalas.

Bead head nymphs in fast water and wooley buggers in flooded margins and back waters.

Tips for better results:

Lure (troll or cast): Lofty 48, Hueys Spotted Dog

1. Great Lake

Lines: Power Pro braid, YGK Nitlon, Soft DMV mono.

Depends on your budget, I get all my gear from Bigfin Sportsfishing they have everything!

Four Springs can be one of the best early season waters. Trophy fish are always a chance as well.

This one is a bit closer to home for many. Which can result in larger numbers of anglers, especially at the start of the season. I know many don’t like to share waters but nevertheless, this place has its reputation for fishing well early in the season for big fish. My favourite lure is a black and gold hawk sniper. I like to fish shallow diving lures here as it’s extremely weedy on the bottom. I’ve done well on the snipers in the past and since then it has been my go-to lure here!

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Fishing News - Page 5

Fishing Gear - Launceston

Yep Tassie Tackle

Top three waters for start of the season:

Top three waters for start of the season:

1. Lake Leake.

1. Curries River Dam

2. Pine Tier Lagoon.

2. Lake King William

3. Bradys Lake.

3. Lake Plimsol

Top three lures, flies etc: Lure (troll or cast) Ashley 2’” colour 14D / Tassie Devil colour Y90, Rapala Jointed pattern Trout.

Plastic: Squidgey Bug - Bloodworm, Gulp Grub - Pumpkinseed, Yep Red Rascal, Black and gold Flapper.

Fly: Trevor Berne’s ‘Cat Fly’, Possum Fur Nymph, Bead Head Black Woolly Bugger (Trevor Berne) Bait: Wattle Grubs, Moon Bait worms, Dynamite Bait ‘Trout Pellet’.

Recommended Gear: Spin Rod and Lures: Fishing Gear Supreme rod 6’6” 2-4 Kg. Troll Rod and Lures: Fishing Gear ‘All-Rounder’ (NEW).

Soft Plastic rod and lures: Shimano ‘Raider’ soft plastic rod.

Lines: Sufix XL Strong, Fuse Braid, Platypus Classic.

Top three lures, flies etc: Lure (troll or cast): Yep Yellow peril Plastic: Black n Gold Flapper Fly: Red And Black Matuka weighted Tips for better results: Fish slow and deep if you are not snagging the bottom you are not fishing deep enough

The Fishing Connection Top three waters for start of the season: 1. Derwent River 2. Great Lake

Soft Plastic rod and lures: Shimano Jewel or Catana.

3. Arthurs Lake Top three lures, flies etc:

Bait: Wattle Grubs, Worms, Power Bait.

Fly Rod, lines and flies: Rod: Vision ‘Nite’ 9’ #6 weight. S A Mastery GPX line.

Tips for better results: In the early season use lures with a slow wide action at slow speed. Fish deep and use flies with long fur or Marabou which give plenty of movement when fished slowly.

The Derwent River has some great early season trout fishing. Access is easy along much of its length.

Strike Pro Galaxia Minnow – No: #553 and 986G, Tasmanian Devil – No: 50, Black and Yellow Yeti Size 8, Lure (troll or cast): Sting No:23 Plastic: Berkley Gulp

Lines: Shimano Power Pro 3,4,5 and 8lb Bait: Wattle Grub Fly Rod, lines and flies: Airflo Combo – starting at $149.95.

Use a good quality Fluro Carbon leader – V Hard or similar.

Fly: Woolly Bugger Mk2 size 14 Bait: Wattle Grub

Tips for better results:

Recommended gear: Spin rod and lures: Shimano Xtreamstix 7’ combo.

Troll Rod and lures: As above – great multi use option.

Fish the breezey shore – because most anglers won’t so these are relatively untouched and fish remain here longer both undisturbed and feeding.

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Fishing News - Page 6

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Fishing News - Page 7

Tackle Us

Devonport boat ‘n’ tackle

Top three waters for start of the season:

1. Mersey or Leven rivers with an unweighted worm, spinning I would use Ashley 16d or 29.

1. Bronte Lagoon

2. Four Springs using soft plastics with a hint of orange eg atomic guzzler radioactive rooster.

2. Lake Echo

3. Woods Lake trolling rainbow Rapalas or cobras with light pink.

3. Derwent River Top lures, flies etc:

Sherriff Agencies – Matt Sherriff

Lure (troll or cast): Liquid Gold Aurum minnows in Green Creed, POP, Pumpkin soup,

Top three waters for the start off the season: 1. Four Springs – always good early season

Daiwa Double Clutch Black and Gold

2. Arthurs Lake – fish smaller than great lake but there is just something special about this lake

Plastic: Yep Black and Gold Flapper, Berkley T-tail Olive Pearl,Yep Pumpkinseed Flapper Fly: White bait cut throat, Derwent Bunny, Bruce Gibson Bull head olive Bait:Scrub Worms,Wattle grubs, Maggots

Lake Echo is underfished, but offers extraordinary shore and boat based fishing from the start of the season.

St Helens Bait and Tackle

Recommended gear:

Top three waters for start of the season:

Spin rod and lures: Rovex air strike rods.

1. Georges River

Liquid Gold lures.

Troll Rod and lures: Rovex air strike rods. Daiwa double Clutch Black and Gold.

Soft Plastic rod and lures: Rovex air strike rods, Yep Black and Gold Flapper Lines: Berkley Fireline crystal.

Bait: Wattle Grubs $varies Fly Rod, lines and flies: Flies, Fly combo Find your budget and stick to it. Good combo’s start at $149.95 Tips for better results:

2. South Esk River 3. Big Waterhouse Lagoon Top three lures, flies etc: Lure (troll or cast): Mepps Aglia Decoree #1 gold/ red dots Plastic: Strike Tiger 3” Curl Tail Grub spotted brew Fly: #12 Brown Pot Scrubber nymph Bait: scrubworms Tips for better results:

Trout are more than often deep this time of year.

My recommendations are to concentrate your efforts around the middle of the day when the sun is at its highest and waters are warmer and look for ripples on the water.

In the rivers, fish with light lines, 4 - 6lb, and cast upstream searching all the little back eddies and changes in current. Trout will lay where there is least resistance for them and maximum access to food darting out into the main current when something grabs their eye.

3. Derwent River – sea runners peak early in the season. I believe these are the best conditioned/ fighting trout in the state Top three lures, flies etc: Lure (troll or cast): Hawk Sniper in B/Gold or RT. Plastic: Berkley Powerbait Minnow in Pearl/Watermelon Fly: Fur Fly. Bait: Worms Recommended gear: Spin rod and lures: Lox Yoshi and Hawk Snipers.

Troll Rod and lures: Hawk Spectra X and Hawk Snipers or Tassie Devils.

Soft Plastic rod and lures: Crucis Nano series and Powerbait Minnows or T Tails.

Lines: Berkley Fireline 3-6lb with Unitika Flouro Leader 4lb. Sunline Sniper FC 3lb Flouro.

Fly Rod, lines and flies: G Loomis 5-6wt and Fur Fly or Brown Nymph.

Tips for better results: Fish the windblown rocky shores on the lakes with hardbody lures/plastics. Fish should be feeding hard after spawning. Backwaters on rivers should be worth prospecting if rain keeps the water levels up.

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Fishing News - Page 9

Early season Bob McKinley Bob is a professional fishing guide and guides for trout and estuary species. Check him out at www.fishwildtasmania.com

T

here are several things we look for in our early season trout waters. It is still winter and cold, so some of the things to consider are: Altitude as this dictates the water temperature and therefore feeding activity.

Food for the fish. Availability of trout food is generally dictated by the quantity and quality of weed beds.

Quantity of fish.

Three waters which I believe fit all three requirements are:

SOUTH - Derwent River Some of the best early season trout fishing IN Tasmania is found near Hobart in the Derwent River.

The Derwent’s seaward limit is about 20K South of Hobart at the Iron Pot, however it is the water above Hobart where trout are taken in good numbers during Spring.

At this time of the year trout feeding on pretty fish are found all over the Derwent, especially from the Tasman Bridge up to the Boyer pulp mill. The best fishing is generally somewhere in between.

Pretty fish (Not to be confused with whitebait) are the target food of the trout from August to the end of October and there are dozens of great imitation flies available at local tackle shops. A good imitation is a fur fly with a dark green back and pale under body.

Whitebait starts to run up the rivers around the end of September, peaks in October and tapers off in Late November. This run attracts resident trout but also brings with it sea run trout which are legendary in Tasmanian waters.

These fast feeding fish are best located by the sprays of whitebait flying out of the water as the sea runners charge through the bait schools. There are plenty of good whitebait imitations available in Hobart and most will do the job if you can get them in front of a feeding fish.

A boat is handy as it is easy to move from place to place, but there is huge scope for shore based fishing as well. Any protruding point, no matter how small can be a real hot spot.

All methods will be rewarded from bait fishing to soft plastics, lures and fly. Check you local tackle store for the best lures, flies and bait to suit your method. You will also catch flathead on the bottom, bream if you fish really slowly and small Australian salmon. There is a health warning not to eat bream as they are very long-lived and can have a build up of heavy metals.

NORTH - Four Springs Situated in the North of the State, a short drive from Westbury, off the Bass Highway between Launceston and Devonport. The route to Four Springs is well sign posted from the main street of Westbury.

...tips from a trout guide The Derwent River is a fabulous place to chase sea run trout.

Due to its low altitude, it has the best early season hatches with midge on any decent day and the first of the dun hatches from early October when you can find trophy trout surface feeding well before any other waters fires up.

Four Springs is purely a recreational water which is stocked with browns and rainbow trout yielding fish of three to four kilograms.

Both the South and North ends as well as the East side of the lake are shallow and big trout can be found there early season.

Fly anglers will need to fish wet flies during the early months of August and September so try a fur fly, dark woolly bugger or a damsel nymph all fished very slowly. Best results are usually on a type three sinking line.

Although drifting using a drogue is common, better touch, and results can often be had by mooring the boat and moving a few metres every 10-15 minutes.

Good plastics to try - either trolling or casting are Yep black and gold Flappers, Red Rascal split tail Yeps; Berkley pumpkinseed minnows, Berkley black and gold T-Tails.

Baits - anything from worms to mudeyes This is a very rewarding fishery from the start and grubs are all good. For those chasing of the season in August through to late November rainbows, Powerbait does the trick. when it can get too warm for trout to feed during the day.

Fishing News - Page 10 www.tasfish.com - Get the knowledge

Four Springs attracts a huge following from opening day and trophies can be caught.

- Get the fish.

CENTRAL Highlands - Woods Lake If you want to find good big feeding trout in the Highlands during the early season months, then Woods Lake is one great option. At 740m above sea level and well protected in a valley it is one of the Central Highlands lower altitude waters with its neighbour, Arthurs Lake at 960m. This water remains at a slightly higher temperature keeping bugs active and trout feeding right from the start of the season.

In August and September you will need to be prepared for cold weather and fish a wet fly. Try a floating line in the shallow waters with a fur fly that resembles galaxias or a dark woolly bugger with some green on it. For deeper water use varied rate of sinking lines and the same wet flies.

Midge will hatch on any fine still day during September to October and Woods lake trout will readily rise to them if the larger chironomid are amongst the hatch. From October to the end of Nov stone fly will be the dominant hatch and it is great to see trout rising on any water with plenty of these flies Be ready if it calms out as the stonefly will go out and hatch by the thousands bringing most fish up to surface feed however this is like rocking horse manure, its pretty rare.

Woods Lake fishes well from the start to the finish of the season.

10 OUT OF 10

Bob McKinley

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Fishing News - Page 30/05/13 9:18 11 AM

Jan’s

Flies

Jan Spencer

F

ishing early season is cold, but it can be very productive.

If you are fly fishing you will almost certainly be wet fly fishing - unless the fish are in very shallow water then a dry fly may work.

Anglers all seem to have their early season favourites and most are weighted in one way or another. Patterns include many versions of Woolly Worms in different colours - such as black, brown, olive and combinations. Mrs Simpson, fur flies, Yetis, Cat flies, Leeches, Streamers, Soft Hackle English wets and Matukas all have their followers.

The chosen fly to start the season for me is a leech pattern and like most wets they come in many pattern styles and colours. I like black or olive.

The following pattern not only imitates a leech but many other aquatic foods. Leeches swim with an up and down movement and have a flat, slim body. Personally I prefer a long tail because it gives a lot of action when retrieved. Weight the fly to get it down to the fish zone.

