Tasmanian Fishing and Boating News Issue 112 2014 October by Tasmanian Fishing

October - November 2014

TASMANIAN FISHING and BOATING NEWS — ISSUE 112

Lake Crescent

How to catch your own monster.

Page 5

Redfin Perch

A pest or sportfish?

Page 10

Georges Bay & Saltwater

Endless options from Tasmania’s saltwater.

Print Post approved; 100003074

Page 13, 28 and more

Trout Stories Galore Plenty of tips and tactics.

Todd Lambert, brown trout, Lake Crescent

Many pages

Lake Crescent Monsters $5.95

If you want to catch a monster trout, Lake Crescent is the place to go. Check it out on page 5.

October is a great month, there are warming days and there is more sunlight every day. It is the first month when you don’t need the heater going all day and night, and Spring brings new life and growth. Both freshwater and saltwater bring an exciting new phase and in this issue we cover it all.

This issue cover a lot of areas from lure to fly, big fish, small streams, estuaries, saltwater, family and kids and more. We even feature redfin - classified as a pest, but becoming a popular sport and table fish. Our new look has been a big hit so please enjoy one of our best issues ever. Like us on facebook.

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Fishing News - Page 3

Lake Crescent — Mike Stevens

Redfin Perch - pest or sportfish? — Michal Rybka

Georges Bay — Jamie Henderson

Saltwater in Spring — Matt Byrne

October Highlands Action — Joe Riley

Calamari — Todd Lambert

Indicator Nymphing — Peter Broomhall

Angling Art - with Hannah Ledger

Jan’s Flies — Jan Spencer

Tailing Trout on Dry Flies — Craig Rist

Burnie and Surrounds — Daniel Paull

New Products

Tasmanian Trout Classic — Justin Causby

Marine Fishing News

Someone said to me just recently ‘How do you ever find so many stories? You have been doing this for 18 years, 112 editions and still the stories come’ I don’t really know how to answer that, but I do know if you have a room full of anglers you never run out of conversation. There are always new theories, new places to fish and fisheries come and go with popularity and productivity. We have, and have had some wonderful writers over the years and they always provide something new. They provide the new stories, not me. Thank you to them. And I must thank Jan Spencer who has written a fly tying column since Issue 1. Jan is going fishing and I wish her well and thank her sincerely for everything she has done. Lake Crescent as you will read in the story opposite has had good

times and bad. It is probably back at its peak and everything is pointing towards some very large fish being caught. I predict a fish bigger than Billy Zotch’s will be caught in the next year or two. Whilst I have been there a few times and caught some big fish it is not my favourite type of fishing. But please go there, be patient and you will catch a big fish. If I was given one last day it would be on a small stream catching little trout that are mostly under legal size. They may not ever even reach legal size due to their environment, but they seem to have a happy life and I enjoy seeing them laying in the stream and catching some. However for the last couple of year cormorants cleaned out a lot of my favourite streams. I hope this year the little trout come back. Mike Stevens

Tasmanian Fishing and Boating News Published by Mike Stevens: PO Box 7504, Launceston, 7250. Mike Stevens – P: 0418 129 949 or E: mike@tasfish.com Stevens Publishing, ABN 79 095 217 299 All material is copyright and cannot be reproduced without the permission of the publisher. Print Post approved; 100003074

For subscriptions go to www.tasfish.com or phone Mike 0418 129 949 One year $36 - two years $68 includes postage. Fishing News - Page 4

Mike Stevens talks fishing with Chris Wisbey ABC Statewide

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Lake Crescent

Tasmania’s biggest trout Mike Stevens

lmost certainly home to Tasmania’s biggest trout, Lake Crescent is seeing a resurgence in popularity. A chequered past has seen this lake through quite a few ups and downs. For many years it was a hunting ground for anglers using galaxiids for bait. They would row the bait out on a ‘long line’ then it was back to a camp on the shore and wait. Often enough nothing would happen, but occasionally the reward would be massive. In 1973 Billy Zotch landed a huge fish that after gutting, reportedly weighed 33 pounds. A report at the time said Billy had to kill and gut it to stop the fish flapping around and swamping the small boat they were in. The massive brown was caught on a Big Bat lure. Moving on a few years carp were found in Crescent in 1995 and it was closed while an ambitious attempt was made to remove all carp from the 2306 ha lake. Many had their theories including poisoning it with Rotenone, despite the fact that there was not sufficient quantities of the poison available in the World. Using a labour intensive fishing program, with traps and nets,Tasmania’s Inland Fisheries Service did the almost impossible and declared Lake Crescent free of carp in 2009, after a lone female carp was caught in December 2007 and further fishing showed that the eradication

had been completed. It was an outstanding success that had not been achieved on that scale before anywhere else in the World. The lake was reopened in 2004 and apart from a short burst of pressure initially drought conditions hampered an improvement in water clarity. For ten years it has not had more than a regular handful of anglers who have tried their hand at catching the large trout the lake is known for. It has been rare to see more than two or three cars at the car park and ramp and it seems shack owners were really the only regulars. Regulations have been changed. Bait fishing is no longer allowed, nor is fishing at night and camping is not encouraged. However one thing that hasn’t changed is the size of the fish. There are some monsters still lurking in the constantly turbid water. The water is usually clearer near the shore and turbidity drops off dramatically from the front of the marsh to the back where trout penetrate early in the season while lake levels are high and the aquatic plants are sparse. There are channels and depressions that the trout use to navigate back into the marshes and it is worth exploring to find these “highways”. When full the lake only averages 1.5 - 2 metres in depth and will stir up during wind events. Periods of calm weather allow the water clarity to settle and provide the

Ludwig ‘Billy’ Zotch with a huge brown from Lake Crescent. It weighed 12.5 kg or 27 pounds cleaned and would have probably gone 33 pounds.

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Fishing News - Page 5

best opportunity to target trout. Similarly, protected shorelines are best targeted. The lake provides water for downstream use and when water is being released fish are drawn into the outflow canal to focus on the food that is being drawn through. Another area to keep an eye on is the Interlaken Canal between Sorell and Crescent. This channel was deepened during the carp program and has open banks allowing easy walking down from the road. When water is being released from Lake Sorell the large trout are attracted into the flow in search of food. The mouth of the canal where it enters into Crescent proper is also worth exploring at this time. Be aware that the canal is open only below the Interlaken Road Bridge. The turbid water is not attractive to many Tasmanianâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s who are used to water that is often crystal clear. But it does not affect the fish and they seem to find plenty of food and stack on the weight. Most of the food is either in the surrounding marshes or close to the rocky shore. However, at times huge trout can be seen porpoising after galaxias all over the lake when the lake calms off.

One of the foods the obese trout eat are the golden galaxias Galaxias auratus and these are listed as endangered under the EPBC Act as they are geographically confined to lakes Crescent, the close by Sorell and adjacent streams. The golden galaxias generally grows to about 140mm, but can grow to 240mm. They prefer rocky areas which provide protection as well as breeding opportunities, but they can be found all over the lake. They spawn in late autumn-winter when the water temperature is between 2-7Â°C. They exist in huge numbers in Crescent and have coexisted with trout for well over 100 years. There are no other galaxias species in Lake Crescent. They generally only live for 3-4 years and although hardy can often be seen dead on the surface. This may be from a variety of reasons from being bashed on the shore during strong wind events, fish attack or just old age. They are quite aggressive feeders themselves and have been observed to cannibalise on smaller specimens of their species as well as feeding from the surface on terrestrials like gum beetles. This exposes them as a high calorie prey item for trout.

A Double Bunny fly.

Rapala 9cm Scatter Pop above and Berkley 4.5 inch Rib Shad below and natural galaxiid at the bottom

Large lures and plastics match the native galaxiids. Fishing News - Page 6

The combined weight of the three fish above was 30 pounds.

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Other foods the trout eat are stick caddis, snails, mudeyes, frogs and beetles. If you spend any time on the lake you will see, and hear some huge fish splashing, rolling and boofing after the galaxias. Never pass by the chance to put a few casts (Galaxias auratus) is endemic tolike hookup. in the vicinity. The result may be a snag

Lake Sorell

Closed to fishing

Management

s Sorell. This species is threatened Where to fish gered under the Tasmanian Much of the western and northern side are covered Protection ActWhilst 1995. in marshes. some of these can accessed from the

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www.tasmap.tas.gov.au

Remember

NEW ARB SUPERSTORE NOW OPEN

Access Rules

Come and see the new superstore as we take it out for it’s first off road adventure.

• Check your wash - if its white it’s all right - if it’s brown slow down. • Fishing from a boat within 100 metres of an angler fishing from the shore is prohibited unless the boat is securely moored. • Do not park on or obstruct boat ramps. • A 5 knot speed limit applies within 60 metres of any shoreline, marine facility, buoy or boat that is underway, moored or engaged in fishing or rowing or within 120 metres of a person swimming or wading.

Clyde Marsh at around 100mm from full supply level.

• • • • •

Keep to formed tracks. Do not litter. Respect private land. Shooting is prohibited. Fires in formal fire places or fire pots only. • Do not fell trees. Our range includes:

Report any unusual fish • ARB bull bars captures or algal sightings • Old Man Emu Suspension • ARB Air Locker diff locks immediately to the Inland • ARB roof racks Fisheries Service • ARB recovery equipment

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• ARB canopies

• ARB Fridge Freezers Report illegal activities to • Long Ranger fuel tanks & much more Bushwatch 1800 333 000

Fishing News - Page 7

Brown Trout illustration Trevor Hawkins Rainbow Trout illustration Kristii Melaine

ons. or dead fish, fish products, animals into Tasmania. y used fishing gear or any other ational equipment that may be ntain water into Tasmania. Check, ur fishing equipment before a. any freshwater fish, frogs, tadpoles, plants between inland waters. , trailer, waders and fishing gear for pests that should not be transferred etween waters. w (which is a plant pest) as a rod the ability to propagate from a strike.

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shore it is best fished from a boat. Landing a big fish while wading in the marshes can be a special challenge. From the shore there are a couple of good options. The first is the outflowing canal where the boat ramp is situated. It is easy to walk along and both the canal and mouth can be productive. From the mouth and north there is plenty of shore you can fish around Tea Tree Point and along to the shack shore and Tea Tree Marsh. The other prime shore fishing area is the canal between Sorell and Crescent. It is open to fishing and at a high level this it can also give up some very good fish. Walking down the western side of the canal is best and when you reach the end you can wade to the island fish around much of that as well. aunching atallLake Crescent. Fromarea a boat the lake can be accessed, but beware as being shallow it can get rough quickly. mitted on Crown Land adjacent toThe Northern Marsh has some great gutters and a boat is essential here. ding the lakeside Island Reserve area. The island has some great shores and it is worth rovided at plenty DagoofPoint, Lake spending time here. YouSorell. should cast your lures or soft plastics in very close to shore as this is often where the spawning galaxiids are. Likewise any of the rocky shores can be great as explained re the galaxiids. Fish along the front of any of the marshes and make s have responsibility after in the reeds sure ayou put a few casts to intolook any opening Every then put a cast out into the for and theweeds. benefit ofnow theand environment open water as well.

C ROW N L A ND

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Gear

This is an artificial lure or fly water only. Whatever method you choose I suggest heavy fluorocarbon leaders as in the turbid water they wont be seen. Whilst small lures, plastics and wet flies may work there is no need to go small. Whatever it is though make sure is has profile and action. The Crescent fish cannot just rely on sight to catch their food and probably more than in most other Tasmanian waters use their lateral lines to pick up vibrations and movement of their prey. A lure, plastic or fly that has action stands a much bigger chance of success than one that just glides through the water. Big lures are my preferred option, they should float or suspend, have a good strong profile and have a rolling, wobbling action that works on a really slow retrieve. The new 9cm Rapala Scatter Rap (yellow perch or silver) is perfect here and has all the attributes you need, as does a Berkley 4.5 Ribbed Shad in a dark colour. Because a slow retrieve is favoured lures or flies that sink too quickly will hook the bottom and not much else. Being able to control the depth you are fishing at is of prime importance. Remember at full supply the deepest part of the lake is barely two metres deep.

Four to six kilo fluorocarbon tippet is not too heavy and a two metre or so 2-4 kg rod will suffice. Reels around 2-4000 are plenty and loaded with braid is ideal. A fly rod that will deliver a big, but not heavy, fly is all you need - anything from a six to eight weight will do and a floating, ghost or slow intermediate line. A reel with a good drag may help, but often these big fish don’t fight much.

Method

Whatever method - fly, soft plastic or lure, fish slowly. Slowly fished surface lures offer an exciting opportunity to target the big trout in the channels and inlets along the front of the marshes and off the rocky edges particularly in the low light conditions early and late in the day. Similarly surface fished flies made of deer hair and foam will draw attention from the Crescent monsters. Whilst there are some opportunities from the shore most will opt for a boat as it gives great access drifting along the productive shores and fishing back into the marshes. A point to note though is that when this lake was mostly fished using baits anglers rowed their baits out 100 metres or more. Now anglers fish back in towards the shore. What do you make of that? I am not sure.

Life’s too short to take chances

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For those wanting to stay overnight there are lovely camp grounds nearby at Dago Point, Lake Sorell. The lake has only one boat ramp situated at the outflow canal where it enters the Clyde River. The ramp is concrete and allows the launching of reasonable sized boats. As previously mention the lake is fairly shallow, it can get surprisingly rough and there are reefs out where you wouldn’t expect them. So err on the side of caution and take care while boating. This lake has shown that it is vulnerable to drought conditions which make it difficult to fish so with the high lake levels that currently exist if you are after a trout of a life time NOW is the time to fish Lake Crescent.

The broadest range of opportunities will be had if you have a boat.

A relic from bait fishing day, when anglers constructed little humpies for their overnight fishing expeditions.

A shack at the southern end that has seen better days.

Lake Crescent Angling Regulations Angling is permitted from 1 hour before sunrise to 3 hours after sunset. * Combined daily bag limit of 5 fish can only include two fish exceeding 500 mm in length. Mike Stevens

The excellent concrete boat ramp at the canal.

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Fishing News - Page 9

Redfin Perch Pest or Sportfish?

Father and son double. Michal above and Tony below with some 2 kilo Brushy ‘reddies’.

Michal Rybka

t is that time of the year when the weather starts to warm up and the freshwater fishing scene jumps into action. The trout have finished spawning and there is, once again, an abundance of natural food. It is a great time for both the fly fishermen and the budding lure angler! As many of you search for trout at this time of the year, you are also very likely to encounter that pesky little creature commonly referred to as the ‘redfin perch’. These fish are renowned for taking your fly, lure or whatever you may throw in the water. They can be a royal pain in the bum at times, literally hooking up on every cast. But have you ever thought about what it might be like to catch a monster redfin? Trust me, they do exist in Tasmania…

A brief background

The Redfin or English Perch was originally introduced to Tasmania from England as a sportfish in 1861. It may be hard to believe, but these things have been around for as long as trout have been around in Tassie. Fishing News - Page 10

In appearance, redfin are an olive/ green colour. They are marked with six or seven very dark vertical stripes. They have a very large, spiny double dorsal fin – much like a black bream. The lower fins and tail are a vivid red colour and it is for this reason that, Australia, they are commonly referred to as ‘redfin’.

