August - September 2016
TASMANIAN FISHING and BOATING NEWS — ISSUE 123
5
What’s in the box?
11
Four Spring with Matt
19
Print Post approved 100003074
Derwent and Huon Tips
33
Game Season Wrap
Try something different Leroy Tirant doing something different at Lake Plimsoll.
$5.95
The brook trout above is not rare. They are different, uncommon and you have to search to find them.
Be different this trout season. Challenge yourself; chase brookies, walk the western lakes, try an unfished river, fish the west coast lakes or west coast rivers or fish Lake Pedder. Sameness is easy and comfortable and maybe it is time for a change.
Learn to take better photos; look around more; get out of the boat and fish; walk slowly and enjoy the sun, wind, rain and friends. Don’t count the days - make the days count. No one knows how many summers any of us have left, so do not waste them.
Restock the Flybox — Gavin Hicks
5
Four Springs First — Matt Sherriff
11
Six Flies for Starters — Christopher Bassano
14
Derwent and Huon rivers — Justin Causby
19
Switch Rod - Cast into Next Week — Bintoro
26
Good Fishing Ahead — Inland Fisheries Service
29
Marine Fisheries News
33
Game Season Wrap up — Kelly ‘Hooch’ Hunt
36
Reviews
41 The brook trout on the cover is from Lake Plimsoll and there you will find some of the biggest brook trout in the world. We don’t have a story on Plimsoll or brook trout in this issue but urge you to give it a try. When did you last make an effort to really fish in a different place? We get familiar with a particular, estuary, lake or river and it then seems to get most of our attention. That’s okay, but as many anglers will know fisheries go up and down in productivity.
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For the last couple of years Tasmania’s most popular fishery, Arthurs Lake has been a shadow of its past. Hopefully that will change and we will see a revival. But why not fish somewhere else? I know anglers fishing waters south west of the central highlands, such as Bronte, Bradys, Binney, Laughing Jack, Echo, King William, Dee etc. did well last season. Then there are some north west coast waters that include Talbots Lagoon, on the eastern highlands there is Leake and Tooms. Tooms fished superbly at the end of last season even at a quite low level. So do some exploring and find some new places that may reward you enormously.
FOR MORE INFO GO TO:
A book came over my desk as I was finishing this edition. The The Last Wild Trout by Tasmanian Greg French. At first, I wondered if he had killed the last wild trout. He hadn’t. Greg has travelled and fished for trout more than most and I am a little envious of that. He has made it his life focus and he says his travels and passion for ‘trouting’ cost him a marriage. But then Frances came along and his test for her was to expose her to the worst of his travels at the start of their relationship. She stuck, and together they saw the world - as did their children. In The last Wild Trout Greg exposes himself, the great trout fisheries of the world, the different strains of trout, fishery management and mismanagement, and the importance of anglers vigilance in protecting fisheries. Greg is a beautiful writer and whilst some will not be interested in the taxonomic notes or other parts the anecdotes carry this book beautifully. The cover is a superb photo by Tasmanian Peter Broomhall. My copy came from Petrarchs in Launceston, but look at www. affirmpress.com.au to find it. Mike Stevens. Ed.
Mike Stevens talks fishing with Chris Wisbey ABC Statewide Saturday mornings 6.40 a.m.
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
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Fishing News - Page 3
X
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F
L
Restock the Flybox Gavin Hicks
et’s be honest, battling our way thru the depths of winter there’s not a lot to get the fly fishermen among us all that excited. True you can still fish certain waters, which we did only a few weekends ago with a ripper little late afternoon session at Huntsman’s. Calling in on the way home from Liawenee open weekend we were lucky enough to strike rising water levels and plenty of fat one pound trout feeding along the grassy edges of the Paynes Landing area. They were more than happy to scoff Olive fur flies, Peter Broomhall’s Bruisers Bugs in orange/ brown and Berkley T-Tail minnows whenever we managed to land one near a moving fish. It only lasted an hour before we ran out daylight but in that time we landed seven fish and the boys had an absolute blast, which is what it’s all about. Anyway enough of that back to struggling thru the winter months. When all the gear is cleaned and sorted ready for the coming season then it is time to start sorting and refilling the fly boxes. Any hooks that are starting to look rusty (shame on you) and are ready to completely destroy the rest of the boxes contents need to be tossed. Experimental flies that haven’t worked and flies that are not used all need to go. All they will do is take up the much needed space that will be required for your next secret pattern to slot in there, and for more of the flies that you actually do fish with during the season. So let’s have a look at what I am restocking my boxes with for the 2016/17 trout season.