My choice of line for the early season is a DI-3 or line that sinks at three inches per second - or you can go heavier — depending on depth of water.

Method In windy conditions I like a drogue to slow the boat. This makes it easier to get the fly down without overtaking it in the boat. Many now advocate anchoring and fishing from a stationary boat — this will keep you in better touch with your flies.

1. Take thread full length of hook shank. Tie in flat gold rib. Place zonker strip on top of shank and tie down firmly. Now place and tie in body material; bring thread forward and finish back from the eye a little.

Green Leech

2. Wind body material forward to the thread, tie it off and cut away excess.

Hook:

Long shank, heavy shank size 10

Thread:

Black 6/0

Rib:

Flat gold

3. Tie in a single guinea fowl feather and cut away stem. Wind forward two or three turns, tie down and cut off excess.

4. Bring fur strip over both body and hackle, tie down very firmly and cut away any excess which may be over the eye.

Tail/Back: Olive green zonker strip. Must be tanned for flexibility.

Body:

Olive green leech yarn

Hackle:

Dyed olive green guinea fowl feather

5. Bring rib forward in even turns to front, tie down and cut away excess.

6. Form a nicely shaped head, whip finish, cut away and varnish.

What’s the best way to test waders?

Outfitting anglers since 1986

Get someone who practically lives in waders to give ‘em heaps!

We asked Trout guide, Commonwealth Gold Medallist and competition angler, Christopher Bassano to try them for a season.

Christopher wears waders for about 250 days a year and he gave Aquaz the big thumbs up.

‘Right up there, and in fact better than some of the highly priced brands used by some snobs and greenhorns.

‘Love the fit and comfort, great belt and gravel guards, and reinforced knees.

And when I learned the price I couldn’t believe it’.

We are so confident in Aquaz waders we offer a three year seam warranty. If the seams leak within three years we will repair or replace your waders — no questions asked.

However, to be fair, if you roll down a forest of black berries, have the crotch eaten out by a Tassie Devil, or lose a fight with a barbed wire fence, we will gladly sell you a repair kit to keep the water out.

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Fishing News - Page 12

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Tiny creeks ...and sea run trout Christopher Bassano fishes over 250 days a year. This interview was recorded just before he headed off to fish for Australia in the World Fly Fishing Championships in Norway 14-17 August.

I

live on a small stream and at the start of the season I like to go off on a bit of a discovery mission and fish the headwaters of the creeks and rivers I feel an affinity with.

These small rivers include the St Pats, Meander, Forester, Little Forester and others. The further up you go on these rivers the clearer and lower the levels. They are often less affected by the rain and runoff and you get some good opportunities. Get as close to the source as you can and you will find some good dry fly fishing. Don’t limit yourself to those I have mentioned. Most headwaters will hold trout.

I am talking about some pretty small waters here and that means

something you can step across up to a couple of metres wide and almost always less than half a metre deep — 200-400mm is probably ideal. The water will be shallow and fish will only need to move a few centimetres. Fish will be sitting on the bottom and will NOT move far to intercept your offering.

Dry fly fishing is possible and is not something many people do in August, but I love it. Fish are less selective at this time and the standard flies for me are Royal Wulffs or something quite visible.

You can use a nymph in the deeper depressions and pools to very good effect and the flies I like here are simple. Try Pheasant Tail nymphs with a gold bead, Hares Ear with gold or coloured beads. A bit of colour does seem to appeal to me – and the fish in this cold water.

The upper tributaries can be clear and fun from opening day - even with dry flies.

If you are inclined fishing a Woolly Bugger upstream can be great fun. Keep your casts short and retrieves should be constantly changing – a bit of a jigging motion, dead drift, and then a bit faster than the current. Try flies size 10-12 and even just tea-bag them in holes from the bank with just your leader out of the rod tip. This can be great fun in the slightly bigger holes and back eddies.

Huntsman has fished well over Winter with plenty of small fish around the edges. It is a fall back though if you fish the top of the Meander and aren’t having any luck.

If you need a big fish fix — go and fight for a spot at Four Springs. I don’t fish Huntsman or Great Lake at this time as they are open all year and I could fish them in Winter.

If you do decide to head for the hills and fish the Highlands I will give you a few tips there as well. You will do better with a boat. I like water about four to five metres deep. The surface temperature is very

Another water I have had great early season success that is away from the bitter cold of the Highlands is Lake Leake and Tooms – although I don’t fish Tooms much.

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Fishing News - Page 13

cold and the fish will be lurking around the slightly warmer deeper water. It is essential to get your flies down amongst them and fish them slowly — very slowly. Deep and slow is the key.

The exception here is Penstock as it is shallow and fish don’t get the chance to move to deeper water, but you still want to be fishing near the bottom and once again very slowly.

I don’t fish the edges much at this time. There may be an occasional fish, but it is not a prime area to target in the Highlands. Some of the lower lakes can be okay around the edges though.

Technique The key to success is technique. Chuck and chance that some anglers employ is like gambling — sometime you might win – mostly you won’t.

Fish deep and slow; Deep and slow; Deep and slow; Repeat it one hundred times to yourself.

A small headwater trout. They are fun all year round, but I love chasing them in the first month or so.

Keep in touch with your flies the whole time your flies are in the water. To me it is extraordinary how often a fish will take your fly ‘on the drop’ and most angler will never know, or they just might feel a slight take. To me this is a lost fish and lost opportunity.

Fish the hang. Don’t know what that means? It is fishing the flies right up until they reach the boat and then letting them hang there — often quite vertically from your rod tip. If a fish has been following it will regularly find the hanging fly irresistible. It is a pretty cool thing to see – and feel as the rod bends.

Deep and slow is the key to success early in the season. Bulky, dark flies with a splash of colour are my first preference for lakes.

Bulky, dark flies for early season. Flies that push some water with bulky wings or bodies seem to work better for me in cold water. Also flies with plenty of movement such as Zonkers etc are good.

Dark flies with a splash of colour are good. Black is great, but throw in some sparkle or bright orange.

Particular flies don’t worry me too much though and it is a lot of personal preference.

Find the weed beds. This is important and combine it with deep and slow and you will catch fish.

Fly lines are important. Shallow water of a couple of metres I would fish a type three or five (three to five inches a second sink rate) — deeper water of say three to five metres I would go with a type five to seven or even eight with a slightly shorter leader. This also depends on drift speed if fishing from a boat.

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Fishing News - Page 14

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Best Highland lakes. Okay if you must chase the bigger fish in the Highlands then Penstock, Little Pine and maybe Bronte if it is rising. Bronte is about 400 metres lower than Great Lake so it is a little warmer and fish do get in the shallows so that is a good option for shore based anglers. A black Woolly Worm or Fur Fly is a good fly here.

Arthurs is always an unknown, because at times it can surprise or disappoint. Deeper water as I said is the key, along with finding the weed beds. It can take a lot of searching to find fish, but then it can really turn it on.

Woods can also be great, but as a guide I tend to keep away from the most popular waters. Same as Arthurs — find the weed beds in deeper water and fish your flies slowly over them.

Searun trout This is something I really love and in Tasmania there are plenty of opportunities. Most anglers don’t take advantage of this and it can be wonderful sport.

I am only going to touch on it here quickly. Check out issue 82 of TFBN for more or search it on www.tasfish.com for more.

The best places I have found on the Derwent are around the Bridgewater area — up to the Lime Kilns - above Granton/Bridgewater and it is always worth a run up to Boyer.

Shore based anglers can find good sport from Cornelian Bay up.

Flies I like are BMS or similar and olive is my favourite colour.

Don’t have flies that are too bulky.

The most important thig though is fast accurate casting and getting the fly in front of the fish quickly as soon as you see a fish attacking the bait.

In general for this type of fishing from the shore — to fish I can see, I use a floating line. It is easier to pick up and deliver it quickly. From a boat I prefer a sink tip line as this will often get a bit deeper and from my experience you will find some bigger fish this way. And from a boat you are higher up so picking up you line is a little easier. But, in a boat I also have the luxury of having space for more than one rod, so I will also have a floating line rigged and ready as well.

Christopher Bassano

The Derwent is probably the best early water and the pick for me in August. It is long and has a lot of good water.

The next water for me is the Huon and this tends to fire up later and mid-September to late October will see me there. Waters further south such as Lune, Catamaran, Esperance etc are similar to the Huon as far as timing goes.

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Fishing News - Page 15

Mighty Mersey ...one of Adrian Webb

our best rivers

The Mersey River is now even better - with ‘Anglers Access’ project completed. Adrian Webb fishes the Mersey consistently from the start to the end of the season. Here is his guide and a few tips.

T

he Mersey River starts its journey from Lake Youd in the Walls of Jerusalem National Park and flows down through Lees Paddocks and into Lakes Rowallan and Parangana. The river above Lake Rowallan is accessible from a track at the top end of the road that runs along the left of the lake. A steep walk of around a kilometre is required to reach the river from this point and there are some very nice stretches of river to fish in this area. So if you think your fit enough then it’s well worth the trip into this scenic area.

Lake Rowallan and the Mersey River above the lake is classed as Rainbow Trout waters and are opened and closed different to that of the Brown Trout season. The rainbow trout season opens from Saturday nearest the 1st October and closed from the Sunday nearest the 31st May each year.

A current angling license is required to fish any inland waters in Tasmania. The Mersey is open to all methods of fishing these being Fly Fishing, Spin Fishing and *Bait Fishing *(bait fishing is not allowed in National Parks)*. The brown trout season opens on the first Saturday in August and closes the last Sunday in April each year.

The Mersey River from below Lake Parangana flows through valleys and farmlands all the way unobstructed to Devonport where it enters Bass Strait. This long section of river is classed as ‘brown trout’ water and trout fishing in this river is excellent.

Many sections of the river are now accessible to angling with the new ‘Angler Access’ areas that have now been set up with the permission of the many land owners. Our thanks to them for allowing this program to proceed along this great river. Thanks also to Neil Morrow, Project Manager of the IFS, and Anglers Alliance because without these people projects like this could not have been completed.

Any areas of the river that does not have access signs on them, then you must obtain permission from the landowners to gain access.

Fishing News - Page 16

Lure fishing the Mersey River is the author’s favorite.

Around 12 years ago this river was in a very poor state until commonsense prevailed and Hydro Tasmania decided to have a regulated flow of water from Lake Parangana into the system. Since then the Mersey has improved over the years and the fishing has also improved considerably. This river is now one of the best rivers in the state to fish and holds good numbers of brown and rainbow trout.

Last season (2012-13) in 42 trips I managed 124 browns and 50 rainbows, but my best season was the one described in the following paragraph. It gives you an idea how productive the Mersey River can be.

The start of the trout season began with some very good rains and the Mersey and its tributaries all had a very much needed flush out making for a great seasons trout fishing. Not only for this river but for most rivers across the State and made for one of the biggest dun hatches I have seen for many years,and lasted for several weeks as well. Fishing from below Lake Parangana all the way down to Merseylea was great, and was my best trout season ever. In 72 trips to various sections of the Mersey I managed to catch a total 581 fish (493 browns, 87 rainbows and one Australian grayling) which is an average of eight fish each trip. There were days when it was tough going and that was during the dun hatch time mainly.

Being a spin fisherman at this time can be quite frustrating especially with fish rising and jumping in every stretch of river as far as the eye can see. This is a time when the

trout are normally not one bit interested in my blade spinners and this is why I always have a fly-dropper attached to the bottom section of my anti-kink setup.

I have found this to be a must when spinning for trout. My best Mersey fish of 1.5 kilos was and taken on the fly-dropper. (season 2010-11) The areas I fish in the Mersey River are many and start from below Merseylea up to the dam wall at Lake Paranga and it can take me up to 6 hours to fish four kilometres of river. I will fish a stretch of river one day and then the next day will try another area 5 or 10 kms further upstream or downstream, I never fish the same section in consecutive days.

I will return to that area a week or two later sometimes as it depends on how my catch rate was for that stretch of river. Some areas seem to produce a lot more fish than others at different times of the season, and over a period of time fishing not only this river but any river one gets to know the better sections to fish.

Like many rivers the Mersey has its deep slow flowing and shallow fast water sections of water that all produce good catches of quality trout. I prefer to fish the fast water sections, as this, to me, has always been the most productive areas for both the brown and rainbow trout.

The Mersey is diverse, long and easily accessed.

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Brown and Rainbow trout illustrations Kristii Melaine. Blackfish illustration by W.Fulton.