The olive and dark stripe markings on their body serve as camouflage. Redfin will use this to their advantage in order to hide in weed and amongst sunken timber. They are masters of ambush for this reason! Anglers catching this species should be wary of the sharp spines on the dorsal fin. While they will give you a sharp prick, they are not poisonous - as some people believe. The serrated gill plates on the larger specimens are also something to watch out for. The gill plates can be very sharp and will easily cut your hand while you are handling them. In contrast, redfin perch do not

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Reddies are easy and safe to land with a lip grip. have sharp teeth. Their teeth are more like coarse sandpaper than anything else that I can think to compare them with. As a result, you can easily stick your thumb in their mouth to land them. No need for a landing net. They are just like big mouth bass in the USA! In some Tasmanian waters, redfin can grow in excess of 2 kg. To top it off, they can measure well over 450 mm in length. At that size, the hump on their head is very pronounced and they almost resemble a football!

Maybe Tassie has one this big 3.75 kilos from the Netherlands? The largest ever catch, which I know of, was by Stephan Gockel in the Netherlands back in 2010. That particular fish measured 580 mm and weighed in at a whopping 3.75 kg or 8 lb 4 oz!

Behaviour

Smaller redfin will tend to swim around in large schools, particularly when population numbers are high, and you can often find them patrolling the shallows in such groupings. The ‘pack mentality’ can tend to take over, resulting in them literally attacking anything that resembles food. Redfin are attracted to movement and also to colour. Bigger redfin tend to behave a little differently. The main difference is that they tend to swim in smaller packs of two or three fish. These larger fish are also more likely to be female.

Redfin perch spawn between early spring and early summer. A large female can lay up to 350,000 eggs in thin strands over twigs, stones or weed. Females become particularly territorial at this time. In Tasmania, I find that this usually happens in the period leading up to Christmas. These fish hunt by sight and therefore clear water is vital for them to do be able to do so. They will eat members of their own species, with the bigger fish happily feeding on their own relatives! It is not uncommon to find smaller fish inside the stomachs of the larger ones. On occasion, I have had them regurgitate smaller, but still alive redfin in my lap while fishing for them in my kayak!

Samuel Evans with a good one from Lake Leake

Pest status

The Inland Fisheries Service currently views redfin perch as a pest fish in Tasmania. This is due to their ability to out-compete with our native fish. In some cases redfin can reduce or even eradicate entire native populations. Given their taste for smaller fish, they have also been known to prey on juvenile trout.

As a sportfish

The small ones can be a pest! I totally agree. However, the big 2 kg + specimens are a different story – they go hard! One of my favourite pastimes in summer is to target these monsters on light gear. Expect one solid hit, then a series of very smooth, but powerful runs. If you are in a heavily wooded or weedy area then, without a doubt, the monster redfin will take your lure for a ride into the snags every time! The big ones will keep their heads down and run until you tire them out. Heaps of fun, but don’t expect any aerial displays. They simply pull like steam trains and stay under for as long as possible.

The small ones can be a pain......

As a table fish

Redfin perch are very tasty! Many people (myself included) rate them better tasting than trout. Their flesh tastes sweet. It is firm and flakes off in large pieces. As far as cooking goes, no spices are required to bring out the flavour. Simply fried up in a bit of seasoned flour is usually the best way to eat redfin. In my mind, they are the only freshwater fish that has similar attributes to that of a tasty saltwater fish such as snapper or even flathead. Some really nice fillets can be pulled off those larger specimens. Don’t even try to scale the large ones. They are literally armour-plated with thick skin and scales. One cut behind the neck, then slide your knife along the backbone. Pull the remaining skin off and you will have a

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Fishing News - Page 11

a very simple, yet effective method, but I also remember catching a lot of tench too! These days, I use soft plastics to catch the big ones. I stay away from using my g ood hardbodies, because I lose too many in the snags, and the plastics are cheaper. I also find that the bigger the plastic, the better chance you have of catching that trophy redfin. Remember, redfin have a very large mouth and will easily engulf oversized lures, so don’t be worried that they There are some very big redfin in Tasmania and they are great sport. won’t hook up properly. fillet similar looking to flathead meat! Once you cut the In the heavily wooded area of Brushy Lagoon, I use ribcage out, there are only the pin bones left. Remove a very dark coloured Strike Tiger 3” curl tail grub. The these, and you have a beautiful boneless fillet. ‘black caviar’ colour is a winner here. It is basically a What about the smaller redfin you ask? Well besides jet black plastic with red fleck through it. If you have your cat getting a good feed, try keeping a few for the something similar in your tackle box, I am sure that it table. Unlike the big ones, these can be scaled easily. Cut would work equally as well. Just make sure that whatever the heads off and keep them whole. Fried up in a bit of you do use, it needs to have a good amount of in-built butter, they are superb dining! The crispy skin has to be tail action. I have found that the more action a lure has, the best part of eating these smaller fish. What about the more aggressive the response of these big fish will bones you ask? Well, if you are careful and pull the spine be. Such a response is something that you can expect, gently – the whole lot should come out, leaving only the particularly as they get more aggressive around their spawning time (Christmas). tasty skin and white flesh. Target any sunken timber or heavily weeded areas I have even smoked them up in the past. If you with exposed open pockets where a lure can be cast are going to do this, be careful of the flesh drying into. That is the biggest tip I can give anyone in finding out. Unlike trout, redfin flesh does not have a high oil the larger fish. In relation to retrieves, I use just a ‘slow content. The best way to prevent them from drying out in your smoker is to smoke them whole. You can increase roll’ with a few twitches thrown in for extra appeal here the moisture level further by simply leaving the scales and there. A ‘slow roll’ is basically a flat retrieve where on. When smoked, the skin and scales are discarded, the tail of the plastic does all the work. If the action is slow, you can sometimes vary your retrieval speed to get leaving the moist flesh for you to enjoy. the big ones’ attention. How to catch them? By the way, I use an 8lb fluorocarbon leader for Generally speaking, redfin are not fussy eaters. They maximum snag resistance. Fishing in such close can be caught on both bait and lures. Perhaps the proximity to underwater timber will test your skills. A best childhood memory I have is catching them in the beefed-up leader will certainly give you a better chance Macquarie River on a bubble float and worm. This was of landing that trophy redfin!

Places to fish for redfin

The small redfin are agressive and can eat any size lure. Fishing News - Page 12

Most rivers in Tasmania will have a redfin population. A couple of heavily infested ones are the Macquarie and the South Esk; however, generally speaking, the redfin here will be small to medium in size. For the monster specimens, I highly recommend exploring a couple of well-known lakes. My personal favourite is Brushy Lagoon in the state’s north. The wooded area in the northern part of this lake contains some of the biggest redfin I have ever caught in my life (I have one I got out of there mounted – it came it at 2.45 kilograms, which is over 5 lb in the old scale!).

Lake Leake is another hotspot for the big ones. Plenty of submerged timber for redfin to hide there let me tell you! Brothers, Connor and Samuel Evans, have caught their fair share of trophy-sized specimens here in recent years. I have also heard of Brady’s Lake having some big ones in it, but so far have never ventured there to meet them, although it is definitely on my ‘to do’ list of redfin fishing locations.

The low down

Question: Is it illegal to put a redfin perch that you have caught back in the water? Answer: No it’s not. However, it is illegal to stock any inland water with them. Big fines apply – don’t do it! Question: Is there a bag limit on redfin? Answer: Definitely not! However, you will still require a freshwater fishing licence to catch them.

Tips to catch that big reddy!

Use a kayak to silently get in amongst the snags. Target lures hard against the snags – any sunken timber or fallen trees are often good. Don’t forget about open pockets of weed - big reddies will often lie in such areas in wait, ready to ambush passing fish. Don’t be afraid to use larger lures. Large, dark coloured soft plastics with a good tail action are a great option. Hard bodies work very well too – try to pick something big with a loud rattle. Beef up your leader to give yourself the best chance of pulling a big one out of the snags – 8 lb fluorocarbon is a good start. Remember…you will lose lures, jig heads and possibly your sanity in the snags while hunting these monsters!

Conclusion

If you are after something different in the warmer months that are on the way, redfin perch fishing may be for you. I can personally vouch for the fact that catching the bigger 2 kg+ specimens is a very rewarding pursuit - I have certainly had some really good heart pounding moments catching the big fish over the last few seasons! Not only do they fight hard, but they are also an excellent table fish. Carefully fillet the big ones and take them to your next BBQ. I guarantee that your friends will love them. Sport and eating aside, perhaps the best thing of all, is that you will be doing your part to help the local trout population by removing a pest species! PS – If you have any redfin related questions, I can be contacted via my Facebook page at www.facebook/ striketigerlurestasmania. Mic Rybka

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Georges Bay St Helens Tasmania’s Sportsfishing Hotspot Jamie Henderson

t’s of no surprise that these days when you mention Tasmania to a group of fisherman the first thoughts go to tailing trout in the western lakes region, pristine fresh water rivers and creeks and the world class trout fishing that it has become know for. But there is a little secret about the apple isle that is starting to be whispered around the country and that is the quality of the estuary fishing on Tasmania’s East Coast.

The epicenter of all this activity is St Helens, a small township approximately 166km or two hours drive east of the northern capital of Launceston, boasts around 5000 people that increases to well over 20,000 during the busy tourist season but still has that small, relaxed coastal town feel about it. St Helens is the largest population centre on the whole East Coast of Tasmania and nestles itself among the surrounding hills 9km’s inland from the coastline, coupled with shelter from the coastal winds offers a microclimate that prides itself on its warmth and sunniness with average temperatures better than southern Victoria during the winter months. The region was first discovered by the European explorer Captain Tobias Furneaux who sailed up the coast in 1773 and named Georges Bay and the southernmost headland of the bay St Helens Point. It wasn’t until sixty years later, the early 1830’s, before a basic settlement was established on Georges Bay and like so many of the small towns along Tasmania’s East Coast St Helens came to early prominence as a safe haven for the whalers and sealers operating throughout the region. During this period official land grants were provided and the town grew rapidly after the discovery of tin at nearby Blue Tier in 1874 and transformed St Helens

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Fishing News - Page 13

from a sleepy back-water into a major port servicing the tin mines and the main transit point for the thousands of workers, including over 1000 Chinese immigrants, making their way to the diggings. The mines prospered up to the turn of the century and when they finally closed many of the miners resettled in St Helens. St Helens became an important commercial fishing port during the following years until present time, today the commercial fishing industry is only a shadow of its former self supporting a few southern rock lobster fisherman, striped trumpeter and blue eye trevalla scale fisherman as well as some smaller live wrasse export and abalone, urchin and clam divers, however the recreational fishing and tourism have taken over as the lifeblood of the region. One of the success stories for Tasmania as a whole and a factor that has transformed Georges Bay into the superb sports fishery that it is today was the banning of all commercial fishing and netting and all recreational netting inside the Georges Bay estuary in 2004. Previous to this the fishery was under a lot of pressure from recreational netters many of which unskilled at setting the gear causing a lot of nets to be lost and float around still catching and killing fish indiscriminately. These have long been cleaned up and now 8 years later the fishery is flourishing like some locals have never seen before. I remember clearly to this day one particular older gentleman watching over the weigh in during one of the very first ABT style bream tournaments that was held in St Helens, after seeing bag after bag of good quality large southern black bream being brought to the scales and placed in the live display tank he looked up at the

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Elephant fish are quite common in Georges Bay and must be returned. small crowd of tournament anglers standing nearby and said “where did all those bream come from??”, the response was a raised arm and a finger pointed across the bay, “out there buddy….” “Well…” he exclaimed “I have lived here for over 25 years and have never caught a bream from Georges Bay.” He wandered off shaking his head but to his credit that gentleman came straight

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into my tackle store the next day to ask a few more questions and learn something new….you have to love fisherman like that, souls of the earth. St Helens offers plenty for traveling anglers with budget accommodation right through to up market resorts and some catering to those towing boats with ample room for parking trailers and boat cleaning

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Fishing News - Page 14

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facilities. There are two main boat ramps for launching that offer shelter from all but one wind direction so you can nearly always launch a boat and find a sheltered area to anchor up. All the usual facilities are available that you would expect from a small bustling metropolis, supermarkets, service stations for fuel, restaurants, pubs, cafes, bakeryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s, mechanical and tire services, fishing charters and of course a well stocked tackle store. Georges Bay offers quality fishing nearly all year round and for every type of angler, experienced hard core tournament type angler right through to the absolute novice; itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s an easy place to fish. During the summer months there are a hoard of options available, this time of year will see large amounts of baitfish throughout the system and nearly every day there will be schools of Australian salmon, jack mackerel and tailor feeding on small pilchards and anchovies and smashing them up somewhere in the bay, hordes of bream cover the expansive sand and mud flats from January through to April/May and offer great sport for lure fisherman, silver trevally, snapper, elephant fish, King George whiting, yellowtail kingfish, southern calamari and nearly every other species of Southern Australian estuary fish are available throughout this time of year. The only thing that spoils it at times is when the North Eastern afternoon sea breeze blows in and makes it windy and uncomfortable until early evening when it will drop back out and you can experience some fantastic sunset fishing sessions. During the Autumn and Winter periods the days run shorter but the winds back off and you can find yourself fishing on some of the most magnificent days with a bit of daytime winter sun and glassy calm conditions. The water temperatures drop quite a bit and most of the action will slow down but from Easter right through until September its garfish time and St Helens offers up some of the biggest southern sea gars you will probably ever see. The water clarity at this time of year has to be seen to be believed and is crystal clear easily giving the ability to see straight to the bottom in up to 5 metres of water, its also a great time of year for leatherjacket, not that there is a bad time of year for them and they will cause the wayward soft plastic lure fisherman to pay dearly, and some of the leatherjacket are quite large with fish of 1kg+ not uncommon. The humble old leatherjacket are available in Georges Bay all year round and are a staple table fish of many families, they are relatively easy to catch, are widespread all over the bay and can be quite often found grazing on the barnacles and weed growth on the pylons which make them a great target for the kids. Springtime will see the start of the trout season and a small run of sea run trout chasing the whitebait and jollytails around the margins as well as the beginning of the water temperatures warming back up slowly, expect some frosty chilly mornings and some unstable rains through this period but the fishing action increases and continues to grow right through to November and December. Georges Bay is approximately 9kms long from the foreshore boat ramp right down to the inside of the barway and at its widest point stretches up into Moulting Bay for over 4kms. Inside its shoreline lies an expanse set of sand and mudflats full of rich food items like crabs, prawns, shrimps, worms, oysters,

King George whiting are become more common. Tyson Digney with a good catch.

