Tasmanian Fishing and Boating News Issue 107 2013 December

Issue 107 December 2013 - January 2014

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Woods Lake King George Whiting NE Tas Camp and Fish Tarraleah - Be Tempted All about Arthurs Lake Choosing a Kayak Lake Pedder

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Arthurs Lake — Joe Riley

4

Arthurs Lake – IFS developments — Chris Wisniewski

8

Trolling the Worm — Michal Rybka

10

Tarraleah - Be Tempted — Dan Pursell

14

Jan’s Flies — Jan Spencer

19

Meander Caenid Sippers — Andrew Howell

20

Paddle or Pedal – Picking a Kayak — Gard Saxon

22

Lake Pedder – Trolling and Spinning — Justin Causby

24

Gum Beetle - Summer Fun — Gavin Hicks

29

Woods Lake - A Winner — Shane Flude

33

Camping and Fishing Tasmania’s North East

36

King George Whiting — Jamie Henderson

42

Pack the Yak — Terry Symons

44

Marine Fishery News

46

Tides - Cause and Effect — Bureau of Meteorology

49

Fishing, boating and accommodation services directory

50

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hat a tough start the trout season has presented. It seems not so long ago we were screaming about a lack of water. Now there is too much. Arthurs has teetered on overflowing for the first time in fifty years and rivers such as the South Esk have been up on the edges since mid July. Launceston and other areas have had record rainfalls, but now it is summer and I am expecting some rewarding fishing.

And if it is camping and fishing you want we have also taken a look at the North East corner of Tasmania. There is free and paid camping and varying levels of comfort. We have looked at some of the best sites and if you want family camping with some reasonable fishing very close by check it out. My best tip is to avoid it between Christmas and New Year. There is no busier place New Years eve.

Arthurs has some people worried that there are too many small fish. To me that signals a very healthy fishery. A few big fish means low recruitment and plenty of food. More on this and IFS plans for Arthurs on page 8-9.

The cover shot: Lake Leake has a fantastic run of both rainbows and browns at the moment. This water is a sleeper and we were going to have a ‘reveal’ this issue, but it didn’t quite happen. Put a visit on your list.

Dan Pursell takes a closer look at Tasmania’s southern highlands around Tarraleah. The few people that do fish here are well rewarded and keep things to themselves. There are some fabulous river and lake options, plus it also has some great accommodation and camping. I will be visiting soon.

You will see those funny squiggly squares popping up in this issue. They are QR (Quick Response) Codes. If you have a smart phone down load an app. and check them out. They give instant access to web pages, youtube rtc.

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Merry Christmas and good fishing for the New Year.

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Fishing News - Page 3

Arthurs Lake Joe Riley

Back in business rthurs Lake has always been one of the key fisheries for Tasmanian brown trout. In recent years though Arthurs has faded somewhat from the trout fisherman’s perspective with the lake being challenged by big draw-downs on the water level. The draw-downs drained many shallow bays including Cowpaddock and most of Jonah Bay, killing long established weed beds and resulting in the prolific mayfly hatch being interrupted. With the aquatic food supply from these bays no longer available this meant that the lake could not support a large head of good size trout.

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In 2008 Arthurs fell to one of its lowest levels since damming, 5.72 meters below the full level of 952.82 meters above sea level. Dead fish were located in pools isolated by the draw-down and threatened galaxias were transferred to other waters by the Inland Fisheries Service to create safety populations.

Following the low levels, minimum draw-down levels were agreed upon and a memorandum of understanding was signed between the key parties to prevent such big draw downs in future.

Following the dry spell, good rains in recent years have filled Arthurs again, good spawning seasons in Hydro creek and Tumbledown creek saw the average size of brown trout in Arthurs fall markedly as fish numbers increased on a base of limited food as the weed beds had not fully re-established and the aquatic food source was still limited. Good size fish became hard to find, particularly in the shallow bays where small aggressive browns held in big numbers.

It’s taken time, but the consistently high water levels have seen the food return. The previously small brown trout are now stacking on size and weight. In Cowpaddock Bay, shrimp and scud have returned and are plentiful in the stomach contents of resident fish, together with the bigger damsel fly nymph and loads of stick caddis, stone fly and snail, all of this aquatic food means the fish are growing well.

What is becoming very clear to me this year is that the fish are also returning to being far more amendable to top of the water action, floating or

Not all Arthurs fish are small — and they are plentiful. intermediate line tactics with small dry and wet flies.

More and more the trout are accepting nymphs, traditional wet flies and the dry flies including the pommy hopper patterns which sprang to prominence when John Horsey the top rated English competition angler visited Tasmania in the late 1990s. Always effective, these flies are proving themselves to be even more so this year.

After what has been another ’unusual’ spring with sun, wind, rain, snow, the weather now appears to be settling. I fished Arthurs 16/17 November from my boat in the warm bright weather, stoneflies were hatching in big numbers and landing out in Cowpaddock Bay. Fish averaging 38 to 40cm in solid condition were high in the water, some rising, others cruising just below the surface in the top 600 mm. There were stone and caddis fly adults on the water, the occasional mayfly dun and even a few gum beetles landing upside down on the surface of the bay. I fished a clear intermediate line, 18ft leader and 3 x flies. The flies selected were a wet hopper pattern on the top dropper, soft hackle wet in the middle, and a light coloured cormorant on the point.

Wind was light with a nice ripple in the surface.

Fishing dead slow with a hand twist retrieve; the intermediate line was effectively fishing only the top metre of water where we were drifting in the 3 metre depth range. The browns were looking for small food and took confidently, drawing the line tight in your hand. Two of the browns took moments after the flies hit the water, obviously attracted by the flies dropping on the surface. One of these was a solid 2lb brown what I would regard as a typical Arthurs brown about 5 years ago. All of the other browns we caught were also in great condition, some very deep and solid for their size. As the afternoon progressed, the intermediate line action slowed, we went back to sinking line techniques with woolly buggers and

a type 5 (sink rate 5 inches per second) line. This was about right for the 3 metres of water with the prevailing wind being light. We found that the browns had dropped back down closer to the bottom, and although a bit reluctant in the bright weather they would still take the woolly buggers. There were quite a few follow ups, quick hesitant grabs which did not stick but also confident takes resulting in good hook ups.

The water level has established now at 0.04 metre from full supply level. There is water through kerosene bush everywhere creating loads of back water fishing. Going ashore, browns are in the edges foraging for worms, frogs and other food.

In warm calm weather these browns rise freely in the flooded margins. They are easy to approach because of the shelter, relatively easy to hook, but challenging to land.

With lots of snags and cover these fish have to be held onto to prevent immediately being snagged in the drowned shrubbery. Polaroiding these fish is also relatively easy because of the shelter from the wind means that light conditions do not have to be ideal on flat water. Although there is so much flood water through the margins there are still plenty of trout in the open water, the return of the food to the weed beds is ensuring fish are in all of the old haunts.

As the weather improves, I can see the trout in Arthurs continuing to put on condition, and see plenty of opportunity for dry fly and top of the water fly fishing.

Flies that will entice Arthurs trout. Point fly on left is a Cormorant, middle fly, a soft hackle and the top fly on right a Bibio Hopper.

Fishing News - Page 4

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Fishing News - Page 5

Craig Carey lands another.

Top: Fish in the bushes; the fish are there. Bottom. The road to Gunns Lake at the top end of the Cowpaddock at .050m from full supply level.

If we are lucky enough for the water level to hold close to its current levels I also think we will see the average size of fish next year up again and 2lb fish being the norm.

Fishing News - Page 6

If the mayfly has increased in numbers consistent with the stone fly then we will be in form a good dun hatch also, by Christmas 2013 we should have a pretty fair idea.

Arthurs has always been one of my favourite wild brown trout lakes.

There are so many bays, sheltered shores and open drifting water all at a good depth for holding trout, with large sections of the lake being accessible by car. The Morass bay in the southern end, Hydro and Phantom bays along the Western shore and Cowpaddock around to Tumbledown Creek in the North you can find access and comfortable fishing with shelter from prevailing wind. In a boat you can also access the Eastern shore of the lake, the Northern bays like Jones and Fleming bay and all around Brazendale and Neil Islands.

Arthurs Lake is back in business with aquatic life returning in

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abundance and terrestrial insect falls which give loads of opportunity for fly fishing. With the water level back at height plenty of trout and in fabulous condition it is still one of our premier trout fishing lakes.

Joe Riley

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Fishing News - Page 7

Arthurs Lake map

Wet conditions = a lot of small fish

www.thelist.tas.gov.au

Generated at: 12:13 on 1-August-2013

User: sonyah

Arthurs Lake trout recruitment control infrastructure – Chris Wisniewski

Page: 1 of 1

Trap Site Site Trap Trap Site Site Trap

Trap Site Site Trap

Current status rthurs Lake is a popular fishery for brown trout and has ranked consistently in the top two waters in the state over the past 20 years. Data obtained from brown trout spawning runs at Hydro Creek since the 1977 show that the size of fish has varied considerably over this period. The average size of the trout being caught from the lake appears to be linked with environmental conditions that affect the inflowing creeks. Spawning conditions vary considerably with wet winters providing a large return of fry to the lake. Over the years following these successful recruitment events there has typically been a decrease in the size of the fish being caught which falls below angler’s expectations for this water. With the drought breaking rains in

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www.thelist.tas.gov.au © COPYRIGHT AND DISCLAIMER . Map data is compiled from a variety of sources and hence its accuracy is variable. If you wish to make decisions based on this data you should consult with the relevant authorities. Apart from any use permitted under the Copyright Act 1968, no part of the report may be copied without the permission of the General Manager, Information and Land Services, Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment, GPO Box 44 Hobart 7001.

2009 and four wet winters since the average size of adult brown trout in the Hydro Creek spawning run was below 400 grams for the first time since records have been collected.

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An in lake survey has been undertaken post spawning to check that what was being observed in Hydro Creek related to what was happening in the lake. The survey used a variety of gear types and the results confirmed what was being detected in the spawning runs and being reported by anglers over the past few years from their catches. A full report will be available soon on the IFS website. http://www.ifs.tas.gov.au/news/arthurs-lake-baselinesurvey-2013

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Spawning control

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Figure 1. The average weight (grams) of spawning trout at Hydro Creek, Arthurs Lake 1977 - 2013

Lakes that have limited spawning generally produce smaller numbers of larger fish. The simplistic way of thinking about it is there is only limited amount of food in any waterway and therefore large numbers of small fish will use up this food resource while in the case of lakes with small numbers of fish there can be an unlimited amount of food which allows the fish to have unhindered growth. Weather events in the form of dry and wet winters appear to have been the major influence in driving the size of the trout in Arthurs Lake along with a range of other environmental factors.

The question is whether it is possible to limit the amount of successful spawning in Arthurs Lake.

Compared to say the Great Lake, Arthurs has only a small number of spawning creeks. Hydro, Scotch Bobs, Tumbledown creeks and Jones Rivulet provide the main source of recruitment. Hydro Creek has been trapped by the IFS since the 1970’s.

Recent road improvement around the Cowpaddock to Gunns Lake has now provided easy access to Scotch Bobs and Tumbledown while Jones Rivulet is still somewhat remote. Tumbledown Creek has an extensive catchment area and most likely contributes a considerable amount of recruitment to lake.

The average weight of spawning trout has dropped below 400 grams for the first time ever.

Fishing News - Page 8

The IFS is at the stage of negotiating approvals and developing plans to build fish traps on Scotch Bobs and Tumbledown creeks. If all approvals are met it is hoped that traps will be constructed on these two creeks in the autumn of 2014 allowing for recruitment control and trapping of adult brown trout

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to occur in the winter of the same year. The traps will be designed around structures that have been in place for some time at Liawenee Canal, Hydro Creek and Mountain Creek at Lake Sorell where a weir structure is use to prohibit the movement of trout up the creek. A diversion channel is used to regulate water from above the weir allows fish to be attracted into a trap during their upstream migration and easy access for staff. The benefit of this design is that firstly it blocks the passage of fish up into the spawning beds and secondly enables the trapping of brown trout under a controlled situation away from flood events that would make it impossible to keep screens in place during the full force of high flows.

at the lake and a considerable number of these have permanent shacks on them. The three main developed areas are Flintstone, Wilburville and the Morass. The lake is serviced by formal camping sites at Jonah Bay and Pumphouse Bay. Both have toilet facilities. Pumphouse Bay and Jonah Bay have a number of leased caravan sites. There are concrete boat ramps at Jonah Bay and the Dam. Gravel boat ramps also exist

at Pumphouse Bay, and the Morass. Numerous informal boat ramps and camp sites exist around the lake. Popular campsites exist around the Cowpaddock, Dam and Brazendale Island areas. These facilities have been developed due to the popularity of the lake as a trout fishing destination. The lake was recently one of the venues for the 2012 Commonwealth Fly Fishing Championships.

To make this system work a site is required with a suitable grade in the creek to allow a low 1 metre high weir to be constructed. Luckily at Tumbledown Creek there is a suitable rapid directly above the road bridge into Gunns Lake. This is ideal as it is above the full supply level of the lake yet will provide limited spawning opportunity for trout when the lake is at lower levels as the creek below this point is a series of large pools that do not provide suitable spawning habitat. Scotch Bobs Creek is a little different in that the best location for the weir and trap is about 100 metres above the full lake level. When the lake is at lower levels there will be some spawning opportunity for trout in this lower section of the creek.

Jones Rivulet poses further problem in that it is somewhat more difficult to access and when the lake is at high level like at present there are no ideal sites for blocking the passage of spawning fish. It is proposed to review this when the lake goes down to see if a suitable site can be found. This may mean that Jones Rivulet will not have a barrier to prevent spawning at all lake levels.

Given that the unprecedented high water levels currently in Arthurs Lake it is likely that a similar structure can be built in the future to service the majority of likely lake levels.

One of the potential weir sites on Tumbledown Creek.

Brown trout in the Great Lake at spawning time are trapped, stripped of their ova and transferred as adult stockings to waters all over the state. The fish in Arthurs Lake will provide a similar resource enabling access to ova and further enhancement of waters around Tasmania where adult fish can be used to quickly respond a variety of factors that affect our fisheries.

It is envisaged that the combination of recruitment control and translocation of adult fish should translate into a general increase in trout size in Arthurs Lake. If required fish can also be allowed to pass through the trap and bypass channel into the spawning grounds to enabled unhindered natural recruitment.

Background Arthurs Lake is situated in the central highlands of Tasmania approximately 15 kilometres east of Miena. It is estimated that there are over 300 rate paying properties

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Fishing News - Page 9

Towing the Worm Michal Rybka

All trollers read on ......

Worming from a Kayak – a different perspective Michal Rybka reveals some deadly Great Lake, kayak based techniques using soft plastic worms.

In fact this should not be kayak nor Great Lake limited. If you are a troller of any sort read on.

Introduction Live-worm fishing for trout is one of the oldest and best-known angling methods in Tasmania. It is a popular choice for many anglers who love their set-rod fishing in the Central Highland lakes. In fact ‘worming’, as it is sometimes called, is a very popular method in most parts of the world. Garden worms are inexpensive and a widely available bait favoured not only by trout, but also by many other freshwater species. In many cases, live worms are certainly hard to beat — or are they?

The modern, no mess, no fuss alternative to live worms are worms manufactured from a soft plastic material. While there are many varieties of soft plastic worms specifically designed for setrod fishing, the type I use when kayak fishing for

trout are a little different. While they have some characteristics of a worm, their modified profile provides gives them a swim action, which is even more enticing to fish.

from 1/12 to 1/16 in weight, with a hook size of 1/0 or size 2 are my preferred choices. The jighead is inserted centrally through the front section of the worm, with the hook exposed at its back.

For me, I have found that using such lures from a kayak in the Great Lake works particularly well on the local trout. As with most forms of trout fishing, a successful day relies on finding the right area to target. Finding where trout may feed is the key. You can obviously use your boat to find such areas.

You can even try prospecting for trout walking the shoreline. From experience, I can vouch for both methods as they do work well.

Some of you may think that trout will grab the tail using this type of setup. But in reality, provided you anticipate the strike and give the fish ample time to ‘suck’ the worm down, you should have no trouble in setting the hook. If you are still worried, you can cut the worm down a bit using your braid scissors. You can even pinch a bit off with your fingers to make the lure shorter to improve hook-up rates.

But for those of you that like to get even closer to the action (as I do), a kayak is the perfect choice.

The stealth element and ability of the kayak to move easily over shallow water will improve your success.

Let me explain.

How to rig a soft plastic worm Soft plastic worms can be rigged in a variety of ways; however, there are two methods that I tend to use most often. The first uses the standard jighead approach – just as you would rig any other plastic (t-tail, stick bait, curl tail grub). A jighead ranging

Take great care rigging your worms correctly.