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Design and layout by ILS Design Unit, DPIPWE.

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Fishing News - Page 17

As with any river you fish you must get in and wade it if you want to catch a bag of trout. If you don’t get into the river and cast to every section you can reach, you will probably be going home empty handed! As I wrote in my last article (Tasmanian Fishing News: Edition 102: Spinning Basics)

light tackle is essential when river fishing for trout and for those of you that missed the edition, well here it is again.

Use a lightweight rod, a good quality reel 2 kg. monofilament line and not a cheap one.

As for lure selection you can choose from the metal blade spinners, hard body bibbed lures, squidgies etc. I am a user of the blade spinner and there are many that work extremely well,such as Insects, Blue Fox-Vibrax, Mepps, Celtas plus a lot of other brands available to choose from. There many tackle stores that you can visit to purchase all of the equipment you will require for trout fishing the Mersey River.

When fishing the Mersey or any other river make your way to the middle section of it where possible, by doing this you should be able to cast and reach both sides of the river. I know there will be parts of the river that will be too deep to wade out to, so just go out to a level that you feel comfortable with. DO NOT take any risks as no fish is worth drowning for.

Once you have made your way out to the centre or thereabouts, then start your first cast to one river bank and work your way around by making the next cast about one metre apart until you have completed 180 degrees. Do this at least three times then move upstream another six metres and repeat the same procedure. By fishing this way you cover every bit of river and your catch rate will be right up there with the best of them.

As for the fly fisher, well you guys already know how to work a river and duns, caddis, black spinner flies etc all work well on the Mersey.

Bait fishers can use worms early in the season (August-September) and later in the season wattle grubs, crickets, black cockroaches and grass hoppers all produce fish.

A good section of river to fish is above the Union Bridge on the road from Sheffield to Mole Creek, as this area is very accessible with plenty of open space for parking. Here you can sit back and relax and bait fish in the big deep pool next to the bridge or slip into your waders and fish upstream from the top of the pool. The long stretch of river above this pool is wade-able for at least 3 to 4 kms. I have had some excellent catches of both brown and rainbow trout in this area. Although the fish are not over large, there is still good fishing to be had throughout this section of the Mersey River. The odd fish over one kilogram, is taken, but most fish average around 350 gms. They put up a pretty good fight on light tackle, especially in the fast water sections. Below the bridge is also worth fishing, but this is private property and permission MUST be obtained from the Landowner before entering this area.

Further up there is the little farming area of Liena and this also has some very good trout fishing, and you can park your vehicle next to the bridge and walk to the river from there. Access is quite easy and this is one more area where you can go off wading upstream or sit back and bait fish the large pool next to the bridge.

From here you can only fish upstream, as it is pretty tough going downstream due to the heavy under growth and rough terrain. Upstream is very accessible and relatively easy to fish as it is quite an open area and very wade able. Some very good sections of water are in this upper part of the Mersey whether you are spinning, fly,or bait fishing as all these methods will give up a fish or two.

There is one other area that also is easy to access and it is above and below the bridge on Oliver’s Road and parking and camping is allowed *(a Parks permit required and bait fishing is not Fishing News - Page 18

Much of the Mersey is wadable, but take care. allowed here above the bridge in the reserve) in the Croesus State Reserve on the right hand side coming from Sheffield. Fishing above and below the bridge is reasonably good here too. If you don’t want to travel this far then try fishing some of the lower sections of the Mersey as there are still quite a few easy accessible areas to fish.

Places such as Kimberly and Merseylea are two that come to mind, and here you will find some very good stretches of river to fish. This area is mainly dairy farmland and you will need to get permission to gain access to certain areas that do not have the Anglers Access signs on them. Most landholders are very fair as long as you respect their wishes and do the right thing. If you don’t then you will not only ruin it for yourself but for others who wish to fish there.

Please take your litter away with when you leave any of the areas that you fish as this has been a growing concern of late and there are no excuses for not taking it with you.

When wading the Mersey River care should be taken in most sections of river that you fish as the bottom is covered with rounded rocks of all sizes.

This can and does make wading quite tiring so if you are the frail type do not try it, do your fishing from the river bank. Most times of the year they can be quite slippery, but the rewards are great as hard as it can be, you will catch trout.

You will also get too see the local resident Platypuses in many sections of the Mersey River, some thing that is not a common occurrence on many other rivers. You can’t get it any better than that, so pack your fishing gear into the car and give the Mersey River a try, and remember to treat it with respect.

Mersey River in brief A long and open river ideal for fly fishing, spinning or bait fishing that holds wild brown, rainbow trout and native blackfish from above Lake Rowallan to Latrobe. The river bottom is full of small to medium size rocks that can be quite slippery at certain times of the year, so care must be taken when wading the river.

The river above Lake Rowallan is classed as rainbow waters and is mainly fast water and does give up some nice size rainbow and brown trout. Access to the river is by a steep walk of around 1 km from the top car park above the lake.

Lake Rowallan is also a rainbow water, and can be fished by boat or from the many open areas of shoreline. The lake also holds brown trout. Below Rowallan it is classed brown trout water, brown and rainbow trout plus native blackfish can be caught.

Lake Parangana is best suited to boat fishing as access is restricted for fishing from the shore. There is access next to the bridge below Parangana and the river can be fished (by wading) right back up to the dam wall. Downstream from the bridge there are several open stretches of river that can be accessed after a little bush bashing.

Mole Creek Cons Park and Liena: above and below the bridge has some great fast water sections that holds quite a lot of small to medium browns with the odd rainbow being caught. It is best suited to wading.

Bait fishing above the bridge in the Cons park is not allowed and a Parks Pass is also required to enter the area.

Union Bridge Mole Creek: another good area that holds some nice browns and rainbows above and below the bridge. Wading or fishing from the shore can be done here too, and is a great open water for fly fishing, spin fishing and bait fishing.

Weegena: this area has some excellent spinner hatches and holds a lot of fish, especially the long stretch of water below Dylans Bridge. Early morning and late afternoon it is not uncommon to see 20 to 30 fish on the rise surface feeding here. The river has some deeper water here and care must be taken.

Kimberley – Merseylea: long wide open stretches of river perfect for the fly and spin fishers and ample room for the bait fisher too. This lower area of the Mersey does hold some nice browns that can tip the scales close to two kilograms, but these are pretty cunning fish and it takes an expert to catch them.

Another area that is very good for fly fishing.

Warrawee National Park, Latrobe: Wide open water with long slow flowing and fast water sections that give up some nice brown trout. The river here is much deeper and there are not as many areas for wading but there are several stretches of open river banks that can be easily fished with the fly or lure. Bait fishing is allowed up to the entrance of the Warrawee National Park.

The following is by permission from Neil Morrow Project Manager, IFS Department.

Following months of negotiations with landowners and extensive property surveys installation work on the Mersey River Anglers Access project is well advanced. This project is the eighth river access project to date and has been made possible with a grant from the Tasmanian Community Fund and the oversight of Anglers Alliance Tasmania. Project Manager Neil Morrow reports that the Mersey River will likely be the most comprehensive access project undertaken when completed in time for the 2013/14 angling season. With access at key locations

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throughout the catchment from the mouth of the river at Bells Parade in Latrobe to Lake Parangana there will be enough variety to cater for all methods of angling throughout the season. Of course this project would not be possible without the generous support and cooperation of landowners and the Latrobe, Kentish and Meander Valley Councils.

Anglers will notice signs, stiles and other access infrastructure that has been installed around the Latrobe, Warrawee Forest Reserve, Merseylea, Kimberley and many areas upstream as far as Lake Rowallan, these are now all completed. The Anglers Access brochure and map will be published and available for the start of the 2013-14 Season. The project team reported seeing good fish at many of the access locations!

Anglers Access brochures are available at most Tackle Stores, selected Tasmanian Visitor Information Centers and online at www.ifs.tas.gov.au The Mersey River has also received 300 adult Browns (700 gms) direct from Great Lake during the closed season and this will help to increase fish stocks in the future after spawning.

Adrian Webb

Rainbows and browns can be found in the Mersey.

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Fishing News - Page 19

19s Early Peter Broomhall

Beyond the boom gate...

T

he crunch of ice underfoot in the predawn darkness was no surprise as I edged out in the shallow water on the edge of the lagoon. The weather forecaster on the news had promised a cold start to the day and they were accurate. The lagoon margins were thankfully only iced for the first few metres out and once I was outside the pin rush lined edge easier wading was to be had. This edge, the normal summer level for the lagoon, had produced the goods for me many times before so I began a systematic search of the shoreline hoping to tempt a hungry trout to take my presented wet fly. On this occasion I had decided on a

Woolly Bugger in a dark olive colouration, a nondescript imitation of possibly a baitfish, crustacean, nymph or even a frog.

Regular fishing companions Todd, Simon and I had earlier completed a brisk 5 kilometre walk from the boom gate across the road at the Lake Augusta Dam to the shores of one of the many waters in close proximity. This walk aided by headlamp was quite expected as it is common to find this gate shut until late September or October and this was only August after all. We had decided to leave the warmer lowlands behind in hope of finding some early season action on the legendary tailers of the nineteen lagoons area in Central Tassies CPCA.

Early season prospects in the western lakes As the name suggests the Nineteen Lagoons are a cluster of different sized waters on the eastern edge of the CPCA. Accessible by 2wd vehicles via the Lake Augusta road these lagoons are a very popular destination for anglers throughout the trout season. The area is certainly at its height of popularity through the late spring and summer months when the tailing, polaroiding and mayfly hatches are at their peak. During this time it can be very difficult to find a patch of shore to yourself in the 19s and fishers seeking solitude need to go out further into the wilderness but anglers in the know are aware of good fishing in the 19s during the early season as well. As a bonus it is only the very hardy that will brave the conditions to get there so solitude, if that is your go, will be on hand only an “easy” walk down the road.

The late winter and early spring period generally sees high water levels in the waters throughout the Nineteen Lagoons. Augusta Dam, being the only hydro controlled water in the group and also by virtue of the fact that it has two large river systems feeding it can have large fluctuations in level at any time of the year. In periods directly after heavy rain the lake level will be brimming full and flooded right up into the kerosene bush scrub surrounding the lake. Many terrestrial creatures are flooded out of their homes by the rising water and the trout know this and follow the levels up looking for any easy meal. Open areas dotted amongst the thorny scrub are the places to prospect with both wet and dry flies. The early season Augusta trout, both browns and rainbows are usually hungry for a feed and will take little encouragement to take a well presented artificial. Landing them among the debris is another challenge altogether.

Other waters in the area such as Double Lagoon, Lake Kay and the Hood Lagoons, Lake Flora and O’Dells Lake also benefit from high early season water levels. These lakes also spill out across shallow flood basins, in fact in times after heavy rainfall the area on the upper Little Pine River from the Flora and O’Dells crossing right back to Lake

Fishing News - Page 20

Kay can become a solid sheet of water. When this occurs the resident brown trout will leave their normal homes in the lagoons and river proper and cruise the flooded basins commonly showing fins, tails and sometimes complete backs out of the water in their attempts to secure their prey, which includes earthworms, frogs, snails and crustaceans and galaxids.

Other lakes that have more contained shorelines, such as the Carter Lakes, Lake Botsord and Rocky Lagoon can also fish extremely well during the early season. Concentrating efforts along undercuts and where small side creeks enter will generally reward the hardy early season angler.

With saying this though anyone contemplating an early visit to the 19s should be warned that the winter action in the western lakes can be a very hit and miss affair. The reliable fishing of the warmer months is still a while away at this stage. The cold water and often frigid conditions tend to limit trout feeding to small periods throughout the day. This fact makes for long periods of searching type fishing “hopefully” punctuated by periods of activity of the fishy kind. Of course there are exceptions to the rule and sometimes the resident trout will happily feed all day and others you would swear that they had all died over the winter.

One tactic that I tend to employ with early season trips into this area is to walk the shores of the lagoons until a feeding or spooked fish is spotted.

Once a fish is located there will often be others in the general vicinity. Also taking the time to check where the fish was located pays benefits as well.