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Fishing News - Page 15

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Fishing News - Page 16

clams, mussels and all sorts of little critters to attract fish to move up onto the shallow water at high tide. One such area is about half way down the bay, it’s called ‘Stockyard Flats’ and is adjacent to the channel that is marked by the red markers and runs out to the barway. This area is rich with food and has a good flow of water across it both on incoming and outgoing tides creating a great fishing environment. It is a prime area for flats fishing for bream, trevally, King George whiting, mullet and flathead and often the Squid will be located in close proximity to the weed beds that surround this area as well. Quite often we will hook a yellow eye mullet and half way to the boat the fight will change, once the fish is in eye shot you will see a squid rapidly retreating away and then the mullet will come aboard with a large chunk missing from the back of its head…..time to start casting a small squid jig around. Whilst mostly only accessible by boat it can be waded at mid tide and at low tide the flats can be walked out on and over to the edge of the channel where anglers can easily fish into the deeper water with lures or baits. The mudflats at low tide are also a great place to collect a few fresh baits, pumping nippers with a bait pump or collecting a few clams is not uncommon and will result in top class bait. Drifting the Stockyard Flats at high tide casting soft plastic and hard body lures will produce some of the best flats bream fishing you could experience in the country, as the flats are rich in food and covered with high protein shellfish the bream are well conditioned and hard fighting. Add to that some current flow with the tide running across the top and you will have a tussle on your hands. The Bream here average around 1kg and much larger fish are common. Bait fishing the edges of the flats into the deeper channels and run offs will also yield good bream as well as a host of other species. Here the use of freshly collected baits or frozen prawns and pippies are the order of the day and attention to detail when rigging will pay dividends. This method with produce some great King George whiting, although not huge in numbers in the bay compared to mainland standards over the last few years Georges Bay has seen a rapid growth in the presence of this species. Fish of 35-40cm are average with plenty between 40-45cm; my best has been a fish of 48cm and is an indication of what this estuary can offer up. Whilst soaking a bait for the KG Whiting or Bream its no surprise

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to see an angler catch anywhere up to 10-12 different species of fish. As the channel flows east out to the barway it can be fished relatively easily from a boat but only offers a small part of the shoreline to cast a line from. The small beach on the southern side of the channel at Akaroa is easily fishable and anglers can cast lures for salmon and kingfish or bait fish for leatherjacket and trevally right here. Boat anglers can work their way up and down the channel either trolling lures or casting plastics for the same species. As the channel flows out to the barway it follows along a rock wall that offers the land based option of spinning from the end giving access to the inside of the barway where schools of the larger Salmon and often the yellowtail kingfish will be schooled up. The northern side of the mouth of the bay is also a popular area, called Dora Point it has a nice rocky point that anglers can stand on and either cast metal lures for salmon or use surf rods to bait fish for the big silver trevally, to the seaward side of the rocks is also a small beach usually with a deep gutter running all along it and is a great spot to soak a bait with a surf outfit. Back inside the bay proper and up in the northern arm know as Moulting Bay the shoreline is not accessible for shore based angling however in the top end is a popular little camp ground known as Humbug Point campground that is sheltered and very quiet and tranquil. Here you will interact with the big Pelicans that wander up and down the shoreline as well as if you’re lucky watch the majestic Sea Eagles searching for prey and diving to Salmon and Mackerel on the waters surface. There are no boat launching facilities here, nor is there much in the way of fishable shore line however it has proven to be popular with kayakers. Water access is really only available at high tide as there are expansive mudflats to contend with however in all but a southerly wind the whole bay is sheltered so paddling around the rocky points and past the Oyster racks can be very rewarding. Good bream are available over the flats at high tide as well as around the rocky points and in amongst the oyster racks, silver trevally can be targeted in the slightly deeper water off the edge of the weed beds. Back toward the township of St Helens on the south western corner of Georges Bay there are some great facilities for shore based anglers. Along the foreshore adjacent to the township is the main boat ramp launching facility with ample car parking, weigh station

for game fish, public BBQ shelter with coin operated BBQ’s, toilet and shower block, a couple of fish and chip shops as well as the Marine Rescue headquarters. This is all in amongst the wharf finger piers that have the commercial fishing fleet and game fishing vessels moored to. The ends of the piers can easily be fished from as well as some of the main wharf area where the boats unload and can yield some great catches of mullet, trevally, leatherjacket and bream and often at night under some of the lights there will be calamari swimming around eager to take a squid jig. As you head around the water front there are a number of smaller wooden jetty’s that are easily accessible, some with good car parking as well. Kirwans Beach jetty is probably the most popular, one of the oldest in the town it had fallen into disrepair a few years ago but was avidly rebuilt and resurrected by the local community and can now be seen covered in fisherman nearly every day. A big car

park adjacent to it with a nice grassy lawn area and a coin operated gas BBQ keeps this area popular with the families. The jetty has seen some great fishing action over the years and just because it’s a land based area doesn’t mean it cant produce some great catches, I have seen good sized bream, trevally, mullet, leatherjacket, KG whiting, snapper and flathead all caught from this jetty using both baits and soft plastic lures. Beauty Bay also has a nice little jetty and is nestled in a quite little bay surrounded by high bank side so is sheltered from all but a hard easterly wind. St Helens is fast becoming known all over the country as a hot sports fishing destination offering a wide diversity of fish species and options for both the intrepid sports angler and the weekend dangler. With fantastic flats fishing for dedicated lure and plastic fisherman to quality “bread and butter” estuary fishing for the family man it’s all here on offer. It prides itself on being one

Tyson Digney with a nice Australian salmon. of the few places in Australia where you have the possibility of catching 8-12 different species of estuary fish all in one day only minutes from the front door of your accommodation. The options

are endless and we see more and more species showing up as each season passes, fishing improving all the time and species sizes become larger and larger. Jamie Henderson

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Fishing News - Page 17

Saltwater in Spring Time to take the family fishing.

Matt Byrne he warmer part of spring is now upon us and for the saltwater angler, this signals the start of some fine fishing days ahead. Here, Matt Byrne outlines some of his very best spring saltwater options. I’m not too sure about you, but as a keen saltwater angler, winter in Tasmania can be a long and drawn out affair as the saltwater cools down and species disappear

One way to hook a young angler is to connect them to an Australian salmon. to the depths or in some cases, leave the state entirely and follow the currents in search of warmer water! Whilst this past winter we have had an unusually long southern bluefin tuna season, more often than not we spend our time doing jobs around the house and await October as it often signals the first real commencement of our saltwater fishing season.

Whilst we might not have the consistently have the year round hot saltwater action that other mainland states can offer, this situation changes quite rapidly in Tasmania as we hit mid spring and all of our staple saltwater species re-enter the shallower bays and start to feed without hesitation.

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Fishing News - Page 18

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Fishing News - Page 19

We are talking sand and tiger flathead, Australian salmon, calamari and arrow squid, sharks, whiting to mention just a few. I regard the keys to success at this time of year to be careful choice of location and some attention to detail with your tackle, bait and lure selection. We now examine each of those aspects in further detail.

Locations and Tips

The first question you really need to ask yourself is - what is my target species going to be? For many, sand flathead and tiger flathead will be the primary target due to their fine eating qualities. It so happens to be though, that many of the locations that are prime flathead spots, also offer a variety of other species if you know where to look. The great thing about Tasmania is that whether you live in Hobart or Launceston, we are never too far away from some quality fishing spring saltwater fishing. The below locations have been chosen for the particular reason that they are expected to be hot options this spring as well as being accessible to the major population centres:

Bicheno

Bicheno on the East Coast could well be one of Tasmania’s most underrated spring saltwater locations. The commonly used boat launching ramp is located at the township near the ‘Gulch’ and this places you pretty much central to the Bicheno fishing grounds. I must admit that it can take some time to learn the habits of fishing Bicheno and its various fish holding areas, so hopefully I can narrow that search just a little for you here. Bicheno tends to have a more of a ‘reefy’ bottom structure and as such if your target is sand and tiger flathead, then you will need to be absolutely on the money in where you choose to fish. There is good sandy bottom in around and north of Diamond

Island that will put you onto good flathead, however by far my favourite spot where flathead can be found in reliable numbers is the area heading south from the ‘Gulch’ down into Courland Bay and Friendly Beaches. There is an excellent and consistent sandy bottom down in this area where you will find a lot of good fish at the 20 to 30 metre mark. Elsewhere, at Bicheno, fishing the more reefy bottom as commonly found straight out from the ‘Gulch’ and down to Cape Lodi and concentrating in water 50 metres plus, you will find good numbers of silver morwong. These fish generally have a very good size to them, with a lot of fish around the 1 – 1.5 kg bracket and they present a good fight on the right tackle. Bicheno also offers a good run of very large calamari squid and these can be successfully targeted for shore based anglers off the Breakwall near the tavern or by boat anglers fishing close inshore late afternoon towards dusk from Waubs Bay around to the Gulch.

Great Oyster Bay

Great Oyster Bay also on the East Coast is a real favourite due to its accessibility from a number of seaside towns with boat launching ramps at Coles Bay, Swansea and Little Swanport. Great Oyster Bay by nature has an expansive sand bottom which makes it perfect for setting up a drift and finding fish. I have found from previous experience that whilst flathead can be found anywhere from inshore out to some miles from shore, you do often need to be prepared to move around and find the correct depth of water where fish are concentrated. 15 – 30 metres often is the most reliable gauge to work from and I find myself regularly heading more so to the deeper 30 metre mark early on in Spring. Small sharks are a common catch.

Fishing News - Page 20

Flathead are prevalent, fun and delicious. If you have spent a few hours fishing the fish rich open waters of Great Oyster Bay and you now have a feed of quality flathead, you may be looking for a change of style of fishing and a few more species to add to the list.

Swan River

The Swan River is fed by Great Oyster Bay and is an amazing and diverse fishery with great accessibility via a couple of boat launching ramps off Dolphin Sands Road (One ramp situated mid river and the other ramp near the river mouth). Here the fishing takes on a completely different form as southern black bream, leatherjacket, Australian salmon and sometimes Tailor can be on the list. The Swan River can accommodate both the lure and bait angler. Lure fishing for bream is popular in the slower flowing mid to upper reaches, whilst the lower part of the estuary out to the river mouth offers a greater scope for the bait angler who can make very good use of timing their fishing around the change of the tide, as well as fishing the points and little bays that this part of the Swan River has to offer. Perhaps one of the biggest drawcard’s in fishing the mouth of the Swan River at this point in the year is the amazing runs of large Australian salmon that enter this part of the river. Fish up to 2kg are available sometimes in huge numbers and you will struggle to find a more entertaining form of fishing for these highly mobile sportfish in quite deep and heavy flowing current.

Cremorne

For southern based anglers, a location that is literally on the doorstep is Cremorne. Here within 30 minutes of home, a boat can be launched into the Cremorne Canal near Pipeclay Lagoon and depending on weather, a short run out of the canal gives anglers access to a huge expanse of great fishing water including Frederick Henry Bay, Slopen Island, Saltwater River and Betsey Island.

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MY BOAT — SURTEES 6.7 Sport Fisher Rodney Howard - Tackleworld Burnie

have fished in a lot of game and offshore boats over the years and always wanted a boat setup just for my style of fishing. I have worked in the outdoor and fishing tackle industry for more years than I care to mention and once I decided to spend a little more time on the water instead of behind the counter big decisions needed to be made. I have game fished around Australia,Tonga and New Zealand and my mates across the ditch have a huge respect for their home grown Surtees boats. The coastal waters off New Zealand will test any boat and I knew if I wanted to fish in Tasmania’s West Coast waters it would need to be a special type of boat. I have great respect for Hadley Deegan and star ted a conversation with him on what might suit me. As everyone who knows me I am not easy to please. I wanted comfort, sea worthiness, towable, premium fitout, reliability and my boat must be both fishy and fishable. Ever y boat in the wor ld compromises something, but I was determined that the compromises would be at the minimum. I started the process looking at boats around six metres and settled on a 6.7 Sport Fisher. It fitted all my criteria.

Power choice was next. Two BF90 Hondas were not an easy choice initially. I wanted twin motors for peace of mind and I know Honda has a fantastic reputation for reliability, so they were well on the list. Then I heard the Surtees boss, Neil Surtees had the exact setup on a 6.7. Problem solved. The 6.7 Surtees Sport Fisher’s ability to cover ground in poor conditions is amazing. The Surtees is as good as you will find. The soft riding hull and stability at rest never ceases to amaze. Thanks to the 380 litre water ballast system. And travelling at around 4000 RPM is a dream. As I started to look at fit out to suit my fishing I did give in to a bit of the ‘kid in the candy store’ issue and fitted it with Simrad sounder with BMS broadband sounding module, deck wash, windless anchor winch, pot hauler and many more of the factory fit out options. After using my new Sur tees for more than a year now

I realise that Surtees boats are designed and built by guys who fish and spend lots of time on boats. I’ve found that everything is placed where it should be from hand rails to the sinker cups in the gunnel.The feature I like most is the Nyalic finish. Cleanup on water or at the end of the day is a breeze. I would suggest if you are looking for a new boat that you talk to Hadley Deegan and take one for a spin before you make your choice. Check out Surtees Boats at surteesboats.com

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Fishing News - Page 21

The waters of Frederick Henry Bay across to Slopen Island and Saltwater River can really turn on some good flathead fishing. Whilst having a bit of a reputation for occasions where a lot of undersize fish can be present and cause frustration, again you have to move around and find the larger fish and they are there (some of the largest flathead I have seen have come from this location). To point anglers in the right direction though, you are best to increase your fishing efforts closer to the Slopen Island/Saltwater River side of the bay as there is a slight increase in depth and although the whole area is rarely deeper than 20 metres, you will often find quite a difference in your catch rates on flathead if fishing that maximum 20 metre depth as opposed to the shallower 12-15 metre depth range. Whilst fishing, observe your sounder closely and take note of the depth where you are finding fish and work according to that. As you drift the above regions, do not be at all surprised by the level of shark bycatch in the form of large gummy shark and broadnose shark (or ‘sevengillers’). I call them by-catch as Frederick Henry Bay is a shark refuge area and as such a ‘no take’ zone for sharks and any caught should be returned to the water immediately unharmed. Some days, your flathead baits will be taken readily by the above species presenting somewhat of a nuisance but at the same time, some ‘action’ on board in not knowing just what has been hooked! Get them in quickly, remove the hook and let them go. Their sheer numbers are present for a reason and certainly highlight the benefit of shark refuge areas in the sustainable management of shark species. Depending on the season, the Cremorne to Slopen Island area can be a very good place for calamari and arrow squid. Arrow squid have a tendency to be found just about anywhere and everywhere and location is generally not too important, however there are some good calamari holding spots near Slopen Island in the shallower water. Look for anywhere there happens to be sea grass and concentrate your efforts there. A tasty calamari squid shouldn’t be too far away. Another species that this region is well known for is the humble sand whiting and whilst not up on the list of desirable species for many anglers, they can bite continuously and can be great fun for the kids. You will encounter this species quite close inshore and short run out from Cremorne will put you right amongst these fish.