Fishing News - Page 10

The second method is to use a spine-style jighead in order to position the hook towards the tail section of the worm. Evolution jigheads probably make the best ones for this purpose. This method requires you to insert a skewer centrally through the body of the worm. The skewer is removed and the long jighead, matched to the length of your worm, is inserted through the body of the worm. Finally, a dual hook is clipped onto where the wire end of the jighead comes out near the tail of the worm.

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Fishing News - Page 11

The author, Michal, worming them up. of setup will definitely increase your hook-up rate, although, be warned, trout will sometimes go for the head of the worm!

Finish off your setup by using a good rod length of quality fluorocarbon leader material. This should be attached to your main line (braid in most cases) using a good quality leader knot such. Knots that I regularly use are the ‘slim beauty’ and the easier to tie ‘surgeons knot’. Instructions for both can be found on the internet. Tie your jighead onto the leader using a simple loop knot connection. This will ensure that your worm has maximum freedom of movement and therefore a perfect swim action!

Kayak Tactics I will now share a couple of my favourite and effective kayak fishing techniques used for targeting trout. The first relies on finding a wind-blown shore.

Great Lake is well known for its wind-blown shores, with large numbers of galaxias often found after getting pounded into the rocks by the waves. These galaxias are an easy meal for a hungry trout, with many simply mopping up the dead fish around these shorelines. Trout will also actively target live galaxias found in shallow shorelines.

The key to this method is to set your kayak up within casting distance of that shoreline. It is even better if you can drift parallel to that shoreline and cover distance at the same time. Once you have positioned yourself, cast your soft plastic worm as close to the waters edge as possible without snagging on the rocks. I then use a ‘rip and pause’ retrieve. As soon as your lure hits the water, simply wind your reel as fast as you can while twitching your rod tip back and forth a few inches. After a few ‘rips’, stop and pause the lure for 2 to 3 seconds, then repeat the sequence over again until the lure comes back to your yak. I have found that, 9 times

out of 10, the trout will strike out of aggression on the pause sequence of this retrieve. It therefore pays to anticipate the strike during the pause, a trick that will increase your catch rate!

Prospecting the wind-blown shores in your kayak, as described, should be your first move; however, if you have no success in locating fish this way, try moving away from the shore until your sounder shows a nice drop-off. Let your worm sink to the bottom of the drop off. Then simply use the same ‘rip’ technique that I have described above. Given the increased depth, you can even afford to let the worm pause for longer. If the worm plastic is any good, it should flutter and swim to the bottom during the pause part of the sequence. Again, it’s important to anticipate any takes during this time.

The second kayak technique that I like to use involves finding weed beds that hold fish. The idea here is to swim your worm above the top of the weed bed. For this I use a very lightly weighted worm set up - a 1/16 jighead is perfect for the job.

The lighter the setup, the more ‘hang time’ the lure gets. The more ‘hang time’, the more opportunity there is for trout to see your offering. This can only be a good thing!

You will need to start off by locating a suitable weed bed. These can sometimes be a long way from shore. Of course, think about your own safety first before venturing out too far! The sounder fitted to your kayak is your best friend here. Use it to its maximum potential to locate suitable weed beds.

Once you have identified your target, set yourself up within casting distance of the weed bed. You can use the ‘rip’ retrieve over the weed, but I sometimes prefer to just swim the worm slowly across the top of it. To do this, you will need to estimate where the top of the weed is in relation to your lure. Again, use your sounder to help with assessing the height of the weed bed.

Girls rule – a lovely brownie caught on the troll.

Fishing News - Page 12

Start the retrieve by winding slowly, while very subtly twitching the rod tip back and forth. The rod tip need only be twitched an inch or so either way.

Make sure you do it very slowly, while employing a constant, flat retrieve. This will make the worm swim in a fairly flat trajectory above the weed. The added twitch is guaranteed to give your worm a life-like, and therefore, enticing swim action. I sometimes get creative and include a ‘pause’ sequence in this retrieve – just to get some extra special attention!

An incorrectly rigged soft plastic worm ironically it still caught trout!

Conclusion The techniques that I have described in this story are excellent options for fishing Great Lake; however, they will work on trout just about anywhere, and can be used by anglers of all skill levels. They will work if you are fishing on foot, from the shore, or fishing from a boat or kayak.

The advantage of a watercraft like a kayak is that you are able to access those shallow, hard-to-reach places. The added stealth of a kayak will also be a definite bonus when using the methods that I have outlined. If you go about it the right way, you will be able to sneak up on those spooky trout undetected!

Tips Choosing a shore to target If you haven’t done your homework regarding the weather and encounter calm conditions on the lake, simply look for fine debris build up on the shoreline.

This may consist of, but is not limited to, fine twigs, grass, leaves and even logs. The presence of foam amongst the debris also usually means a recent pounding from the water. This is where you should start!

Choosing a weed bed to target It pays to remember that weed beds in the Great Lake are home to a variety of aquatic food sources.

Here is where a sounder fitted to your kayak can really help you. Look at your sounder carefully and take note of the depth. Aim to find weed that finishes a few metres under the surface. Swimming a lightly weighted soft plastic worm just above the weed line in the water column can be a deadly tactic.

The Swan Bay area contains some excellent weed beds where trout like to take refuge and feed.

Tods Corner, although slightly shallower, is another good option. Both areas are generally sheltered from the weather and are well suited to kayak fishing.

Soft plastic worm lure selection Don’t be afraid to use worm lures that are 4 inches (10 cm +) in length or even a bit longer. Here are some good worm soft plastics that work well at Great Lake: Strike Tiger Curl Tail Worm, Yep Grimy Gromit, Berkley Gulp Turtleback Worm, Squidgy Pro Worm, Savage Gear Eel, Z man Saw Tail Worm, Gary Yamamoto Senko Worm.

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Just like in a boat – a fishfinder is your friend. With kayak being much more stealthy you can often sit on top of fish you would never see in a boat.

Kayak Safety Tips

Practice makes good sense

This first point goes without saying – always check the weather. If you get there and it looks risky (if you see whitecaps on the water etc.), then it probably is.

Probably the best tip I have for those of you who kayak fish (or want to kayak fish) is to practice falling into the water from your kayak in a controlled environment. Do it BEFORE you go fishing! A shallow, but warm sheltered bay somewhere is perfect. You can even try this in a larger swimming pool.

Take a fishing buddy with you whenever possible to accompany you in another kayak.

It’s good practice to stick close to the shore and avoid any crossings over vast expanses of water.

Think of alternate routes to the launching area should it become rough on the way back.

Always wear a good quality PFD – remember it’s the law in Tasmania.

Take a first aid kit and invest in some flares. Remember, mobile phones have limited reception at Great Lake and in the Central Highlands area. If you are really safety conscious, then invest in a small personal EPIRB.

Wear your PFD and dress as you would when going fishing. It’s also important to take some gear on the kayak that represents the weight that you would normally load it with. Practice getting back on your kayak from the water. Knowing what to expect in such circumstances may save your life one day! You will also realise that everything on board needs to be tied down – rods included!

Michal Rybka

10 OUT OF 10

TROUT

RECOMMEND IT.

The weather can change rapidly.

It can even snow up at the lakes in summer!

Wear warm clothing that will not restrict your ability to operate your craft.

Take a towel and a change of warm clothes in a dry bag just in case.

Remember to always take your wet weather gear with you.

Take plenty of food and water, along with a thermos containing a hot drink.

Tell someone exactly where you are going and what time you are expected to return.

And finally, use common sense.

Don’t take any unnecessary risks.

A bit on cold water survival Having followed all of the above kayak safety tips, you can happily hope for the best.

However, make sure you are prepared for the worst. The temperature of the water in Great Lake can be very cold, even in summer! In many cases, water temperatures that may seem warm can still have an adverse effect on human survival.

TURNS FISHING INTO CATCHING.

Remember, once you are in cold water, your life is at risk.

Predicted survival time for a fully clothed adult male wearing a lifejacket in water at 5°C is approximately 1 hour and 2 hours at 10°C – such water temperatures are commonly encountered in our central highland lakes.

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

Tarraleah Trout Daniel Pursell

L

ocated in the southern Central Highlands is the township of Tarraleah — an ex Hydro village, built in the 1930s and located around one and half hours from Hobart and 50 minutes drive from the Great Lake via the Marlborough Highway. Tarraleah is a great place for fishing with a number of waterways all connected by canals. They hold excellent stocks of trout and its unique in the fact that only trout inhabit these waters as far as I know, with no eels or redfin perch present. It is suitable for all types of angling and a wonderful option if wanting to either explore some new water, or if the weather is rough on the Great Lake side of the hill.

Generally speaking better settled weather can be found lower down and I invite you to take the journey with me and explore what the local rivers and lakes around Tarraleah can offer - you may be surprised.

There is great accommodation in the area and good camping for those inclined.

Nive River The Nive River is located at the bottom of Tarraleah hill. There’s been some great fish caught here and many others sighted. Hydro workers see some big trout during shutdown periods. It has the potential to surprise and is well worth a visit.

The river flows from the foothills of Bronte near Laughing Jack Lagoon and flows through to Lake Liapootah. On this river there are two power stations within a half a kilometre section of each other. Tarraleah and Tungatinah power stations are fed down the large pipelines from Tungatinah Lagoon and from the ponds just outside the village of Tarraleah through the turbines. As with most power stations the outflows of these areas are places to target big fish as the turbines mince up fish and create a classic big fish feeding area.

The Nive River has always produced big fish from the early Hydro days right up to present day and trout in excess of 20 pounds have been taken in this water. Browns dominate, however the odd rainbow and Atlantic salmon have been captured from time to time the average size of the fish in this river is excellent with most fish averaging 700 grams or better.

Varied and productive

Early and late in the season some very big fish are captured. These big fish are either residents or have come up to spawn from Lake Liapootah.

Downstream access to the Nive River is tight and some scrub bashing will be necessary on your part to get to some of the best spots. The river can be accessed easily via the highway bridge up and downstream and about one kilometre downstream at what is known as Regatta Point.

Access to here is through a dirt road on the Tungatinah side of the bridge that crosses the Nive River. Follow the gravel road along to the yellow boom gate and turn right. There is scope to camp here also which makes those overnight missions more pleasurable.

Fishing the river The Nive River can be fished with bait, lure and fly local knowledge should be sought before attempting this however as the river can rise with little warning even in summer time when low levels occur.

The best baits being worms and wattle grubs fished in the slower backwaters and deeper pools using either a running sinker rig or fishing on top of the surface most big fish are caught in the Nive early and late in the season on big baits after dark.

Lures to use on the river are: Rapala CD-5 and CD-7 in Spotted Dog, Rainbow Trout and Golden Alburnus, Hawk Sniper in black and gold, large Celtas in green and gold and red and gold will work well in the faster runs as well as Ashley Spinners in green and gold. The important thing is to get the lure down to where the fish are; work Fishing News - Page 14

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The Nive River has some great opportunities and beautiful runs to fish. the side of the banks – especially in and around the snags, rocks and riffles.

Extreme care should be taken when wading this river as it can rise without notice and can often be deeper than it appears due to water clarity. Another great way to fish this river, is in summer when levels are low, using a Fish Cake after dark. Find a slow flowing pool; cast and slowly retrieve this deadly surface lure on top. It can produce explosive takes from big fish.

Soft plastic fishing deep and slow is a great technique. A 1/6, 1/4 and 3/8 ounce jig heads will get your lure down to ‘the zone’. If you are loosing jig heads that’s a good thing as your plastic is on the bottom or in snags and that’s where the fish will be.

Leader material should be on the heavier side and I suggest eight to twelve pound fluorocarbon. You never know what will come along. Colours in plastics include the classic Black and Gold, Olive/pearl T tail, Pumpkinseed and Turtleback worms will all work well.

Fly fishing the river is best done when water levels are low in summer. There are mild hatches of caddis and midge on warm summer evenings. When

this occurs fish will rise freely and take most nondescript dry flies and emerger patterns.

If nothing is showing running a large gold tungsten bead headed pheasant tail nymph or a large weighted olive or black woolly bugger through the riffles with an indicator will produce results. When the water is low the fish can be polarioded in the shallows and along the banks and in the shallow riffles.

Number 1 pond On top of the hill just before you reach the Tarraleah turnoff from the south is a small dam known as Number 1 pond.

Two canals run into this pond, one from Lake King William the other from the Pump Pond. This pond is a great little fishery and gives up some nice conditioned browns and a few rainbows.

Number 1 Pond is a fabulous little fishery.

Tasmania 25k. Copyright © State of Tasmania,Base Data and Raster images from the LIST (www.thelist.tas.gov.au)

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Mossy Marsh Pond

Pump Pond

Number 1 Pond

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Fishing News - Page 15

Fishing the Number 1 pond Good access is available around the pond.

Fishing where the canals run in with a small running sinker rig with either a wattle grub or bunch of worms will work well.

Lures to use in the pond CD-5 Rapala in Brook Trout and Brown Trout will work well, Tassie Devils in green and gold and Hawk Sniper in black and gold will work well I like to cast along the edges of the pond and across the currents where the canals run in Soft plastics fishing in the pond with a heavy 3/8 jig head and using the current to your advantage you can add action swinging plastics across the current.

Work them back with a simple twitching method.

On the slower eastern side you can probably use a lighter head worked along the bottom just above the weed beds. I like to use the Black and gold T-tail and Bronze/pearl T-tail.

Fly fishing in the pond is best done on warm summer evenings when fish will rise to caddis and midge. I find using a size 12 Red Tag, an Elk Hair Caddis or Black Spinner Parachute will all work well.

I enjoy fishing after dark for fish casting the fly out to rising fish, waiting to hear a take, then lift if you think it was in the general vicinity of your fly. You will hook up or not, but regardless, it’s an exciting method and some of the bigger fish will come out after dark.

Most years the hydro drop the level of the pond for canal maintenance and when this happens the pond becomes shallow and polaroiding can be very good.

The canals that run into this pond should not be overlooked. Many locals, including myself have polaroided some very large fish against the sides of the canal. Fooling them can be a different story and great caution should be exercised if fishing this area.

It’s deep and fast water.

Pump Pond Directly opposite Number 1 pond is the Pump Pond. Following the canal upstream of the locked boom gate for a 500 metre walk you will arrive on the dam wall. This pond it has many exposed tree stumps out in the middle and along the edges, but it is full of fat little brown trout and it is here you can expect big catches of small, but well conditioned trout. Average size is on the smaller side around 250 grams but the odd fish upwards of 4 pounds are captured here. The lack of size is easily excusable with the sheer numbers making it a fun fishery. On the north side of the Pump Pond there is an excellent grassy shore well suited to camping if an overnight trip is in order.

Fishing the Pump Pond The dam wall is the pond’s deepest area and bait fishing from here with a running sinker rig and small bunch of worms or a wattle grub will work well if the wind is favourable. Fishing mudeyes from the dam wall will also produce many fish. All of the pond can be bait fished and unweighted baits along both sides will also work well especially after dark and in low light.

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Spin fishing in the pump will produce many Fishin g son fat littleSeatrout working along the dam wall and bottom half of the northern side. Hawk Snipers in black and gold, Rapala CD5 in rainbow and brown trout patterns will work well in rough conditions. The fish will really come on the chew in the shallow water up the top end

where the outflow canal from Mossy Marsh comes in. Use a small Celta in green and black, or a small devon type spinner. On the southern side it’s shallow and more suited to bait and fly fishing.

Light gear is essential if soft plastic fishing on the Pond. Work the dam wall end with black and gold and olive/pearl T-tails with light jigheads.

Fly fishing is great fun and the way to catch rising fish on warm summer evenings. The fish are usually taking caddis, midge, gum beetle or black spinner and although not easy to fool at times, first and last light is usually the best. You will find many tailing fish in the Pond and I find using a size 14 or 16 black or chocolate brown parachute emerger pattern very effective. Whether chasing risers or tailing fish, do not too get hung up on just one fish. If they keep refusing, move on and try another fish. Woolly buggers and zonker type flies will produce plenty of fish, and it’s a great place to learn to fly fish or just to go and have some fun.

Mossy Marsh Pond As you leave Tarraleah following the Butlers Gorge road a short 10 minute drive will see you arrive at Mossy Marsh Pond there are two access points one of which a 10 to 15 minute walk will be required as there is a locked gate. Following the road down to the canal will lead you to a footbridge in which you can cross the outflow canal and gain access to the eastern side of the pond. The other access point is a couple of minutes further along Butlers Gorge Road you will see a sign saying Mossy Marsh Pond on the right hand side. Take this road and it will lead you to a yellow boom gate which is generally open. If closed a walk around 600 metres will have you at the Mossy Marsh Dam wall..