Big Wets/ Whitebait…
First off, I like to focus on my supply of whitebait flies and bigger wet patterns. My current favourite whitebait fly is one I have been playing with and tweaking for a couple of seasons now. Whilst I will be the first to admit it hasn’t been chucked at as many bait feeders as I would like in that time due basically to life’s varying reasons I am confident enough with it now that if presented in the correct manner it will catch me a fish or two. My best outing with it last season was in the Lovetts Flats area of the Mersey River. Walking down the track to the river I immediately spotted a fish patrolling the edges of a quiet backwater. After watching for a few minutes to work out his beat I waited till I saw him coming back along the edge of a log. I laid out a cast to have the bait pattern ready and waiting for him. As soon as hit it the water the fish was all over it, and he inhaled it in plain view only metres from me. Setting the hook I was into a nice Mersey bait feeder, for about five seconds till he went round a log and busted me off. I was now a bit concerned as I only had one more of my fly left in the box, but at least they were happy to take it so far. Anyway it was on to the end of the 8 pound tippet with my last whitebait fly and off downstream to try and find another fish. I hadn’t gone far when I noticed some commotion around the end of a log jam. I snuck up behind a tree and watched to see what was happening. It wasn’t long before a small brown of about one pound came into view, bugger I thought! I didn’t really want to lose my last fly to this fish as it was a pretty snaggy section of river. Next thing along comes a better fish and hunts the smaller one out of its way.
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Fishing News - Page 5
I waited till he was heading away from me and cast the bait fly out over a log and it landed about half a metre behind and to his right side. Like before, this fish turned immediately the fly hit the water and headed slowly towards it. I gave it one slight strip and the fish sped up and hammered it, again only a few metres away from me. I set the hook and hung on as best I could to keep it out of the log jam, this time luck was on my side and everything stayed connected. I landed what turned out to be a nice two pounder, took a couple of photos and sent him on his way to terrorise some more whitebait. As can and does so often happen that was the end of that little session as the action stopped as quickly as it begun.
My river nymph box needs only to have a few of my basic brown bead head nymph retied and a new brown pheasant tail type nymph I’ve been using that has an orange hot spot made out of holographic tinsel in the butt. I by no means claim to be the founder of this fly (though I’d like to be able to claim it) but I can’t for the life of me remember where I first saw it. So if you happen to be the one who originated this pattern well done to you because last season I reckon it out fished my go to river nymph by 6 to 1, maybe even more. So that will definitely be getting a lot of attention over the coming months with a few dozen being added to the box. And let’s hope after the recent flooding events we do have a river season coming up. I’ve just got back the morning of writing this story from a drive around the Dynans Bridge and Mersey Lea areas for another look, I just can’t stop looking. The destruction caused in some of these areas is just incomprehensible and let’s hope all the affected waterways make as speedy as possible recoveries.
Dry Flies
So what does my current whitebait pattern consist of ? The hook is a Tiemco TMC 700(black), body is Spirit River poly flash in pearl or any pearl flash material would do, wing is Enrico Puglisi EP-Fibres 3D in Tarpon Streamer colour, eyes a re Spirit River Prismatic tape eyes 2.5mm and it is all finished off with a body coating of Loon UV clear fly finish(thick). By the way if anyone has a stash of the TMC 700 black hooks that they would like to part with please let me know, I am down to my last 60 of them and I believe they are no longer available. My other two ‘go to’ big wets are the Muz Wilson Fuzzle bugger and Ashley Artis Mylar yeti. Black, Olive and Brown are the three colours I carry in the Fuzzle bugger range and my favourite yeti combo is a pearl Mylar body with an olive grizzly zonker strip wing. These days I also add a set of stick on eyes and UV head to them but that is only personal preference as I used them for a long time without that added extra. I carry both these in sizes 6 and 8 mainly. Then of course there is the box full of big Crescent wet flies of all varieties (some of which were kindly supplied for me by Chris Beech of Flymax fame) that haven’t yet landed a fish as I spent all last trip there rowing my boat back across the lake into the wind after the water pump crapped its dacks on me 10 minutes into the trip. That was fun let me tell you, especially with my wife sitting up the front of the boat offering me helpful advice all the way back across!
Small wets/ nymphs
My tailing fish box for this season only needs to be restocked with a few generic green scud patterns, scintilla stick caddis, olive and black fur flies, black and peacock, the amazing fly that is the 007 nymph, Simon Taylor’s snail pattern and the black seals fur tag dry fly. A few with a red tag, but mostly I like to use a hot pink tag on them for no real reason other than personal preference and confidence in that particular colour. I have spent countless hours over the years at the vice playing with and adjusting scud patterns to try and find that one killer pattern for those sometimes infuriating fish at Little Pine Lagoon. Different colours and types of dubbing, different materials for the back, more ribbing colours than I would care to even think about, tails, legs and a billion different hook styles and sizes. These days I like to keep things a lot simpler. Any olive dubbing I can find lying about, clear back material and a curved hook along the lines of a Kamasan B110 grubber mainly size 12 but every now and then a 14. Keep a tag of olive thread hanging as your ribbing material and that’s all I need. Tie one up, give it a bit of scrub with some Velcro to liven it up a bit and tie it on the end of your tippet. Good to go. I like the black seals fur tag as my dry fly if using a two fly rig to chase tailing fish as I have found it the easiest to see in varying light conditions, it floats very well and is not so big as to spook fish which can often happen.