Fishing News - Page 22

Gear, Bait and Lure Selection

When it comes to specific gear that you will need for targeting the full suite of spring saltwater options, you need not get too complicated about it. Quite simply, you will need to be armed with two specific set ups – one for your heavier duty bottom fishing, and one for targeting your smaller midwater species. Firstly, a good sturdy bottom fishing rod (but sensitive in the tip section) in the 5-10kg bracket, matched with a quality Shimano, Diawa, Penn or Finn Nor 50006000 size reel (or small Overhead style reel if you prefer) and a quality 20lb braid (in 6lb diameter) such as Finns is all that you require. This will handle all of your bottom fishing applications with ease, yet importantly enable you to fish with more than enough sensitivity to detect bites. Your second set up is a slightly lighter spinning rod in the 3-4kg bracket with a quality threadline in the 2000-4000 size range (the above reel brands are again, hard to go past for value and reliability) and a 6-8lb braid again in either Finns, or even Fireline is a great choice. This set up enables effective presentation of smaller lures, hooks and baits again whilst being able to detect subtle bites. For the heavier duty bottom bashing on species like Flathead and Silver Morwong, all you will require is a handful of two hook paternoster rigs and a good selection of sizes of ‘clip on’ Snapper style sinkers. A range of sinker sizes will enable you to adjust your bottom holding capacity around the speed of the drift, depth and current. When it comes to hooks, I find it hard to go past chemically sharpened circle hooks in the 2/0 – 4/0 sizes as they have not only amazing bait holding potential but also an excellent hook up rate and it is indeed rare for one of these hooks to fall out of a fishes mouth midway through the fight. When it comes to bait and lure selection for the above style of fishing, I like both! Bait fishing for species like Flathead will always go hand in hand and for that reason, prime baits like Squid strips and tentacles as well as strip baits of oily fish like Australian Salmon and Mullet will always have a place on my boat as they work! That said, there are a simply an amazing range of soft plastic lures on the market particularly from Berkley in the ‘Gulp’ range that the Flathead and even species like Silver Morwong cannot resist. Try the very natural Berkley 2 inch ‘Crabby’ range as well as the larger 3-4 inch Berkley Gulp Minnows in Red Green Sparkle, Choc Sparkle or Glitter Pink. You need only fish these plastics

on a 2/0 jig head and present them on the top dropper of your paternoster rig for best results. As for the host of other spring saltwater species like Australian Salmon, Bream, Leatherjacket, Whiting and Squid, other than the latter three species there really is no hard or fast rule on choice of bait vs lure and it is more about personal choice and your own fishing satisfaction. For me, fishing for Australian Salmon on a light 3kg outfit is all about fishing hardbody and soft plastic lures. The gusto that this species attacks a lure and the ensuing fight commonly from fish in the 1-2kg range sees them perfectly suited to this form of fishing and as such 20-30 gram Halco silver slices or a 3 inch Berkley minnow in Pearl Watermelon or Watermelon Smelt fished on a 1/0 jig head are really all you will ever need if targeting this species. I have also had very good success using any of the silver/blue/green combinations in the Tassie Devil range but be sure to replace the treble with a size 1 – 1/0 single hook for a better conversion on hooked fish as they do have a tendency to ‘throw’ a treble fairly easily. On the other hand,

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should you choose to target Australian Salmon with bait, pilchards or Squid tentacles are hard to beat and fished on a 1/0 – 2/0 hook either via a running sinker rig or paternoster set up. If fishing the estuary waters like the Swan River, species such as Bream can be successfully targeted using both bait and lure. The common denominator with Bream whichever way you go is that they require a degree of finesse when it comes to presentation. If targeting Bream with bait, wherever possible use fresh bait such as fresh shrimp, prettyfish, sandworms or crabs presented on a light chemically sharpened size 6 hook. Wherever possible use an unweighted bait presentation as this will more likely be more freely accepted by Bream, as opposed to a weighted presentation. If you do however need to battle some wind or current and a sinker becomes a must, use the lightest possible ball sinker required and rig this using a running sinker set up to avoid Bream picking up any unnatural weight, that if not achieved will result in them dropping the bait. Should your choice be lures on this species, then it is hard to go past soft plastics that match the food items of

For stockist information Tel. 02 9780 8200 or visit rapala.com.au

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Fishing News - Page 23

this species with amazing resemblance. Here we are talking plastics such as Berkley sandworms in natural and camo colours, Squidgy wrigglers in avocado and 2 inch Crabby in green camo. Choice of jig head will mostly vary from 1/12 – 1/16 weight wise, and a number 1 hook size will cover most applications. Leatherjacket and Whiting are almost exclusively a bait presentation option. Small 6-8 size hooks and in the case of leatherjacket, unweighted bait presentation is best. Accordingly small baits such as pieces of squid, fish and frozen prawns will readily be taken. In the case of whiting, while the small hook applies, weighted presentation on your standard flathead paternoster rig is perfect for them and they are simply a great fish to entertain the kids with. Last but by no means least, calamari and arrow squid are great fun to catch on your light 3-4kg spinning outfit. Whilst arrow squid are voracious feeders and will literally attack any squid jig in sight, calamari squid on the other hand can at times be much fussier. As such, you will are best to carry a range of jig sizes and colours. The red and white Yo Zuri jig is a proven style and colour and having a few of these in your tacklebox is a must. Other colours that seem to work consistently well are purple, blue and bright orange. I found purple jigs to catch very well last season, so it does pay to experiment if you find you are receiving little interest when using certain jigs.

Catch of the Day

Now that you have a feed of spring saltwater fish, It would be quite an injustice not complete this article without at least one recipe. While most of us commonly enjoy our fish in an array of special batters, fish parcels, curries and mostly have our favourite recipes well and truly down pat, I have a favourite but simple flathead recipe that I would like to share with you. First, lightly pan fry your flathead (but can substitute using other similar textured fish) in a coating of your choice, I like either a mix of flour/curry powder, egg and bread crumbs or just a simple packet fish coating mix. Next lay your cooked fish on a soft taco wrap and add grated lettuce, grated carrot, grated cheese, diced fresh tomato and diced mango (optional). Finish off with a small scoop of sour cream and a splash of sweet chilli sauce and then rewrap and enjoy! I have found this to be a refreshing way to enjoy fish (especially on warmer days) and a slightly healthier option free of the more ‘oilier’ or greasy deep fried options. There is no easier and tastier recipe, try it as I’m sure you too will enjoy! So there you have it, a few locations and tips on hitting the salt this spring. We sure have some great saltwater fishing ahead of us, so get out there and enjoy it! Matt Byrne.

Bronte Fly Fishing School 2015 The Devonport Fly Fishing Club (Inc) will once again be holding their annual Fly Fishing School at Bronte Lagoon in the Central Highlands from the 11th to the 16th of January 2015. This long r unning school has developed greatly since the club took over it’s running from the Department of Sport and Recreation some 20 years ago and it is now acknowledged as a forum for the beginner or total novice to grow in stature as a flyfisher with its air of casual intensity. Students are well supported with the club supplying experienced instructors to guide them through the rigours that sometimes beset the angler as he or she starts out flyfishing. At a cost of $150 per student for the five day course it is well within the reach of the family man, with many students choosing to turn it into a family holiday. Students who undertake the course will be required to supply all their own angling gear and if choosing to camp on the site will need to be

self sufficient. The club will supply two porta loos and showers are available at the nearby Bronte Park Highland Village. The club actively promotes women anglers attending the course and also junior anglers provided they are under adult supervision. Some of the topics covered by the course include First aid, Entomology, Casting Techniques, Reading Lakes and Streams, Fly Construction, Polaroiding and Water Safety etc. Once again the school will cater for those people returning as a second year student with a separate syllabus which will enable them to take that next step and follow on from the previous years learning. Second year students will have a $75 fee as opposed to the first year fee of $150. For further information or to obtain an enrolment form please contact any of the following: David Best 6424 6628; Peter Burr 6424 8287 or 0429 437 760; Barry Jacobson 0409 947 185.

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Fishing News - Page 25

October Highlands Action Joe Riley

ctober, November what a great time of year to be fishing for trout around the highland lakes. As spring progresses the weather is becoming more stable, temperatures are going up, both the air and water temperatures which in turn are making more food available for trout. The odd terrestrial beetle is getting around; aquatic hatches are commencing, midge, then the diminutive Stone fly, Caddis and then Mayfly. Trout aren’t necessarily hugging the bottom anymore and begin to freely rise when the food is there to tempt them to the surface.

Fishing News - Page 26

Where ever the conditions permit, trout will be drawn close to shore to make the most of hatches commencing in the warmer shallows where the larval stages of these bugs are emerging and also sheltering around tussocks, trees and shrubs. Arthurs Lake is a great example of this habitat with water levels being consistently high for the last few years. The shores around Arthurs features submerged grasses and kerosene bush, ideal habitat for nymphs but also for adults to shelter before mating and passing on progeny for the coming years. Food and shelter also feature highly on the trout’s requirements so the recipe is there for some excellent oppor tuni ti es for sport. Add to all of this the perfect habitat for frogs and the predatory dragonfly larvae then the trout have all the fodder they could hope for. Anywhere the water has reclaimed grass or tree terrestrial insects will fall victim and aquatic insects will move in making it a great opportunity for the trout. T h e r e ’s m a n y different ways to fish around the shore when there isn’t a clear rise going on. Depending on how the fish are likely to behave on a given day should dictate how to fish around the verges.

The fish of course will be on both the lee shore and the windward shore, however which will fish better? It’s easy if you’ve got on a boat and can quickly access either shore. Always looking for a rising or moving trout to cast to, I like to cruise a section of in the lee of the shore to attempt to spot any rising fish. This calm shore will generate smooth water around the submerged shrubbery and out to the ripple line where the breeze will take effect from, this is good territory to drift a static dry fly. Because it’s calm, it is less likely to have submerged food freely available for the trout so if no fish are moving and no large amounts of food are on the surface it’s over to the bottom of the wind. On this windy shore the food is being moved about by the wave action, if the wind isn’t too harsh it is easy to wade or to work along this shore by boat, particularly if you have an electric motor to poke you back out when you encroach on the shallows or drowned vegetation. Here you can fish blind very effectively. The general rules I apply to fishing for trout apply here, the brighter and calmer the weather the smaller and slower I fish. In brighter weather an intermediate line with traditional wets such as the mallard and claret, or a wet hopper pattern or cormorant. In overcast weather a wake fly such as a muddler or claret dabbler and small wets trailing with a figure 8 retrieve is a great way to fish. A very exciting way to fish this structure is to cast bigger wets into gaps in the structure and retrieve he flies flat out. Trout are given a moment to make a decision about a good size morsel and takes can be savage and very visual with the fish proposing over the fly or visibly smashing the flies near the surface. Its exciting fishing although not everyone’s cup of tea. The best fishing round this structure is obviously when there’s a good rise of trout to food on the surface; generally this is when the calm shore comes into its own. Early morning, spent sedge and midge and other small food settles on the water. The rises around this area can

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be fantastic. The trout will mop up all of this food and they tend to throw caution to the wind either in their gluttony or being lulled into a false sense of security in amongst the safety of the structure. On shallow water where there is less structure more typical tailing water, the trout are more cautious and easily spooked. Small drab coloured dry flies work a treat. My favourites being a Bobs Bits in a tan or fiery brown colour. This simple fly born from the pilling of wool on Mr Bob’s pullover, with a cheap thin hackle is a great all round dry fly when you want a low sitting but very buoyant fly. Brought to Tasmania by the visiting England team angler John Horsey this and the pommie hopper pattern have now become main stay flies on the dry fly box. Tied now with seals fur, the colour of your choice and still with the thin cheap cock hackle Bobs Bits is a greatly versatile fly. Flies that sit low in the water are Bibio Hopper best for the spent

and a Bob’s Bits

insect mopping up in the morning and this fly fits perfectly into that profile. Daytime and evening, spontaneous localised rises will occur where the wind takes effect to blow food out from shelter over the water. Again static dries or mobile dries such as the Bibio Hopper twitched in the surface are super effective. O n e ve n i n g t h e Caddis will come out of the trees in the calm to flutter over the water and lay eggs, again static dry fly is good, but mobile dries such as the pommie hoppers and small palmered dries tweaked in the surface are deadly. These opportunities exist all over the highlands wherever water levels are suitable, however having just had a few days fishing at the end of September, Arthurs Lake is perfect in many areas. Being that most of our wind has some element of west in it, then the road shore of Cow Paddock Bay, the back of Brazendale Island, the western shores of Seven Pound Bay, Jones and Fleming bays all have good localised rises in the lee. Bright weather can often activate activity from the insects and therefore also the trout.

October and November will present the first glimpses of the great dry fly fishing available in the Highlands. Watch the water levels of our lakes and look for opportunities to fish the shallows where ever they appear, either by newly inundated land or among established weed beds and timber. The first hatches will occur in shallow water making some of the best fishing this time of year available to everyone. Joe Riley

More than 350 fishing days per year between them Christopher Bassano

and

50 Years Guiding

Bill Beck

These are their flies Two of Tasmania’s most experienced guides, Christopher Bassano and Bill Beck have been working with Fulling Mill.

Stick Caddis

Roy Tungsten Gold Black Woolly Worm Black Fur Fly Unweighted Claret Nymph

Their personal flies have been copied exactly by Fulling Mill – and they get a royalty on every fly. But, it is only when Christopher and Bill give them the stamp of approval that they go into production – exactly as they are meant to be tied. In fact they are so good they now use the Fulling Mill flies instead of their own and get to spend more time fishing.

Krystal Flash Nymph Stick Caddis

Krystal Cat fly

Shown are a few flies from the extensive range. Go to www.mayflytackle.com.au, or click on the QR Code to go straight there — see the range and how to use them.

Bibio Hopper Lurex Cat Fly Green Machine

Magoo Orange Bead

® Order through your favourite tackle store. Details listed on web site under distributor icon.

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Fishing News - Page 27

Calamari Georges Bay Mike Stevens with a calamari from Georges Bay. They don’t come much bigger.

Todd Lambert

s it just me, or is time spent with family and friends getting harder and harder to find nowadays? The “work- life balance” side of life seems to have the scales tipped on the “negative’’ at the minute so when opportunities arise that see me heading out onto the water, I tend grab them with both hands…Life is too short to procrastinate. A fishing opportunity presented itself recently that involved a trip to Georges Bay (St Helens) with Mike Stevens and my daughter Demi, who was keen to take a break from her University studies. Our target for the day was Southern Calamari the preferred of the two species on offer in Tasmania, the other being the Gould’s Arrow squid, which is widely viewed as being inferior in eating quality. I must add that the Calamari in Georges Bay are amongst some of the biggest you will find anywhere in Australia.

Where to look

Any bottom that has a sea grass or reef base. Squid are ambush predators, they love to cruise around looking for virtually any food source found amongst it that qualifies for a snack. They are often found lying in camouflaged numbers along the sides of the Georges Bay Channel in a strong incoming tide. They are generally found in schools that can range from one or two…To literally hundreds. The area off the Akaroa boat ramp (about 100 metres directly in front) also produces good numbers of Calamari on a “year round basis’’. Fishing News - Page 28

Whilst a boat is an advantage, it is not a necessity. Most jetties and piers in St Helens are illuminated of a night and as squid are attracted to the light a simple daylight “reconnaissance mission” usually displays the tell-tale signs of squid ink on their boards…A sure sign of previous success for lucky anglers.

Squid ink

Squid have a built in defence mechanism that they unleash when they feel threatened…Ink. It can be messy. That said, it’s also water soluble so if the area that has been squirted is watered down shortly thereafter, it doesn’t pose too much of a problem. Only if it is allowed to dry does it remain a major hassle. A good tip is when you have one on your line, reel it in horizontally to where you are standing and give it a couple of taps under its head with the landing net, this will see the Squid expel its ink as a reaction. When landed, squeeze your calamari tightly inbetween the hood and the back of its head, if done correctly you will watch it change to a pale white colour as it dies instantly and prevents any further problems. Another option is cold water euthanasia which consists of a mixture of ice/salt water… Made into a slurry. Be aware, like octopus, squid have a sharp beak that can inflict a nasty bite, but if you hold them from the top of the head, they won’t pose any major threat to your hands.

A tapered rod also helps absorb the sharp backward lunges that they make as they are being brought towards the net. If your drag is set tight enough to react to these lunges it substantially reduces the amount of pulled hooks. A slow retrieve is essential. Whilst many squid Jigs are available on the market, our preference is the Yo – Zuri brand in the red and white colour, they are quite expensive at around $18 dollars each, but seem to be the preferred option by the Georges Bay inhabitants. Jamie Henderson at St Helens Bait n Tackle has them in stock.