Fishing the pond Mossy marsh is a good water suited to all types of angling. Access is tight and there is a lot of dead standing timber and fallen logs through the pond.

It is snaggy, but that gives the trout lots of cover. A small kayak or car topper boat is a great way to get about in good weather, but by no means a must.

There is plenty space near the dam wall to camp.

It is a lovely location to get away for a few days or a good base to come and go from while fishing the other waters around Tarraleah. The hot spots are along the dam wall the northern end, and the inflow where the canal runs into the pond.

Bait fishing the pond is best done on the western side of the pond along the dam wall and in the first bay along the northern side. Due to the amount of snags an unweighted bunch of worms or wattle grub is best, cast into the deeper water. Fishing mudeyes

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Fishing News - Page 17

under a float is also a fantatsic way to catch trout in this pond. I prefer a slightly heavier outfit for baitfishing here with six to ten pound line outfit giving you the advantage in the snags.

Lure fishing in this pond is best done when levels are high. Work the more shallow running lures like Ashley spinners and Celtas in green and gold and floating F5 rapalas in brown trout and brook trout. Target in and around the snags. I prefer late afternoons here for spinning or anytime of day when the weather is rough .

Soft plastic fishing the pond is best done off the dam wall with a light jighead and a black and gold T-tail or Olive/pearl T-tail. Working in and around the timber with a kayak or car topper style boat another great spot is the inflow where the canal runs in Fly fishing the pond is my prefered method. Good hatches to black spinner, duns, midge and gum beetle with the odd jassid hatch later in the season.

On warm evenings and at first light the pond will come alive with rising trout. Up until Christmas the fish will be chasing frogs about in the more marshy areas. Blind wet fly fishing with a small rabbit syle zonker fly or woolly bugger will catch fish. On the risers and tailers I find fishing a small parachute spinner in black or brown works rather well some days. Tailing fish can often go on go pretty well all day moving in and out of the weeds and shallows.

If they won’t look at the dry I find using a small scud with a flash of orange in it or a small green or claret nymph will do the trick.

The fish in here aren’t huge by any means, but fish up to 2 kg are taken. They are usually fat solid fish and the majority being browns with the odd rainbow caught. The IFS have had past stocking programs in this water of adult fish making it more attractive to visit.

There’s some great fishing to be had with all the waters around Tarraleah. They are worth spending the time and fishing them — you may just be surprised.

Daniel Pursell

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Jan’s

Flies

Jan Spencer

would like to tell you my thoughts on Arthurs Lake.

Many are critical of the numerous small fish, the results of good spawning over the last few years. It does show it is a very healthy system.

I

If there were few fish there would be complaints as well. And it seems not so long ago anglers were complaining of low levels and no water. As I write this Arthurs is 40mm from full. It has never been that high, and has never spilled.

Stone Fly

Over the decades I have fished this water there is a cycle of large and small fish - few and many. It is always changing. Arthurs is one of the very best wild brown trout fisheries in the world, not just Tasmania.

or more and in superb condition. The fish kept had been full — stick caddis, nymphs, worms, occasional frogs and stoneflies.

Hook: Body:

It is a water for all anglers – from bait fishers to hard body lures, soft plastics, trollers and my favourite method – fly fishing. There is plenty of room for all.

Stoneflies flutter rather than fly and lay their eggs on the water. They have a tiny body and their large wings fold flat back along their body. They are often mistaken for caddis.

Blue gray underfur from a black rabbit.

Wing:

Grey elk hair (dyed).

Late October through November saw me visit this water many times looking for stonefly feeders. The water is up in the bushes and so are the fish.

Many flies will take these fish, but something around a size 14, on a light hook grey in colour and sitting low in the water is best, in my opinion.

Where possible I pick a warm overcast day with little wind and the calm shore. If stoneflies are hatching this will be the place to find them - and the fish as well. I have been pleasantly surprised by the size of the fish, which are often around a kilo

The following is my favourite, and with a wing that sits up a little anglers can see it. The buzzer hook will let the body sit in the water rather than on it, but the elk hair keeps it floating and gives an impression of fluttering wings - well I think so, and it does work.

Light gauge, buzzer style, size 14.

Thread: Black.

1. Take black thread well round the hook bend.

2. Dub on blue/grey rabbit fur and finely taper this from well round the bend go all the way to the eye and then back two turns.

3. Take a small bunch of elk hair and put this in a hair stacker. This will level the tips. Now place on top and tie in firmly, whilst squeezing. You don’t want to flare the wing too much.

4. Cut away excess butt ends.

5. Whip finish and varnish.

What’s the best way to test waders?

Outfitting anglers since 1986

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Fishing News - Page 19

Meander’s Morning Andy Howell

Caenid sippers at dawn...

or the last few years I’ve been a bit of a lake fishing fanatic. Almost every chance I got I’d zip off “up top” for a chance to attack a stillwater.

It could be a few hours of an evening, a dawn patrol tail session on the Pine, or a couple of hours through the middle of the day between jobs. Free fuel and a work bus made it easy to take off on a whim. Sessions were short and travel times were often pretty long, and increasingly the travel with a young family has become just a bit more tiresome.

F

Not that it was at all bad - the lake fishing time has been a lot of fun and taught me a lot, improving various techniques, allowing flies to develop and evolve, and I’m always learning something new on weather, insect life or particular conditions up top to love or loathe. Every trip to the plateau was enjoyed, but it really meant I’d neglected something I’d very much enjoyed only 5 years or so back those lovely summer sessions on the meadow streams. I guess it’s just that I had lost touch and had a different focus rather than purposely ignoring these local river gems.

Funny really, as being a Launceston lad through and through the meadow stream magic should be front and centre in high summer. I’d meant to get there to our meadow streams a few times early

Be on the water early.

Fishing News - Page 20

The Meander has plenty of Angler Access points as is close to Launceston. season the last couple of years after the Horan team (Pat, Will and old warhorse Terry) along with the indefatigable Graeme Frankcombe had regularly mentioned some great flood fishing sessions on the South Esk and Meander when they had chased the rising waters. But timing and work had conspired against me and I’d missed all but a few scraps of said rising fresh!

So when Terry Horan mentioned to me at our December meeting of the Fly Fishers Club of Tasmania last year that “the caenids are on!” I was reminded just how long it had been since I’d hit the meadow streams in any way at all. It piqued my interest, time was short and work was too busy for long haul missions - why not rectify my wrongs immediately!

Lining up the following dawn Saturday a few days later I got up in good time and bee-lined it straight for Westwood Bridge on the Meander. It’s twenty three and a half minutes from my place, whether I go via Rosevale or Launceston, which I learnt over the next visits in following days and weeks, testing how I could get there quicker and earlier! Nine minutes back to work also helped.

these “dimples” was anything but easy, despite their obvious numbers and regular consistent feeding, they were just zoned in on the tiny tucker.

I fished hard, but often ended up with just one or two fish to hand for my trouble, with the best score at three and only one blank morning on a slightly quieter windier day during the 8 or 9 times (or more) I called in for my couple of hours on the water trips for a month and a bit over December and January.

The fishing was BLOODY CHALLENGING in fact, but very rewarding when it all came together.

Initially I thought the fly was being refused time and again by some fish, and from my lake experiences (probably spurred on by reading plenty of Greg French) I had become schooled in moving lots and covering lots of water to find fish, and compliant ones at that to try and achieve maximum success!

But here I eventually worked out that I needed more patience, and to focus on a fish for a lot longer.

Perhaps it wasn’t necessarily refusals outright, but a real presentation game that fish required, and for that presentation to be spot on. A fly had to land at exactly the right moment or it received nil interest.

Having rarely fished mornings on the streams, often in the past being an evening rise regular after work, I found the millions of spent caenids drifting down the stream surface on these beautiful foggy mornings intriguing (at least I assumed they were caenids on Terry’s advice!). Where did they all come from? And they were so tiny, why were the trout all over them as though they were their last supper?

The dimpling on the surface from the rising fish was everywhere at times, but the fishing to

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Plenty of caenid on the water.

Glory

Flies: Small and dark seem to work okay.

Timing a cast so that you placed a fly when a fish had risen, with enough delay so they were coming BACK UP for their next morsel was the key I think.

With so much tucker on the water they were mostly rising with regularity anyway, but some had a more consistent rhythm than others. This helped with some success but still most were tough!

Flies varied, and anything small and dark or in plain natural colours seemed to work okay for me, getting most interest on my narrow size 16 black spinners and some home-tied 16 and 18 “midge things” with a bit more brown/grey in the body that I thought looked something like the caenids I was seeing on the water, and with a little wing tied in.

They all seemed to go okay, but I’d be interested in other readers thoughts on their killer flies for the caenid feeders, to try some new ideas out on the water in future.

Challenging fish as usual made the all-tooinfrequent successes much more rewarding, and I really developed a great respect for the meander trout during my regular visits there, despite many being reasonably small fish they seemed pretty cluey to me and not easy to take. After all the spot does get fished a bit I am told, and the tracks seem to indicate a bit of traffic. However I didn’t see anyone there on my dawn visits from memory (which was surprising).

Having had some great dawn sessions there during that two month window over Christmas, and just the one evening session which also produced with some lovely black spinners nearer to dark, I got sidetracked with other commitments during February and beyond and unfortunately by the time I returned just the once in early April there seemed to be stuff all tucker on the water and only one fish sighted in the distance. Perhaps it may have just been a dog day too though, and I should have been looking for other methods instead of the same old conditions.

Regardless, I’ll be back to the Meander a lot this December and January - starting early.

We are lucky to have such accessible streams so close to home (and thanks go the Anglers Access and IFS for formalising some of the access points, providing stiles, etc), and I’d encourage fellow anglers to get up in the dark and enjoy fine caenid action too, as I certainly did last year. In many ways it made the season for me, despite other great trips some with bigger fish and larger numbers it was the river sport that has me excited me most for next year. I wonder how the new Zero weight Sage will go on the Meander too.

Many thanks to Terry Horan and the boys once again for the hot tip!

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Fishing News - Page 21

common question asked by new or potential kayakers is “what’s best – paddle or pedal?”

The answer will vary depending on many factors. Intended use and budget are probably the main ones. This article will look at different propulsion systems commonly available and their pros and cons, hopefully making that decision a bit easier for newcomers to this kind of fishing.

Paddle kayaks have been around for a long time, and remain popular. In some styles of fishing they can be vastly superior to any currently available pedal kayak. This tends to be two different extremes. ‘Glass ‘yaks and fishing orientated skis are hugely popular with offshore fishermen who have to cover long distances, and especially where surf launches are required. As far as I know, at

A

Paddle or Pedal?

this time, there are no pedal powered ‘glass (or CF) ‘yaks or skis. They are all powered by paddle, as other propulsion systems would be a liability in the surf, and a skilled paddler with a paddle in hand has some big advantages in stability in rough water by being able to brace with the paddle. These kayaks tend to be longer and skinnier than most other fishing kayaks, which gives them a speed advantage, but may pose problems with storing and transporting. If you want to chase tuna, launch / land through surf or spend a lot of time fishing offshore reefs, glass is what you want.

At the other end of the spectrum are small rotomolded plastic ‘yaks. These will suit anglers who want to access small rivers or who have a long carry to get to their chosen waterway or numerous rocks

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and rapids to portage around or drag over. Typically cheap, light and sturdy, these can be carried and dragged some distance over all sorts of terrain.

Very popular on the mainland with bass anglers, and could be just the thing in Tassie for some trout streams and lakes or some skinny bream water, lagoons etc. This type of kayak may be as small as 3m long, and can be had for a few hundred dollars.

As kayaks get shorter they become slower and harder to paddle.

That leaves – everything else.

Lakes, bays, estuaries, inshore reefs where a sheltered launch and landing is possible, larger rivers, even not so large rivers that have somewhere to park a car and a not-too-steep bank somewhere. In these situations, pedal power takes a lot of beating. Plenty of people fish these areas successfully from paddle kayaks, but on any given day you are likely to see just as many or more pedal kayaks, despite their extra cost.

While paddle kayaks (apart from the high end ‘glass ones) are considerably cheaper than pedal kayaks, they do have some advantages.

Apart from the cost, they also weigh considerably less, several kilograms lighter in most cases. Complexity – they aren’t! Virtually no maintenance is required, the ultimate in simplicity.

Shallow running – you can paddle them in a few inches of water, or run them down shallow rapids without concern. They are manoeuvrable. Go forwards, backwards, turn on the spot or even move sideways with a little practice.

The downside is they are hard to hold position in tide, current or wind without tying up or using an anchor. Drips from the paddle can get annoying. You can’t hold your rod while trolling to feel those little taps or to impart extra action to your

lure. Watching your mate in his Hobie eating a snack and having a nice beverage while he pedals and you paddle to the next spot.

Pedal kayaks aren’t only popular due to Hobies’ good marketing. They do have many advantages. You can move and have both hands free, or steer and still have one hand free. In a current or wind, you can maintain position, without an anchor, and still have hands free to fish. To me, this is the biggest advantage. When you have hooked a good fish you can pedal into clear water to fight and land it, all the while holding your rod, and even winding the reel, to keep tension on. This is next to impossible in a paddle kayak. Pedal kayaks are amazing for trolling a lure. You can hold a rod and feel any bumps, add action to the lure etc. Often you can set your course and hold a rod in either hand while trolling. This increases catch rate considerably with many species. You can also enjoy a drink or a snack while moving from place to place.

On the down side is cost. Pedal kayaks are considerably more expensive than their paddle powered counterparts. They are also more complex. Not over the top, but certainly more moving parts, and more to go wrong and maintain than a paddle kayak. Drives can be damaged by shallow rocks or tree stumps, and are not suitable for surf or rapids.

There are other ways of propelling a kayak too: namely, sail, and motor.

Sails come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Some are part of the kayak package, others are aftermarket add ons. The most basic is little more than a bit of sailcloth that attaches to the sides of the kayak and is held up by the kayaker. It allows you to sail downwind, but not to paddle or have a hand free. An example of a kayak designed to sail is a Hobie Adventure

Island and Tandem Island. These very capable vessels have a long main hull with two removable outriggers. The outriggers can be folded against the main hull to land fish, and people like Josh Holmes have caught all sorts of large fish from them. They have daggerboards, so can sail into the wind up to a point, but again by kayak standards they are quite complex, large, heavy and expensive.

Some people motorise their kayaks.

To me, having a noisy outboard defeats the whole purpose, but electric motors are popular. Again, they add to the complexity, cost and weight (batteries are heavy!) of a kayak, and are notorious for getting people into trouble, not out of it. But, if a physical disability of some kind makes paddling or pedalling difficult they could be an option.

Some of the bigger manufacturers have recognised this, and offer powered options within their range.

Hobie make the eVolve, which is an electric motor designed to mount either in the Mirage drive well to use instead of the pedals, or on the rudder, so you have the option of pedalling as well as motoring. Currently, it will not rudder mount on the Pro Anglers,

Island series, or inflatable’s with the factory mounting kit. Ocean Kayak is another who has a purpose built motorised kayak in their range with the Torque series of kayaks. Many people make their own mounts and attach electrics to their kayaks too, some with more success than others.

There is even a small Aussie company (gyroyakmounts.com) specialising in making mounts, complete with remote steering, throttle and tilt, to put an electric on a kayak.

Still undecided? Tamar Marine is the Tasmanian dealer for Hobie kayaks. They are more than happy to let you take kayaks in their range for a test paddle / pedal (phone ahead to organise). Other retailers also have ‘demo days’ from time to time. Another option is to get in touch with various kayaking / canoe clubs.

Tassiepaddlers is a local group with members state-wide, who hold events throughout the year. Several members have more than one kayak and most are happy to make them available for newcomers on various outings.

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Fishing News - Page 23

Lake Pedder Justin Causby

Big water — Big opportunities

L

ake Pedder whilst it has gained some popularity over the last few years it is still not high on the visitation list when compared to some of our other large water storages. It shouldn’t be the case as it has so much to offer and to the lure angler the options are almost endless.

Lake Pedder is an immense water storage, controversially created in the late 70’s by the construction of 3 relatively small dams to hold and supply water to nearby Lake Gordon, itself an enormous water catchment that dwarfs Pedder in volume.

Pedder’s massive 242 square kilometre surface area creates the angling experience to cater for all lure methods. It’s great hitting the water with someone new seeing the place for the first time. While in awe of the scenery and imposing mountain ranges to the south first time visitors are equally struck by the continuing possibilities each time you round a point that opens up into a perfect looking bay, often followed by another and another.