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Quite often in the early season period, or throughout the season in general the trout will be concentrated in certain areas, such as rocky shores, undercuts, grassy edges, silt bottoms, etc.. By concentrating your efforts on the spots the trout are located on any given day will maximise the rewards. A classic example of this occurred for me a few years ago on Double Lagoon. I had endured a tough start to the day with only a couple of fleeting chances at trout that had briefly materialised in the shallows in the traditional early seasons spots in the marshy shallows. By the time I had given up the day as hopeless, I was already approximately half way round this sizeable lagoon. Deciding to cut my losses the decision had been made to walk back out to the car and head down to Great Lake for a late afternoon session. Part way round the rocky back shore a trout was spooked from the shallows where a swollen creek was entering the lagoon. A couple of exploratory casts in the vicinity of the creek resulted in solid hookup to a rampaging 4lb Brown Trout. Learning from this episode I began a thorough search of the shoreline covering any similar situations along the shore with great results. Every spot where a small creek entered had one or more trout nearby, seemingly feeding on large highland shrimps (anaspids) being flushed out of them. By the time the full length of rocky shoreline was covered an evening session on Great Lake could not be further from my mind.

The early season fly box My fly box for early season explorations tends to be stocked predominately with large wets. Variants on Woolly Bugger, Montana Nymph and Rabbit Fur Fly themes in black, brown and olive take pride of place. Fly sizes range from 6 down to 12 and are commonly weighted with either wraps of lead wire or bead heads. This range of colour, weight and size provides effective imitation of the full range of trout food described earlier.

A few favourite dries should also be stowed in the fly box as rising trout can be found out here at

It is cold, but the Nineteen Lagoons are special. any time of the year, in fact one of the largest rises that I have seen in the western lakes was during September a few years ago when the Kay Lagoon browns went ballistic on midges that started popping to the surface during a rare lull in the breeze. Small to medium sized Red Tags always prove their worth in the western lakes fly fisher’s armoury with a close fishing friend taking great pride in the fact that he manages to take a Nineteen Lagoons trout on dry fly in the first week of every new season.

Early season anecdote Todd, Simon and I searched a lot of shore of the chosen water in the morning session described earlier, with a half hearted swirl and pluck at Simon’s bugger the only moment of action encountered in the first couple of hours.

Regrouping midmorning for a chat and bite to eat to regenerate low batteries we discussed tactics.

The slow and painstaking search of the shallow

Stormy weather, but a sunny break is welcome.

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Fishing News - Page 21

waters by blind casting was not great for the mind or soul in the frigid conditions. Periods of fog and misty rain had dominated the morning and coupled with the fact that no signs of feeding or even spooked trout had been seen had not helped the mood at all.

A quick deliberation the decision was made to walk down to the next water in the group, today being the Kay Lagoons area. This would serve two purposes, firstly the exertion would serve to warm cold bodies and secondly the thought that by the time we arrived the day would have warmed sufficiently to hopefully entice a few trout out of their slumber and into the shallows.

Once down to the next lagoon the searching vigil began once again but almost immediately I was able to spy a tip of fin cutting the surface adjacent to a bed of pin rushes in ankle deep water. A quick cast ahead of the trout resulted in a bow wave and grab at the wet fly. I struck at fresh air but seeing the trout circling about in the water looking for its escaped meal I re-presented the fly. This time the trout made no mistake engulfing the offering in no uncertain terms and my highland fly fishing season was finally away. Just as the hooked brown headed out for the centre of the lake I heard a yahoo from behind. Looking around I found Simon hooked up to a splashing trout of his own approximately 30 metres down the shore. It is remarkable what a rethink of tactics and simple change of location can do sometimes. Both trout were duly landed after short struggles, admired, photographed and then released back into the freezing August water.

The trio of us then ploughed on around the new water with renewed confidence. Searches along the many undercuts, rocky edges and pin rush beds were now with the expectation of a trout being in residence. A number of typical Nineteen Lagoon browns in the 2 to 4lb class came to hand before we simply ran out of time. The activity had certainly warmed up with the day and the trout had started feeding with increased ferocity.

We had all felt the weight of a fine western lakes brown on the fly rod and that was simply all we could ask. Faced with a lengthy walk back to the vehicle parked back at the Augusta spillway and with gathering storm clouds on the horizon sadly the first foray of the new season was over.

Peter Broomhall

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Fishing News - Page 22

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Fishing News - Page 23

T

RECREATIONAL INLAND FISHERIES NEWS

Buy a licence and you could WIN this boat

he start of a new angling season is During late July eagerly anticipated by all fishers and the IFS should have this year’s offers some changes that will be been able to stock welcomed by most. Trout stocks are also out Brushy Lagoon, in good shape leading up to the 2013/2014 Lake Barrington, season opening.

Craigbourne Dam, The Inland Fisheries Service (IFS) have Meadowbank Lake made a few regulation changes that offer and Lake Kara with increased fishing opportunities as well Atlantic salmon on as savings for long term licence holders. offer from TASSAL This season the IFS are offering anglers and Springfield the opportunity to purchase a five season Fisheries. These licence. Available for Adult, Pensioner and will be trophy size Senior categories this licence will provide a ex-brood stock fish saving of 5 % on current full season licence that will add some costs over the five seasons. Further savings excitement to those can be made with this purchase as it does that fish these not include the Consumer Price Indexation waters early in the increase that occurs for each season. For season. anglers who purchase a licence every year The IFS and this new five year licence presents great MAST have taken value for money. the opportunity Purchase a full season licence or five year while lake levels licence to go into the draw for a $22,000 aren’t as high boat package. as they have been over the past three seasons Trolling with an outboard is now New regulations for this (2013/2014) season are; to improve boating facilities at many of the allowed in Lake Leake. more popular fisheries around the State. Big All year round angling at Lake King William improvements have been made at the Tooms resumed. condition of the fish at stocking means they will get Lake, Woods Lake, Camp Ground – Lake Burbury, better through the first few weeks of the season, Artificial ‘dough’ baits such as “Powerbait” only Brandums Bay - Great Lake and Tods Corner hopefully providing great sport. permitted to be used where bait fishing is permitted.

Great Lake boat ramps. These are all now useable Lake Leake is a popular fishery for northern The use of petrol powered outboard motors whilst at an increased range of lake levels, providing based anglers and this year it is expected that a trolling at Lake Leake is now permitted. boating anglers greater opportunities despite recent stocking of 900 rainbow trout will provide The fishing from the dam structure at the lake level. At Arthurs Dam wall boat ramp a much needed boost to this water. These fish Craigbourne Dam is now prohibited. This was the breakwater has been built upon to provide averaged one kilogram and will be great fun implemented as a safety measure at the request of increased protection for boating anglers launching no matter how they are caught. Now that petrol the dam managers. and retrieving their boats. outboard motors are permitted for trolling, Lake Infringements can now be issued for; Much has happened with the Angler Access Leake could be a great place early in the season for project over the past few seasons with the Mersey • the taking of fish from a boat within 100 metres boating anglers. of an angler fishing from the shore or Water Date Species Stock Number Origin Type Wt (grams) wading, without the boat being moored; • using any lure or bait that is not an Lake Duncan 11‐Apr‐13 brown trout Wild 70 Liawenee Canal Diploid 1,000 artificial fly to take fish in specified ‘fly fishing Lake Lynch 11‐Apr‐13 brown trout Wild 70 Liawenee Canal Diploid 1,000 only’ waters.

Pioneer Mine Hole 10‐Apr‐13 rainbow trout Domestic 2,000 Petuna Aquaculture Diploid 60 The trout sampled from the spawning Lake Barrington 11‐Apr‐13 rainbow trout Domestic 2,500 Petuna Aquaculture Diploid 60 runs this year have been in very good Pet Dam 10‐Apr‐13 rainbow trout Domestic 2,500 Petuna Aquaculture Diploid 60 condition. Whilst the fish are not large, Bradys Lake 01‐May‐13 brown trout Wild 1,200 Liawenee Canal Diploid 900 averaging at around 700 grams at Great Bradys Lake 10‐May‐13 brown trout Wild 1,200 Liawenee Canal Diploid 900 Lake, the condition of them is better than Four Springs Lake 22‐May‐13 brown trout Wild 1,000 Liawenee Canal Diploid 700 has been seen by IFS staff for some years.

Four Springs Lake 23‐May‐13 brown trout Wild 1,000 Liawenee Canal Diploid 700 They represent a run of young fish, most Camerons Lagoon 23‐May‐13 brown trout Wild 50 Liawenee Canal Diploid 700 likely a result of good spawning condition Bruisers Lagoon 23‐May‐13 brown trout Wild 50 Liawenee Canal Diploid 700 three to four years ago upon the breaking Second Lagoon 24‐May‐13 brown trout Wild 25 Liawenee Canal Diploid 700 of the drought. The fisheries receiving adult transfers from Great Lake and Arthurs Lake Lake Paget 24‐May‐13 brown trout Wild 50 Liawenee Canal Diploid 700 will have some fine fish to be caught early in Rocky Lagoon 24‐May‐13 brown trout Wild 50 Liawenee Canal Diploid 700 the season. It is expected that many of the Carters Lake 24‐May‐13 brown trout Wild 50 Liawenee Canal Diploid 700 State’s self sustaining fisheries would have Bradys Lake 30‐May‐13 brown trout Wild 1,200 Liawenee Canal Diploid 700 similar stocks of young, fat and fit fish this Mersey River 03‐Jun‐13 brown trout Wild 300 Liawenee Canal Diploid 700 season.

Bradys Lake 04‐Jun‐13 brown trout Wild 1,200 Liawenee Canal Diploid 700 Tooms Lake, Craigbourne Dam, Lake River Leven 04‐Jun‐13 brown trout Wild 300 Liawenee Canal Diploid 700 Dulverton, Bradys Lake and Four Springs Brushy Lagoon 05‐Jun‐13 Atlantic salmon Domestic 230 Petuna Aquaculture Diploid 4,000 Lake have been the main recipients of adult Bradys Lake 14‐Jun‐13 brown trout Wild 200 Liawenee Canal Diploid 700 brown trout from the spawning runs; smaller Tooms Lake 18‐Jun‐13 brown trout Wild 300 Liawenee Canal Diploid 700 waters in the Nineteen Lagoons area have Tooms Lake 19‐Jun‐13 brown trout Wild 305 Liawenee Canal Diploid 700 also received stocks of these fish. These Craigbourne Dam 20‐Jun‐13 brown trout Wild 230 Mountain Creek Diploid 800 stocks should be well received by anglers as they provide a good base level upon which Lake Dulverton 21‐Jun‐13 brown trout Wild 156 Hydro Creek Diploid 500 a sustainable harvest can occur. The prime Lake Leake 03‐Jul‐13 rainbow trout Domestic 900 Springfield Fisheries Diploid 1,000 Fishing News - Page 24

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To protect and enhance the Penstock Lagoon ecosystem the IFS is recommending activity zones for boating and wading. New information signs have been installed and marker buoys deployed on the lagoon to identify a boating ‘corridor’ to be used to traverse the lagoon whilst under petrol power.

Electric motors or rowing should be used outside of the corridor. Other recommendations include wading within 25m of the shore and using low emission or four stroke petrol motors and a maximum boat size of 5 metres. The Penstock Lagoon Anglers Access brochure has been updated to promote the activity zones. All anglers are encouraged to observe the activity zones to protect the natural values of this world class fishery. See map opposite.

900 one kilo rainbows have been stocked into Lake Leake.

Approx. 9km to Route A5

LOCATION Pulfords Bridge

Private road No public access

Anglers Access

Unsealed Road No fishing in canals above two white posts

Vehicular Track Foot Access Only

No

Foot Access Through Access Easement

r th

bo

No Access NO ACCESS BEYOND THIS POINT

NA

Boat Ramp

an

• •

p

Brown trout

Private property No public access

l

BEYOND THIS POINT

Grassy Corner

HYDRO LAND

Camping Caravan Sites

5

E 0481093 N 5340446

Private property No public access

PENSTOCK

Car Park C178

LAGOON

Hollis Bay

E 0481064 N 5339946

Day Use Only

NO ACCESS BEYOND THIS POINT

Private property No public access

Crisps Point

920 m

Beginners Bay

PRIVATE PROPERTY

Fosters

re ns

Sh o

10 metre access easement Foot access only

tso

e

Shore

NO MOTORISED Bay BOATINGcommunities found within the There are four vegetation ZONE Penstock Lagoon Reserve. Cabbage Gum Woodland (E. FLY FISHING ONLY

Ro b

er

Tr e

Lily Pond

in

gs

A number of native fish species inhabit Penstock Lagoon re including the climbing galaxias (Galaxias brevipinnis) and Sho the spotted galaxias (Galaxias truttaceus). The State and Commonwealth listed threatened species, the Great Lake paragalaxias (Paragalaxias eleotroides) 10 metre and the Shannon access easement paragalaxias present.