Gear

We use the same tackle as we would for trout, which consists of 4 pound braid with a six pound fluorocarbon leader around 8 feet in length, this helps on the calm bright days when they seem a bit fussy.

A firm squeeze between the hood and the eyes will kill calamari instantly

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There is a tool available called Squid- Ezy, look it up and watch the “YouTube’’ clip, this is an inexpensive tool that makes light work of an otherwise very messy job. The bag limit in Tasmania is 15 per person with an on water possession limit of 10 in South East Waters.

My favourite recipe

Salt and pepper squid The key to tender squid is to cook it quickly, in hot oil. If it is cooked for too long, it will be chewy. This dish needs to be cooked immediately before serving. Prep: 10 mins; Cooking: 10 mins; Serves 4 Ingredients: 4 squid tubes, cleaned 1/2 cup cornflour 1 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon ground white pepper 1/2 teaspoon cracked black pepper 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder 1/2 teaspoon ground dried chillies 1/2 teaspoon Chinese five spice Vegetable oil, for deep frying

Method: 1. Cut the squid tubes open and lay flat. 2. Using the blade of a knife, gently scrape the very fine membrane covering the squid to rough it up a bit. 3. Score the squid in a criss-cross pattern and cut into strips about 2 cm wide. 4. Combine the flour and spices in a bowl. 5. Toss the squid through, coating thoroughly. 6. Heat the oil in a large pot or a deep fryer to a high temperature (200C). 7. Fry the squid in small batches to maintain the heat in the oil. The squid should only take 1 to 1 1/2 minutes to turn a light golden brown. If it is over cooked it will be very tough. Serve with lemon wedges and tartare, or sweet chilli sauce, and green salad. Conclusion Squid are fun to catch, fantastic to eat and are available all year round. This article is only designed as a general overview to help those that haven’t targeted them but there really isn’t a lot more to it. Why not give them a go next time you’re on the water, you will be glad you did! Todd Lambert

Todd Lambert nets another calamari for daughter Demi.

Janet has fought to

make our community a better place to live and work.

 Supported the establishment of a new medical centre at Evandale  Fighting to keep rate rises to a minimum, including pensioner rebates  Helped push ahead with major projects such as the Burlington Road upgrade, a Primary Health Coordinator and Campbell Town recreation Ground Development  Initiated the Higher Education Bursary Program for Local Youth. Janet is always available to discuss community issues: phone (03) 6398 1797 mobile 0418 555 643 email jtlambert@bigpond.com

Written and authorised by Janet Lambert, 2 Devon Hills Rd, Tas 7300. Printed by Metro Printing, 203-205 Roberts Rd, Airport West, Vic 3042

Cleaning your Catch

VOTE 1 Janet LAMBERT for Deputy Mayor & Councillor of Northern Midlands Council www.tasfish.com - Get the knowledge - Get the fish.

Fishing News - Page 29

Indicator Nymphing

Stream success with tufts of wool Nymph are probably the most important fly in an anglers box.

Peter Broomhall

he little tuft of wool bouncing down the ripple was mesmerising to watch as it made its way downstream towards me. Each current seam, back eddy and wave affected its movement. Suddenly, almost violently it was tugged beneath the waters surface. This was the signal that brought out of my trance, the sign that a trout had taken interest in one of the duo of nymphs trailing under the woollen indicator. A sharp lift of the rod was met with stubborn resistance. Another fine river trout was hooked. Generally my preferred style of trout fishing for trout is to target rising fish and catch them on dry flies. The Fishing News - Page 30

visual impact of this style of trouting is exciting but the fact remains that greater than 90% of a trout’s diet is from subsurface prey makes dry fly fishing a hit and miss prospect for much of the season. Being prepared to change to nymph style fishing and in particular indicator nymphing gives the angler plenty of opportunity to find truly reliable sport in all conditions and situations. My first real experience with “indicator” style nymphing was on a fishing holiday to the trout fishing mecca of New Zealand a few years ago. Here I found out just how deadly this method was, especially in the fast flowing rivers that abound in this part of the world. Pulling unseen trout from seemingly barren fast water

runs was a new experience for me and my thoughts at the time were how I could translate this method to my home waters in the northwest of Tassie. In NZ we first started with a weighted nymph suspended under a buoyant dry fly but by the end of the trip my favoured nymphing rig was a pair of tungsten bead head patterns floating under a piece of wool sourced from a nearby fence ( no secret that there are plenty of sheep in NZ). The wool with its natural tannins floated like a cork, and apart from a little wind resistance when casting was much better to use than any of the synthetics materials tried earlier in the trip.

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Of course I found when I arrived home that the same tactics were just as deadly in the Tasmanian rivers as they were abroad. Using the indicator nymphing style opened up new sections of river to me that previously I had walked past regarding them as unfishable or simply devoid of trout. The indicator nymphing style of fishing also married two methods I deployed in my early fishing career. These methods were float fishing for mullet in the estuaries and also drifting natural baits such as couta mudeyes, black crickets and cockroaches down the ripples and runs trying to fool a wily brown trout into eating my offering. It’s funny how a day on the river drifting nymphs under an indicator brings the childhood memories flooding back.

Indicator nymphing tactics

While the indicator nymphing style will work well in any type of water conditions it is at its absolute best in the fast water runs and ripples. It is a real eye opener for the uninitiated to see how many trout hold station in the extremely turbulent water sections of the streams particularly as the weather and water temperatures start to warm during late spring and summer. An interesting and most welcome side to fishing the turbulent water is that in streams that have populations of rainbow trout the catch rate of that species will increase markedly. The rainbows prefer fast, well oxygenated areas in the streams and they are also suckers for a well presented nymph. Ideal water to look for to run your team of flies through is fast pocket type water that contains plenty of structure. Logs, large rocks, flowing weed beds and drop-offs are all areas that create holding and feeding stations for trout in the fast flowing water. Anglers should also look for current seams and bubble lines

Superb nymphing water. while working the water. These are visual signs of prime locations of where trout will hold waiting for the food to come to them. Successful anglers all have one thing in common and that is the willingness to change tactics throughout the course of a season and on a more micro level throughout the course of a day. Trout feeding behaviour can change quite dramatically quickly and if you are ready for this barren periods can be avoided throughout the day. Typically I start my day with a tandem rig of tungsten bead head nymphs with the bottom fly simply tied off the bend of the nymph above. I will always use the heavier fly on top as I find this casts much better and is much less prone to tangling. The flies will be size 12 to 18 with the most common sizes in the middle of this range. I mostly use pheasant tail nymph or copper john

variants. Flies of this style have been very successful for me over the last few seasons and I have had no reason to change but with saying that an eye is always kept open for exciting new patterns. The indicator itself, as discussed above, a small bunch of wool, is set on the leader approximately 1.5 x the depth of the water to be fished above the top fly. This indicator will control the depth of the flies quite nicely and early in the day it is good to have your offerings bouncing right along the bottom. As the day warms and the water borne insects start to begin their hatching stage it is time to lift your flies in the water column. My usual tactic here is to change the trailing nymph to an unweighted or even floating version of the same pattern. The heavier fly further up the leader will serve the purpose of getting the rig down but effectively more of the water column can be fished. When the trout start taking the hatching insects from the surface it is time to tie on so dry fly. Many anglers will cover both scenarios here by hanging a nymph under a buoyant dry which also works very well in certain circumstances.

What to look for

When running the flies through the ripples and runs the angler really needs to concentrate on his indicator. Any resistance should be met with an immediate lift of the rod. The is no need to pause with the strike as is the case with dry fly fishing as by the time the take has registered on the indicator the fish has had plenty of time to swallow the fly. There will be plenty of times during a fishing session that the suspected take will just be weed, sticks or the nymph bouncing along the bottom but after a while the fisher will become adept at picking the sometimes subtle differences. Note that sometimes the take is not so subtle such as when your indicator stops and starts heading off upstream at a rate of knots!

Indicators and knots A gold bead adds attraction and weight to a nymph.

As discussed earlier my favourite nymphing indicator of all is a piece of natural sheep’s wool sourced from a fence on the way to the river. Apart from the afore

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Fishing News - Page 31

A Mersey River double on nymphs. The indicator is attached to the leader by a simple slip loop knot (see attached pic). The advantage of this knot is that the indicator can be quickly moved up or down the leader if required or completely removed without leaving a knot if a change of tactics is called for. Where to look Most river systems in Tasmania will have fast water sections suitable for bouncing a nymph or two along under an indicator. In the north and north west my favourite streams for indicator nymphing include the Mersey, Meander and Leven Rivers. These waters contain many broken runs just perfect for running a team of nymphs along. The north east has a smorgasbord of options with the Great Forester and Ringarooma rivers good choices. The south of our fine island state does not miss out either with streams like the Tyenna, Styx and Weld possibly at the top of the list for fishing of this type. Peter Broomhall

Shallow water hides plenty of fish. mentioned floatation characteristics this material also has a few other advantages over commercial sourced indicators. Firstly the natural coloration blends in nicely with the bubbles and foam so it will not easily spook flighty fish. The wool will tend to float quite high in the water though so for the angler it is not too difficult to pick out. The woollen indicator is also extremely easy to trim to size with a sharp pair of scissors, something that is also important on hard fished water where the trout are wary. It is important to keep the indicator as small as possible, this is a balance between visibility, floatability and castability. Not sure if they are all words but you know what I mean. There are plenty of commercially produced indicators available on the market if the angler does not have access to any natural sheep’s wool. Ranging from coloured yarn, stick on foam pads and small plastic floats marketed as “thingamebobbers” most fly fishing stores will have a selection available. Fishing News - Page 32

Thread adjacent section of leader back through the loop.

Make a small overhand loop in leader.

Tighten created loop lightly.

Insert piece of sheep’s wool into loop.

Trim to size and go and catch a fish.

Tighten knot onto wool.

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MH1

Aussie Adams 12-14-16

MH2 Mickâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Scruffy 12-14

MH3

Ruby Bug 10-12

MH4

Rubber-legged Royal Wulff 10-12-14

MH5 Rubber Legged 10-12

MH6

Chaser 6-8-10

MH7 Laser Minnow 6-8-10

MH8

Woolly Frog 6-8

MH9

Rubber legged Black Chaser 6-8

MH10 Rubber legged Woolly Worm 8-10

MH11 Chartreuse Woolly Bugger 6-8

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MH16 Chopper Hopper 8-10

MH21 Compressed Devonshire Dun 10-12

MH12 Cockchafer Beetle 10-12-14

MH13 Little Green Wattle Beetle 14-16

MH14 Gum Beetle 12-14

MH15 Tadpole 14-16

MH17 Para Caddis Green 12-14-16-18

MH18 Para Caddis Cream 12-14-16-18

MH19 Para Caddis Tan 12-14-16-18

MH20 Para Caddis Black 12-14-16-18

MH22 Comp Macca Brown Dun Reversed 10-12

MH23 All - round Brown 12-14

MH25 Penstock Brown MH24 Penstock Brown Comp Reversed 10-12 Compressed Dun 10-12

MH26 Para Penstock Brown 10-12-16

MH27 Dark Highland Dun 10-12

MH28 Light Highland Dun 10-12

MH29 Peeping Stick Caddis Small 14-16

MH30 Peeping Stick Caddis Large 8-10-12

MH31 Hanging Midge 14-16-18

MH32 Emerging Midge 14-16-18

MH33 Full Stop (Black Midge Ball) 18

MH34 All Round Brown Nymph 8-10-12-14-16

MH35

MH36 Green Water Beetle 12-14-16

MH37 Brown Water Beetle 12-14-16

MH38 Black Water Beetle 12-14-16

MH39 Highland Nymph 10-12-14-16

MH40 Black Spinner 12-14-16

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Fishing News - Page 33

‘..angling is an art’ and an art worth your learning..’

Hannah - the Angler and Artist.

o said Izaak Walton in the 1600s. It seems that Burnie’s Hannah Ledger has combined angling with art rather well. Hannah is a fish fanatic, outdoor enthusiast and budding, self-taught artist. From as

young as she can remember, she has always had crayon in hand, colouring book under arm and as she’s grown as a painter, jars full of paintbrushes and cupboards full of ready-to-go blank canvas’.

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A country girl at heart, Hannah was schooled at Yolla District High School, a small ‘farm’ school in the states North West, then went on to Hellyer College where she was given the opportunity to really grow her art skills; And by grow, that meant skipping the classes that would probably have more an impact of getting her somewhere in life, like English and Math to spend every spare minute with the art teacher, painting or drawing. As typical teenagers do, they make poor decisionsand after being accepted in to one of the countries top art schools, turned down the offer and decided to move to the big island, where she lived for 5 years working in what seemed ‘dead end’ retail. “Melbourne was realistically only ‘fun’ for the first two years because it had better shops than Burnie. The remaining three were spent trying to find the right excuse to move back without feeling like a failure! Then one day I realised ‘wow, I’m REALLY home sick’; so 4 years ago, the bags were packed, the Spirit of Tasmania was booked and back I came! I really missed Tassies beautiful scenery, fresh air, clean water and nice people.” Hannah picked up a paintbrush only a handful of times while living the city life. On her return, she worked a ‘mind numbing’ advertising role for a local news paper.

“I love trout fishing. It takes you to some of the most magical and beautiful places Tasmania has to offer. The exciting thing when trout fishing is that every single one you catch looks different. D i f f e r e n t c o l o u r s, different markings, different shapes. etc etc.” “One day, Jamie said ‘You should paint some fish?!” Pretty basic, but it was from that day, and that little bit of motivation that really s t a r t e d H a n n a h ’s now recognised style. Ranging in sizes as small as a box of chocolates, to as big as a table top, Hannah’s paintings are all on home stretched canvas’ using acrylics paints.

“One day I was banging my head on my desk so hard in utter boredom when a positions vacant ad come through for the job I am now in. It read “Are you Outdoors? Do you enjoy fishing? do you love people?” YES! YES! YES! I answered! So I applied, Charmed the pants off the interviewers, and a month later I had the job in the local Outdoor and Tackle Store! It was like a dream come true!” Working for Rodney Howard at Tackleworld and Outdoors in Burnie really opened Hannah up to the world of fishing and the outdoors. It was through the shop that she met her now partner, Jamie Harris, one of Tasmania’s most prominent and respected fishermen. “Meeting Jamie has probably been one of the greatest things to happen to me. He has such a broad knowledge of all styles of fishing, and has shown me so many stretches of water, and so many beautiful parts of this state that make me feel so lucky to call this place home.” Some would say Hannah has had an unfair advantage getting to fish with Jamie on such a regular basis.