The trolling angler is the workhorse of the fishery. Always reliable and bound to find a few fish pretty much anywhere on the lake. Your thoroughbred stayer is the drift spinning angler, working every inch of chosen areas and almost certain to bring home the bigger bags when it matters.

There are five ramps available to boaters in Lake Pedder, in the north at Strathgordon, Serpentine and Hermit Basin (McPartlans) and in the south at Edgar Dam and Scotts Peak Dam. The

southern ramps lie at the end of Scotts Peak Rd, some 20 or so kilometres of dusty, often bumpy white quartz gravel roadway. A drive that is these days far less popular than it was in the glory days of trout averaging 4kg. The Strathgordon, Serpentine and Hermit Basin ramps are all very accessible with the later exposed to the prevailing westerly weather while the other two are generally always extremely sheltered from 99% of the normal weather conditions.

There are two other less formal ramps, one widely used at Teds Beach just south of the Strathgordon township and Tea Tree Cove situated between the Edgar and Scotts Peak Dams in the south.

Teds Beach offers shelter, BBQs and toilets while launching is directly off the quartz beach with a handy but small camping area nearby. Tea Tree Cove in the south is again a gravel ramp but seldom used. However the fishing here is one of my favourite shore based locations with some great little bays within a few minutes’ walk.

Shores to look for if chasing yabby feeders, which are often bigger and in better condition than

other trout and almost certainly have bright red flesh, are the banks showing black mud. The yabbys burrow here as they have no chance on the hard quartz rock that often dominates the shorelines. Fishing deeper here although risking snagging up an expensive lure could find you a good fish. Fish a dark colour with a couple of bright highlights.

Some of the best trolling circuits are very accessible and often adjacent to boat ramps. Out of Strathgordon the shorelines south on both the left and right of the ramp are quite good. Most head right where I would favour the left. Continue on to Teds Beach and the small partly submerged islands here in front of the bay are

Trolling Lake Pedder is a year round fishery in every sense of the word. Open for 12 months of the year it can produce good returns right through the calendar. While calm winter days are absolute gems out here with snow-capped mountains reflecting an already imposing view as far as the eye can see it is not generally until October that visitors start to hit the water chasing the wild brown trout.

Justin Causby with a good size Pedder fish caught casting towards the shore.

Fishing News - Page 24

All the staple lures do produce the goods out here. Tassie Devils in pinks or green and golds are long time and proven favourites.

Bibbed lures with the Rapala spotted dog pattern extremely effective also. Shallow to mid running is the way to go. Lead line trolling is not overly successful in Pedder and that may be to do with the local food sources for the trout.

Generally they are always looking up. An exception to this would be the local yabby population. These little critters are high on the menu for the trout with just about every second fish having a ‘claw’ in its stomach contents.

A blast from the past. A typical bag of fish from the 1970s.

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Working along the shores casting or trolling can bring good bags of fish.

Starfish Bay

Coronation Bay

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Fishing News - Page 25

The middle section of the lake again is largely untouched today. It does hold some magic bays, coves, beaches, trees and pristine water you’ll find anywhere on the lake. Fish here and you will not see another boat. The fishing is great but again a good reliable boat of reasonable size is recommended.

It’s a long way from any of the ramps and it can change very quickly.

Coronation Bay on the western shore is the last well know region to mention. There is a mix of deep shores and shallow flats with a scattering of islands around. You can pick your favourite style of lure here and target the area you wish.

Trolling Tips Speed I like to troll slow, slower than others would around 3.5 – 4 kph being the max speed where 4.5kph would be about average.

I like to sit close to the rod so you can add extra action to a lure. Do this by holding the line and drawing it in then releasing quickly, this will make your lure dart and flutter. It often entices many strikes and is very effective on bibbed lures. It can be deadly with the action it can give to a Tassie Devil, despite it’s already aggressive action.

Line The fish are many in Pedder but they are not that big, with an average size of around 500- 600gr.

I use for spinning a 3lb fluorocarbon. Line of this size allows for much longer casting and the longer your lure is in the water the more chance you stand of catching fish. I’d certainly go no large than 6lb (2.7kg) line. You’ll be hard pressed to snap this on fish or snags before losing a lure.

The go to lure is the Spotted Dog. First produced commercially by Rapala it is now copied by many. good options. The shoreline down to Trappes Inlet continues to produce fish. The back half of Trappes is also very popular, I find the front half is very deep and not as rewarding.

Hermit Basin or more commonly called McPartlans by regular devotees is one of the best regions on the lake for the trolling angler.

The shoreline to the north of the ramp is fantastic and trolling this bank in around 3m of water will consistently produce fish all day long. The entire Hermit Basin region offers countless bays and deep shores that as mention are very productive.

Directly across the lake from where Hermit Basin opens to the main lake you will find Wilmot Bay. Once the home of some of the lake’s biggest fish it still now holds some very good trout and is probably the most popular part of the lake to fish. The northern shoreline runs almost east-west and it is the most productive circuit. Boats can continue from the NW corner of the bay south to drowned tree line spur which turns back toward the lake proper. This circuit again follows some very fishy water. Some boats turn here into Starfish Bay. It is not as deep as the Wilmot itself and is scattered with both dense and sparse flooded trees. A very productive region but also claims a bit of tackle each trip.

Heading south down the lake Coronation Bay and the Crumbledown shores are both excellent areas although a reasonable boat would be recommended as the weather can be extremely changeable in this part of the world. The lures mentioned previously all once again very popular.

South of here, the lake is largely unfished these days except for some popular and consistent bays accessed from the two main southern ramps. North of Edgar dam the shore is very good. Trolling circuits around Mount Solitary was and is very popular.

Outside the heavily tree lined Huon Inlet is a great spot if weather permits and can be exceptional nearing winter and spawning time. The shallower water around the Barrier Islands are also very productive and well worth the drive if in the south of the lake.

Fishing News - Page 26

Drift Spinning This in my opinion is the best way to tackle Lake Pedder. An open boat can be more exposed to the elements on a big water like Pedder but spinning to the shores and trees on Pedder will bring home much bigger bags of fish.

Much like the trolling anglers, Hermit Basin is high on the list. The countless bays and points and very promising shorelines produce good numbers of fish.

The Pedder fish seem to like a little bit of action in your retrieve, whether it be the odd pause or flick of the rod tip but it seems to lift your catch rate here.

Colours to go for are again green and gold, black and gold and the ever reliable spotted dog. Purple also a very good option at Pedder. Small bibbed lures are ideal for the shallower shores but be warned with so much flooded tea tree and banksia around you will lose gear. Tassie Devils are perfect options on the average to deeper banks and while not widely used out here soft plastic do bring home the fish. I have had success on the trusty black and gold T-Tails and pumpkinseed minnows.

Wilmot Bay is again a great spot for drift spinning.

The northern shore will give up large numbers of fish. The myriad of islands in Wilmot and just outside the bay itself are all worth prospecting. That’s the beauty of drift spinning, you can cover the water thoroughly and if there isn’t anything about just move on. Don’t waste hours on a shore with no fish.

There are at least half a dozen islands in view from the Lake Pedder Chalet. All these are genuine fish catching locations as is the shoreline to the left of the ramp heading south. Overlooked by almost all it gives up many trout to my boat regularly.

In the south Huon Inlet is a gem. It is secluded but can be one of the lakes true hotspots. Be prepared to give up a few lures to the tackle gods here but reward is generally very good. The shoreline inside Little Barrier Island holds lots of fish and no surprise as it’s one of the biggest weed beds in the whole lake. Fish rise here as far as the eye can see on calm warm days.

I like fluorocarbon as it sinks as opposed to monofilament and allows your lures to swim at their true depth. When casting it allows your lure to get down to ‘the zone’ quicker than you would dragging mono under the surface as the lure descends.

Depth Focus on water around the 3-5m mark. Many shores are far deeper and will hold fish, but the best fishing is around the shallower shores - often dotted with tea tree and the inevitable snags. A lure retriever is a must if you want good bags of fish.

Fishfinders Remember spots you pick up fish or enter a waypoint on your sounder. Fish in Pedder do tend to hold or school on similar spots on return trips. I have many favourite places that are always reliable. I like the muddy looking banks as opposed to the barren rock shores. So much of the Pedder trout diet lives in or around the black clay shores or drowned trees; mudeyes, damsel and dragon flies and the yabby.

Top Three Lures One would think if you had to choose three lures to make a successful trip to Lake Pedder it would be a tough decision given the myriad of lure choices these days. I think you could do it quite comfortably.

Soft plastics would miss out and it’s all hard body lures for me; 1. A Tassie Devil is the mainstay of trolling and colours; #51 Christmas Tree or #55 Pink Panther.

The green, gold and red #51 is a proven fish taker and the hot pink #55 has always been a winner on Pedder, often under a less courteous name.

2. Next – a bibbed hard body, colour black, gold and orange. Pick your brand they all work; Diawa Presso F6, Ecogear MW62, Cranka Minnows etc.

It’s a deadly colour combo and trout can’t resist it.

The #102 Tassie Devil is this very colour also.

3. Equally as good would be the Tassie favourite Spotted Dog Rapala re-released last year and it’s still a gun colour. I’d probably go for the F7 size as opposed to the Count Downs. Yep Tassie Tackle make very good variations. The contrasting spots on this lure really get the fish excited and it is and has been a very successful colour over the years. This along with the #2 selection are equally good trolling as they are for spinning from the boat or shore.

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Fishing News - Page 27

Facts

Tips and tricks The humble and often long forgotten fly dropper is an addition to your rig worth running at Pedder.

The old Pedder Parrot was always a good offering.

Any matuka style fly with a flash of colour worth a look but I would run a black fur fly with an olive body. Read the Ned Terry book on the glory days of Pedder, this is the fly that caught all the big fish. It resembles the mudeye and strangely enough black lures are well worth a try if things appear slow. To our eye you can barely seem them in the dark tannin stained water but the fish obviously do. Often over looked, the best silhouette to a fish looking up is made by the darkest lure.

Pedder is a massive expanse of water. Don’t be scared to explore it. Some of our best sessions have come from shores we have never fished before and essentially may not have seen a boat or angler for 20 years. My boat has landed limit bags on day one of the Back to Pedder events for the last couple of years and it’s not by doing anything special. Cast hard to the shores, be prepared to snag up, lots.

Look for rising fish Early mornings the lake is covered by fish midging in the wind lanes across the open expanses of the lake. Provided the lake is not littered with millions of these tiny bugs you can land these fish on lures. We have found the best way to do this is using a small hard body lure, an Ecogear MX48 is ideal, watch the fish move and work out which way its headed.

Cast out well ahead of the fish and past its course.

Retrieve to you are just shy of its path, as it’s close draw your lure forward either slowly or twitching it along. Then it’s up to the fish. It will either eat it or it wont. As I said you ‘can’ land these fish on lures.

When they are not eating lures and concentrating solely on midges it’s the most frustrating fishing you will experience. Just don’t cast too close to them as they spook easily and will disappear in an instance.

Lake Pedder is open year round. There is a 220mm legal size and 20 fish bag limit in place. A National Parks Pass is required to access some parts of Lake Pedder. The Lake Pedder Chalet is currently open 12 months of the year. It offers comfortable affordable accommodation. Meals are available to purchase and very warm and hearty after a cold day on the water. At the current time petrol is not available for purchase at the chalet but it is hoped that may change shortly.

Justin Causby. Manager – Wigston’s Lures

Back To Pedder 23-26 January 2014

Win a boat The Lake Pedder Anglers Club holds a very popular competition each and every January on Lake Pedder. Back to Pedder 2014 will run from Thursday 23rd to Sunday 26th. The Monday public holiday will be left for people to rest or travel home prior to kids returning to school.

It’s a fantastic competition with over 200 entrants taking part in recent years. The LPAC support Able Australia and Camp Quality with profits from the event being used to provide support to the organisations and fishing days

for their patrons. Much of the funds are raised at the very popular auction night. Always an enjoyable and amusing night.

The big draw card is the boat, motor and trailer package given away each year. This year it’s valued at approximately $20,000 and is drawn at random to one lucky entrant at the Sunday presentation.

It’s a great time to visit the lake if you’ve never been, take part in the comp supporting the club and charities and maybe driving home with a brand new boat in tow.

Details: lakepedderanglersclub.com.au

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Fishing News - Page 28

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Gum Beetles Gavin Hicks

Summer fun

hat a crazy start to the 2013 fishing season it has been. Rain, wind, lots of snow and then just for something a bit different we had some rain, wind and more snow! Rivers have more or less been flooded and dirty since July, the lakes have been blanketed in that white stuff for a lot of the time and the wind, well let’s not get started about that god forsaken wind. No word of a lie, it’s been doing my head in. Even contemplated selling all my fly gear and taking up a new hobby, for a brief second!

W

Fear not fishermen and women as I just happened to be up in the highlands sneaking about very recently and guess what is starting to make an appearance. The old summertime favourite — the

gum beetle is starting to make an appearance. Once again they have decided to show what amazingly strong fliers they are and take to the air, only to crash and burn right in the middle of a lake where the brown and rainbow trout will begin to line up ready to smash them. And smash them they do, till they are literally overflowing out of every available opening with the things. God I love trout, they truly are amazing creatures. I am so glad I hung onto that fishing gear now.

Boat based Fishing from a boat is my preferred method for targeting gum beetle feeding trout. Sure it can be

done on foot, but there is nothing better than a warm and sunny summer’s day out in the middle of the Great Lake chasing its inhabitants as they cruise the deeper water offshore chomping down every beetle in sight. Having said that trout feeding on gum beetles can be found all over the central plateau, it is not uncommon for these little creatures to get blown a considerable distance in the wind and land where you would least expect to find them.

Any of the major fisheries from Arthurs Lake, Lake Echo, the Brady’s chain and of course the rainbows of Dee Lagoon can all hold their heads high when it comes to beetle feeding trout. I have even witnessed good beetle falls in the Western Lakes area. But

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www.tamarmarine.com.au Fishing News - Page 29

as we all know everybody has their favourite destinations which they are convinced are better than where everyone else fishes, and for me when it comes to gum beetles the place I most want to be is on the Great Lake.

So how do we go about catching them now that we know where they are going to be? It’s not always plain sailing I must say. Beetle feeders can be fantastically easy one day and fussy enough to make you want to cry the next. It is a bit luck based I believe, if there are not enough beetles on the water the fish will not stay up near the surface long enough for you to have a decent crack at them. Then on the other hand if there are too many of them the fish will stuff themselves full too quickly for us as anglers to enjoy some decent fishing as well.

Ideal conditions will see just enough beetles hitting the surface for the fish to stay on top actively searching them out and feeding for sustained periods of time. I like to target the beetle feeders with a 9 foot fast action fly rod in the 4-6 line weight range. My personal preference is for my Sage TCR 5wt rod, nice and quick in the action ready to fire off a cast at any spotted fish.

A lot of boat based fishing is done downwind with longer, softer rods in the 10 foot range and I am sure a lot of fishers use them with a great deal of success. But for me I find a lot of casts have to be made out to the sides of the boat at times across different breezes and the faster rod serves me best. I like to use standard tapered leaders down to around an 8 pound tip and then add my own section of tippet to take them out to around 12 feet in length and to whatever breaking strain I want to end up at, generally that will be 4 pounds.

As for flies there are as usual countless different beetle patterns, both imitative and generic that will all work on their day. For me the though the main ones are foam gum beetles in green and yellow and the good old foam bugs. It used to be Chernobyl ants but the Bruisers Bug style of fly has now taken over from the Chernobyl as my favourite.

Whilst we are on the subject I have the very first Chernobyl ant pattern that I ever bought hanging in my tying room above the bench, he has long been retired but he caught me a total of 26 Great Lake beetle feeders all up. He is now missing a leg or two and to be honest is looking pretty ordinary but I couldn’t bring myself to keep fishing with him anymore for fear that he got stolen away from me by some nasty trout. I often sit at my tying bench staring at that fly and think back on all the good times we spent together out in the middle of the lake. Reading back over that I think I may have issues, ha-ha. I guess we all have some secrets in our closets, don’t we?

As I said earlier the fishing can be all or nothing. I was lucky enough a couple of summers ago to take a good fishing mate Sean McCarthy up to the Great Lake for a day. He had never witnessed what has now become known as the Great Lake shark fishing so I offered to take him out for the day as I had some good fishing the weekend before. Too easy I

Is that the best you can do dad? thought, I know where they all are. We arrived at the Brandum Bay boat ramp and launched for a day’s fishing. To cut a long story short all my never fail areas of this section of the lake failed.