Short-finned eel Day Use (P. dissimilis) are also access only Onlyaustralis) occur in lowFoot (Anguilla numbers.

Sa pl

A designated 50m wide boating corridor for petrol powered boats has been established on Penstock Lagoon.

This corridor runs in a line from the end of the boating channel at the northern (Boat ramp) end of the lagoon, across to Crisps point on the Eastern side, then down the centre of the lagoon towards the Lily Pond at the southern end.

It is recommended that boating under petrol power to traverse the lagoon should be within the boating corridor.

The corridor is marked by white buoys in the lagoon.

Boats should keep the buoys on their port side at all times and remain within 25 metres of an imaginary line drawn between the buoys.

Boating outside of the corridor should be by electric outboard or manual labour (With the exception of the non motorised boating zone in Beginners Bay where manual labour only is permitted).

It is recommended that wading anglers remain within 50m of the shore.

Anglers using petrol outboard motors on Penstock Lagoon please consider using 4 stroke or low emission 2 stroke motors.

It is recommended thate any petrol powered boats used in 5m or less in length. on Penstock Lagoonelbe

pi

ne

HYDRO LAND

Breakfast Bay

pauciflora woodland), E. rodwayi forest and woodland highland grassy sedge-land and highland Poa grassland. Many of the large trees have habitat value and their protection is paramount for native animals in the area – Please do not cut standing trees. Both the grassy communities are 5 Threatened Native Vegetation Communities in Tasmania. Vehicle access is E 0480485 not permitted in Nthese areas, keep to formed tracks.

5339226

•

ch

W all

NO ACCESS

WADDAM A

Other Symbols

g

Can

Permitted Angling Methods Fly Fishing

in

al S hor e

RO AD

at

•

•

HOBART

10 metre access easement Foot access only

Motorised Boating Corridor

Environmental and Cultural Values

•

PENSTOCK LAGOON

NO ACCESS BEYOND THIS POINT

PRIVATE Boating and wading on Penstoc k PROPERTY Lagoon

•

LAUNCESTON

Access

La dy sW alk

River the latest to receive the Anglers Access treatment from the IFS. Stiles, signs and associated access infrastructure have been installed between Lake Parangana and Latrobe. Fifteen private landowners have entered into agreements with the IFS to formalise access for anglers. The IFS is indebted to these landowners for their considerable contribution to this project. The Mersey River Angler Access brochure is available on the IFS website and printed copies will be available from major tackle stores by mid July. Completed under a grant to Anglers Alliance Tasmania and funded by the Tasmanian Community Fund the project has been managed by the IFS with support by the Kentish, Latrobe and Meander Valley councils. With the Mersey receiving a stocking of 300 adult brown trout from Great Lake during winter it should be primed for some early action when the season opens on the 3rd August.

The IFS has released an INFISH iPhone App in time for the new season. This App will provide details of many of the State’s fisheries with regulations, stocking, weather, news stories and how to get there directions provided on your smart phone. The iPhone INFISH App is currently available on iTunes. It is hoped that the same App will be available for Android phones in time for the start of the 2013/2014 season; notification of this will be in the News section of the IFS website.

The IFS wishes all anglers a fruitful and safe 2013/2014 season. Get out there and enjoy the fishing, signs are that it should be a cracker of a season.

N

Protect Our Water s

0

0.5

1km

Recreational anglers have a responsibility to look after fisheries resources for the benefit of the environment and future generations.

• Do not bring live or dead fish, fish products, animals or aquatic plants into Tasmania.

• Do not bring used fishing gear or any other freshwater Approx. 7km to Waddamana recreational equipment that may be damp, wet or contain www.tasfish.com - Get the knowledge - Get the fish. water into Tasmania. Check, clean and dry your fishing

www.tasmap.tas.gov.au

Fishing News - Page 25

Hicks haven Gavin Hicks

F

or those of those of us that don’t bother to fish all that much on the waters that are open all year the closed season takes a toll. You spend the cold winter months sorting out and cleaning all your tackle, doing the necessary maintenance on the boat and restocking the fly boxes with all the favourite patterns and no doubt some fancy new ones.

All the while in the back of your mind you are counting down the days till the first Saturday in August so you can once again wander the shore of your favourite lake, or drift that secret weed bed in your boat that has given up so many fish during past seasons. Well you don’t need to stress any longer because the 2013/14 trout fishing season is finally upon us.

I tend not to worry about the rivers a great deal early in the new season, preferring to set my sights on the waters of the Central Plateau. In what has become somewhat of a tradition for me over the years I always head to the shores of Little Pine Lagoon at first light on opening morning, have a can of beer and head off for a walk to see what’s about.

Fishing News - Page 26

The last few seasons have been plagued by very cold temperatures and frozen shallows but it doesn’t matter much to me anymore. That first weekend of the season is more about just being there and enjoying the environment and the social side of things, rather than the hard-core fishing. There is plenty of time for that later in the season.

As I sit writing this we are coming off the back of a very cold snap that carried with it a lot of snow. Many lakes have had frozen margins and in fact frozen bays which is not ideal. But we are now starting to get more rain in the weather patterns will help no end. With all this in mind it is going to be a bit difficult to predict exactly what conditions will be like early on in the season, so if like me you choose to head to the lakes what are some options?

Little Pine Lagoon…

As mentioned previously this is the first place I will be heading to start my season, regardless of the weather conditions at the time. I will mainly be looking for tailing fish even though the start of the season is not the supposed peak time for this style of fishing at

Gavin’s prime starters ....

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Trout - Look out!

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Fishing News - Page 27

The Pine. Depending on water levels and how they are fluctuating there may not be as many fish showing themselves in the shallows as there is come September or October but what they lack in numbers they certainly make up for with eagerness to take a well presented fly as they look to put on some condition after a long, hard winter.

Rigged up with my Epic 4wt fibreglass rod I will first try and target any fish I see with a small fuzzle bugger style fly. Tied on a Kamasan B830 hook in size 10 with a brown super salt chenille body this fly has served me well on many an early season morning at The Pine. If the fish happen to be a bit touchy for some reason I will swap the bugger for a Scintilla stick caddis pattern in colour #14, dark chocolate. I am sure everyone would be familiar with this fly, but if you aren’t look it up and tie yourself some. Or if you are not that way inclined get down to your local fly shop/ tackle store and purchase a few of these deadly flies. One word of warning though, if you do tie these flies yourself please be careful when singeing the chenille head with a match. It is all too easy to burn it right off and the old stick caddis just doesn’t look right without the yellow grub poking his head out the end. Trust me, I know.

One thing I like to do when fishing a stick caddis or scud type fly to these fish if they are a bit spooky is to not use an indicator fly on top. I prefer to go the single fly option as it is one less thing that can get in the way and cause things to go pear shaped at the wrong moment. It can be a lot harder to detect whether your fly has been taken, especially if the water is a bit rougher but a nice greased up leader will go a long way to helping you detect those tricky takes. And over time you just learn to sense that something has changed and your fly has been eaten, which for me is a something special when you get it right, a bit more of a challenge I guess.

The other added bonus at this time of year is you don’t get the crowded shore lines you like you do as the season progresses, I’m not big on crowds anymore when I go fishing! If like a lot of people you are not big on the freezing cold starts early in the season don’t despair, Little Pine is fantastic early

Fishing News - Page 28

season water for pulling some bigger wet flies either from the shore or boat. If in the boat I like to drift the course of the old river bed and fish a bit deeper with an intermediate or slow sink rate lines just till I find out what the fish want at the time.

From the shore I always opt for an intermediate line to start with just to help cut through the wave action etc. on the surface of the water.

Favourite flies for this are again the Fuzzle Bugger in various colours and the mylar Yeti with a gold body and grizzly wing in either brown or olive.

It doesn’t hurt to have them in weighted versions as well just to change the action of the fly a bit if needed, or carry some style of eight you can add to them as required such as Loon deep soft weight.

Great Lake….

Those that know me would I am sure be fully aware of my love for this body of water. Whilst it may not look pretty to some with its barren clay and rock covered shorelines, in my eyes it is a thing of beauty. I have spent countless hours wandering the shorelines of this amazing lake casting big wet flies out into its waters and it is something I will never get sick of.

Wandering the shoreline with a nice breeze blowing into you from some direction to stir up the water right at your feet is about as good as it gets. I like to use a nice stiff fast action style of rod for this type of fishing like my Scott S4s 6 weight. It makes it much easier to turn the bigger flies over in the breeze that I use when fishing this way. Once again I like to use an intermediate line for most of my shore based fishing on the Great Lake, but if I happen to wander onto a deeper bank or a nice drop off I always have a full sinking line of some sort in my pack on a spare reel ready to go.

Fly choice is once again fairly simple for me, if I had a box full of mylar Yeti flies in various wing and body colours I would happily wet fly fish this lake till my time is up without needing a different style of fly.

It is also a brilliant water to fish wet flies from a boat.

If you can strike the right conditions and get a nice drift along your favourite shore, or weed bed you will be guaranteed some sort of action. And one of the added bonuses of the Great Lake is the chance to pick up a nice big rainbow just for a change of scenery. If you haven’t already tried it, give the Great Lake a go early in the season, it is in my opinion one of the most under-utilised waters as far as fishing goes in the state.

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Where else….

The options are endless really. Limited only by your imagination and how much effort you want to put into it. The most obvious ones I have not written about are Arthurs Lake, Woods Lake and Bronte Lagoon. These are all fantastic early season options.

Once again the type of fishing you choose will be determined to some extent by water levels and weather conditions. Tailing fish at Arthurs and Bronte if the levels allow it, pulling wets out of the boat at Woods, the options are endless and all can offer up excellent sport at any given time. If on the other hand you are feeling really adventurous you can always head out west to the Nineteen Lagoons and even beyond before the gate opens.

I have some early season trips before the gate is open into Double Lagoon and those sorts of places for some amazing shallow water fishing. Fisherman are now also using mountain bikes to cover more ground out here early on and fish different waters and having made a considerable investment in a new bike this year I for one will be giving this style of fishing a go in the very near future.

A word of warning though, if you do decide to head out here before the gate opens be prepared.

The weather can turn bad, really quickly and if you are faced with a considerable bike ride or an even longer walk back to the gate to your car you want to be prepared.

Make sure you have suitable clothing and plenty of food on hand just in case you need it. Don’t disregard the smaller, often over looked waters either. Places like Cameron’s or Bruisers Lagoon and even Shannon Lagoon. Although not wild fisheries as such or certainly not a wilderness experience they can still offer up fantastic sport at any given time. Though the fish in the first mentioned couple of lagoons are slabby spawners transferred from other lakes it is surprising what you may find lurking in these waters from previous seasons still. And if you are lucky enough to tangle with a fish in one of these waters that has survived

a season then hang on. You might be pleasantly surprised at what you might encounter. I was lucky enough last season to tangle with a couple of these very fish tailing in Bruisers Lagoon. Whilst I didn’t land one of them it turned out to be well worth the effort to have a look there!

Have a crack….

If you decide to give the highlands a try early on in the season, do so with an open mind. Odds are you might strike bad weather or freezing lake margins, but that is all part of the experience of being up there doing it.

While I may not have mentioned your favourite lake what I have done is tried to give you an insight into what has worked for me over the years during the early parts of the season. The waters I like to

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fish and the types of flies that have proven to be successful for me.

If you have another lake where you prefer to go that has served you well why not give the flies mentioned a go there if you haven’t already. Fly fishing to me is about evolving your skill set and always learning or trying new and different things.

Don’t be afraid to think outside the square and try new things, you might be surprised at the results you get. And if the weather does pack it in and get to rough up there, we just might run into each other at the lodge where you can tell me about your most liked early season waters over a beer or three.

Good luck and have a great year on the water where ever you choose to fish.

Gavin Hicks

C.J. Marine Pty Ltd 8 Legana Park Drive, Legana Phone 03 63302277

www.tasfish.com - Get the knowledge - Get the fish.

Fishing News - Page 29

Total number of licence holders compared with previous years: Year No. of individual License holders

RECREATIONAL SEA FISHERIES NEWS

Rock Lobster Season Reminder. The recreational Rock lobster Season Closes on 31 August.

November season open dates can be found at www.fishing.tas.gov.au.