“My favourite painting of all is a 12 and a half lb sea runner Jamie caught on a memorable trip to the Pieman together in 2012. The fish was so healthy, it had such gorgeous colours and was a real tank! It was a relatively easy picture to paint from; until I got to Jamie’s headthat was a bit of a challenge! But it must be OK, as its still in prime position on the lounge room wall. Haha!” Over the last three years, Hannah’s style has grown from painting just trout, through to big tuna and many species in-between. Most of her pieces are commissioned and in 2013, Hannah was approached by a member from one of Tasmania’s Game Fishing clubs to paint a piece that was to be presented on their annual dinner night to commemorate a record breaking Albacore Tuna. “I’ve done some pretty special commissioned paintings, but I was proud as punch and a little honoured to be asked to recreate this special moment. The Albacore Tuna for Clinton Howe was certainly one of my favourite, and most challenging pieces I’ve done, to

date. As far as I’m aware the recipient was pretty chuffed, and has it hanging in his pool room!” Other commissioned pieces range from trophy west coast sea runners, to memorials of people past, and also simple, colour and pattern capturing abstracts. When asked what it was she enjoyed about painting these scaly friends so much, she responded by sharing her love for vivid colour and pattern. “Every single species has its own unique differences. I love recreating the earthy and technical tones and colours of trout, I love the scales and deep colours of estuary perch and bass, and the super sleek, streamline deep blues and silvery greys in tuna. The most enjoyable part is putting those finishing touches on the fish to really bring them to life; like the big hook jaw on those West coast bucks, the ‘wet look’ shine on big tuna, the golden bellies on highland trout. It’s rewarding standing back from a canvas and saying ‘Yep, this one’s done’, and it’s extremely rewarding seeing tears of joy from people’s eyes when they’re happy with what I’ve created for them. It’s heart-warming and that’s what keeps me painting.” Amongst ups, there are also a few downs. Hannah explains how not every fish and photo is workable. “I’ve attempted a few jobs that’ve ended up with an angry fist through the canvas’, or a generous splattering of black ‘Mr. Squiggle style’ paint through a half done canvas, and some that after countless pointless swear words, just end up thrown in the corner of the studio for months and months.” “It makes me happy to be able to mingle with fishermen through my job on a daily basis, and I enjoy spending a cold winters night in front of a canvas with a few glasses of rum, recreating a recent catch or someone else’s trophy… Each completed painting I feel i get a little bit better, and I hope to grow further as both an artist, and a fisherman in the years to come...” You will find a tight collection of Hannah’s paintings currently on show and for sale at Gallery on Wilson, upstairs Watts Camera Centre on Wilson St in Burnie. Should you wish to contact Hannah paint for you, she can be contacted at Tackleworld and Outdoors Burnie, or alternately check out her Facebook and Instagram pages under Hannah Ledger Art.

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

Fishing News - Page 35

Jan’s Flies

Jan Spencer

As the Spring bulbs flower, the willows bud up and turn to soft green, I get quite excited about what is to come. Last season was a little tough, but from what I have seen so far this season looks pretty good in the Highlands. Nymphs and dry flies are uppermost in my mind at the moment. For me October means mayflies on the rivers and that means dry fly fishing, which I look forward to. But hatching mayflies also means nymphs rising through the water column. If I had to pick just one nymph it would be a Hares Ear pattern. Most importantly though is size, colour and shape. Small patterns for the start of the season and as they grown so do my artificials. I believe the nymphs vary widely in colour as well depending on the habitat. The Hares Ear nymph does have a variation in colour if tied with hares ear and mask fur as the pattern stipulates. This pattern can be weighted with lead wire and it is also popular tied with a gold bead head.The guard hairs should be left protruding from the body as this will give the fly more life and the trout love that.

Hares Ear Nymph Hook: Long shank 16-10 Thread: Brown Tail: A bunch of nice straight hairs from the mask Rib: Gold wire Body: Hares ear and mask fur with guard hairs left in Wing case: Bronze mallard Thorax: Same as body Method 1. Take brown thread full length of shank, tie in a nice bunch of hairs from the mask for a tail and tie in the wire rib. 2. Cut a couple of chunks of hair from the mask and mix it together, then dub it onto the thread and wind on the body, finish 2/3 to the eye. Wind rib forwards over body in nice even turns, tie down and cut away excess.

3. Tie in bronze mallard for thorax. Tie slip facing back towards bend.Then dub some more hares mask fur for thorax and finish behind the eye. 4. Bring the mallard slip over the top of the thorax, tie down firmly and cut away excess. Form a nice head and varnish. A gold bead head can be added for weight or lead wire under the body. This is Jan’s last column and I (Ed.) sincerely thank her for sharing her flies. She has contributed this column since edition one. Jan wants to do more fishing and she would like to thank everyone who has supported her, applauded and even the rare criticism. Jan says it has made her a better tier. Tightlines Jan.

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Tailing trout

Success with floating flies Craig Rist

he sight of a taking a floating fly is an image that will stay with you forever. It’s not just the act of a trout taking a floating fly that makes this so special, it’s every second leading up to that point followed by that crucial pause before finally lifting the rod to set the hook and hopefully, feel the weight of a hooked fish. When it all comes together, there’s no better feeling in fly-fishing.

Tailing scenarios

October and November are very good months to find tailing trout in our highland lakes. Prime tailing waters are lakes that have a shallow shoreline that will expose the fins and subtle movements of fish that have moved into the shallows to feed with the safety of low light conditions during dawn, dusk and at times overcast conditions.

There are two tailing scenarios to consider. Trout that are feeding on aquatic life and those that are feeding on terrestrials, grubs, worms and any other land based food item that has been inundated by a sudden rise in the lake level. If you’re fortunate enough to be on a lake that has just pushed up onto new ground for the first time and trout are feeding on a variety of land based food items, then the fishing can be spectacular. But once this short term supply of food has been depleted these newly formed shallows can be totally void of fish, putting an end to any prospect of finding tailing fish, so high water does not always equate to tailing fish. The exception to this is when lakes and rivers flood into shallow lagoons that already have an established aquatic eco system.

When seeking out a lake to find tailing fish it’s a much safer bet to choose a shallow lake that has a gradual sloping shoreline and an established weed growth. Three lakes that certainly fit these criteria are Little Pine Lagoon, Lake Kay and Double Lagoon. The other consideration is of course the weather. Clear night skies often bring with it sub zero temperature that freeze the shallow margins where trout would normally be foraging for food. On these icy mornings it’s often better to concentrate your time looking for tailing fish during the evening. Overcast nights with temperatures above freezing are the ones that are always worth getting out of bed for.

Floating flies

There is nothing new about catching tailing trout on floating flies, fly anglers have been doing this for years. During my early years of fly fishing, I vividly remember watching anglers at Little Pine lagoon catch tailing trout on a size 12 Red Tag. If only it was that easy! Sometimes it is, but there are many days when you have to dig a bit deeper to get them to lift their head. Over the years I’ve had some success turning some of the sub surface flies use for tailing trout, into floaters. I use the term ‘floaters” loosely as some of these flies float in the surface film. Some are easy to see while others disappear the moment they hit the water. My four favorite floating flies for tailing trout are a size 14 Red Tag, size 10 or 8 EWB (emerging Woolly Bugger), size 14 or 16 foam back -black beetle and a size 14 foam back –tadpole. Let me be the first to say that using floating flies is not always the best way to catch tailing fish. I tend to persevere with a floater longer than I should on some days simply because I love to see a trout take a fly from the surface.

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Fishing News - Page 37

Foam back tadpole and black beetle.

I tie these two flies on Kamasan B160 hooks in sizes 14 down to 16. They are very simple ties. The black beetle has a black seals fur dubbed body with a black foam wing case. Sometimes I’ll change the body colour to an olive or brown dubbing but black is always great start. The foam back tadpole has a black marabou tail; dubbed grey rabbit fur body and a black foam wing case just like the beetle pattern. When tying in the foam wing case I try not to stretch out and compress the foam over the hook too much as this tends to squeeze out all of the air in the foam and it will not retain enough buoyancy to float the fly in the surface film. I usually use these flies when the water is flat calm and the fish need a light presentation and they are refusing the EWB.

Red Tag

EWB or Emerging Woolly Bugger.

I like to use this fly in lakes that have frogs and native galaxia present.; some fish will eat it while others will turn their nose up at it. I find it works better when there is a bit of wind blowing and the wave action gives the fly some movement. The wind also helps soften the entry of a size 8 to 10 fly. Trout that are on the move through the shallows are more likely to eat this fly over the fish that have their tail in the air and head buried in

A size 14 Red Tag is another favorite of mine particularly when fish are feeding on snails. I like to tie these flies with a sparse hackle and the original peacock herl so they sit low in the water film to represent a floating snail. A body of olive seals fur is a good alternative to using peacock herl. the weeds. When the water is calm with very little ripple I’ll go down to a size 12 EWB to sneak the fly in front of a fish. Like all floating flies this is a great fly to set up an ambush to a fish that is on a predictable path. Sometimes I’ll impart one very small twitch to the fly, just to help it make up its mind on which way to swim. EWB’s tied in black, olive or brown will always be sitting in one of my fly boxes.

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Little Pine Lagoon

This is a very popular water to find tailing fish and is very easy to access, so rest assured it’s unlikely you will ever be there alone. This is a place where a little bit of consideration for your fellow angler goes a very long way. It’s good practice to walk several metres back off the water’s edge when passing other anglers who are

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Fishing News - Page 38

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already fishing a section of shoreline. In my experience, if you give other anglers some space they are more likely to share some of their own experiences and knowledge of catching tailing fish on the “Pine”.

Lake Kay

This lake is located in the Nineteen Lagoons area of the Western Lakes and is exceptional water to find tailing trout. Much of the Lake is surrounded by snow grass, which provides very good cover for the angler to get up close and personal with these fish. This short presentation makes it much easier to judge the length of a cast when pinpoint accuracy is often needed to drop a fly in front of a tailing fish. Lake Kay and the connecting lagoons all the way up to Hood lagoon on the Little Pine River can offer excellent tailing water after heavy rains. The water that is carried down the Little Pine River after heavy rain, floods into the adjacent lagoons that have previously been unattainable to the fish living in Lake Kay and the deep undercut banks of the Little Pine River. These lagoons are full off aquatic life and fish will take full advantage of the rising water to gained access through gutters and depressions that link the main water way.

Double Lagoon

Double Lagoon is also part of the Nineteen Lagoons area of the Western Lakes and like Lake Kay; it can deliver some very good tailing water amongst the marshes at the northern end of the Lake. A small size 14 or 16 black beetle or a Red Tag can work very well in Double Lagoon and Lake Kay when they have their tails showing. These two flies are a good starting point

if you haven’t already established some of your own floating fly patterns for tailing fish.

After sunrise

When the morning sun shines through trout will usually move out of the extreme shallows to the safety of deeper water. Tailing will stop and the same lake shore that was once alive with fish will be shut down with the first strong rays of sunlight. This is always a little disappointing to see all those tails vanish but what’s even worse is when you’ve made the commitment to get out of bed and be on the lake shore at dawn and you haven’t seen a tail all morning. This may feel like the

end to some, but for those anglers in the know, it’s time to sit back in the snow grass for a while and wait for the sun to get a little higher. By 9am wade polaroiding these shallows can be very worthwhile. Some of these fish will often move into slightly deeper water where they can be seen slowly cruising or lying motionless facing into the wind waiting for an opportunity to seize something swimming or floating past. Fortunately these same flies can be used tempt them up to take a fly sitting in the surface film. Many fishless mornings have been saved, simply by stepping into the water with a pair of polaroid sunglasses. Craig Rist

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Fishing News - Page 39

Burnie Bring it on Daniel Paull

This is plenty of productive water around Burnie.

urnie, the unofficial capital of the north-west coast, through the depths of Winter, can be dark and dreary. However it is still exceptionally productive on the angling front. While snow capped St. Valentines Peak and its surroundings, rain and wind pounded the coast for the majority of the cooler months. Surprisingly however, the fishing, particularly in the coastal rivers, has been encouraging. Now, as spring launches into effect and the conditions around us begin to warm, the fishing will only improve even more, preparing us recreational anglers for a very productive summer. At the beginning of the cold snap that buried the highest reaches of the state in snow, after climbing a mountain or two, I decided to start hitting the local rivers mouths, creeks and other coastal haunts such as my childhood favourite Red Rock in Cooee and the Emu River, Fern Glade in particular. Targeting trout mostly, due to the opening of the season, I really found it difficult to get my first fish on the board!

No sooner had I pulled up and set up my gear on my very first outing after work below the spillway at the Emu River, a daunting flock of cormorants flew overhead and landed on the beach adjacent to the patch of water I intended to fish. These weren’t the average black and white birds you see sitting on the edge of channel markers and jetties, these were the big Stuka-sized brown Velociraptor looking things. As you could probably expect, I didn’t see a fish there and I still haven’t to this day! Accepting the fact that the shallow, open water I was fishing at the time was no place for a trout to even survive, given the plague of cormorants that now stalk the entirety of the river, like just about every river in the state, I decided to find deeper, more protected sections of the river to prospect. I found this option to be far more successful, especially in the upper reaches of the river where the water is deep and well protected. Now, if you intend on fishing the Fern Glade area, especially after heavy rainfall, never underestimate the garden worm! The garden worm is thy friend! I don’t care what anyone may think or say about soaking a worm for trout in particular, it’s a productive, relaxing way to fish, especially on a quiet sunny day.

First trout

A selection of lures that work for the author around Burnie. Fishing News - Page 40

I eventually found my first trout at the Guide Reservoir, in the easiest possible spot to find a fish, the spillway! I’ve had some memorable sessions at the Guide over the years, but I can’t help but feel that the fishery isn’t up to quite up

to scratch. Don’t get me wrong, there are still plenty of fish in there, but not of the same size and condition of a few years ago. The reservoir is reduced to little more than a puddle over the summer period and one could only expect this is a major factor in ultimately determining the fate of the whole ecosystem within the body of water. I can only hope as the season progresses, the fishing improves up there because it really can be a fantastic place to spend some time.

Pet Dam

Fishing much better than the Guide at the moment, is the Pet Dam. In my opinion, at the present moment, the Pet would be a much better place to spend the day. The fishing was incredible last year. I can remember a quick after work session where I met up with Mitchell Hardy and Bryce Purton just before sunset. I think we managed to find ten or eleven fish, maybe twelve, which were all in superb condition and played up better than any trout I’d ever pinned before. The eastern and western shores are both very productive, especially on a dark, overcast day or on sunrise or sunset. The Pet is also a good and productive spot to soak a grub or worm, so don’t rule that out as an option!

Lake Kara

Lake Kara, located up near Hampshire, has been a very popular destination for those wanting to chase Atlanitc salmon and rainbow trout so far this season. IFS regularly stock this considerably small system and it’s always worth a look up there, especially if you’re after a fresh feed of fish. It can get very crowded there at times, so if you plan to attack the lake, make sure you get there early! Similar to Brushy Lagoon, the fish will readily take just about anything. It’s a well known fact that these fish like anything pink, especially soft plastics. The dam wall is the best spot to find fish, but once again, make sure you get up there early otherwise you’ll struggle to find a place to stand, let alone cast a line!

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Blythe River

The Blythe River has probably been my most favourite river system so far this season, with plenty of small ‘slob’ brown trout patrolling the mouth of the river, chasing the incoming whitebait. I haven’t seen too many cormorants there either, so that’s a positive sign. There are also plenty of mullet and juvenile salmon throughout the system and the odd silver trevally sniffing around below the highway bridge on an incoming tide. I haven’t really had a good crack at the Cam or Inglis so far this year, but I’d expect the sea running trout to be starting there annual pilgrimage upstream in search of the migrating whitebait. There is plenty of bait on the move at the moment so I predict we are in for a cracking season on the sea runners, not only on the north-west coast, but around the state! As far as technique and tackle is concerned, I think everyone has there own personalised way to catch trout on the north-west coast these days and there is no right or wrong way to go about it. Personally, I find the good old green and gold Ashley Spinner is a classic for the Pet and the Guide, as are slightly weighted paddle tailed soft plastics in a natural colour like a green or a black. Spinner or plastic, a slow gentle retrieve with the occasional pause will do the trick for those fastidious trout. Rivers and creeks are much the same, but I usually stick with soft plastics in the deeper or fast flowing stretches of the system.