I was starting to feel the pressure, I had, after all, been pumping up all week how good the big lake was fishing and I needed to get Macca onto some fish. We put the boat back on the trailer and headed round to Little Lake Bay for a change of scenery. We sat on the side of the lake in some brilliant sunshine, had a bit of lunch along with a beer and talked some rubbish for a while. Then we launched the boat again and had a look around in the bay managing to raise a fish or two along some deeper edges. It still wasn’t what I was looking for though to really show Macca what all the fuss was about. I decided to head out through the neck into the main body of the lake and the action started.

It was around 1pm and I had just shut the motor off, set the drogue into action and we had started a drift. We were drifting down wind, brilliant sunshine at our backs when out of nowhere the odd gum beetle started hitting the water around us. It wasn’t long before we spotted a trout in the distance coming towards the boat chomping every beetle he could find from the surface. Then there was another and another. All of a sudden we had fish around us everywhere and not another boat in sight.

Had we died and gone to heaven, or was it just a bit of good luck? They were mainly browns but there was the odd nice rainbow in the mix and they couldn’t get enough of our flies. I was using a black

bug just to try and prove a point, as you do. Sean was using the more reliable foam gum beetle pattern that has served me so well over the years. It was fast, demanding fishing with fish after fish coming at the boat. We had single hook ups and double hook ups all whilst polaroiding other fish at the same time.

With a nice breeze blowing us along and the boat doing a bit of rocking about it made for some tricky casting at times. The casts needed to be fast and accurate or the fish would be past the boat and gone on to the next patch of beetles. It was all over in about two hours as the clouds rolled in and the beetles stopped falling, but man it was good while it lasted. We only landed 11 fish in total but we lost countless fish, missed plenty of takes and basically just had a blast. I was able to give Macca a somewhat brief introduction to the middle of the Great Lake and what it had to offer.

One interesting thing to point is that even though the fish were on top feeding solely on beetles the black bug out fished the imitative beetle pattern three to one, something to keep in mind. Sometimes it pays to try something totally different if you are not having a good day.

I also learnt a valuable lesson that day. I had cast at a fish that was well out, but side on to the boat and I lost sight of my fly in the choppy water. I then saw him rise again and thought to myself okay I can recast ahead of him when it’s safe to do so. After what was probably only 5-10 seconds but seemed like forever I lifted into a back cast only to find that I had just set the hook firmly into the fish I was

There is great joy in polaroiding and catching a fish hard on the shore.

Fishing News - Page 30

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Fishing News - Page 31

chasing. I don’t know who got the biggest shock, me or the fish.

Two things we can take out of that fish. One is sometimes you can’t really strike too slowly, though you can nearly always hit them too quickly. And the other is sometimes it can pay to fish two flies in these situations, especially if conditions are on the choppy side. Pick something that is big and easy to see for the second fly, it helps to track down the main fly you are using. Even though I was fishing a reasonably big foam fly I still managed to lose sight of it. And there is nothing worse than losing track of fish or worse still missing fish that have taken your fly all because you can’t locate it quick enough in the water.

Shore Based There is plenty of good sport to be had as well for the shore based fisherman chasing gum beetle feeding trout. You just need to search a bit harder for the good stretches of water on any given day, depending on the conditions. I like to pick the shores with the wind blowing into them myself. A nice breeze blowing onto the bank means lots of beetles close to the edges which in turn mean plenty of trout close to the banks, especially if you can find some deeper water edges of which the Great Lake has plenty. Again though, the best sport isn’t limited only to the Great Lake.

All of the above mentioned waters are well worth a look at any given time. One of the thickest beetle falls I have ever seen, too thick actually, was on Little Pine Lagoon. I have never witnessed them on there like that again, but it goes to show they can turn up anywhere. Make sure you have a nine foot leader with a nice thick butt section to aid with

The BIG ant. turnover into the breeze and grab yourself some of the action. An added bonus is you will have plenty of this type of shoreline to yourself as a lot of people don’t seem to like fishing into the breezes that are so common on our highland lakes. Just tie on your favourite beetle pattern, add a bit of Gink to it and go get into them.

Thank god for summer So it’s looking like summer is finally here, even though it is raining again now as I finish writing this.

At least it is still warm outside though. Make sure you do yourself a favour when summer does fully hit us though and get out there and chase some beetle feeders.

Whether it be sneaking along your favourite shore or drifting out over the deeper water of your favourite lake, you won’t be disappointed. Grab some beetle patterns and go find out for yourself, don’t take my word for it. I might warn you though the action can be fast, furious and highly addictive and just might spell the end of the rest of your summer as you spend every spare minute in search of those little wonders we call gum beetles.

Good luck and I hope you have as much fun as I have over the years chasing them.

Gavin Hicks

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Woods

The winner is f you’ve managed to get out trout fishing a bit like I have this season then you will probably have been cursing the lousy weather so far and the mediocre fishing that’s gone with it. I’ve sampled most of my favourite waters and can confidently say that the winner is certainly Woods Lake. The following is a brief roundup of some of our favourite locations and a detailed look at Woods Lake itself.

I

Lake Echo My overall favourite Tasmanian trout lake, a place I’ve written about a couple of times before and visited numerous times. Best times are usually midApril towards the end of the season and September/ October. I had one of my best trips ever this April and found the trout to be concentrated along the northern wooded shore right up to the canal mouth.

I did not catch a fish in the normally productive northern bays. Spinning with a Rapala cd-5 rainbow in the strong southerlies and snow showers was a perfect combination. Size of the fish was still down with only two exceeding the two pound mark. Both of these were beautifully coloured pre-spawned males.

Returning on grand final weekend in September I would describe the fishing as poor in all the areas I fished over the three days. No real method produced, spinning with the rainbow Rapala just topped the soft plastic fishing. I measured every fish and can report an average size of 36cm. I did manage one nice condition rainbow, the first I’ve caught at Echo for several years. I did not see another angler or boat the entire time.

Great Lake I make a number of day trips to Great all through the season and some of the best trips can be during the freezing winter months. Not so this year.

The ever reliable Berkley t tail plastic and Rapala lure have not been savaged in their usual manner.

Condition of the browns has not improved noticeably from last year and several atrocious slabs were sent to the big trout pond in the sky. The only two rainbows I caught were both in good condition but then they usually are. In years gone by I have always seen moderate numbers of galaxias darting around the rocky shallows on the wind-blown shores and the fish caught here often have freshly caught specimens inside. I have hardly seen these small fish during the last two years and have to wonder if this is why the condition factor of the trout is so low.

Arthurs Lake When most lakes rise or fill the fishing is usually brilliant as the trout quickly clean up the flooded tucker. I have never seen Arthurs as full as right now, it is close to spilling at time of writing and a far cry from the dry and dusty Cowpaddock Bay of a few short years ago. There is now even a substantial lake above the road at the northern end of the this bay. Unfortunately Arthurs has very few clean shorelines and apart from a few select grassy

Shane Flude

Woods as you come down the hill. shores the vast majority is scrubby bush and trees making foot access all but impossible along many shores. A boat is essential at the moment to fish these areas.

On the right shores the fishing is very good but again the small average fish size is putting some people off. The average size was 30cm for the bag I took last week. Despite the flooded conditions I would only describe their overall condition as average. Pick an overcast day on a shore that is windswept and spin with small minnows in to the bank. Wet fly fishing if probably even more effective but casting is limited to the more open shores. All the fish I caught were in only 2-3 feet of water and the fishing certainly slackened off as day went on. Try it as early as you can.

An almost drowned sign at Arthurs

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Woods Lake So that brings us to Woods Lake, in my opinion the best all round producing water in the highlands at present and perhaps one of the best waters in Tassie now for the last couple of seasons. Fish condition is above average to excellent and they are bright red inside. I don’t normally eat many trout but the few I have from Woods have been great.

Average size has been just over 41cm, biggest I’ve taken so far was a magnificent 3.5 pounder found to contain 11 frogs.

Although my preferred angling method is without doubt casting a dry fly to a sighted fish I use all methods to suit the conditions or location.

On Woods I troll between spots, spin to the shores or across open water, soft

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plastic everywhere and fly fish with wet or dry fly. I have taken fish using all these methods recently at Woods.

The northern or boat ramp shore usually produces a trout or two for the trollers and features the deepest water at about 17 feet at present. As the season progresses and the weed grows up this shore remains the best weed free area to troll. The depth is fairly uniform across the whole lake with no real deep holes or gutters as such anywhere. The northern shore also features some good spinner hatches in close, they were thick in patches last week but unfortunately no trout rising to them. I obviously arrived a bit too late for good fly action also last week as I counted almost 40 duns in a calm pocket right near the ramp. Other anglers reported the fish were rising to them but not so when I was there.

Continuing around the lake to the right takes you to the Patterson Marshes which extend up to the inflow of the Upper Lake River. In favourable conditions these marshes provide good fly fishing from early September. I was lucky enough to strike such a day and caught some great fish including the frog feeder mentioned earlier. The skies cleared, the water visibility was well above average and the chorus of frogs right up the shore all looked promising. After nearly stepping on the first two I slowed down and swapped to a possum nymph and had a ball. Two fish even sped up to engulf the nymph and hooked themselves. The flooded dead trees about half way up the marsh contained the most fish, lurking quietly in and around the logs and emerging right at your feet from the shadows. It was real under the rod tip fishing.

It is always worth a look in the trees.

The flooded trees and strap weed areas around the inflow of the Upper Lake River is the next area reached and probably the best place to find rising fish when conditions prevail. The whole area is generally only 6 ft deep and features lots of floating strap weed which the fish seem to rise in amongst. Word has obviously got out about this location as I shared the marsh with four other boats recently. Despite seemingly great conditions we all blanked. I did spend some time trying to sneak in close enough to photograph the albino black swan that has now lived in this area for at least the last two years. Check him out next time you’re there, he does stand out somewhat.

The southern hut shore is another very popular shore for anglers as it begins in a lovely shallow grassed corner for the fly fishers and extends past the shack to a deep rocky shore great for spinning or soft plastics. The shallow corner is home to the white swan and his extended family and on approach they often disturb the water in front so not every visit here is successful.

The southern bay is my overall preferred location on Woods Lake, particularly if it is blowing from the north. I usually start with soft plastics out at the 15 ft mark and swap to small minnows spinning or wet fly as I approach the bank. In such conditions it pays to walk the whole shoreline from the bushline right past the inflow creek in the dead trees to the far rocky southern bank. I use an unweighed black woolly bugger. Sometimes the fish are right in amongst the breaking waves in only a couple of feet of water. The water visibility in these rough conditions is minimal but it pays to persist. The fish caught

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here are usually some of the best in the lake. The entire southern bay is also good trolling water with the weed only becoming a problem as you approach the eastern bank.

This eastern side produced good fishing early this season for trolling, spinning and plastics however as the season has progressed the success rate has fallen. In and around the only real bay was the hot spot.

This brings us back to the northern shore and dam area. This corner usually produces a fish to trolling or spinning. The dam is a common place for shore based angling.

I believe Woods will continue to fish well for the remainder of the season although with summer just around the corner the trolling, spinning and plastic fishing does drop off. The rising weed beds also restrict these conventional methods. Early mornings and late afternoons become the best times and all these methods are best practised in overcast or rough conditions. As temperatures rise the insect life increases making fly fishing the preferred option.

I haven’t mentioned bait fishing in this article as I simply don’t bother with worms, grubs or mudeyes anymore. The lake is open to bait fishing and all these baits would have their place at the right time.

The new and improved boat ramp and car park caters well for the huge increase in anglers this lake has seen over the past few years. Scattered camping is available around the northern shore although there are only a few suitable tent sites on the rocky shores. Smaller boats can still be launched at several crude ramps along the shore.

Rubbish is becoming a problem, I still can’t understand why people don’t take it home with them. Perhaps a few well placed bins would make the difference. The road in from Arthurs is holding up reasonably well but the pot holes still give the boat trailers a work out. I can’t recall the last time I saw so many threatening property signs on a country road. Dangerous snakes and spiders, really? There is patchy mobile phone service along most of the road in and on one small stretch as you descend to the lake. Woods Lake may well become the new bird watching hot spot in Tasmania. Sea eagles, wedgies, cormorants and a huge raft of coots (lost count at 500) are all seen across the lake. Don’t forget the albino swan.

Shane Flude

The trout often feed around the strap weed.

Fishing News - Page 34

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Fishing News - Page 35

Camping & Fishing

Mount William National Park National park entry fees apply at Mt William National Park. You can purchase your Parks Pass at any Service Tasmania, prior to your visit. Self registration is available at Mt William, however there are no ‘card’ facilities.

Camping Fees also apply for the six designated sites: Unpowered Site — per night 2 people (minimum fee) $13 Each additional adult (18+) $5 Each additional child (5-17, under 5 no charge) $2.50 Family (2 adults, 3 children) $16 Campers are required to pay camping fees upon occupying a campsite. Deposit/self registration boxes are situated at each campground. Discounted fees apply and cover up to 7 nights. For 1-2 adults the cost is $50. Each extra adult is $25, each extra child is $10.

Please Note: There is no refuse disposal, power, wood or reliable drinking water available at this Park. Please bring your own drinking water and own firewood (available for sale in the Gladstone Township). Fuel stoves are recommended in this park.

No bookings are taken. Some picnic tables and fireplaces provided, pit toilets at all sites. Day shelter with gas barbecues at Stumpys Bay (campground No. 4 only) with a small non-treated water tank (seasonal only).

There are 6 designated camping sites:

Top Camp near Musselroe Bay, Deep Creek near Eddystone Point, Stumpys Bay No. 1, No. 2, No. 3 and No. 4.

Generators are only permitted at No. 3, Stumpys Bay. The Visitors Guide to Mt William National Park has a map showing the locations of these campsites.

Bore water, for washing purposes only, available at Stumpys campground Nos. 1 and 3, and also at Deep Creek campsite.

Campgrounds and narrow access tracks are not suitable for large caravans and motorhomes.

They may be seriously damaged due to limited maneuvering space and large overhanging tree branches. Small to medium sized caravans and motorhomes can be accommodated in all campgrounds except Stumpys No. 2.

North east Tasmania T

he northeast corner of Tasmania has to be one of the most underrated regions in our state.

For people that have been visiting all their lives, I may even risk spilling the beans on their favourite campsites or most enjoyable and relaxing fishing locations. You would have to be living under a large rock not to be familiar with the area north of St Helens termed ‘The Bay of Fires’ or indeed Binalong Bay. While the latter receives a regular mention in tourism circles, many of the little gems in the region and northward to Musselroe Bay receive little attention. I guess the main reason is the dusty dirt roads; an area many feel the beauty ends and the ugly starts but this couldn’t be further from the truth.

In fact, many of these locations are diamonds in the rough and hold enormous value.

Incentives Families have been heading to these spots during the holidays for generations. A place to really unwind, get back to basics and enjoy the marvellous pastime of fishing. Many youngsters probably caught their first fish while camping and they are really special memories.

My own personal memories consist of camping at ‘Cape Naturaliste’ within the Mount William National Park. We would set-up our site for a week or two, cook damper in the camp stove, eggs and bacon for breakfast and head out with dad in the ‘tinny’ to check the crayfish pots. We would bottom bounce for flathead on the way back and spend Fishing News - Page 36

the afternoon swimming, snorkelling for abalone or beach-fishing for Australian salmon.

The evenings were a highlight too; enjoying a seafood feast followed by hide and seek in the dark while all the parents enjoyed themselves. I couldn’t be certain what time they would head to bed but it was far later than us! The point is, there is much to explore, loads of fun to be had and with some basic gear and preparation, you too could create longlasting camping memories with your family.

Several sheltered camping areas have been developed around Stumpys Bay in the north of the park. There is also a campsite at the far northern end of the park, just before Musselroe Bay township.

At the southern end of the park campsites are found at the end of the beachside road from Eddystone Point to Deep Creek.

All official campsites are marked with signs and there are plenty of sheltered sites, but no power is provided.

Locations There are numerous sites around the northeast; each has its own appeal and fishing highlight. I will detail them individually starting clockwise from Musselroe Bay and finish up at Dianas Basin just south of St Helens. The geographical regions are Mount William National Park, Bay of Fires Conservation Area and St Helens region.

Are there better camp views anywhere?

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Top Camp at Musselroe Bay Musselroe Bay lies just below Cape Portland, right up in Tasmania’s northeast tip. The bay itself has an old-time vibe with many traditional ‘shacks’ adorning the estuary, with some modern flare

Musselroe Bay

Stumpys Bay

Deep Creek

This location covers the beach from Cape Naturaliste to Point Boulder and there are four main sites to choose from here. The sites are located right behind the pure white beaches, where beach-combing and coastal exploring over lichenrich rocks presents endless opportunities. Beach fishing for flathead and salmon is the most popular but if you fish close to the reef you can catch the odd wrasse, morwong and pike. Some of the tiny lagoons and creeks that open out to the ocean contain small bream but are hardly recommended in comparison. The walk up Mount William itself is a lovely walk and the view is superb on a clear day.