20,775

2009/10

2008/09

20,920

23,225

22,436

20,000 19,000 18,000 17,000 16,000 15,000 14,000 13,000 12,000 11,000 10,000 9,000 8,000 7,000 6,000 5,000 4,000 3,000 2,000 1,000 0

Abalone Beach Seine Graball Mullet Net Rock Lobster Dive Rock Lobster Pot Rock Lobster Ring Scallop Dive

1995/96 1996/97 1997/98 1998/99 1999/00 2000/01 2001/02 2002/03 2003/04 2004/05 2005/06 2006/07 2007/08 2008/09 2009/10 2010/11 2011/12 2012/13

Number of Licences

Recreational sea fishing licence numbers continue to decline for all fisheries except set line. The decline is linked to the down turn in rock lobster stocks, and the closure of the D’entrecasteaux Channel scallop fishery. The decline was exacerbated in 2012/13 due to the rock lobster biotoxin closures on the east coast.

The decline in licence sales presents challenges for the Fishwise Fund. In recent years the Fishwise Community Grant Fund has not opened to new project applications.

The good news is that the vast array of previously funded projects continue to produce outcomes that benefit the recreational fishery. A full list of projects can be found www.fishing.tas. gov.au.

19,818

2010/11

Recreational Sea Fishing Licence Trends

August/September 2013 Recreational Sea Fishing Licences on the decline

2012/13 2011/12*

Need more information?

Get a copy of the Recreational Sea Fishing Guide from Service Tasmania; visit www.fishing.tas.gov.au; or Phone 1300 720 647 (local call cost) or 03 6233 7042

Re-Power and Service Specialists

Who does what in the marine recreational fishery?

How can you have a say?

TARFish TARFish is the fully independent peak body representing the interests of recreational marine fishers in Tasmania.

The objectives of TARFish are primarily to: Qualified service staff

• Provide a forum for recreational fishers to raise relevant issues;

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• Represent the interests of recreational marine fishers in communication with stakeholders;

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• Communicate information to recreational marine fishers;

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• Educate the community on environmental and recreational marine fishing issues; • Promote the wise use and conservation of fish stocks and habitat, and • Promote research into recreational marine fishing issues.

About TARFish TARFish was established in 2004 to provide the following benefits to recreational marine fishers: • The identification and resolution of issues causing concern to recreational marine fishers; • The strength of a single unified voice speaking to government, industry and the community; • The communication of information; • The promotion of good fishing practices; • The education of the community on respect for the environment; • The pursuit of research into recreational marine fishing concerns and • The promotion of happy fishing.

TARFish is funded from the licence fees paid by recreational marine fishers in Tasmania.

Contacts Mark Nikolai Chief Executive Officer

TARFish is very keen to build a strong association which truly reflects the concerns of those who have an interest in recreational marine fishing.

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Set Line

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Fishing News - Page 31

Recreational Fishery Advisory Committee

Current RecFAC Membership

The Recreational Fishery Advisory Committee (RecFAC) provides expert advice to the Minister and the Department on recreational sea fishing management matters including fishery reviews, policy and Fishwise Community Grant applications.

The RecFAC is one of a number of fishery advisory committees (FACs) established by the Minister for Primary Industries and Water under the Living Marine Resources Management Act 1995.

Other advisory committees are also established for the commercial fishing industries - abalone, crustaceans (rock lobster and giant crab), scallops and scalefish fisheries.

FACs play an essential role in the management of Tasmania’s fisheries by providing the Minister with specialist advice on key fisheries. The various committees are made up of representatives from the major fishing sectors as well as community groups and key advisers on resource management policy, compliance and research.

The FACs play a central role in the development of fisheries policy and their involvement in policy development has improved consultation and contributed to better fisheries management over the last decade.

Most of the members are representatives from the “recreational community”, plus a member each from: DPIPWE, Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies (IMAS), Tasmanian Association for Recreational Fishing (TARFish),

Independent Chair Mr Craig Midgley DPIPWE Fishery Manager Mr Rod Pearn Research representative (IMAS) Dr Jeremy Lyle Marine Police representative Const Craig Jackman Tasmanian Association for Recreational Fishing (TARFish) Mark Nikolai Community and conservation representative Tasmanian Conservation Trust (TCT)

Mr Jon Bryan

Tasmanian Conservation Trust (TCT),

Recreational Fisher Members

Marine Police.

Mr Des Charles

Mr Brett Cleary

Mr Tony Eldridge

Ms Roseanne Heyward

Mr Warren Moore

FAC members are not paid sitting fees.

Recreational fisheries members give up their time and provide advice for the better good of the fishery.

Members are entitled to travelling allowances to cover the cost of travelling to FAC meetings.

The independent Chair is paid a fee in line with government rates.

Mr Greg Peart

Mr Ryan Weeks

Mr Nobby Clark

Mr Des Vernon

Mr Alwyn Medwin

Membership is renewed every 2-3 years.

The current term expires 31 December 2014.

Expressions of interest will be called prior to the expiry of the current membership with notification in regional newspapers and the DPIPWE Fishing email news service.

RecFAC Meetings

Recreational representatives are recreational fishers or community members that have a capacity to provide strategic input into management, research and educational planning for recreational sea fishing.

Executive Support Officer

Mrs Vicki Waters

There are generally around four RecFAC meetings each year, however depending on the work schedule and current issues, meetings may be scheduled more frequently. Meetings are held at various locations and are over a full day.

Chairs Report from the last RecFac Meeting #46 held at Devonport on 21 March 2013 Recreational Fishery Advisory Committee (RecFAC) The main issues arising out of RecFAC 46 are outlined below. As there were many new members, much time was spent on induction and reviewing progress to date with respect to recreational fishing programs. Although, not specific agenda items there was considerable time and discussion on topics relating to recreational licensing, revenue and challenges of continuing funding key recreational fishery activities. As such, some agenda items had to be deferred to next meeting.

LICENCE FEES AND FISHWISE FUNDING PROGRAMS The continued decline in recreational fishing licenses issued and consequential licence revenue decline is a concern for the RecFAC. The Department has informed the FAC that Licence sales and revenue have further declined due to the recent temporary “biotoxin” closure of the east coast rock lobster fishery. RecFAC continues to support the activities and outputs of the Recreational Fisheries Section and associated Fishwise funding and are concerned that further cuts to Fishwise programs may be considered on top of the $60,000 reduction made to Fishwise programs last year.

RecFAC are also concerned that there is insufficient revenue for Fishwise Community Grant

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Fishing News - Page 32

Funding rounds and potentially insufficient funds for funding the peak body beyond the current agreement. RecFAC have indicated support for funding these activities in the past as they demonstrate direct benefit to recreational fishing. There are numerous research and community orientated projects that would not have been possible without Fishwise Community Grant funding.

An important aspect of the Fund is the fact that RecFAC recommends the projects and funding and, with regards to research there is an increase in “value for money” when institutions

www.tasfish.com - Get the knowledge - Get the fish.

Continued next page......

such as the Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies (IMAS) use Fishwise funding as leverage to obtain additional external research funding.

from RecFAC45 relating to accommodating future potential growth in participants for the east coast fishery, after initially restricting catch.

RecFAC suggest a strategic approach is undertaken and rather than continuing funding and subsequent service delivery reductions, revenue raising streams be considered. In addressing the declining revenue and establishing revenue streams the following two options be considered.

RecFAC members confirmed their support for the framework and particularly the commercial catch cap. Three members (Jon Bryan, Brett Cleary and Mark Nikolai) wished to record their view that they did not believe that the additional seasonal closures would have a significant impact on stock rebuilding.

1. The first is for the government to provide consolidated revenue and fund aspects of service delivery for recreational fisheries. This may involve the funding of the Recreational

Members also considered that an explicit goal should be included and actions developed that would limit Centrostephanus populations by increasing the density of large rock lobster (>140 mm) of 0.1fish/100 square metres, which is based on Professor Craig Johnson’s research.

There was considerable discussion whether the figure should be in the strategy, particularly as the research outcomes have not been finalised.

Several members expressed their view that the risk of Centrostephanus warrants an explicit goal and target figure in the strategy.

Fishwise Community Grants - 2011 Funding Round

Given the poor state of the east coast fishery, RecFAC suggest that a lower commercial catch cap may be required to leave fish in the water and address the risks in the fishery. A commercial catch cap should be considered on a figure that is modelled to achieve the goal of achieving 20% of virgin biomass in 5 years not 10 years. In addition to fully understand the risks associated with a further prolonged period of poor recruitment IMAS should model the impact on predicted biomass rebuilding using a 5 year recruitment average instead of the 10 year average, which is used in all the current modelling.

This may give a clearer understanding of a worse case scenario.

• An on-site survey of recreational SBT fishing to cross-validate catch rates and size composition with results from an off-site phone-diary survey

Fishwise funds. The funding of this program was shifted from consolidated funds around 2009, however is now funded by Fishwise. This reduces the capacity to fund Fishwise Community Grants and other activities, as it pays for activities that were previously funded directly by government.

2. Consider fees and changes to recreational licence types. The Minister should note that Fishwise funded a report on assessing recreational licence frameworks, which provide the facts on the strengths and weaknesses of different licence types.

RecFAC does not see its role to recommend changes to licensing at this point of time, however advise the Minister that revenue declines are affecting the service delivery to recreational fisheries and if the situation is not addressed the impact will worsen in the foreseeable future.

RecFAC seeks advice on the Minister’s preference in relation to the options that he would be prepared to consider, or alternatively, those which he is not prepared to consider.

RecFAC recommend that the Minister or Department indicate a strategy on establishing long term stable revenue for supporting service delivery for recreational fisheries in Tasmania. Alternatively, the Minister may need to provide a clear indication of the future intentions with respect to those programs and activities that will receive continued support and the source of funding.

The RecFAC also seeks a commitment/guarantee from the Minister that the Fishwise Fisheries Adjustment Fund that currently holds $122,000 will be quarantined and preserved for the purpose for which it was initially allocated.

FUNDING BIOTOXIN TESTING IN ROCK LOBSTER A member raised concerns that the costs relating to the recent biotoxin testing for the East Coast closures, may be partly funded by recreational license funds. RecFAC expressed a view that no Fishwise funds should be used for paying for the testing, as it was a public good and core responsibility of government. In addition recreational fishery revenue has suffered by the closure due to the loss of licence sales. A member felt that any issue contending with public health should be funded by DHHS. ROCK LOBSTER - EAST COAST MANAGEMENT STRATEGY RecFAC considered the East Coast rock lobster harvest strategy, which has been developed by the Department in conjunction with CFAC and RecFAC over the last year or so. The strategy presented required the RecFAC to provide recommendations relating to:

This is how your recreational money is spent. Are these useful projects?

• Junior Angler Log Book • Developing a low-cost monitoring regime to assess relative abundance and population characteristics of sand flathead • Baseline studies for key recreational and commercial marine species in Tasmania • Assessing post-release survival of southern bluefin tuna from recreational fishing

• Investigating licensing arrangements for Tasmanian recreational fisheries • Bridport Primary Discovery Centre

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The majority of members expressed a view that they did not believe that there would be any significant growth in the recreational catch over the next few years and therefore at this stage, suggest that no other management action is required for the recreational fishery until future surveys indicate otherwise. Investigation of individual maximum season limits for the recreational fishery is still on the table, however a cost benefit analysis is required before RecFAC can provide further advice. RecFAC has stated that a long term goal for the east coast fishery is to rebuild stocks so there is potential capacity to accommodate an increased catch based on historical participation.

Craig Midgley, Chair RecFAC 25 March 2013

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I. The East Coast Harvest Strategy Framework (to set the general broad guidelines and biomass goals)

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II. Implementation of a combined additional recreational and commercial seasonal closures and a catch cap system for the commercial sector (for the east coast).

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III. The commercial catch cap for the target management area (part of Area 1, and areas 2 & 3).

Continued next page......

Phil Atherton N.E. Tas.

Fisheries Management program (currently $157,000) from consolidated funds, rather than

How some of your marine fishing licence money is spent.

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IV. Expanding the recommendation arising

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Fishing News - Page 33

Aims and Objectives:

...... continued from previous page

Junior Angler Log Book Lead Agency: Tasmanian Association for Recreational Fishing Inc (TARFish) Funding: $5,000.00 Start Date: January 2012 End: 12 October 2012 Status: COMPLETED

What did the project achieve?

1) Engage and encourage junior anglers to increase their participation in recreational fishing.

Logbook has been printed and ready for distribution.

2) Establish a pathway into future Angler Diary programs.

Project objectives and aims will be achieved following distribution at public events commencing with the Tas Trout expo in October and Royal Hobart Show in October 2012 where we expect to distribute around 400-500 copies.