Saltwater Spring action

As spring progresses, the saltwater scene along the coast will explode into action. Expect big silver trevally, snapper, bream, barracouta and flathead to make an

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Emu Bay is industrial and fishy and right in town. appearance very soon. You could sit back and write a book on the species that call the north-west coast they’re home, there are just so many of them. Bream have been my main focus over the last two years and finding them along the coast has been surprisingly easy. Nice sized blue spotted flathead and kingfish have also been an interesting and welcome addition to the growing species list!

Emu Bay

Emu Bay is probably the best spot in and around Burnie to target just about anything in the salt and briny. If you have access to a boat of kayak, the opportunities are truly endless. Shore bashing the bay is also productive, especially if you don’t mind a bit of a stroll. The breakwater is a fantastic piece of structure

that attracts fish from inside and outside the bay. Snapper and snotty trevally are a common target species out there but the snotties have been a little quiet over the past few years. As usual, burley will be the key factor to your success. Anything from cat food to finely chopped bread will do, but I find a mixture of chicken feed and tuna/ fish oil is best suited for the fish that inhabit the bay. Most of the fish you will encounter inside the bay can be caught on the ever productive paternoster rig. Don’t go overboard with heavy leader material, hook size and sinker weights. A twin dropper rig, consisting of two small long shanked hooks, a small bomb or barrel sinker and leader material with a breaking stain of about eight to twelve pounds will do the job perfectly. Carefully thread a piece of bait onto each hook and you will be ready to roll. You can use just about anything for bait in

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Fishing News - Page 41

the bay. I like to use tough, oil rich baits, such as mullet or mackerel, which can be readily caught throughout the bay using a variety of techniques. Large calamari can also be found within the bay, mostly around wharf structure and weed beds and any slow sinking squid jig will work for them. At anchor, sinking an unweighted bait down through the water column in your burley trail is also a good and probably one of the best methods to find fish in and around the bay, especially juvenile snapper, silver trevally, whiting and various other species. Most of the snapper you will encounter inside the bay will be undersize, so make sure you do the right thing and let them go so they can continue to grow into the big bumpy headed beasts we all want to catch!

Australian salmon

Australian salmon have made a their presence noticed along the coast, particularly off Penguin and Sulphur Creek, to the east of Burnie. As usual, these fish are best targeted using small to medium sized metal slices, soft plastics and small surface poppers, for those looking for the big surface show. Depending on what they’re eating at the time, whether its krill or baitfish, you may have mix your lure selection up a bit and as they say ‘match the hatch’. Whether targeting salmon from the shore or in a boat or kayak, you can always find a school or two patrolling river and creek mouths all along the coast. Blackman’s reef, to the west of the breakwater, is another popular spot for local anglers targeting salmon and a host of other quality table fish.

Shore based

It is extraordinary to think these are just a few species that can be caught around Burnie. Fishing News - Page 42

Fishing from the shore around Burnie is just as good as anywhere in the state and if you put the time and effort to targeting a specific species, you will usually go home with a smile on your face. Popular land based locations include my personal favourite Red Rock in my home suburb of Cooee, the two jetties and the rock wall at the South Burnie Yacht Club, the rocky point across the road from Cooee Primary School on the Bass Highway, which is best fished at dead low tide and river mouths at the Emu, Blythe, Inglis and Cam. The paternoster rig can be used at any one of these productive ‘honey holes’, but a small bait suspended below a float or just a simple unweighted bait will work wonders too, especially with the surface dwelling critters like garfish and mullet. Fishing from the beach will also improve as summer approaches. Gummies, elephant fish, rays and even the odd King George whiting will start to make an appearance once the Strait starts to warm up a bit. Just about every stretch of beach around Burnie will produce top notch fishing, especially during the night when gummy sharks come out to hunt and scavenge. The paternoster rig will work on the beach too, accompanied with fresh bait such as squid or mullet. Squid is probably a better option while fishing during the night as the sea lice will strip any fleshy bait to the skin in no time at all. Bump up your leader material and hook size to ensure you don’t get bitten or busted off by anything large and use a solid, weighty sinker to get those big long casts out past the surf and into the deep. Pyramid sinkers are a good option to have in the tackle box as they anchor your rig firmly in the one spot.

Burley is essential

Arriving at your selected stretch of beach while the tide is coming in is important as you can actually prepare a burley system that will disperse and take care of itself. Simply walk to the waters edge, dig a hole and fill it with a small amount of finely chopped fish scraps or a tuna oil and bread based mixture. Cover the hole lightly with sand and repeat as many times as you wish until you reach the high tide mark, where you will eventually be stationed as the tide rises. This method will ensure that you have a continuously dispersing burley trail that will attract fish from everywhere along the beach, plus you don’t have to carry a bucket or pot around with you! From fishing out in the bay to having a quick cast from the shore, using burley is absolutely essential to any form of success, especially while targeting the more rare and prestigious species such as snapper, whiting and trevally. A long beach fishing rod of about ten to twelve feet long will do for the onshore bashing, particularly on the beach and your typical light soft plastics outfit that you use for trout will just about do for everything else, including fishing from the boat or ‘yak in and around Emu Bay. It’s common knowledge these days that braided lines are the best way to go, but make sure you suit the breaking strain to the style of fishing you intend to do.

Plastic fantastic

As far as soft plastics go for fishing around the big ‘B’ town, any natural looking profile will work, especially sandworm, prawn and baitfish imitations. Before selecting a suitable jighead for the job, make sure you examine the current, swell and wind conditions. If it’s reasonably settled, try and use a 1/12 or 1/8oz jighead, just so you’ve got plenty of hang time while your plastic sinks to the bottom. If the conditions are sloppy, chuck on something a little heavier, like a 1/6 or 1/4oz jighead, this will make your plastic sink quicker, but you’ll have constant contact with your plastic and you’ll be able to detect any touches or bites between wind gusts and waves . If you can persist with casting a plastic around occasionally, you’ll be hooked for life. You’ll catch plenty of good fish too!

Be responsible

On a serious note, remember to limit your kill and don’t go overboard while collecting bait and fish for the table, take only what you need for a feed! Also, make sure you don’t leave any rubbish around the place, or anywhere for that matter. It’s just a low act and other people shouldn’t have to deal with it. Recently, I was fishing a river and found a pile of toadfish that had been ‘ghetto stomped’ and left for dead on the bank. Why? Is it really necessary? Anyway, rant over, that’ll do for me for now.

Give Burnie a try

There are plenty of fantastic fisheries around Burnie that are yet to be discovered. The big ‘B’ town and its surroundings will have plenty to offer as we head full throttle into the warmer months and summer! Daniel Paull

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Powerbait 4.5” Rib Shad The Berkley® PowerBait® Rib Shad is 4.5 inches of pure swimming action that is designed for shallow or deep applications. Ribs line the 4.5-inch bait from nose-to-tail that rocks through the water perfectly on a small 1/8-ounce jig head or a weighted-belly hook. Simply cast around vegetation or in and around heavy cover; vary the retrieve, and let the fish dictate how the Rib Shad is presented. Use this in Lake Crescent. For more information visit berkley-fishing.com.au • The Rib Shad imitates an easy meal for predatory fish • It’s whole body has motion that attracts fish in shallow and deep water • Exclusive PowerBait scent and flavor

Powerbait 3” Twitch Tail Minnow A new minnow design in Berkley ’s winnning Powerbait lineup, the Berkley Powerbait Twitchtail Minnow features a unique thin tail that delivers continuous, lifelike action. Perfect for finsesse situations, it comes to life with the slightest twitch of the rod. Each Twitchtail Minnow is also loaded with Berkley’s exclusive Powerbait scent and flavor formula, which causes fish to hold on 18x longer, so you can feel more bites and set more hooks. Available in a range of Berkley’s proven colors, the Berkley Powerbait Twitchtail Minnow drives fish crazy. For more information visit berkley-fishing.com.au • New minnow design featuring a tail with action that is irresistible to both bass, bream and more • New tail design enhances jigging and dropshotting • Exclusive PowerBait scent and flavor

Rapala Scatter Rap Jointed Building on the classic articulated body of the Rapala Jointed, the Scatter Rap Jointed is a floating lure that swims with an irresistible action. The jointed body combined with a Scatter Lip takes the legendary Jointed action to the next level when using a slow presentation, while speeding up the retrieve triggers the erratic evasive Scatter Rap action – and the bite. Measuring 9cm and weighing 7g, this lure is designed to swim at depths of 1.5m to 2.1m. The Scatter Rap Jointed is available in a range of natural baitfish patterns and comes fitted with premium VMC trebles. This lure comes highly recommended for Lake Crescent by Editor, Mike Stevens. Colours he likes are silver and yellow perch.

New Spider – New Attitude Spiderwire - The Original Braid

The Spider brand was spawned in the labs of a California company called Safariland, a high-end manufacturer of – not fishing equipment – but law enforcement equipment. Working with high-tech synthetics to produce bulletproof vests, the Safariland research team headed by Neale Perkins and Scott O’Brien discovered that the gel-spun polyethylene fibers used in the vests were ideal for a wide range of applications. One cool application was an amazing, super-strong fishing line, the likes of which hadn’t ever been seen in the sport before. After rigorous researching and in-depth testing of various formulations of the product, the team struck on the construction that became known as Spiderwire – and it was nothing less than the strongest, thinnest, most sensitive fishing line in the world. SPIDERWIRE - NEW SPIDER, NEW ATTITUDE Spiderwire relaunches its braid range in Australia including new Extreme braids and improvements to existing braids. Made in the US, all Spiderwire are made from 100% Dyneema fibers, the world’s strongest fibers™ and includes braids designed for anglers that demand the best from their braided superlines. Available from November 2014. SPIDERWIRE® ULTRACAST® ULTIMATE BRAID™ All Ultracast Braids Offered as 8-Carrier Lines The most extreme SpiderWire performance will be found in Ultracast® because it is the highest quality, best performing series in the SpiderWire brand. Only the best technology and most advanced nylons, fluoropolymers and High Molecular Weight PE fibers qualify for an Ultracast fishing line. Ultimate fishing line, for ultimate performance! An ultra smooth 8 carrier construction that outcasts and outlasts any other braid! Ultracasts extreme strength per diameter ratio delivers an amazingly thin and sensitive line with a high pick count for roundness and extreme durability. SpiderWire® Ultracast Ultimate Braid™ is an 8-Carrier line. What does this mean for anglers? It means each line, from the smallest 10-pound test to the largest 80-pound test, is smoother, quieter and

rounder, This enables Ultracast to pack very well on reels without digging into itself while also slicing through wind avoiding wind knots and tip wrapping. Ultracasts super-strong, super-thin properties maintain color and the coating resists fraying even when fished in heavy timber, over reef or along bridge pilings. Ultimate Braid is available in 10, 15, 20, 30, 50 and 80-pound tests and 150 metre and 300 metre lengths. SPIDERWIRE® STEALTH™ CODE RED BRAID™ AND GLOW VIS BRAID™ A line that has long been known as a quiet, smooth and sensitive braid, Spiderwire® Stealth™ is now even tougher. Whether the fishing calls for flicking hard bodies at snags, hopping plastics over structure or firing out long searching casts, Stealth is up to the challenge. Spiderwire Stealth features Teflon®-coated microfibers for smooth casting. Made from 100% Dyneema fibers, the world’s strongest fibers ™, Stealth is smooth and round to resist digging in on spools, is whisper quiet and shoots through rod guides with less friction – adding distance and accuracy to casts. Spiderwire Stealth Braid allows your lure to go to them. New stealth will maintain all these properties, with improved strength – up to 25% stronger! All of this, plus colourlock technology that locks in colour for long lasting colour retention. Stealth braid is available in 2 colour variations. Stealth Code Red and new Glow Vis. Stealth Glow Vis features a unique UV reflective coating that appears to ‘glow’ in sunlight for better visibility, allowing you to track your line like never before. High visibility for the angler and low visibility to line shy fish. Stealth braid is available in 6, 8, 10, 15, 20, 30, 50, 65 and 80 - pound tests and 150 metre and 300 metre lengths. SPIDERWIRE DURA-SILK Trustworthy and reliable with Spiderwire performance. Made from 100% Dyneema fibers, the world’s strongest fibers ™, Dura Silk is a super strong, super thin non coated braid with incredible knot strength. Being non coated, Dura - Silk is a soft and flexible braid and features a round, full bodied construction that resists wind knots. As the name implies, Dura-Silk is both extremely durable and extremely strong making it ideal for fishing heavy structure where durability and strength are key to extracting strong fish. Dura-Silk is available in High Vis yellow and Low Vis moss green. 8, 10, 15, 20, 30, 50 and 80 - pound test and 150 metre and 300 metre lengths.

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Fishing News - Page 43

Gulp 4” Nemisis - Australian Design Combine the fish catching profile of a Jerkshad and the enticing tail action of a grub and you get the Berkley Nemesis. Designed in Australia the Nemesis shape is now available in a 4” size. The tail action of this shape has to be seen to be believed. On the drop or on the wind, the Nemesis tail swims at the slowest of speeds delivering continuous lifelike action. Each Powerbait Nemesis is also loaded with Berkley’s exclusive GULP scent and flavor formula, a powerful water based scent dispersion system that also makes Gulp 100% biodegradable. For more information visit berkley-fishing.com.au FEATURES • Minnow profile with curl tail. • Water based scent dispersion • 100% Biodegradeable • Exclusive GULP scent and flavor

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Fishing News - Page 45

Fis

Tasmanian trout classic series Round One

Howler Custom Rods - Derwent River

ew Norfolk was host to the first round of the Lowrance Tasmania Trout Classic Series over the weekend with teams travelling to the Derwent Valley chasing the resident and searun trout of the Derwent River. The Howler Custom Rods Derwent River Classic saw 29 teams ascending on the region bringing around a million dollar’s worth of fishing and boating equipment with them looking for a good start to the series before heading to the Great Lake in October for round two. Hosted by Light Tackle Tournaments Tasmanian in conjunction with the Lions Club of Perth, Tasmania

Third place - Dennis Butler and Grant Smith Fishing News - Page 46

Winners are usually grinners. Will Thorpe and Brendan Lovell did an outstanding job to outfish some of the favourites. the event is destined to grow offering Tassie’s anglers a feature event series on the calendar. The Classic Series has this year moved to a three round series after previous years of singular one off events held over split days on Great Lake and Arthurs Lake. Round one of the 2014 series kicked off on the Derwent with following rounds on Great Lake and Arthurs Lake in October and November. Teams met at The Junction Hotel on Friday evening for the compulsory briefing and what a fantastic venue it was with much of the field enjoying a magnificent carvery prior to official part of the evening. Starting order was drawn in groups of ten as per the order of entries received. Teams 1-10 drew for the top ten start then 11-20 and so forth. Day 1 started at 7am leaving from Millbrook Rise in chilly but pleasant conditions on the river. While most teams headed downstream several teams turned up river and this proved to be a good decision with many of the leading teams finding fish above New Norfolk and sitting in a good position after the 2pm finish. The usual stiff breeze in the ‘vortex’ upstream from Bridgewater Bridge was in place while around New Norfolk it remained almost glass calm. Clear leaders were first time entrants, Will Thorpe and Brendan Lovell from the Huon region with a 10 fish bag taking the 1 point from Day 1. They fished Warmisham plastics pulling fish in groups from pockets of water throughout the day. Despite the first time on the river fishing deep along the banks paid off for their Day 1 of competition. The Junction Motel hosted a fantastic BBQ for entrants and guests on the Saturday evening proving once again they are a great host for entrants in the Derwent round.