Located on a diverted road on your way to the Eddystone Point lighthouse, Deep Creek is a wonderful location rich in Aboriginal heritage. There are just a handful of old fishing shacks littered on the waters edge that remain on 99 year leases and past these is the main camp site alongside the creek. It’s a very small creek, often tannin-stained and sometimes holding small bream. Snorkelling around the rocky reef out the front provides hours of fun, with good beach-fishing north and south of the campsite. Schools of silver trevally and morwong sometimes frequent the reef. There’s a convenient boat ramp near the Eddystone Point lighthouse too, opening up huge fishing opportunities out wider.

The beaches around here offer some of the most uncrowded and superb surfing conditions you’re likely to see.

For further information on Mt William National Park, please refer to the Parks and Wildlife Service website at www.parks.tas.gov.au

creeping in too. Just outside the shack area are some allocated campsites with great access to the estuary and to the beach on the eastern side. Bait fishing or spinning in the estuary will yield bream, salmon, flathead, mullet and whiting. The bream are numerous at times and fight well and around the holiday period you can encounter some thumping flathead. Off the beaches you will find some great salmon, plenty of flathead and the odd gummy shark at night. Watching the Forester Kangaroos on dusk is a great wildlife experience that you must do while in the area.

Stumpys Bay

Stumpys Bay has good beach fishing and some beautiful camping sites just behind the sand dunes.

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Fishing News - Page 37

Sloop Lagoon & Big Lagoon The two major lagoons south of The Gardens are Sloop and Big Lagoon, Sloop is the northern-most and ironically, Big Lagoon is the smaller of the two!

Both offer dedicated camping on the fringes of the lagoons and have easy access to Gardens Beach which is a day use area only. Surf fishing the beach will yield flathead and salmon, with a chance of gummy shark after dark. Both lagoons offer great bait fishing and spinning for bream. Large chubb mullet often turn up in the lagoons too, which put up a great fight but are difficult to catch. There are no toilet facilities here (BYO or use Cosy Corner).

Access: Off the Old Gardens Road offer sheltered secluded sites.

Sloop Reef

Big Lagoon is a great spot, has just a few camping areas, but no facilities.

Bay of Fires Conservation Area The following sites are within the Bay of Fires Conservation Area. Aside from a small café in Binalong Bay, there are no shops or other facilities in this area, so please ensure that you are selfsufficient. Most sites have either composting or pit toilets (stated if not). None have fresh water of firewood supplied (please bring your own). There is no rubbish collection, please take with you or dispose of at St Helens Refuse Site (Eagle St).

Open fires are permitted however campers must not leave fires unattended and must comply with restrictions. Fire pots are a great alternative and should be encouraged. General information on appropriate campfires is available in most of the campgrounds. Composting and pit toilets stop working when chemical toilets and waste (other than what you have eaten first) are emptied into them. A chemical toilet ‘dump’ point is available at the St Helens recreation ground, Tully Street. The maximum stay at any location is 4 weeks.

Policemans Point Policemans Point is within the Bay of Fires Conservation Area. There are no shops or other facilities in this area, so please ensure that you are self-sufficient.

This campsite is located at the mouth of Ansons Bay, on the southern end. You will find numerous campsites amongst the trees, many with beach access direct to the estuary. Bait fishing around the shore is very popular and it’s known for thumping bream. Trevally, salmon and tailor can be caught in the bay and in recent years, even snapper and King George whiting have been caught. Small boats can be pulled on the sand at many campsites, though you may have to launch on the other side of the bay, in Ansons Bay proper. A boat can provide access to the Ansons River, which is an amazing stretch of Tasmanian beauty. Navigating the barway at the mouth is not recommended and only competent boat users should ever attempt. It is dangerous and has claimed lives. There are no toilet facilities here (BYO).

Access: This section of the Bay of Fires Conservation Area is accessed from St. Helens by taking the C843 Ansons Bay Road and travelling via the Priory north of St Helens Township. Alternatively, travel east 32 klms from Gladstone on the Eddystone Road C843. Travel along the unsealed road (approximately 35 klms) to the junction with South Ansons Bay Road. Turn east into South Ansons Road and follow road approximately 5 klms until it ends in the campground.

Sloop Reef is the small headland just south of the two above-mentioned lagoons. It offers the same access to beach and lagoon fishing as mentioned above but also has great snorkelling around the rocky headland and fishing around here will turn up lots of wrasse and other reef fish. If bait fishing, search for open pockets of sand to lay your baits, otherwise you will constantly become snagged on rock or kelp. Spin fishing over the top will produce results especially with soft plastics and wrasse love these. There are no toilet facilities here (BYO or use Cosy Corner).

Access: Bayside campsites on either left or right of access road into the reserve (cars and tents only).

Cosy Corner There are two separate areas for camping here (Cosy North & Cosy South). They have become more popular in recent years, especially with young revellers around the Christmas and New Year period. It has two separate entrances, one leads to well protected campsites amongst the trees, the other, on the far side of the lagoon, leads to a more open, grassy camping area (larger caravans/ motorhomes can access this area). Once again, beach fishing and rocky/reef fishing are right on your doorstep. Snorkeling is a pleasure around the protected shores. There is an un-named lagoon at Cosy South, which I refer to as Cosy Lagoon. Bream can be caught here on occasion.

Access: Both access points are well sign posted on the Gardens Road.

Swimcart Beach Very popular surf-fishing beach that has ample grassed and sandy, sheltered campsites. An annual beach fishing competition is held here which attracts

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Fishing News - Page 38

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Ansons Bay

Policemans Point

Swimcart Beach hosts the Tasmanian Surf Fishing Championships every April. anglers from across the state for some fun family camping and fishing. Depending on the time of year and recent swells, a deeper gutter lies along the beach where feeding salmon frequent. Occasionally, huge silver trevally randomly show up along the beach but this timing is difficult to predict. The shorebreak waves can be a little unpredictable and sometimes have a strong pull with heavy swell so always watch your children near the water.

Big Lagoon

Sloop Lagoon

Cosy Corner

Access: Access point is well sign posted on the Gardens Road. Takes small caravans / campers.

Swimcart Beach Jeanneret Beach

Seaton Cove is a lovely beach between Sloop Lagoon and Cosy Corner.

Jeanneret Beach Grants Lagoon Dora Point

St Helens

Georges Bay

A smaller camp area with grassed, secluded and wellsheltered campsites at adjoining Round Hill. Nice secluded and almost private beach protected from the elements.

Fishing around the headland for wrasse is best, with a few fish caught from the beach on occasion. Some evenings can produce pike over the kelpy, weedy areas. There’s a tiny creek / lagoon that sometimes open to the ocean. Fish like small bream and stunted salmon can be caught from time to time. Swimming and snorkeling is superb.

Access: Access point is well sign posted on the Gardens Road.

Accessible to caravans / motorhomes.

Grants Lagoon This site offers large, open, grassed camping areas with access to the lagoon (takes caravans/ motorhomes). It’s a mini-fishing mecca with fantastic bream fishing the staple. Great salmon, trevally and tailor can show up depending on if the lagoon is open to the ocean. A very underrated little fishery that happens to have ideal camping as well.

Binalong Beach is a world-class beach with pure white sand giving the beach a vibrant turquoise look.

Baileys Rocks at the northern end of the beach can have a good surfing bank at times. There is a café sometimes open at the southern end.

Access: Sign posted on Gardens Road via Binalong Bay Road.

Facilities: Pit toilet, boat ramp, no water or firewood (please bring your own), no rubbish collection (please takeit home with you).

Maximum stay 4 weeks. There is also a day use area accessed from Binalong Bay Road, which (sometimes) provides access to the beach. You can also access the beach via Lyall Road into Baileys Rocks at the northern end.

St Helens Dianas Basin

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

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

Fishing News - Page 39

St Helens Region Dora Point Dora Point is located within the Humbug Point Nature Recreation Area in between St Helens and Binalong Bay. It’s a fantastic campsite with Georges Bay estuary right on your doorstep and plenty of bushwalking and coastal exploring nearby. Bait fishing and spin fishing into the estuary is excellent.

Being the entrance to Georges Bay, lots of species use the mouth to navigate between the estuary and the ocean via the barway. Salmon, trevally, bream, weed whiting and wrasse are all common. If you explore nearby, you may encounter tailor, King George whiting and squid too. Yellowtail kingfish even frequent the estuary, which have serious pulling power. In addition to toilets, this site has cold shower facilities.

Access: via Binalong Bay Road. Turn into Humbug Point opposite the junction of Gardens Road. Follow the dirt road around to the campsite.

You can also access the road via Binalong Bay township. (takes small caravans/campers).

Dianas Basin This superb camping area has a lagoon on one side and the magnificent Beaumaris Beach on the other. This is a haven for bream, with a great number at times. Juvenile salmon also abound.

The lagoon can really fire up once it opens up to the ocean, with plenty of food flushing out and fish wanting to get in! There is great surfing out the front or just head to the beach for hours of beachcombing. You can bring your dog to the camping area but not to the beach. The camping sites, sheltered amongst the coastal scrub, are roomy enough for large campers and motorhomes.

Access: Turn off the Tasman Hwy (A3) onto a dirt road at the sign to Dianas Basin, 9 km south of St Helens. The road forks 500m further on; go left to campsites beside the lagoon or continue right another 900 m to campsites with better shade closer to the beach.

angles. This is the type of water where many fish are caught. Look for this type of water by getting onto a higher point like a sand dune or rocky headland.

They will stand out by having darker coloured water or with minimal waves breaking. For the vast majority of beach fishing here, a rod of 3.5-4m is best with a medium-large reel capable of holding 100m of 7-10kg line. If you’re fishing for sharks you may want to go heavier, but the thicker the line, the shorter you can cast. A paternoster rig like the diagram covers most options. Fresh baits are best, squid, pilchards, bluebait, pipis and prawns are readily available but in reality, a strip of flesh from the fish you will catch also make good baits.

One essential item for surf fishing are poppers or popping bugs. These are a type of lure made of cork and feathers.

These move around in the water with the wave movement, attracting mostly salmon and flathead.

These can be very productive and they’re cheap!

A Paternoster Rig left is a great surf rig, even better when matched with a Popping Bug (right) on the top dropper.

Fishing Techniques Surf Fishing – For the beaches When fishing the surf beaches, find a beach with some wave action coming in (not too rough) and some deeper channels and gutters to fish in.

These are deeper water areas of some length that may run parallel to the beach or at right

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Bait Fishing – For lagoons and estuaries

A Running Sinker Rig is universal and well in bays, lagoons and estuaries.

The sinker should be kept as light as possible.

When fishing here, look for structure, drop-offs and fish the shallow flats on an incoming tide (if any). Also fish around rocky structure and logs, plus man-made structures like bridges and oyster racks.

For most of this fishing, a rod of around 2 metres will be perfect, matched with a small-medium reel loaded with monofilament line with a breaking strain of 2-4kg. A running sinker as per the diagram is the most effective method, but in some of the tiny creeks and lagoons, maybe hanging a bait under a small float is an option. Some of the best baits are fresh or frozen prawns, crabs, pink nippers, bloodworms, sandworms, prettyfish or mussels.

Spinning If you’re spinning from the beach, you can use either of the above mentioned rods or reels. Most of the fish you will catch spinning are salmon and these can be a lot of fun on light spinning tackle! One thing you must have though is a silver slice lure in a range of weights and sizes. These dominate the surf.

In the estuaries and lagoons, the smaller setup will work best but instead of silver slices, hard bodied lures and soft plastics are most effective.

There is a plethora of options out there these days but anything that imitates a prawn, worm, crab or baitfish and comes in natural colours will probably catch fish. You can also catch bream and salmon on surface poppers, which can be very exciting!

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Camping Gear The camping side of things can be as simple or as luxurious as you feel necessary. It also depends on the ages of the camping party, including children. Some of the basic requirements are listed below, keeping in mind that you are well advised to be as prepared as possible with plenty of warm, protected clothing. It can rain at any time of year and even summer days can turn bitterly cold!

Tent(s): something sturdy and roomy enough to secure any additional items. If you have a family, it pays to look for something with enough space to get out of the weather for cooking and hanging out.

In recent times there has been an increasing interest in the fast erect tents. Most of these are very good quality and can be put up in 30-90 seconds. If you are caught in bad weather these are gold. The Oz Tent brand is one of the fastest and most highly regarded.

Tents are often favoured by fishers as it means you can tow a boat and store the gear in the boat for travel. If you want the comfort of a camper trailer or van generally the best you can then do for a boat is a car topper of some sort.

Sleeping Bags: Something to keep you warm, you don’t need to get carried away with top of the line bags. Pillows are very handy too.

Sleeping Mats: while there are many soft,

sandy spots, a foam mat or self-inflating mat is a real plus. You could even consider a king sized blow up mattress, if that suits!

Cooking: You can cook on an open campfire (outside of fire restrictions) but gas and butane stoves can be very convenient. You can pick them up at many fishing and camping stores these days and they are very affordable. You will also need old pots and pans and enough cutlery or crockery to prepare and eat. Plastic, paper, china – it’s your choice just take your rubbish with you. Meals can range from Masterchef standard seafood-curries to snags in bread, but it is amazing how creative you can get while camping. Don’t forget a big plastic tub, dishwashing liquid and tea towels for the dreaded washing up!

Eski: along with ice, to keep plenty of drinks and meat cold. You can also buy fridges that run off your car battery.

Seating: camp chairs, fold up chairs, banana lounges or milk crates. Something to sit on is very handy. I’ve even seen people take a crusty old couch!

You can often catch a fish within two minutes of your camp in Tasmania’s North East.

Various: other items we recommend are; paper, matches, torches, first aid kit, mosquito repellent, sunscreen, reading books, towels, hats, sunglasses, rain jackets, surfboards, bodyboards, guitar, snorkel and mask and if you have kids, then bikes (and helmets), buckets/ spades, swimming gear and canoe / kayaks and lifejackets or floaties are all considerations.

A Leatherman Multitool is also an almost essential item. You can fix just about anything.

Fishing gear: Take

all of your fishing gear, including something to clean and prepare your catch with. Do this away from camp!

Bites: Be mindful of snakes, jack jumpers and inch men. Anyone allergic to jack jumpers should take an Epi Pen. Wrap-up Whatever you fish for and wherever you camp, be sure to head away these holidays and get your family into the outdoors. Always be respectful of other campers and keep excessive noise to a minimum, especially at night. We’re a very lucky state with so much accessible coastline to

take advantage of. Remember to cover up with clothing and sunscreen when out in the elements as recreational activities in and around the water can intensify the suns heat.

Brendan Turriff

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Fishing News - Page 41

of water currents and tides and during the summer months, when water temperatures warm up, growth is quite rapid with most fish reaching a size of about 28cm at about two to three years old.

By the time the fish have reached 35cm they can be up to three to four years old and at this stage start to move out from the bays, progressively moving into deeper offshore waters as adult fish. They live to fourteen to fifteen years.

Locations So far there seems to be a handful of hot spots around the state that are producing regular catches every year now of quality King George whiting.

As mentioned earlier Flinders Island has been high on the list for many years but more recently more easily accessible locations have started to see seasonal populations of KG whiting. These include Georges Bay St Helens, Ansons Bay, Bridport, Low Head and the Smithton area.

Whiting Fever

I

f someone had suggested to me 10 years ago that we would experience ‘whiting fever’ and see anglers catching King George whiting up to 60cm long in Tasmania I would have put it down as a bit of wishful thinking — I guess things change.

Here is a typical scenario in my shop as November approaches. I am in my Tackle Shop working as usual when the phone rings.

Me: Good morning this is St Helens Bait and Tackle.

The Fish

The King George whiting, or Sillaginodes punctatus, sometimes also known as the spotted whiting is predominantly a coastal marine fish and is a member of the smelt-whitings family.

The KGW inhabits the south coast of the country from southern Western Australia right through to New South Wales and as far down as North East Tasmania.

Caller: Hi, me and a few buddies are heading down on the weekend and wondering if the KG whiting are running?

Flinders Island has always been known locally as a bit of a hot spot as far as Tasmanian is concerned and has certainly produced some very large fish to date.

I don’t get ‘do you ever catch any?’ or ‘are there whiting in the bay?’ Now there is the expectation of a whiting season every year and I am receiving call, after call, after call.

The KGW can grow to a length of 72 cm and 4.8kg in weight and is distinguishable from other species of whiting by its unique pattern of spots, as well as its elongated shape.