3) Build up a network of junior anglers.

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Benefits Supports management key messages around responsible fishing by including My Fishing Rules page and supporting cartoon messages which are based on the TARFish Recreational Fishing Code of Practice Booklet aimed at adults.

We believe this project will set up a regime within the junior angler community that encourages them to voluntarily record their catches. We believe in time this project will lead junior anglers into the IMAS Angler Diary Program which will make their efforts in recruiting volunteers easier.

It is expected the Junior Angler Logbook will encourage increased participation in recreational fishing by junior anglers.

Developing a low-cost monitoring regime to assess relative abundance and population characteristics of sand flathead.

Lead Agency: Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies (IMAS) Funding: $33,740.00 Start Date: 01 January 2012 End Date: 30 September 2014 Status: CURRENT

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Aims and Objectives: Develop and implement a cost-effective monitoring program to assess the status of sand flathead stocks in the main fishing areas through the: 1. application of standardised catch rate indices as a proxy for trends in abundance/availability; 2. determination of population age structure as an indicator of stock condition; and 3. estimation of instantaneous total mortality rates.

Secondary objectives include the:

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1. collation and synthesis of available information on sand flathead; and 2. examination of movement patterns based on conventional tagging to inform on factors such as seasonal variability in availability and mixing between areas.

Baseline studies for key recreational and commercial marine species in Tasmania Lead Agency: Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies (IMAS) Funding: $48,067.00 Start Date: 01 January 2012 End Date: 31 January 2013 Status: CURRENT Aims and Objectives:

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To develop a long view understanding of changes that have occurred in the distribution and abundance of key recreational fishing species in Tasmania, particularly species with a history of exploitation and/or species that spend all or the majority of their life cycle within Tasmanian waters.

To better understand the long term relationship between levels of exploitation and viability of key species in order to inform fisheries management targets.

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www.tasfish.com - Get the knowledge - Get the fish.

Continued next page......

Assessing post-release survival of southern bluefin tuna from recreational fishing Lead Agency: Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies (IMAS) Funding: $60,400.00 Start Date: 01 February 2012 End Date: 31 December 2013 Status: CURRENT Objectives: The specific objectives of the project are: Quantify post-release survival rates for SBT caught by recreational fishing Determine key factors affecting post release survival of SBT from recreational fishing Develop a ‘Code of practice’ identifying strategies that have potential to minimise sub-lethal impacts and increase post release survival of SBT

An on-site survey of recreational SBT fishing to cross-validate catch rates and size composition with results from an off-site phonediary survey Lead Agency: Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies (IMAS) Funding: $52,000.00 Start Date: 01 February 2012 End Date: 30 April 2013 Status: CURRENT Objectives: The specific objectives of the project are: 1. Quantify the recreational SBT catch for the 2012 fishing season using an on-site survey method at key access points.

2. Compare and validate catch rates and size composition data from the on-site survey with those from an off-site phone/diary survey.

3. Quantify the size composition of the recreational SBT catch to convert harvested numbers to harvested biomass.

Investigating licensing arrangements for Tasmanian recreational fisheries Lead Agency: Sven Frijlink Funding: $18,800.00 Start Date: 01 January 2012 End Date: 9 October 2012 Status: COMPLETED Objectives: The specific objectives of the project are: 1. To critically evaluate the current licensing framework for Tasmania’s marine recreational fisheries 2. To investigate alternative licensing frameworks for Tasmania’s marine recreational fisheries based on criteria developed in collaboration with stakeholders.

3. To establish an understanding of what fishers expect from the licensing

framework and how potential changes to the current licensing system may be perceived.

Project background and outcomes The report has been completed by an independent consultant under a Fishwise Community Grant project. Although the Recreational Fisheries Advisory Committee had supported this project proposal and the Department commissioned the project, at this stage there are no changes proposed for recreational sea licenses in Tasmania. The report does not make any recommendations. The report may be further contemplated when considering the challenges faced with declining recreational license and Fishwise revenues.

The published report provides an overview of the: • current licensing framework and its the strengths and challenges; • current Fishwise budgetary position;

base through a ‘general licence’ coupled with the use of licence endorsements to access high value and high impact fisheries was deemed to address the criteria most successfully. The ability to maintain a system of endorsements for high value and high impact fisheries, and its associated advantages, was deemed especially appropriate for the licensing of Tasmania’s marine recreational fisheries.

For a copy of the report email recreational fisheries as below, go to www.tasfish.com or Tasmanian Fishing & Boating News Facebook page.

Bridport Primary Discovery Centre

• an assessment of alternative licensing models.

Assessment of Recreational Fishing Licences

Educate students about adopting responsible recreational fishing behaviours including a strong understanding of bag limits and size of catch.

Develop students’ understanding about the effects of recreational and commercial fishing on the marine environment if not managed properly.

Develop students’ understanding of the importance of recreational and commercial fishing to Tasmanian coastal communities.

For further information

Lead Agency: Bridport Primary School Funding: $5,000.00 Start Date: 19 September 2011 End Date: 31 May 2013

• an overview of different license frameworks; and,

Develop students’ understanding on the preservation of the marine habitats.

Contact: Fishing Enquiries Recreational Fisheries Enquiries Wild Fisheries Management Branch 1 Franklin Wharf (GPO Box 44)

Status: CURRENT

Hobart TAS 7000

Aims and Objectives:

Phone: 03 6233 7042

Increase students’ knowledge of Tasmania’s fish resources and habitats and the need to manage them sustainably.

Email: Fishing.Enquiries@dpipwe. tas.gov.au

The report raises the key issues with the current framework including: • revenue generating capacity; • revenue security and fluctuating revenue resulting from a reliance on single-species fisheries (that may undergo natural fluctuations in stock and therefore participation);

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Fishing News - Page 35

Costa Polaroids The new season for Trout fishing in Tasmania is almost upon us. While stalking and locating that trophy fish you need every advantage. Costa eyewear is that advantage.

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Costa Sunglasses’ flagship patented 5580G Lightwave glass and 580P polycarbonate lenses block out the right amount of harsh yellow light, but at the same time enhancing reds, blues and greens. Their performance is legendary and are literally – FISH FINDERS FOR THE EYES. Costas are available in 30 styles, 17 frame colours and six lens tints that are 100 per cent polarised for 100 per cent protection from harmful UV rays, so they are every bit as practical as they are fashionable. It’s possible to mix and match these features, so basically every pair of Costas is a custom fit.

In an era where everything is mass-produced, Costa sunglasses are still assembled and inspected by hand, and come backed by a lifetime warranty. The company’s expert repair staff can also return frames and lenses to ‘like new’ standards.

When conditions demand the best look to Costa eyewear. There’s more to Costa than just sunglasses though. They have a heap of useful accessories such as microfibre cleaning cloths, lens cleaner spray, safety straps, as well as long and short-sleeve Ts. The company also contributes in a major way to a number of fishing-friendly conservation societies around the world.

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There are ample points for attaching tools and accessories with five D-rings; two are located in between the chest pockets and two under the chest pocket storm flaps with the fifth rear D-ring for landing net attachment. An adjustable storm hood can be rolled down and velcroed behind the fleece-lined collar. Inner cuffs are Spandex Lycra lined with adjustable Velcro closures on the outer cuffs.

For more information visit Berkley-fishing.com.au.

As a wading jacket, the Trinity is by necessity short in length. However for deep wading or river crossings, this length can be further reduced through interior take-up snaps. All external zippers are the water-resistant YKK Aquaguard® zippers. Available in sizes Small through to XXL. Contact Mayfly Tackle Pty Ltd for your closest stockist on (03) 9899 0034

AQUAZ – Trinity chest waders RRP$299.95 The Trinity model chest wader is made from a Japanese manufactured four-layer fabric called Aqualex® Megaflow™, which has a high breathability rating of +8,000g/m2/24hrs, which simply means that 8kg plus of water vapour can pass through a square meter of the wader fabric from inside to outside in a 24-hour period. This high level of breathability will keep active, hiking anglers dry and comfortable all day.

Features include, 4mm high-density neoprene stocking feet, built-in gravel guards, zippered flip-out chest pocket, extra-large double knee-pads and as a bonus a 2-inch back/lumbar support belt is supplied free of charge.

Wader sizes cover Small through to XXL, with intermediate sizing to accommodate variable torso to leg-length sizes to ensure a comfortable fit for day long use.

Contact Mayfly Tackle Pty Ltd on (03) 9899 0034 for your closest stockist.

AQUAZ – Trinity wading jacket RRP$299.95 The Trinity wading jacket is a high quality, waterproof, highly breathable wading jacket designed with every feature needed to keep the angler comfortable during the severest of weather.

Made from Aqualex Pro 3-layer fabric technology with a breathability rating of 7,000g/m2/24hrs; the Trinity is ideal for anglers who like to keep on the move.

Fishing News - Page 36

Berkley 3B Lures NEW TROUT COLOURS

All 3B lures come standard with the best in Owner hardware.

Puppy Dog: 45mm, 2.7g dives to 2m.

Walking stick: 50mm, 2.3g dives and suspends to .5m Walking stick 70: 70mm, 4.4g dives and suspends to 1m.

RRP $14.95 AVAILABLE SEPT 2013

New lightweight round bend Mustad trebles Mustad has introduced a new compact treble designed for small hard bodied lures. The Mustad 35657-BN is a special short shank, round bend treble hook which gives good lure clearance without excessive weight.

The Mustad 35657-BN is equipped with the Mustad MT Point, which is a flat-sided point with extra sharpening.

This point design gives great sharpness and penetration but bolsters the durability of the point, especially in hooks with fine wire gauges.

A smooth black nickel finish also assists penetration.

With a size range of 8 to 14 inclusive, the Mustad 35657-BN trebles will be ideal for lightweight hard bodied lures, especially bream and trout lures. Anglers will appreciate the ease of resharpening allowed by the MT Point, reducing the need for frequent treble changing. The extra short shank also reduces the chance of the trebles interlocking.

The Mustad 35657-BR is attractively packaged on foam backing in blister boxes of 9 hooks. Available now from good fishing tackle retailers.

Okuma RTX Pro Predominately constructed of our C-40X elongated carbon fibre material, Okuma’s RTX Pro delivers a 25% reduction in weight and 50% increase in strength over traditional graphite reels of a comparable class, drastically reducing body flex commonly found in lesser reels.

Internally the RTX Pro features our custom multi-disc carbonite drag stack with Hydro Bloc watertight seal; and a 7HP bearing system with quickset anti-reverse. Okuma’s EOS Aluminium gearing is incorporated to increase smoothness, longevity; and to assist in achieving additional weight reduction on top of the impressive C-40X construction.

Additionally we’ve fitted these reels with a durable one-piece aluminium bail wire; a machined two-tone aluminium spool; and a practical lightweight EVA handle knob.

As with all Okuma reels, the RTX Pro comes complete with a Lifetime Guarantee.

3B CRANK PUPPY DOG AND WALKING STICK Trout inspired colours from Adam Royter on two of his favourite trout shapes in the 3B range. A self confessed trout addict, Adam Royter has been field testing new colours extensively both here and over the ditch in NZ.

www.tasfish.com - Get the knowledge - Get the fish.

POWER PRO BITE MOTION BEST BRAID IN SHOW The braided line market is becoming pretty crowded these days, so for your product to be recognised by the industry as the best new braid is a real triumph. This is exactly what happened to Power Pro Bite Motion at the Australian Fishing Tackle Association trade show back in August.

Ideal for finesse fishing on anything from freshwater trout to knobby-headed snapper, Bite Motion is available in 3, 5, 8, 10, 15, 20 and 30 pound breaking strains on 150 metre spools.

Bite Motion is a high visibility orange in colour, making it perfect for situations where using the line as a bite indicator is vital to success, but its visibility is enhanced even further by the presence of 13 centimetre black sections every metre. Against the orange main line, these are easy to see, and all you have to do is watch them closely and strike the moment they move. The black marks can also prove handy in targeting fish at a specific depth, or setting up a tight trolling spread.

Of course, Bite Motion is well suited to fishing scenarios where braided lines’ many attributes like fine diameter, high breaking strain and zero stretch are beneficial, but for fishing in tricky situations such as fast current and/or wary fish, it is without peer.

New Dendou Maru 9000 Plays Electric The exciting lucky dip that is deepwater bottom bouncing just became a whole lot more accessible, following the release of the Shimano Dendou Maru 9000 Plays Electric Reel.