Day 2 would see teams head out in order of the leader board from the previous day. Traditionally the second day is a harder proposition than day one. It takes two very good days to win a tournament with so many quality anglers in the field. As with most tournaments there was a fair bit of movement on the board. Team Damiki/Tairyo Rods, Tony Robertson and local Derwent Valley Mayor Martyn Evans had made some excellent headway with local knowledge providing the top bag for the day to head the field for the pair with their 6th placing on Day 1 giving them 7 points for the round. Team Rapid backed up their 2nd place on Day 1 with a 5th on Day 2 to give the 7 points, another fantastic effort fishing the Derwent for the first time. Event leaders Warmisham Lures came back to the scales with just three fish on their scores sheet. Thorpe and Lovell both feeling the win had slipped out of reach. Some reassuring words from regulars offering hope in what was a very hard day on the river. And such was the tough fishing it was enough to give them 6th place for the day and another 7 point total. There was a buzz in the crowd with everyone knowing it was going down to the wire. Team Rapid, Dennis Butler and Grant Smith were destined for 3rd place with their highest spot a 2nd over the weekend. Both Damiki and Warmisham had shared a 1st and a 6th so the count back stage was employed. There was just one fish difference in total so the overall length measurement would be very close to determine the win. They young lads from Warmisham Lures would prevail in a first up assault on the tournament scene. Making it even more remarkable was the fact they were the only boat in the field not running an electric outboard or sounder. Thorpe and Lovell won two Howler Custom Rods valued at $460 each and $500 in cash.

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A full house at the Millbrook Rise ramp for Round One.

Superb trophies by OzEtch in Launceston. Find them at www.ozetch.com.au or on Facebook.

Second placed Team Damiki/Tairyo Rods – Tony Roberston and Martyn Evans took home $250 in cash and a pair of Tonic Eyewear polariods each. Third place Team Rapid – Grant Smith and Dennis Butler won $150 in cash and a Cranka Lures prize pack. All podium teams were also awarded quality trophies supplied by OzEtch in Launceston. The River Monster prize for each day was $500 in cash and Day 1 went to Team River Monsters living up to their name with a 54cm trout – John Spaulding and Chris Rowlands. Day 2 it was shared between Team EJ Todd – Grant Stingle and Alistair Creed and Team Junkyard Dogs – Steve Amos and Daniel Crane with 58cm trout. In total some $5095 was distributed to prize winners down to tenth place from generous sponsors – Howler Custom, Tonic Eyewear, Cranka Lures, PFD Aust/Extreme Agencies, Strike Tiger, ZipBaits, Addiction Soft Plastics, Tassie Devil Lures, Sherriff Agencies, Derwent Valley Council, MLC for Derwent Craig Farrell. Round 2 will see the event head to the highlands and descend on the Great Lake on October 18th – 19th. The Friday briefing will be held at the Great Lake Hotel at 8pm. Entries are open to teams who have not paid for the three round series as yet. There is still $10,000 worth of cash and prizes up for grabs. In addition to that the series entrants are now charging towards the first Team of the Year crown and the awesome Lowrance HDS 9 Touch plus transducer and Structure Scan. Runners up will win a chartered trip on Moonshine Charters out of Eagle Hawk Neck for up to 6 people. Third place takes home a pair of excellent PFD Stormrider Pro life jackets courtesy of Extreme Agencies bringing the remaining prize pool to over $16,000. You can find event details on the Tasmanian Trout Classics Facebook page, sportsfishtasmania.com and fishingboatingtasmania.com.au fishing forums where you will find entry forms and rules and regulations. The event coordinator Jason Harris can be reached on 0419 135 867 Congratulations to all who took part and we look forward to seeing you at the Great Lake for round two. Report by Justin Causby

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Fishing News - Page 47

RECREATIONAL SEA FISHERIES NEWS October/November 2014

Recreational Sea Fishing Licences

The new fishing year begins in November. Purchase your rock lobster, abalone, net, set line or scallop licence licences from 20 October. Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be caught out without a licence! Note a licence is not required for angling for marine finfish.

Recreational Sea Fishing Guide The 2014-15 Recreational Sea Fishing Guide is now available online at www. fishing.tas.gov. au. You can pick up a copy of the Guide or buy your licence for the new season fr o m Ser vice Tasmania outlets from 15 October.

The striped trumpeter season is closed from 1 September to 31 October 2014 for all recreational and commercial fishers. The closure does not apply for Commonwealth commercial fishers in waters adjacent to Tasmania. Commonwealth fishers have a newly imposed 150 kg trip limit all year round. Tasmanian commercial scalefishers have a 250 kg trip limit (combined striped trumpeter, snapper and yellowtail kingfish).

Season Closures for Squid in South East Coast

Seasonal closures apply for squid, including southern calamari, in waters south of Lemon Rock (south of Wineglass Bay) to the northern end of Marion B ay B e a ch (including Great Oyster Bay and Mercury Passage) from 15 October to 14 November 2014 inclusive.

ROCK LOBSTER NEWS Rock Lobster Season Dates

The recreational rock lobster fishery in the Eastern Region will open on 15 November 2014, the third Saturday in that month. The season start for the Western Region is 1 November 2013, the first Saturday in November.

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The Tas Fish Guide app is an interactive version of the Recreational Sea Fishing Guide and more! It h a s ove r 1 0 0 fish images and descriptions, area restrictions, cooking recipes, links to weather and tides. You can even keep a personal log of your catches! Are you one of the 15,000 fishers who use it? More details at www.fishing.tas.gov.au/phoneapp. Fishing News - Page 48

Season Closures for Striped Trumpeter

Rock lobster and abalone catch estimates for 2012/13

The report relating to the survey of the recreational rock lobster and abalone fisheries for 2012/13 is now available on our web site. The survey estimates that recreational fishers harvested 83,772 rock lobsters equating to 81.8 tonnes in 2012/13. 54% of the catch was from the East Coast, 25% from the North and 21 % from the West Coast. Recreational potting is the dominant rock lobster fishing method accounting for 82% of the total days fished and 65% of the total recreational rock lobster catch. Divers represented 15% of the days fished and 29% of the harvest, while ring fishers accounted for 6% of the recreational catch. The recreational catch of 81.8 tonnes is almost half of the Total Allowable Recreational Catch (TARC)

of 170 tonnes and is about 6 % of the total rock lobster harvested (commercial and recreational) in Tasmania. T h e To t a l Allowable Commercial Catch for 2012/13 was 1103 tonnes. The report contains some interesting information relating to the effects of changes in fishing patterns due to the rock lobster fishery closure that was in place from November 2012 to early February 2013. This suggests that the rock lobster catch from the East Coast would have been higher had the biotoxin closure not occurred. An estimated 66,438 abalone equating to 32.1 tonnes was harvested by recreational fishers. This represented about 1.5 % of the total recreational and commercial catch of 2137 tonnes.

Rock lobster and abalone survey commences in November

The Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies (IMAS) will commence a new survey in November. The survey methodology used is based on initial phone contact to fishers followed by issuing diaries and routine phone interviewer contact. The surveys have been reviewed by an expert in the field and are recognised internationally as a highly effective way for estimating recreational catches and characterising recreational fisheries. If you are contacted by one of the IMAS interviewers, we encourage you to take part.

SCALEFISH NEWS Scalefish Fishery Review

The process for reviewing and remaking the management plan for the Tasmanian Scalefish Fishery, the Fisheries (Scalefish) Rules 2004 commenced last year. This process includes drafting a new management plan followed by a formal consultation period of 60 days then implementation of the new rules. This can now be properly conducted as an extension of the current rules has been approved seeing them expire on 31 October 2015. It is expected that formal consultation will occur early to mid-2015.

Gillnetting Research

â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Report assessing the impacts of gillnetting in Tasmania released An IMAS research project funded by the FRDC has assessed the impacts of gillnetting in Tasmania and its implications for bycatch and biodiversity. A link to the report is available from our web site.

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The report describes commercial and recreational gillnet fishing practices and the effects of management changes, including the ban on night netting and the soak times restrictions. It also details the types of fish caught (targeted and bycatch) and assesses the survival of bycatch species. Capture condition and delayed mortality of gillnet caught fish varied between species and are influenced by operational factors including soak times. Banded morwong, bastard trumpeter, marblefish, draughtboard shark, purple wrasse, leatherjackets, longsnout boarfish, skates and rays were particularly resilient. Blue warehou, Australian salmon and Atlantic salmon have poor survival rates from gillnets. Bastard trumpeter, blue warehou and Atlantic salmon (escapees) are the main species retained by recreational gillnetters. The report suggests there is benefit in considering: reducing maximum soak times, closures around key penguin rookeries, reducing fishing pressure on bastard trumpeter, codes of practice.

Change since Change since last year 2008/9 (5 years)

Change in 10 years

Recreational licences by type and year

2013/14

Number of licensed individual fishers

20,098

180

-2,590

3,707

Abalone

11,460

204

-1,409

2,507

Beach seine net

1,073

-63

-175

372

Graball net

7,765

-230

-1,247

456

Mullet net

841

-49

-123

Rock lobster dive

8,209

360

-975

1,827

Rock lobster pot

15,639

-2,466

3,510

Rock lobster ring

4,483

-199

-1,031

1,208

Scallop dive

2,139

685

-923

1,875

Set line

4,417

RECREATIONAL LICENCE TRENDS Fishwise Revenue and Licence Trends

The summary of DPIPWE Recreational Sea Fisheries Activities for 2013/14 is now available at www.fishing.tas.gov.au Outback 2.3m Floor length 2.3m and a side door, the Outback 2.3 slide web pages. on caravan is designed to fit extra or freestyle cab size The report outlines sea flat tray vehicles. Many options, but typically includes: fishing licence revenue, Sandwich panel construction; Fibreglass cupboards; Fully insulated panels; Electric camperjacks; Security licence trends, program door; Electronic battery management system; 90 litre expenditure and outputs. fridge; 95 litre stainless steel water tank; 6’2’’ x 4’ or A few notable points 5’ bed; 2 burner stove and grill; Easy lift mechanism for pop top roof lifting; Aluminium full pop top section include: with vinyl sleeve; Approximately 610Kg. Just over $1.185 million Innovan campers are a ground was collected from the breaking and top-selling new sale of recreational camper with a solid fibreglass sea fishing licences in shell that can ‘hinge open’ to provide more space. Their 2013/14. This is $34,000 revolutionary patented design more than the previous allows the Innovan camper to year, and $58,000 less expand from 1.5 metres above than raised in 2009/10. the floor to an enclosed living Penguin Composites specialises could be one of them. space with solid walls and a There were nine in taking your old fibreglass boat That could mean a pod on the ceiling close to 3 metres high in seconds. Amenities and building it into a modern, back or a total make over from a Fishwise Community and storage space are cleverly fitted on the interior practical fishing platform. cuddy cab or runabout to a terrific exterior of the unit, the Innovan to stay Grant projects in There are manyand excellent boats littleallowing bay, estuary, lake, bream or around that justlight, needmobile a revamp trout boat. and affordable. operation during the year to bring them up to date.campers Yours come in both a slide-on and a Innovan with five remaining at 30 caravan model. To this June 2014, with a future All walls are thick insulated fibreglass, and the interior is comfortable and spacious. commitment of $49,830.

Islander Campers from Penguin Composites

A new boat from your old glass clunker

The FWCG funded $134,000 for the peak body grant to TARFish with a further commitment of $137,350 in 2014/15. There is $192,978 of uncommitted funds in the Fishwise Community Grant Fund. Fishcare conducted 63 fisheries awareness talks and responsible fishing clinics to just under 1700 students at 26 different schools. Fishcare also conducted 18 community based fishing clinics exhibited responsible fishing displays (the kids fishing pool or display trailer at over 35 community fairs or shows; including AgFest, Tasmanian Outdoor, Boat and Caravan Show and IFS Liawenee Open days. Total number of individual licence holders and number of licence types purchased in 2013/14 compared with previous years: * Figures valid as of 12 August 2014. All other numbers relate to full recreational licence years, 1 November-31 October in that year.

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 www.facebook.com/ FisheriesTasmania Phone: 1300 720 647 or 03 6165 3233 Email: fishing.enquiries@dpipwe.tas.gov.au

From Cambridge Offroader is a modern two this berth

caravan designed for two people. Its fibreglass construction ensures the strength and flexibility for Australia conditions without weight. The body of the caravan is one-piece fibreglass component without joints and dustFrom ingressthis is not a problem. Construction is on a steel chassis and with if youbrakes. have an old clunker rubber torsional suspension and So electric that you think has Roof hatch adds 300mm of headroom. Forward of the makings of abed) modern sporty, practical the axle, two bunks (or one double are fitted boat give us a call. with a sliding table mounted between them. Plenty of We also do simple or complex storage lockers and plenty of options aretoavailable. repairs hulls, floors, replace

To this do with fibreglass and other composites. Call our manager - mad fisherman and ‘The Man of Glass’, David Mercer and have a chat.

transomsour and love anything to Just a selection from range - See our Website

www.islandercampers.com

Ph: 03 6437 2791 808 South Road Penguin, Tas

Ph: 03 6437 2791 808 South Road, Penguin, Tasmania 7316

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

Fishing News - Page 49

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

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

Outboard Technology

Quality Service and repairs to all Outboard Motors. Southern Region. David Gillespie 6248 9080 or 0417 562 859

BURNIE MARINE Services • Over 30 years experience on all types of motors • Approved insurance repairer to boats and motors • Propellor rebuild and refurbishing • Repairs of all types - including skegs etc. • Contact: Cyril Stevens Phone 6431 3082

FRANKLIN MARINE Open

7 Day

96 Clifton Beach Rd Sandford Tas 7020

Gone Fishing Charters

Full fishing and cray store + gear and bait All boating gear Drive in parking with boat Ph:6266 3768

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

Goes up in 30 seconds RV4 shown

Watch the demo. Scan the QR code. Fishing News - Page 50

• East coast estuary and bay • Whiting, Bream, Salmon, Garfish, Flathead, Squid and more • Soft plastics, lures, fly and bait • 5.8 metre sportfishing boat.

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

Outboard Servicing

Mobile service, saves you time, money and convenience. • Launceston, east, northeast coast and central highlands. • Latest computer diagnostic equipment to suit most models. • Quality work guaranteed. Grant Garwood: 0428 382 130 Email: ggarwood1@hotmail.com

Boat trailer wheel and tyre

Dunbier and early Holden pattern

around $90ea

62 Hopkins St, Moonah 6228 0274

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

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

Tasmania’s huge online fishing website with forums, classifieds and the latest fishing news

Tasmanian maps for any

Map & A n g li n g For the late

st informa tion visi www.ifs.ta t: s.gov.au www.ta smap.ta s.gov.au

A DV E N T U R E 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. 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:

www.tasmap.tas.gov.au Maps may also be purchased from Service Tasmania outlets and TASMAP agents statewide.

Scott, 53 King St. Scottsdale.Ph. 6352 2357 Julie-Anne, 41 Quail St. St Helens. Ph. 6376 1390

Top Service – Top Price

N o te s

BL10621

Launceston’s Only Authorised Dealer and Service Centre

HIGHL AND LAKES

Depar tment of Pr imar y Industr ies, Par ks, Water and Environment

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

Fishing News - Page 51

Fishing News - Page 52