This is great news for Tasmanian anglers and an indication of just how amazing our salt water fishery is down here, particularly on the East Coast.

The King George whiting forms the basis of one of southern Australia’s most important commercial fisheries, reportedly worth over five million dollars per year.

I am now regularly having interstate visitors exclaiming that Georges Bay, St Helens is one of the best estuaries in the southern half of Australia, and when I tell them they can also catch King George whiting they are just amazed.

Fishing News - Page 42

There is very little known about the KGW movements in Tasmania, however generally speaking, spawning takes place in April through June in mainly offshore areas. The larvae end up in the coastal estuaries with the aid

One thing all these places seem to have in common is the size and quality of the whiting being caught, they are mostly large hard fighting fish, the smallest I have seen have been around 35cm in length and right up to almost 60cm, excellent fish even

by South Australian, Kangaroo Island standards.

One key factor I have learnt quickly while targeting King George whiting in Tasmanian Estuaries is the specific location in which the fish chooses to feed, if you are not right in the zone you will not be successful in catching the KGW. What the angler needs to look for are areas of some current flow, either in or adjacent to a channel, where there are patches of sand or shelly bottom in amongst patches of broken weed or weed beds, anywhere there are good shellfish beds close by is even better. The KGW will sit in schools just off the edge of the weed in the current and pounce of food items being stirred up flowing past them.

In order to consistently hook these fish you must place your baits right in the little area a foot or two from the weed edge. If you hit the right zone the result will be an almost instant bite and hopefully a hookup, if you find yourself too close to the weed leatherjacket and wrasse will be the dominant species and too far out onto the sand will generally see a long wait between fish.

If you start to look closely at your local waterways you will start to see the type of environment described above is quite common, you too may have a good population of KGW right under your nose and didn’t

even realise. Many estuaries around Tasmania’s coastline are starting to produce King George whiting and new grounds are being discovered as each year goes by.

Techniques and Tackle Here is where the old school style of rods really come back into vogue, I favour a longer rod of 7-8 foot with a soft tip action, a nibble tip style is perfect. The KGW have a very quick but subtle little bite so fast action stiff rods don’t allow the fish to be able to grab the bait without feeling to much resistance and letting go. A nice soft light weight tip allows the fish the scoff the bait and lets the angler detect the take, a classic nibble is what we are talking about here so sensitivity in a rod tip is the key. Reels in the 10002500 size spooled with some supple 6-8lb monofilament or a light 3-4lb Braid will compliment the rod and handle any KGW thrown at them.

My personal outfit at the moment consists of a 7’6” Shimano Bushy Bait Legend Whiting rod coupled to a Shimano Stradic Ci4 3000 and spooled with some 5lb Power Pro bite motion braid. The soft action and sensitive tip of this rod is perfect for detecting and then allowing me to react to the take quickly. The KG Whiting dont muck around, they hit the bait quickly and often all you get is a very fast “rat-tap-tap” and it will have stripped a whole pippie from the hook so you need to feel the bite immediately and react to it.

Wilson Surecatch make a pre-made “tangle free Whiting rig” that is perfect for Tassie waters. Its ideal for use in deep or shallow water, fast tides and is the perfect rig for those times where the KGW can be touchy. It is a simple running sinker rig with a small sinker attached to a trace with a ring or swivel at the other end running down the main line to another swivel to stop it. I find small bomb style sinkers are best suited and only ever use just enough weight to get the rig to the bottom but still allow some natural movement; you don’t want to anchor the rig to the bottom. This style of rig allows you to change the sinker weight to suit the conditions without having to change the whole rig

Once a rare catch: This is a good bag King George whiting

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This rig allows the bait to move around naturally in the current attracting their attention and getting them to bite, it also allows the fish some room to move and play with the bait, before a good hookup occurs. As with any rig, you should also consider allowing your trace to be slightly heavier or stronger than your main line and another little trick is to put a small red bead on top of the hook for added attractiveness.

The baits need to be tossed right into the “Hot Zone” discussed earlier and stay in touch with the bait as soon as it hits the water, once the bait hits the bottom provided you are on the fish they will be on the bait almost immediately so be prepared for a fast, quick nibble type bite and strike quickly but not too violently, you don’t want to pull the hook from the KGW small mouth.

KGW will eat a wide range of baits but prefer worms, yabbies, prawns and without a doubt their favourite Pippies (Cockles).

To catch KGW the angler must make the effort to have premium bait, bloodworms and beach worms are difficult to find in Tasmanian waters however Dynabait do a Freeze Dried series of worms in Bloodworm, Sandworm and Tubeworm. They can be kept in your tackle box and only need a few minutes of rehydrating in some water to leave you

with a quality top rate KGW bait. I found the Pippies were also a favourite as were the King Bait Squid Strips.

Successful fishing for this particular species however does require the angler to be actively involved, you need to be on the ball and react swiftly to the fish hitting the bait. Just casually baiting the hook, sticking the rod in the rod holder and sitting back waiting will not produce the fish. Take care baiting up, check the rig is correct and not tangled, make sure the sinker is just enough to keep it on the bottom not anchored, stay in touch with the line tight and strike quickly at the slightest indication of a rattle……even then you will still miss a lot of takes as the KGW are fast at pinching a bait.

People constantly ask me when the best times to fish for Whiting are, I have found that water movement is of utmost importance be it an outgoing or incoming tide. The moving water dislodges food items and scours the sandy bottom allowing the fish to pick off tasty morsels. It’s a case of studying the location and positioning yourself to take advantage of the tide movement, I have caught fish on both tide directions just in different locations so be prepared to move around and don’t fall into the rut of staying in the “magic hole” that everyone wants to find.

have started to appear in better numbers, whether this is due to water temperatures or “climate change”, a reduced effort in commercial pressure and recreational netting in our bays and estuaries or just simply anglers using better fishing tackle and techniques to target specific fish species…..who knows.

What I do know is that Tasmania is fast adding another great species to its ever growing list of fantastic fish and, I hope will continue to prosper and we as anglers can help this by limiting our catch.

I have a rule on my boat and that is I limit everyone to a maximum of five whiting each, the rule book may allow for more legally but we don’t know enough about this fishery or the fish to sit back and watch large bags being caught. Help look after the fishery and ensure we have strong numbers of KG whiting to catch in the future and only take a few fish for an immediate feed, limit your catch not catch your limit.

Jamie Henderson

Gone Fishing Charters

King George whiting are a hard fighting, fantastic table fish and are able to be caught by anglers of all ages. We are seeing them turn up in more and more locations every year and in strong numbers.

Gone Fishing Charters St Helens Michael Haley 0419 353 041 mhaleycharters@bigpond.com www.breamfishing.com.au

I am sure there are many theories flying around as to why they

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Fishing News - Page 43

Pack the Yak

bins to transport to your destination – and in roughly the order they will go into your yak and relevant to each compartment. Of course if you are using waterproof bags they can be packed ready to stow straight into your yak.

Once at your destination — and before you start packing, make sure it is close to the waterway you are going to be travelling on. It will be heavy by the time you have finished packing. If you can’t get close a yak trolly will be handy once loaded to wheel it down to the waters edge.

Pack from the back I always start loading at the back of my kayak as that is the part that hits the water first. So remembering lighter stuff goes in the back hatch or well. Things like your food, clothing fold up chair, gas cylinders, fishing tackle and fishing rods.

Moving along to the centre hatch this normally has a screw tight lid, Great for stowing things like camera, keys a small tackle box with lures in it.

Now for the front hatch where you stow all your heavier stuff like your tent, sleeping bag, lilo or camp mat, lighting equipment, light and batteries, cooking utensils, Trangia, fuel bottle, frying pan, pump for your air bed.

or those that haven’t packed a kayak for a 3 or 4 day adventure this how I go about it.

F

Firstly remembering your weight: I am about 100kg and I sit more toward the back of my yak – not in the middle as some are designed. Therefore I must think about how and where I am going to pack my gear.

Prepack at home Do a prepack first at home. This is vital to ensure it will all work, you have enough dry storage, enough straps etc. Stow your gear in those cheap plastic

Channel Marine Services Lot 10 Gemalla Road, Margate Phone: 03 6267 1456 Fishing News - Page 44

Remember, when packing all this stuff pack it in a way that the weight is evenly distributed on both sides and down the middle. If you don’t your kayak will list, but this can be fixed by readjusting your load.

Lightweight costs money Just a reminder about weight. My tent alone weighs 6 kgs. You can buy them a lot lighter and 1.3 kgs is about the lightest. With everything in camping as weight drops prices go up — as generally does quality. Buy the best you can. You will never regret buying good gear.

Keep your weight down wherever you can this may seem an excessive amount and to some it is but I have load all this in my yak before and it works

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perfectly. I am with in my weight load and have always had a safe and comfortable adventure.

Make a list My list has the following: Tent, sleeping bag, bed mat, change of clothes, fold up chair, 20lt esky for food, fishing gear including rods/ tackle and bait/worms, lighting for the campsite with a small gel cell battery, tarp, set of wet weather clothes, 1 frying pan and pot, small gas cooker, knife fork spoon bowl and plate, first aid kit, safety gear — flares, grab rope, head lamp, matches or lighter, mobile phone, hand held UHF, GPS, AA + AAA Batteries, spare collapsible paddle, pocket knife or multi tool, sunscreen, map of area, compass, EPIRB. One idea to keep in mind is: When you unpack note the most used, and also the unused items.

There will also be things you didn’t have. Modify your list every trip and you will soon have a detailed account of what suits you.

Always let someone responsible know where you are going and when you are due back. Enjoy your yakking.

Terry Symons

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Helm control for trim, tilt and hydraulic jacking plate. Hotfoot throttle.

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Fishing News - Page 45

East Australian salmon juvenile

RECREATIONAL SEA FISHERIES NEWS

East Australian salmon mature.

Focus on Australian Salmon Name: Eastern Australian Salmon Common names: Blackback salmon, cocky salmon, kahawai Scientific name: Arripis trutta (Eastern) Minimum size: 20 cm Possession limit: 15 Identifying features: Australian salmon have a moderately elongate body, a long-based dorsal fin and a large forked tail fin. Young fish, known as ‘cocky’ salmon, are silvery-coloured with a number of brown spots on the sides. Adults, known as ‘blackback’ salmon, are darker across the back with fading of spots. The pectoral fins are yellow.

Grows to: Up to 90 cm and 4 kg.

Habitat: Found in coastal waters around Tasmania over sandy seabed. Young fish are often found in river mouths or off beaches. Adult fish are found in deeper waters where they can form large schools. It is common to observe schools breaking the surface waters as they feed on krill and small baitfish.

Fishing information: Many a young Tasmanian angler’s first fish caught from a jetty has been an Australian salmon. Others have experienced the excitement of catching these feisty fish while trolling in bays or estuaries. The fighting ability of Australian salmon account for their popularity with Tassie fishers where they are the second most targeted fish after flathead.

coastline and in estuaries and bays, and during the day they can be found along surf beaches. Look for a gutter inside a sand bank, preferably near a rip that will stir up feed for a maurading salmon. Smaller cocky salmon are found around river mouths and the bigger fish along open surf beaches or holed up over rocky outcrops or weed beds.

Smaller fish are found in all estuaries and bays nearly all year round in Tasmania and become increasingly active from spring to autumn. January to April are the most popular season for the larger fish. Most fish caught in Tasmanian waters are young and tend to move away from Tasmania when more mature. Large (60-90cm) adult Australian salmon are becoming more prevalent in Tasmania.

Australian salmon are open water fish that are often on the move chasing bait fish. Feeding fish can make aggressive takes and long runs.

Responsible fishing tips: If you are boating near a school of salmon (often found by sighting seabirds on the surface), skirt the school and cast lures back into it. Don’t drive a boat through a feeding school of fish.

Don’t drive your off-road vehicle along the beach to your favourite spot and expect to catch fish.

You’ve probably already frightened them offshore.

If fishing from a beach, islands or remote area, be careful to minimise disturbance to nesting birds.

Handling: Australian salmon can have quite sharp dorsal spines so be wary.

They are caught spinning from shore, using trolled lures, flies, soft plastics and a variety of baits.

They are an excellent gamefish and once hooked, they will pull above their weight, perform jumps and tailwalks while breaking the surface to try and throw the hook. They travel in schools close to the

Cooking: Australian salmon has a distinctive flavour and are very high in Omega-3 fatty acids. Its flesh has a firm texture and lightens when cooked.

Suitable to bake, barbeque, grill, fry, smoke or use in soup. Their eating qualities are improved if they are killed and bled directly after capture. Removing the darker red flesh running down each side of the fillets reduces the stronger flavours.

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Salmon are an under-utilised fish in Tasmania.

They are not traditionally popular to cook, making them a good value buy at the fishmonger. Small fish have better eating qualities than larger fish which can be dry. Wrapping them in foil will prevent them drying out.

No matter what you want the Bicheno Log Cabin has it.

There is a great selection of fishing tackle, bait and advice.

Plus there is hardware, gifts and all the essentials for camping, surviving and having fun on the East Coast.

Salmon are popular in fish cakes or charred on barbeques. They are often used in recipes with strongly flavoured accompaniments such as Mediterranean flavours including tomatoes, olives, antipasto vegetables and herbs.

Recipes: Aussie Salmon in Seasoned Flour ½ cup plain flour ¼ corn meal flour 1 teaspoon paprika Pinch or two of chilli powder 1 teaspoon mixed herbs ¼ teaspoon salt Mix ingredients together in a bag. Add deboned fillets or pieces, shake till covered and fry in pan.

Additional ingredients that work well include cumin, coriander and turmeric (ground) as well as onion and garlic powder.

Log Cabin Store 59 Burgess St, Bicheno TAS 7215

Ph: 6375 1220

Fishing News - Page 46

It doesn’t take much to go from the seasoned flour approach to a coconut milk curry. Just use the pan after cooking the fish and add sliced onion, cumin and coriander seed, and add some extral ground cumin, coriander, turmeric. When cooked down a bit, add the coconut cream, bring to simmer and return fish and warm through. Serve on bed of rice.

Aussie Salmon Stir Fry Salmon fillets, cut into chunks Potato starch Red capsicum Spring onions Steamed rice, for serving Stir fry sauce, commercial one or homemade Fillet the salmon and cut into chunks. Roll chunks in potato starch (available from Asian grocers and some supermarkets). Fry in oil and remove when cooked. Stir fry capsicum and onions. Add the stir fry sauce to coat vegetable and return the salmon.

Gently stir in the salmon so that the pieces are coated. Serve on a bed of rice. Garnish with spring onions.

For a homemade stir fry sauce, use soy, fish sauces, palm sugar, oyster sauce, fresh garlic, ginger and chilli. Ideally the pieces will be coated in a sticky sauce Survey and Catch Info Catch Information How many salmon are taken each year?

Australian salmon have a longstanding importance to Tasmanian recreational fishers and are highly prized for their fighting ability. In 2007/8, a survey indicated that around 110,000 salmon were caught by recreational fishers which equates to around 48 tonnes. In the same period, 300 tonnes were taken by the commercial fishery. The recreational fishery is around 14% of the total catch.

Australian salmon are the most commonly recreationally taken fish on the West Coast and the second most common on the North and East Coasts.

Most of the catch is taken on the North East coast by beach seine.

Is the fishery sustainable?

The Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies (IMAS) has assessed the stock status of Australian Salmon as sustainable. The commercial fishery has a resource sharing based performance indicator where the fishery may undergo a review if the commercial catch exceeds 435 tonnes.

Biology Is it Eastern Australian Salmon or a Western Australian Salmon?

The Eastern Australian salmon (Arripis trutta) is more common in Tasmanian waters, and Western Australian salmon (Arripis truttaceus) is increasingly being caught in Tasmania.

Eastern Australian salmon are distributed down the east coast of Australia from southern Queensland to western Victoria and Tasmania.

Western Australian salmon are distributed from around Kalbarri in Western Australia southwards to South Australia, Victoria and the west coast of Tasmania.

Both species have spawning areas that allow dispersion of larvae by the prevailing currents; southwards by the East Australian current (eastern Australian salmon) and southwards and then eastwards by the Leeuwin Current (western Australian salmon).

The only reliable way to tell an Eastern Australian salmon from a Western Australian salmon is by the number of gill rakers – not the colour or size.

Do Australian Salmon Spawn in Tasmania?

Neither species spawns in Tasmania. Juveniles of both species settle in Tasmania waters. When mature, adult fish return to NSW, Victoria or Western Australia to spawn and the cycle continues.

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salmon licence cannot operate. This includes: waters of Blackman Bay, Frederick Henry and Norfolk Bay, Port Sorell, Derwent River and Tamar River; and within 1 nautical mile of the low water mark between Point Sorell at Hawley and North Point, Stanley The holders of other types of scalefish licence (such as beach seine, purse seine and a limited number of endorsed gillnets) are not excluded from these areas. There are also areas in which no commercial scalefishing is allowed.