Lake dry fly restocking will this year consist of the possum emerger, possum shaving brush, red tag (of course), foam gum beetle, black foam beetle, Merchute, Bruisers bug (all black for the Great Lake), the black seals fur tag once again and Dan Hackett’s pheasant tail spinner pattern mainly in black. I have been using Hanak and Knapek barbless dry fly hooks of late for a lot of my flies. If you have never dried barbless hooks make sure you give them a go. I have found absolutely no difference in the amount of fish I have lost because of using barbless and it certainly makes a difference when trying to release fish in the best possible condition. My river box will need to have my Merchute, F-Fly, and possum shaving brush (again), Dan Hackett’s scruffy, fast water dun and pheasant tail spinners, bruisers bugs and the good old Royal Wullf all restocked to make it look nice and full again. Without a doubt the two most popular for me this past season have been my Merchute and the F-Fly but once again in comes down to what you are using and have confidence in. What a great little fly the F-Fly is, a couple of basic materials and some hooks and you can tie millions of them. I also carry a smaller version of the F-Fly made with a micro fibett tail, possum fur body and clipped grizzly hackle (only a couple of turns) which works quite well on the
Above: Merchute and Hot Spot Nymph below.
Ashley Artis Mylar Yeti Fishing News - Page 6
Muzz Wilson Fuzzle Bugger
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Fishing News - Page 7
MH1
Aussie Adams 12-14-16
MH2 Mick’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
MH12 Cockchafer Beetle 10-12-14
MH13 Little Green Wattle Beetle 14-16
MH14 Gum Beetle 12-14
MH15 Tadpole 14-16
MH16 Chopper Hopper 8-10
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
MH21 Compressed Devonshire Dun 10-12
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
MH11 Chartreuse Woolly Bugger 6-8
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
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
Fishing News - Page 8
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Damsel Fly 14-16
Available in store or order from good tackle stores. Distributed by Clarkson Imports.
M I CK HALLS F LY BOX RANGE
local caenid feeding fish. I do like to carry quite a few of the F-Fly in my boxes as they can tend to sink quite regularly after they have had a bit of use. Agreed there a lot of quite good powders on the market these days for refloating your CDC patterns (frogs fanny being my current favourite by a long way) but I tend to get a little last sometimes and prefer to just keep changing them regularly when they get to water logged. Also with the scruffy pattern the original calls for a claret coloured body which is a very good fly but I have also had some good success using the same fly with a dark possum fur body. Again it just comes down to personal preference and what you are the most confident presenting to the feeding fish in front of you.
The end result…
So there you have it, a somewhat brief rundown of what have been the most successful flies for me over the past year of fishing. Which as I mentioned earlier hasn’t been anywhere enough trips as I would have liked. Please don’t get all stressed as I am in no way claiming to be the creator of any of these flies( except for the Merchute, I am claiming that one as my own). I have tried where possible to give credit for all the flies mentioned to the right people but if I have forgotten someone forgive me. So what’s in store now? Well I have one super keen 10 year old fisherman here at home(and a not so keen 8 year old!) so I promise you this season will be consisting of a whole lot more fishing trips for us. So if and when you see us on a river or lake somewhere in this great state of ours stop and have a chat. I might even swap you my best fly for one of yours, if Jobie hasn’t already lost them all on Me.! And here’s hoping as mentioned earlier that all our waterways make a full and speedy recovery from the madness of the recent flooding. Gavin Hicks…
Jobie and Kai Hicks showing some form.
Happy days on the river.
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Fishing News - Page 9
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Fishing News - Page 10
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F
Four Springs First Matt Sherriff
Four Springs is a great spot to open the trout season and a fish is almost guaranteed.