The 9000 has a 3:1 gear ratio and metal reduction gears, so it’s more than capable of handling the heavy loads a couple of blueye, ’pukas represent. It has a maximum winding speed of 135 metres per minute, while its actual winding speed with a kilo of weight on the end is 118 metres a minute. With a two kilo weight, it’s 114 metres a minute.

The 9000 weighs 1.5 kilos and has three SA-RB bearings to keep everything moving smoothly, and a potent 25 kilos of maximum drag, which equates to some real stopping power when you’ve got a full stringer of deepwater ooglies.

Rapala Scatter Rap Introducing the Scatter Rap, with evasive swimming action.

The erratic Scatter Rap perfectly mimics a spooked baitfish fleeing attack.

But unlike in nature, this one doesn’t get away. We start with classic balsa body shapes, and then add our new Scatter Lip to create the most evasive, erratic, aggressive sweeping action ever seen.

The Scatter Rap Crank features Rapala’s classic crank body profile. This bass and multi-species lure is cast out and retrieved to impart the aggressive, evasive, erratic sweeping action that is Scatter Rap. The Scatter Rap CountDown body sinks at a consistent rate, over and over. Cast and counted down, then retrieved or trolled brings to life the aggressive, evasive action.

These classic lures with a fresh twist introduce a new dimension to fishing that predators have never seen before; and an advantage to you as an angler.

Spool it up with fine diameter braid like Power Pro and you’re good to go. It will take 1150 metres of 80 pound, or 940 metres of 100 pound, so with that capacity virtually no deep reef or canyon is out of range.

Off-the-shelf rods for this sort of deepwater work can be hard to find, but Shimano have it covered with the TCurve Revolution Offshore Deep Drop. Check them both out at your local tackle shop today.

3 Inch GULP! FRY COLOUR EXTENSION

For sale

The 3inch Fry incorporates a wormlike body with a flat paddle tail that slows descent when used with a light Nitro Bream Pro or Torpedo jig for that irresistible slow sink when fishing structure such as boats, wharves, rock walls and pontoons or fishing shallow sand and weed flats for bream and whiting.

WILL T

RADE

A proven tournament winner, the Gulp! fry is now available in Pepper Prawn.

2 Inch GULP! CRABBY

Haines Hunter Pro Strike

COLOUR EXTENSION The Gulp! 2inch Crabby has found its way into countless tackleboxes across the country. Australian designed the Crabby imitates a crab or yabby and features a realistic body shape and a belly ‘keel’ that reduces spinning on retrieve. The keel design also gives the Crabby an enticing flat sinking position when lightly weighted. Ideal for fishing structure such as rock walls, boat hulls and natural snags for Bream, Bass, Jacks and a whole lot more.

The 2 inch Crabby is now available in 4 additional natural colour variations. The popular New Penny and Natural colours find their way into the Crabby line up plus some exciting new Gulp! colours; Chocolate sparkle and Green Camo.

Berkley-fishing.com.au

Black sides with white accents in immaculate condition. Used for bream tournaments, recreational use and skiing. No money spared on this boat and everything in perfect working order.

• BF150 Honda 4 Stroke (around 120 hours on this motor) Boat was previously fitted with a 90 Honda.

• CMC hydraulic jacking plate with helm controls for both jacking plate and trim.

• Two stainless and two alloy props for all applications.

• Hot foot throttle.

• Full custom cover. • Ski pole.

• Live well with timer.

• Two on board CTEK smart chargers for both 12 volt starting battery and for twin 120AH Absorbed Glass Mat batteries.

• Minn Kota 80lb 24 volt iPilot Riptide.

• Fusion sound system for CD or iPod/iPhone.

www.tasfish.com - Get the knowledge - Get the fish.

• Two Lowrance colour sounders – one with GPS. • Pedestal seats.

• Custom rod storage locker for nine rods or more.

• Stainless Boat Buckle tiedowns x 3.

• Bream Tournament sponsorship opportunities.

Price: $35K. Replacement price around $55K Ph: Mike Stevens 0418 129949

Fishing News - Page 37

Fishing and Boating Directory Advertise here for $77. Contact Mike Stevens 0418 129949

Outboard Technology Quality Service and repairs to all Outboard Motors

David Gillespie 6248 9080 or 0417 562 859 96 Clifton Beach Rd Sandford Tas 7020

5.1 Metre Badman Tournament

This is an awesome boat that has been designed in Tasmania by a Naval Architect. It is built from 4mm plate and has huge casting area, with lockers underneath. Superb seats for comfort and a 75HP Yamaha propells it to 70KPH+. Ideal trout or bream boat with performance that will amaze you.

Custom built galvanized trailer, 55lb Minn Kota bowmount electric and Humminbird fishfinder.

Ready to rock and roll now. Any modifications you want can be done by the builder, Mark Tapsell.

A fantastic buy at $20,850. Will trade.

Aluman Engineering

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

Atmospheric Highlander Arms tavern on the doorstep 3 course meal provided each night Catch your own salmon in Tarraleah lake and learn how to prepare it with expert chef 18 lakes within 30 minutes drive

(03) 6289 0111 info @tarraleah.com www.tarraleah.com

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

Top Service – Top Price Fishing News - Page 38

guided fishing trips

around $90ea

62 Hopkins St, Moonah 6228 0274

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

• Contact: Cyril Stevens Phone 6431 3082 g Sea

Stay in a luxury art deco 3 bedroom cottage

wine & whisky tasting

Dunbier and early Holden pattern

Fishin

World class fishing in the heart of the central highlands

cosy wood fires

Boat trailer wheel and tyre

great pub

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:

son

Launceston’s Only Authorised

Dealer and Service Centre

8 Legana Park Drive Legana Industrial Estate, Ph: 6330 2277 Email: chris@cjmarineandkarts.com

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 and Mini Market 100 Chimney Heights Rd. St Helens 6376 3298

Gone Fishing Charters

9 - 5.30 weekdays 9 - 1 Saturday

44 Macquarie St George Town Ph: 6382 2373

www.tasfish.com - Get the knowledge - Get the fish.

• 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 0419 353 041 mhaleycharters@bigpond.com www.breamfishing.com.au

Fishing and Boating Directory

Experience: You Advertise here for $77. Contact Mike Stevens 0418 129949 obviously need strong paddling skills including a reliable brace and Eskimo roll, and a good handle on how sea conditions are influenced by the wind, tides and currents. Offshore from the Tasman Peninsula is not a place for novice kayakers.

OKUMA TITUS GOLD 15S $330.00 Safety gear: A 20S $350.00 marine VHF radio is especially handy, and I routinely car r y an EPIRB, flares, whistle, SHIMANO TLD50 FULL ROLLER 24KG ROD paddle float, strobe light $575.00 (for my own epileptic marine disco), map, compass and a GPS. I barely ever use them, but its comforting to know they are all there.

Fishing gear: A handline is much cheaper SHIMANO TYRONU S 50 than a rod and reel and ROLLER TIP 37KG ROD seems to work fine for $779.95 this type of game fishing A dream fulfilled and thankful to be on hard ground again.

BULK MONO LINE providing you have a PRICE PER METRE Handline trolling for bluefin from a kayak is not easy, but is way to securely attach it, 10KG $0.04 achievable as the author shows.

15KG $0.06 and plenty of line (I use 24KG $0.08 Endurance: You might need to stockpile some patience, about 300m of 37 kilo mono). Don’t forget your gloves. Include 37KG $0.10 a couple of lures that swim well at kayaking speeds, ideally fitted since the reality is you’ll be slow and with only one lure out STORMY SEAS YES!! WE CAN with long heavy mono traces. A gaff, knife and club to pacify your chances are low compared to other boats. But when MARINA WET SPOOL YOUR the fish are all potentially useful. You’ll need plenty of water your time finally arrives.... its hard to imagine any other WEATHER SET REELS FOR YOU fishing experience coming close. Best of luck out there. and high energy food to keep paddling for hours. $39.90 Bluefin tuna from a kayak, it is indeed possible.

JACKET & PANTS Nick Gust

GAME FISHING SPECIALS

Outboard Servicing

Mobile service, saves you time, money and convenience.

• Servicing greater Launceston, east, northeast coast and central highlands. • Latest computer diagnostic equipment to suit most models. • Quality work guaranteed.

Grant Garwood: 0428 382 130.

Email: ggarwood1@hotmail.com

ASE SCOOP PURCH

Outboards and Sterndrives Service and Repairs

 Rating Feature Stay and Fish the Peninsula AAA - Advertorial

RMY ZIP OUT SLEEVE www.seancosseymarine.com.au JACKET STO

NETT PRICE

$305.00 HOT PRICE

www.sportsfishtasmania.com SURE CATCH ALUMINIUM GIMBAL BELT

SMALL BAIT BOARD

$39.90 Tasmania’s huge online fishing website with forums, classifieds ROD HOLDER OR RAIL MOUNT AVAILABLE Kitchen and the Tessellated (or tiled) Pavement. You and the will be impressed by the drama of these geological wonders, sculpted by Mother Nature over millions latest of years.

A mere 15 minutes south by car the history of LARGE BAIT BOARD $129.00 fishing Tasmania’s convict past comes alive at the former $99.90 TRE ME 1.8 penal settlement of Port Arthur and other historical newsTAMAR MARINE TOP 4 sites on the Tasman Peninsula. $49.95

HEAVY DUTY GAFF

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

The Lufra - close to all the (fishing) action

It is no exaggeration to say the Tasman Peninsula is truly remarkable with possibly the best sport fishing, highest sea cliffs, outstanding diving in giant underwater kelp forests, renowned fine food producers, Australia’s leading convict site and some of country’s best bush walks.

Situated at Eaglehawk Neck, and just one hour from Hobart, The Lufra provides relaxed affordable accommodation close to Port Arthur and natural attractions and is ideally located as the base for you to enjoy many activities, sitting as it does at the narrow isthmus which connects the Forestier and Tasman Peninsulas. Visit the Lufra and you’ll share more than a stunning view because the area abounds in many attractions — both natural and made-made — all within easy driving or walking distance.

Close to the hotel are several amazing rock formations and attractions - The Blowhole, Tasman Arch, the Devil’s

Nearby you can also indulge in sports and pastimes like deep sea fishing, surfing, and bushwalking, or visit other nearby attractions like wildlife parks and wineries. $59 pp twin share incl.

The Lufra Hotel offers comfortable accommodation continental breakfast or in a range of rooms and self-catering units as well as a $65 pp with hotrooms” breakfast. limited number of “fishermen’s at very affordable rates. · 66 Stylish Additional car parkingRooms development allows substantial car and· boat parking.

Our licensed restaurant and bistro CBD Location restaurant are complemented by a games/recreation Affordable Rates room, ·TV/lounge area with open fireplace, café/coffee shop and two bars. · Conference Rooms Australian aviation pioneer tourism entrepreneur · FREE Parking · and FREE Movies Sir Reginald Ansett is reputed to have described the Lufra · FREE Fitness Hotel as “the hotel with theRoom best view in the world.” No wonder· there has been an accommodation house on Wireless Broadband the same site for more thanon 150 years. · Three Steps GeorgeThe Lufra Hotel Bar - Restaurant 380Heritage Pirates Bay Drive Eaglehawk Neck www.colonialinn.com.au Toll free 1800 639 532 (03) 6250 3262 www.lufrahotel.com or info@lufrahotel.com

SELLING BLUEFIN LURES

HALCO LAZER PRO 190

$18.90

RAPALA X-RAP 30

$34.95

KILLER VIBE 160

$22.90

MERIDIAN DEMON

$39.95

6-8 WEST TAMAR ROAD, LAUNCESTON, TASMANIA 7250 PHONE (03) 6331 6188 FAX (03) 63342681

Phone & Mail Orders welcomed We accept...

TRADING HOURS

MON TO FRI 8AM TO 5.30 PM

Ph: 6331 6588

WWW.TASFISH.COM - Over 850 stories online. Get the knowledge–get the fish.

www.tasfish.com - Get the knowledge - Get the fish.

in store

FREE Outside our waterfront PARKING boating and fishing store.

SAT MORNING 8AM TO 12.30PM

CLOSED SUN. & PUBLIC HOLIDAYS

Fishing News - Page 11

Fishing News - Page 39

Issue 105 August - September 2013

$5.95

Trout Season

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101 Trout Hot Spots, Techniques, Lures, Flies and Baits to Guarantee Fish

Over 1000 FISHING STORIES

Leroy Tirant with a Lake Plimsoll brook trout

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