Australian Salmon - A flighty fish!

Australian Salmon are pelagic fish that are often travelling chasing bait fish. Salmon schools may change their travelling path if they encounter murky water or freshwater mixing. They are usually scarce within about 3 kilometres of a boat ramp, sewerage outfall or industrial waste discharge.

Australian salmon are also very flighty and easily affected by noise. Many great fishing days have been ruined by another over enthusiastic fishers driving their boat through a school of fish where another is fishing. So please go around the edge of schools. In fact salmon are so flighty the Richey Family, who have fished Australian Salmon commercially in Tasmania since 1958, do not approach a school too closely with their main fishing vessel, the Dell Richey II but use a wooden rowing boat to drag their seine net around a school of fish to enclose them.

Want to know facts about other fish species?

Download the Tas Fish Guide Phone App at www. fishing.tas.gov.au/phoneapp Licence Revenue and Fishwise Funding Allocation In the last issue of TFBN, the editor made a

comment about where licensing money goes. Almost all revenue from recreational sea fishing licences is used directly for Recreational Fisheries.

In 2012/13, just under $1.155 million was collected from the sale of recreational sea fishing licences. In accordance with the principles of the Fishwise Fund established in 1995, $255,000 goes to Consolidated Revenue. The surplus ($899,180) was retained in the Fishwise Fund and used for recreational fisheries.

The consolidated revenue component contributes to government wide activities, including Marine Police, management planning, review processes and the research service agreement with the Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies. A full report on Fishwise expenditure and activities is available at www.fishing.tas.gov.au. Follow the links to Fishwise, then to Fishwise Planning and Expenditure.

Need more information?

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

Commercial Australian Salmon Fishing Exploding the Myths Commercial fishing for Australian salmon began in 1958 and up until the 1990s has been relatively stable with a constant catch rate and fishing effort since that time as well as an increase in the average length of fish caught. Whilst commercial fishers target tightly packed, schooled fish, recreational fishers target feeding patches of fish spread out on the surface, usually accompanied by seabirds, or alternatively they target scattered fish travelling through inshore gutters.

Most commercially caught Australian salmon are used for fishing bait rock lobster bait. An increasing quantity is now being used for human consumption.

Recreational fishers at times may view the using Australian salmon for bait as a waste, however Australian salmon fisher Stuart Richey states that “there are advantages of using locally sourced Australian salmon bait as it is local, providing economic benefit and it reduces biosecurity risks and the fishery is sustainable”.

How can commercial fishers take Australian Salmon?

Most of the catch is taken by beach seine or purse seine and lesser amounts are taken by gillnets.

There are eight Australian salmon commercial fishing licences allowing the use of a beach seine or a purse seine net. All other scalefish gear licence holders (such as beach seine, purse seine and a limited number of endorsed gillnets) can also take Australian salmon but are limited to 500kg per trip unless they hold an endorsement that allows more (one such endorsement exists). No trawlers are allowed to operate in Tasmanian waters. The trawlers seen at ports operate in Commonwealth waters which are further out than three nautical miles off Tasmania.

Where can commercial fishers take Australian Salmon?

There are areas where the holder of an Australian

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Fishing News - Page 47

Sneak peek at Honda’s new BF80 and BF100

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.

Honda has released details of its brand new BF80 and BF100 outboard engines, which will hit the market next year to coincide with Honda Marine’s 50-year anniversary.

The BF80 / BF100’s 1.5L, SOHC, 16-valve, inline four-cylinder engine is inspired by the same engine that powers Honda’s number one selling motor vehicle, the ‘Jazz’. A range of Honda-exclusive technologies combine to deliver exceptional power, superior environmental performance and best-in-class fuel economy.

Incorporated within the BF80 / BF100’s lightweight and compact design is BLAST – advanced ignition timing control system, which significantly improves hole-shot performance; ECOmo – sophisticated lean burn fuel control system, which contributes to excellent fuel economy; and VTEC (BF100) – variable valve timing technology, originally developed for Formula One race cars, to deliver incredible power.

Internally the RTX Pro features our custom multi-disc carbonite drag stack with Hydro Bloc watertight seal; and a 7HP bearing system with quick-set 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.

A refined high-performance gear case enhances hydrodynamic efficiency, while engine exhaust is even further reduced – inline with Honda’s unwavering commitment to the environment.

An optional Trolling Control function allows precise control of engine speed, with adjustments in 50rpm increments from 650rpm to 1000rpm, which is ideal for various styles of fishing and slow speed manoeuvres.

Honda’s new BF80 and BF100 are also NMEA2000 compliant, allowing engine-to-electronics data communication to deliver engine management and performance data to compatible marine electronics displays. (Honda’s marine engine line-up from the BF40 to the BF250 is now fully NMEA2000 compliant.)

The new engines can also be networked with Honda’s VeeThree multi-function digital gauges. Designed to provide a comprehensive range of information to users, the gauges also feature Honda’s unique Eco light, which indicates when ECOmo mode is in operation (for best fuel efficiency during cruising).

Further strengthening Honda’s comprehensive marine engine line-up, the new BF80 and BF100 are scheduled to be available in Australia from early 2014.

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Built with a balsa core and a durable outer shell, the BX Jointed Shad combines the responsiveness that can be achieved only with a balsa body and the durability and 3D finishing options of plastic.

A partially transparent body allows the balsa heart to show through while the internal metallic plating highlights the lateral line and scale patterns, and creates natural flash. Paints with holographic mini-flakes, highly detailed print patterns and 3D eyes complete the life-like appearance.

The BX Jointed Shad has a very strong body-kicking action and it responds to the slowest of retrieves while still tracking straight even at high retrieve and trolling speeds. Near-neutral buoyancy and super slow rise on the pause allow the angler to accent the aggressive action with long pauses.

Bite sized at 6cm, this 7g segmented lure is a perfect choice when casting the shoreline for species such as bass, trout, bream and similar.

Dives to 1.8m. Available in six colour patterns.

Squidgy Secret Weight Jig Heads The Secrets Out

150hp Mercury FourStroke transforms Trophy At 65 and with retirement on the horizon, Rod Coleman wanted a new motor for his 21’ Trophy – and he’s stoked he picked a Mercury 150hp FourStroke.

“I’ve had boats all my life and I’ve never had a motor under me that performs like this, or had a gearbox that’s as smooth and responsive,” Rod said. “It’s improved the feel of the boat 300%.”

“I never was a Merc man but this one’s totally sold me.” Living in Armidale NSW, Rod’s about 150 kms from the sea and his boat’s even further away.

“It’s with my son in Newcastle so it’s a four hour drive,” he said. “But it’s worth it.”

“It’s the torque band that’s so impressive. The sales guys talk about it but it’s not real until you feel it,” he said. “Recently I was cruising at 25 knots and when I dropped the hammer she leapt forward like a charging lion.

“My boat weights two tonnes in the water so that’s real handy torque if you are working a bad bar or have a nasty following sea.”

As for speed, Rod’s had his Trophy into the mid-30s but thinks 40 knots isn’t out of the question with the right propeller.

Not only is it the new 150hp FourStroke the most tested Mercury engine ever, it’s received rave reviews from around the world because it has larger cubic displacement, better fuel economy, less weight and fewer moving parts than any of its rivals.

“There has been a lot of hype about these motors and how Merc’s mission statement was to build the lightest, toughest, most economical and biggest capacity 150 hp fourstroke on the planet. And you know what? I reckon they have done an awesome job of it.

“This might be the last motor I buy, so I’m really glad it’s this one.”

Fishing News - Page 48

Rapala BX Jointed Shad

Squidgies latest secret is out with the release of the new Secret Weight Range. Squidgies Secret weights are designed to conceal the weight inside the plastics body allowing the lure to be skipped under jetties, boat hulls, pontoons and areas that a conventional jig head dare not go. In keeping with tradition, Squidgies signature wire keeper has been employed and coupled with an ultrasharp, fine gage VMC hook offering strength with maximum penetration.

Secret Weight jig heads also feature a high tow point that offer the versatility to work the plastic along the surface or over oyster racks with ease while the weight provides the perfect lure balance and action as you sink your Squidgy back into the strike zone.

The finishing touch is a florescent yellow/Orange coating to the weight that glows softly through the translucent bodies of our Squidgy Tails impersonate a small bait fish stomach cavity and enhance the overall appeal of the lures.

Ranging in weights of .5gm through to 1.5gm the Secret Weight system is the ultimate finesse solution.

Shimano Impact Nano XT Rods While the use of the word “snappy” in conjunction with fishing rods usually conjures up visions of exploding graphite, it’s a fairly good way to describe the crisp feel and casting power of Shimano’s Impact Nano XT rods.

Nano resin technology lies at the heart of the Nano XTs, but careful consideration as to the right kind of fittings was also important in order to complement the weight savings and dynamic performance characteristics of these remarkable blanks. Consequently, ‘The Australian Rod Builder’ Ian Miller has chosen Sea Guides, comfortable, high density EVA grips, and split grip assemblies where applicable with Fuji ACS baitcast and VSS spin reel seats to make these rods come alive.

There’s a choice of ten light estuary/freshwater rods, baitcasters, offshore spin rods and a versatile shore spin in the range, so there’s something there for the most discerning angler.

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Tides

Cause and Effect

T

he Bureau of Meteorology has updated the way it displays tide information on its web pages.

Mariners can now access a map of Australia and zoom in on their area of interest to view the stations available. The navigation of this map is similar to google maps. See http://www.bom.gov.au/australia/ tides/ The first thing mariners will notice is there is a lot more tide stations that have tide times and heights; previously many only gave a time correction from a standard port.

There are cautionary notes that come with some of the new tide heights and it is worthwhile to explain how the Bureau of Meteorology calculates tide information.

First and foremost the heights and times you read from this site and any tide book refer to that part of the sea level that is caused by astronomical influences only.

This is a complicated calculation of the gravitational pull of the moon and the sun. This gravitational pull varies as the moon and the earth travel on their orbits. The earth also “wobbles”

If your chart shows a depth of 2 metres at spot X in a tide port, this is the depth that occurs at the LAT. The tide prediction for that port/area for a given day may be a high tide of 2.2 metres and a low of 1.1 metres. When on your vessel over the spot X, at high tide the water depth would be 4.2 metres and at low tide 3.2 metres. You may have some old charts that have different datum; check in your chart title.

There are other factors other than the tide that can increase or decrease the sea level in a given area. The air pressure changes the depth of the water. High pressures “push” the water level down and low pressure allows it to rise, in the southern Australian latitudes the water level changes about

1 centimetre per hectopascal. Wind can either blow water into an area causing the water level to rise or blow it away causing it to fall. An extreme example of wind and air pressure working together to change sea level heights is a storm surge from a tropical cyclone which can add many metres to the sea level.

Large eddies in the ocean cause the sea level to rise or fall if these eddies move near the coast it can effect the littoral zone sea level. In the southern hemisphere anticlockwise eddies cause the sea level to rise and clockwise eddies reduce the sea level.

In some large bays seicheing can occur. This is the natural wave harmonic of a particular bay. It is bit like try to carry a large tray of water; the water slops back and forth. This seiching causes the water level to rise and fall.

The graph is from the tide gauge at Spring Bay in Tasmania. In the top portion the red line is the predicted astronomical tide and the black line is the actual sea level recorded. The reason for the difference in this case was a large high pressure system sitting over Tasmania (around 1030 hectopascals). This high “pushed” the water level down around 10 centimetres.

The bottom part of the graph is the sea level with the astronomical influences removed. The fairly regular rises and falls in water level on this graph are caused by seiching in the bay and occur about every 30 minutes and vary the water level by about 20 centimetres.

Bureau of Meteorology

and rotates on its axis and has an irregular orbit around the sun. This irregular orbit can vary the distance between the sun and earth by 5 million kilometres. All of these movements are predictable and occur in cycles. One cycle takes 21,000 year to complete, however, its effect is small and effectively the full cycle for tide combinations is 18.6 years.

It is interesting to note that it is not just the world’s oceans that are rise and fall. The earths crust rises and falls as well, near the equator by as much as 55 centimetres.

The Bureau of Meteorology works closely with the Australian Hydrographer. Most of the navigation charts in circulation have their datum as the LAT (Lowest Astronomical Tide).

HAT Highest Astronomical Tide MHWS Mean High Water Springs MHWN Mean High Water Neaps MSL Mean Sea MLWN Mean Low Water MLWS Mean Low Water Springs LAT Lowest Astronomical Tide

This is also chart datum (the depth shown on nautical charts).

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Fishing News - Page 49

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

Sage Xi3 8# rod for sale; Excellent condition. Phone 0427 240 545

Boat trailer wheel and tyre Dunbier and early Holden pattern

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• 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.

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Notes

est inform ation vis www.ifs it: .tas.gov .au www.tas map.tas .gov.au

A DV E N T U R E

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Dealer and Service Centre

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

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

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

5.1 Metre Badman Tournament

The reverse side features detailed notes and maps covering the prime fishing lakes. The notes are packed with valuable information on regulations, fish types and the best fishing locations and methods.

It is available online, along with TASMAP’s full range of maps, books and historic charts, at:

Maps may also be purchased from Service Tasmania outlets and TASMAP agents statewide.

Depar tment of Pr imar y Industr ies, Par ks, Water and Environment Fishing News - Page 50

BL10621

www.tasmap.tas.gov.au

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 90KPH+. 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

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Longford

• Longford Mitre10 • Longford Volunteer Fire Brigade

Boating, Fishing Fun Day

a helicopter rescue drill using a PWC (Jet Ski).

There will be a casting competition, a “putting on a life jacket“ in the water competition and lots more including a life jacket checking station where you can bring your inflatable life jacket along and be shown how to self-check it!

SLST will have rescue craft on the water during the on water displays.

Lucky door prizes will be SE out during Agiven PURCaHlife OOP including Cmorning S the jacket, caps, D TITUS GOL OKUMA meal vouchers etc.

15S $330.00 0 coffee and activities to Plenty of 0.0 food, 20S $35 keep you fed and amused.

• Longford Volunteer Ambulance Service Experience: You obviously need strong • Inland Fisheries Service Saturday 14 December 2013 paddling skills including a reliable brace and • Rotary – Longford 10.00am – 1.00pm Eskimo roll, and a • Northern Midlands Council good handle on how sea Organised by the Longford Fishing Club conditions are influenced Boating and fishing is a fun activity and and Marine and Safety Tasmania and by the wind, tides and this fun day is about demonstrating some assisted

by Surf currents.

Offshore fromLife Saving Tasmania simple, but sometimes not well understood (SLST) other the Tasmanand Peninsula is organisations including:safety drills. not a place for novice • Tasmania Police These will include man overboard, kayakers.

S a f e t y g e a r : A • Tasmanian Marine Dealers, Longford overloading, and fire drill using small marine VHF radio is extinguishers, resuscitation, flares and • Hook Line and especially handy, andSinker Hosts – Nick inflatable life jackets. The day will end with I routinely car r yAndrew an Duigan and Hart 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, Advertise here for $77. Contact Mike Stevens 0418 129949 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 YOU FOR REELS 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.

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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

Kitchen and the Tessellated (or tiled) Pavement. You will be impressed by the drama of these geological wonders, sculpted by Mother Nature over millions of years.

A mere 15 minutes south by car the history of Tasmania’s convict past comes alive at the former penal settlement of Port Arthur and other historical sites on the Tasman Peninsula.

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 in a range of rooms and self-catering units or as well as a limited number of “fishermen’s rooms” at very affordable $65 pp with hot breakfast. rates.

Additional car parking development allows substantial · 66 Stylish Rooms car and boat parking. Our licensed restaurant and bistro · CBD Location by a games/recreation restaurant are complemented room, ·TV/lounge area with open fireplace, café/coffee Affordable Rates shop and two bars. · Conference Rooms Australian aviation pioneer and tourism entrepreneur · FREE Parking Moviesthe Lufra Sir Reginald Ansett is reputed·toFREE have described Hotel as “the hotel with the best view in · FREE Fitness Room the world.” No wonder there has been an accommodation house on · Wireless Broadband the same site for more than 150 years.

Three The ·Lufra HotelSteps on George380Heritage Pirates Bay Drive Bar - Restaurant Eaglehawk Neck www.colonialinn.com.au Toll free 1800 639 532 (03) 6250 3262 www.lufrahotel.com or info@lufrahotel.com

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in store

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SAT MORNING 8AM TO 12.30PM

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Fishing News - Page 11

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Issue 107 December 2013 - January 2014

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