W
ith Trout season on us, it’s time to dust off the rods, lubricate the reels, tie on new leaders and pick out a lure for that keenly anticipated first cast. Many keen fishermen will be heading up top, braving the cold and snow to catch their first trout at one of the highland lakes. I don’t know whether I’m getting softer with age but for the last three years on opening day I have left these lakes alone and decided to fish my local lake; Four Springs. Four Springs is situated 20km north of Hagley, about a 40 minute drive from Launceston. The lake is shallow and sheltered and is ideal for small boats and kayaks. Inland Fisheries Service regularly stock the lake with wild browns and also rainbows and due to an abundance of food available in the lake, the trout put on condition quickly. Since the close of last season the lake has been stocked with a further 2,400 brown trout from Great Lake averaging 1kg – some of these fish will be nudging 3lb by opening day! My preferred methods of fishing the lake is with hard bodied lures and plastics. I usually start prospecting with hard bodied, shallow running minnows; targeting the southern end of the lake in water depths between 1 and 2.5 metres. The suspending or slowly floating models when worked with a few twitches and pauses are deadly on the Trout. Don’t be worried if you’re hooking up on
the weed frequently – it means you’re lures in the right spot! The areas where I’ve had the most success with this method have been the grassy eastern / north eastern shore as well as the southern end of the lake. When fishing further up the western shore towards the dam, paddle tail plastics become more effective as they allow you to fish deeper in these areas where the shore drops away more sharply. Work these plastics slowly trying to stay close to the bottom. Sometimes a “hop and drop” retrieve works but I’ve had more success early in the season with a very slow roll, combined with a subtle twitch. Remember if you feel any sort of tap stop retrieving your plastic and let it sink; nine times out of ten if you do this, when you lift the rod after a short pause it’ll come up tight on a fish! Another great thing with plastics is when a fish follows your lure right to the boat you can open the bail arm on the reel and watch the fish chase it down. More often than not you will be hooked up when you re-engage the reel. It takes a bit of composure to do this, as a fish chasing down your lure at the side of the boat tends to get the blood running. There are always days that are tougher than others. Last season we had a session where we had only managed one fish in a couple of hours using the above methods. Whilst having a bite to eat we decided to sound the bottom in a deeper section about halfway up the lake.
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Fishing News - Page 11
Even though we were not marking any fish, we found several weed bommies in 3-5m of water which looked worthy of a cast. Changing to a worm style plastic we set up a drift over the area and picked up two solid fish within ten minutes. This just goes to highlight the need to change things up when the fishing’s slow. My favourite Trout set-ups consist of 1-3kg Lox and Crucis rods, coupled up with 2000 sized reels (the Crucis Chief reel matches up well with these rods). I have gone back to using straight through 3lb fluorocarbon on the rods I use to throw hard bodied lures and run 3lb braid, with a 4lb fluorocarbon leader of 2-3m in length, on the rods for fishing plastics. It has taken a while to get used to using straight through fluoro again as it doesn’t give you the feedback that braid does due to its stretch, but it is nice not to be re-tying leaders on the water and I believe the extra line stretch results in fewer dropped fish. Braid is a must for fishing plastics as you need to
Jemma Sherriff looks pretty happy.
Matt with a good brown.
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feel every tap to convert strikes into hook-ups. These lines may seem excessively light to some, but are fine in the majority of case with trout and I’ve caught fish over 9lb on these 3lb set-ups. In my view there is no need to fish heavier than 6lb line in most situations for Trout in Tasmania – a good point to remember is that line breaks at the point where your patience runs out!
Favourite Lures for Four Springs: Hawk Sniper Minnow in Killer Wasp & Black/ Gold Hawk Chunk in Black and Gold – Rainbows seem to like these Cranka Deep Minnow in Black/Gold (depths over 2 metres) Berkley “T” Tail in Black/Gold & Olive/Pearl Berkley Gulp Fry in Green & Pumpkinseed
Rob Farrell showing some early season form. For the last three opening days we have managed our bag of trout by mid-morning utilising the above methods and lures, catching fish up to 5lb. Four Springs is definitely worth attention early in the season; the average fish size is good, their condition is superb and 6-8lb trout are not uncommon! If you do venture out there on opening day and see us at the ramp, come and say g’day – we might even have a few spare lures for you to try!
What’s that lure Marcus?
Rules for Four Springs
Minimum Size for brown/rainbow trout is 300mm. Bag limit of 5 fish. Combined bag limit of 5 fish can only contain 2 fish exceeding 500mm. Angling is permitted from 1 hour before sunrise to 3 hours after sunset. Maximum speed limit of 5 knots applies to the whole lake. Matt Sherriff
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Fishing News - Page 13
S
Six Flies for starters Christopher Bassano
T
he fishing season is upon us and we have water everywhere. Who would have that this was possible? Most lakes are full and many rivers may even be unfishably high for a few weeks yet. Three months ago I was gearing up for another dry season and trying to work out what flies I need to tie over the winter months. The truth is, the water levels don’t have a big effect on this. It may alter the locations I decide to fish, but a good fly fished well will catch fish almost anywhere. These are my top six flies that I will be relying on during the opening few weeks. Over this period I am likely to fish from a boat, wade the shallows and even get onto a river where possible and for that reason, I have chosen two flies for each scenario.
Wading flies River Fishing
Although I have caught many fish in the past on opening day on dry flies in the rivers, I couldn’t possibly put a dry fly into my top two flies for this time of year. Fish tend to sit out of the runs and in slow moving depressions off the current. A well placed, slow moving nymph is the best option whether you are going to be ‘Euro Nymphing’ or fishing nymph under dry. These are the two nymphs that I would be trying first.
The edges will be hotspots early in the season with many waters still rising. You could also tie the hot spot in behind the bead. Interestingly, this fly is not one that I use throughout the season and if it doesn’t catch fish early on, I would take it off. The reason for this is that when the fish are eating it, they simply love it and will swim past other flies to get at it. I am happy to fish this under a dry fly and love casting it into those small, quiet eddies on the edge of rivers.
Black seals fur nymph
Orange hot spot hares ear nymph
I usually tie this fly on a grub hook with a light coloured tail, copper bead and copper rib and an orange butt between the tail and the start of the hares ear body. Fishing News - Page 14
If the water has any colour in it, I would choose this fly over the hares ear I have already described. This really is a cracking little fly that I was shown by New South Wales angler, Chris Dawson. I have many flies that are similar in appearance but this one works particularly well at this time of year. I tie mine on Hanak 260 hook which is slightly short shank and has a good gape. It is usually
on a size 14 and has a black tungsten bead. Chris ties a sparse black cock hackle tail and ribs the black seals fur body with fine pearl mylar. He then puts a turn of red holographic mylar right behind the black bead and wow, the fish love eating it. I can’t think of a scenario where this fly doesn’t work early in the season. This season is going to be very good and it all starts in the coming weeks. Whatever style of fly fishing you like doing, tie some of the flies up that I have described and give them a go. These have been so successful for me over the decades that if I am not catching fish, I move spots rather than change flies. Over the next two months, the revised version of ‘Australia’s Best Trout Flies’ is being published and I am sure some of these flies will have made their way into that publication. Don’t forget that as good as these flies are, the correct presentation is even more important. Have a wonderful season.
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AUSTRALIAN
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Fishing News - Page 15
The take almost always comes when the fly is sinking after the cast or more commonly, after a long, slow, draw. It doesn’t take too many pulls before the fish generally eat the fly. If you see a bow wave or disturbance behind the fly, stop and watch the end of your leader. It will feel like an eternity and the urge to move the fly is great, but don’t. Wait for the line to tighten up in your hands.
Sloanes fur fly
Fly selection can be important, but presentation is critical.
Black woolly worm
This is my favourite fly. It is the fly that I would choose if I could only use one fly for the rest of my life. Although I have had it eaten in every scenario imaginable, it comes into its own at the start of the season when the fish are close to the bank or at least, in shallow water. As wonderful as this very drab fly is, it gets better and better as frog numbers increase. With water likely to be backed up into bushes and tussocks, this is the season for the black woolly worm. I have seen many variations of this fly but the standard, all black version is still my favourite. It lands with a great little plop and sinks slowly enough to fish it well in water just below knee deep but still be very effective in water just over waist deep. Fishing along drop off ledges and around structure, it is superb. There is no need to fish any more than one fly when using this woolly worm and a short to medium length of leader helps turn over in the early season winds. Tippets can be quite thick to aid turn over and help presentation as this fly is best fished with an aggressive landing. Fishing News - Page 16
What a wonderful and well-designed fly. The shallower the water, the better the fur fly will perform. Although not as relevant early in the season, this is also an excellent mudeye imitation. The fly is supposed to be fished very close to the surface and even on top of the water at times. I have had this fly eaten as a dry fly many times each season. Don’t worry if it doesn’t sink at first. Trout lying in the shallows that are being opportunistic will feed with their lateral line and this little fly pulled across the surface, will pull them in from a long way away. It is heart stopping stuff, watching a fish burst up behind the fly as it makes a wake across the surface, only to stop behind it. The fish often eyeballs the fly before quietly sucking it in and swimming off confidently. It is basically eating a bare hook and the hook ups are excellent. It is not just effective, but exciting when you fish this fly. Again, the use of a second fly is actually prohibitive when using the fur fly. The same leader set up applies for this fly as it does the black woolly worm which makes it simple, easy to use and to swap between the two when water depth changes. Don’t be afraid to throw the fur fly at tailing trout, it is brilliant in this scenario. I have a number of these flies tied with varying amounts of fur on them for different wind conditions and depths but all tied on medium to light weight hooks in order to prevent them from sinking too fast. I am excited thinking about using this fly.
Boat Fishing
Gold Humungous
This fly originated in Scotland and has been extremely effective over the one and a half decades that I have been using it. As the name implies, it is not supposed to be a
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EARLY SEASON
TROUT
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Fishing News - Page 17
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small fly although through the summer, it does work in smaller sizes. Fish early in the season are generally looking for larger food sources to put weight on after spawning and the presence of many native galaxia in spring helps this flies success. As you are fishing from a boat, I would have this as my point fly in a team of either two or three flies. I would be using 8lb RIO Fluroflex or 9lb Hanak fluorocarbon as my leader with five foot to the top fly and five feet between my flies. The best fly lines are those that will get the flies to the fish and when fishing from a boat, the depth usually requires a Di 3 or Di 5 line. If you are fishing deeper lakes early on (like Arthurs), a Di 7 would be my choice of line. I have seen a few variations of the humungous but for early season fishing, I still prefer the original with a long black marabou tail with gold flash and a palmered grizzle hackle over fine gold estaz chenille. The gold bead should be tungsten and as it is the point fly, it should be at least 3.2mm. The best retrieve for this fly at this time of year will be long and slow draws with lengthy
pauses. Make sure you fish the ‘drop’ at the end of the cast and the ‘hang’ at the end of the retrieve very carefully.
Bitch Variant
By having a black fly as my number one fly of choice, I should be selecting an olive one as my second choice. However, I am not. That is simply because this fly is so very successful. Often weather conditions can be quite wild and woolly early in the season and water quality a little dirty. In both of those instances, black is a good colour. The Bitch Variant has a red holographic body with a black tail and a black palmered hackle. It is basically a black and red woolly bugger but there is something about this fly that fish love. I like it on the top dropper no matter how many flies I am fishing and I use the same leader set up and retrieve as I described for the humungous. As it is a top dropper fly. I would tie these a little smaller and lighter than the humungous. Christopher Bassano
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D
Derwent and Huon Justin Causby
T
he new season is upon us and the early burst of cold snow water and heavy rains in the off season have the Derwent primed for a bumper season. Something I’ve talked about before writing these articles is the myth that cold fresh water puts the searunners off when in fact it’s quite the contrary. A good flush of cold water is the trigger to sparking the ‘runners’ in to action. A week or two after the rain is when they start to appear. Firstly, sea-runners aren’t that hard to catch. A boat is handy but I find that most of my best fish over the years are landed from the shore. Probably the most common question I’m asked is, “where is the best place to catch a sea-runner from the shore. I don’t have a boat but I’d really like to catch myself one.” It’s almost like people have the preconceived idea that if you don’t have a boat you’re not going to be very successful in your search. Well the truth is very different and the Derwent offers a multitude of great options. You are almost guaranteed to land a silver bullet on the right tide and time of the day. Granted, reading a few words in a magazine is no substitute for time on the water and that’s what is necessary to arm yourself with the attitude and tactics to bring a few fish to the bank.
Places to try
Masons Point to Bridgewater Bridge – 500m west of the Bridgewater McDonalds roundabout you
will find Riverside Drive which leads you to Masons The Bridgewater bridge itself offers fantastic fishing. Point on the northern side of the Derwent upstream Kept quiet for many years by devotees in recent times the of the Bridgewater Bridge. Some years ago the access internet has paved way for many secret spots to become road extended all the way up to the back of Dromedary well known. The upstream side offers a good gutter Marsh but is now boom-gated right on the point proper. with excellent tidal flow, the key to Derwent success The best fishing starts immediately at the gated area in most instances. The run out your best bet and again and extends several hundred metres around in to the is popular from day one of the season. The lower side bay itself. The shore is lined with rushes and has a is open to year round fishing as the bridge itself is the predominately weedy bottom with a few rocky ledges boundary. The abutment on the Hobart side is a good which provide solid access out in to the river. This shore spot although not one I frequent too often. The bridge is a gem and provides scope for all angling methods. itself of a night time is probably the number one spot Best fishing is on a high tide, where trout will chase bait hard in to the banks, continuing as it runs out. All manner of lure, fly and soft plastics will produce here. It’s a very popular location from day one of the season. At the parking area there is a jetty leading out into the water. Give this a miss, instead don a pair of waders and fish the gutter that follows the bank from here all the way to the bridge. It’s a trout feeding highway, fished very little, but holds large numbers of A pair of Derwent trout caught on a deeper channel edge. fat hungry trout.
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Fishing News - Page 19
for BIG Derwent trout. Bait fishing here is the key with a local sandy, prettyfish or jollytail, drifting in the current behind the many pylons. Anglers line up here nearing the start of the season, and with many double figure fish falling to anglers. It’s easy to see why. Anglers walk their fish to the causeway abutment to be netted. T h e B r i d g e wa t e r b r i d g e b o a t ramp shore from the playground to approximately 300m below to the point offers excellent fishing from top of the tide and runout either night fishing or hitting the correct tide during the day. The river is deep here right on the bank. Fish it deep with a weighted soft plastic, 1/12th is about as light as you want and sometimes heavier as the best tide is a hard run out and you need to get down in the water column somewhat. It’s a great spot to start your session from before moving elsewhere for the bottom half of the runout tide. A further 100m around the little bay a second point meets the channel edge before the shallow open expanses of the marsh below. This point on its day is a cracker. I find it a little hit and miss but when it’s on its fantastic. Much shallower than the first point and suited to all angling methods and can be fished year round.
Mid Estuary - Heading north out of Otago Bay you will find Murtons Road in the dip at the base of the big hill on the East Derwent Highway. This short road leads you to a small one or two vehicle parking area and the water’s edge where you’ll find a rather peaceful and attractive shoreline. It’s a ripper spot and there is hardly ever a day where you won’t find a trout here. Fish the shore from the car park area down to Woodville Bay, around 300m. I like and outgoing tide here once again but from high to about half way out. Lure, fly and plastics are all good choices here. Surprisingly at Otago Bay, an extremely easy to access and highly rewarding spot, only sees the occasional angler. It’s rare I choose to fish here and find someone already there. Parking is right near the old Otago shipwreck but be careful not to obstruct the bus Stop area. Further parking is 100m away near the intersection to the East Derwent Highway. Fishing here can be exceptional. Again a run out tide is a bonus. The points either side of the wrecks are the hot spots. No need to wander far, I prefer to wade out and stay there. Just keep making casts and you will catch fish. Not far to the south is the Bowen Bridge. Plenty of parking here and the shore from under the bridge for a few
Ecogear MW62 in colour 393 is very good on the Derwent trout. hundred metres is worth exploring. Just below the bridge there is a deeper hole that tends to fish well. You can easily find the edge of this on about half tide. The gently sloping shelf extends north and allows for very comfortable wading and fishing. It’s also a fantastic spot to fish plastics of a night time. If you aren’t in to the bait thing this technique works
extremely well. Gulp plastics I find are the best of a night although there are a myriad of choices out there these days. The lights from the bridge high above create a great silhouette and it’s possible to see trout following plastics back to your feet on nights when they aren’t taking aggressively.
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Fishing News - Page 21
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Drift spinning a shore at Austins Ferry. Last but not least, Store Point is one of my favourite spots on the Derwent. Leaving the East Derwent Highway at Risdon Cove is Saundersons Road. This leads you out to Store Point directly opposite Nyrstar (zinc works). The point itself is dynamite late evening and in to the night. There is a deep drop here and trout hold or school here to feed on whitebait that waits for a suitable tide to move upstream. The run out tide is imperative to successful fishing, it holds bait fish up and allows trout and easy meal. The fast current is not the whitebait’s friend. The whole shoreline back into Risdon Cove is fishable and does hold fish. I tend to focus on the last 500m out to the point itself. Generally fishing hard bodies until last light then moving to soft plastics. Lower Estuary – Nearing the Tasman Bridge there are a number of easy to access shorelines along the eastern banks, Lindisfarne Bay to the Tasman are rewarding but I tend to only fish here prior to the season opening. The fish however are exception examples of Derwent River searun trout.
Boating
A boat purely just broadens your options. Instead of having to fish certain spots at certain times you can cover ground and move to find trout. Trolling will catch plenty of fish. The circuit from Norske Skog to the Bridgewater Bridge is the most
rewarding. Fish a mix of top line and deep with leadline or similar. You will encounter weed in this region so it’s best to troll with a Tassie Devil so you can see by the rod action if you’ve fouled your hooks with weed. About 3-4m depth is best to concentrate on. Just follow that contour line on your sounder and you should find success with 2-3 colours of leadline out. Trolling downstream is by far a better option in my experience also. This is not science, but an observation over the years.
Drift Spinning
This is your best option to land fish. And you have loads of options. Many of those discussed in the shore based notes will be equally rewarding. The edge of the river channels are hotspots, either along the flats or reed edges. Generally both will be worthwhile on most days. Fishing over the expansive flats can bring fish but concentrating on the edges either on the incoming tide as it starts to cover the flats or even better the runout as it starts to dump food back in to the channel. Masons Point shore is very good, Green Point and Lime Kilns are all very good options. Up around Norske Skog also very good. Lower in the system I prefer shore based fishing as the better option.
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A solid Derwent trout from the mid reaches above Bridgewater. Fishing News - Page 23
After Dark
The very best fish will come after dark. Soft plastics are very successful and will work often as well as fresh caught bait. Shore based is just as good if not the better option. Bridgewater Bridge shores are excellent as is Old Beach above the jetty and around the Bowen Bridge. From the boat of a night you can access the rocky reefs that feature particularly up around New Norfolk. Anchoring up adjacent to these and fishing over them is a sure fire way to land a good searun or resident trout.
Huon River
Spinning the rapids will bring good results Fishing News - Page 24
Those paying attention to social media will notice a resurgence of the mighty Huon and its anglers. It’s fast becoming a sought after local once again with some very regular and notable captures. Those in the know will spend their time after dark in the vicinity of the Huonville Bridge. Soft plastics are proving extremely popular. Fish are generally in the 600gr – 1.5kg bracket with a generous sprinkling of bigger fish thrown in. Some absolutely stonking big fish are caught in the Huon each year but they are a secretive bunch down that way and the rest of Tassie’s anglers don’t hear much about it. Social media however, is very quick to share the captures in today’s world.
Further shore based angling can be very good at the rapids at Judbury. Early season when water levels allow, this stretch gives up good resident trout. Quite often a few Atlantic salmon are present dependant on activity lower in the system. Casting across current and working slowly down and back to your feet is the best tactic. A medium sized bibbed minnow bringing good results. The flat rock at Ranelagh is another notable spot on the river bank and is dynamite when the salmon have escaped a cage further south. Boating anglers can concentrate on the river banks. Upstream of the bridge look for shallow stretches and the first rapids themselves for good reward. South of the bridge is my favourite area from the boat, drifting the red lined edges of Egg Island and the river banks themselves. Casting lures and plastics along the reeds from a drifting boat is the best bet. When the whitebait run moves upstream from the ocean this is the prime time to fish this water. Keen eyes will spot tell-tale signs of trout as they hunt and prey upon schools of bait. A quick accurate cast to cover the area will often return a hook up. Searun trout are present but I have found far more resident and estuary fish in your bag in the Huon than you would in your bag from the Derwent.
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Urban fishing Austins Ferry.
Tactics, Lure and Rigs
Overall on the Derwent a run out tide is the key to getting the most out of your fishing. The harder it rips the better the fishing generally. There are a couple of spots there where the high tide is advantageous but they are the exception to the rule. I fish with straight through fluorocarbon usually at around 3-6lb. If fishing after dark I prefer to fish braid with a 6lb leader. You can feel the slightest touch much better and it’s good to make the most of your opportunities if out late on a cold dark Tassie night early in the season. With lure choice you have a myriad of options. Any likely baitfish pattern will bring results. Matching the hatch ideally is your best bet, although I do tend to totally disregard that if fish are smashing small whitebait. I like to throw them something bigger, something that might stand out from the school and may get hit as the odd meal out. The same applies to plastics.
Anything that looks like a baitfish and you’re half way there. I would typically choose a silver sided lure with a green/olive or brown back and perhaps a splash of colour for contrast. Orange is the best option of your adding colour. The Huon is a little different. Your choices above will be very good but here the Spotted Dog lure is a top colour to throw. The Huon water is tannin stained flowing from the south west, all the way from Lake Pedder. This black and gold colour looks fantastic in this water and the bright and contrasting spawning dots add further and make it an irresistible combination. Just be confident in your choice and keep searching. Time on the water will unlock the secrets and nuances and you’ll find yourself landing more and more fish as your knowledge base continues. Justin Causby
Matching the hatch - lures that imitate the food of choice will more often than not fool the trout.
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Fishing News - Page 25
S Let’s Switch
Bintoro – IFFF CCI & THCI Fishing News - Page 26
I
n recent years we are hearing more about Switch and Spey rods. They are receiving lots of attention on social media, magazines etc. So let’s take a look at them and what you can do with this style of rod. Let’s step back to the time before the Switch rod made its appearance, when there was only the twohanded Spey rod and Spey casting technique that’s commonly used for Salmon fishing in big rivers of Scotland. As in its namesake, it originated on the banks of River Spey in Scotland, where the river is wide and many obstructions lay behind the fisherman. The technique was pioneered by Alexander Grant (b.1852) from Carrbridge, Scotland. He believed that stripping and shooting the line was fundamentally an inefficient way of presenting the fly. Taking these into account, Grant came up with an idea - with any amount of line out, he could simply pick up his fly on the dangle, make a cast and be fishing immediately afterwards. To cover a wide Scottish river, they used a very long two-handed rod anything from 15ft to 18ft casting a very long line on the dangle. This casting style is now known as the traditional Spey cast.
Then the Scandinavians then adopted this twohanded Spey casting technique to suit their river conditions, resulting in a shorter and more compact two-handed rod and line set up. Today, this set-up of compact Spey rod and line is called the Scandi system. The steelhead fisherman in the Skagit River that flows through British Columbia, Canada and Washington State, USA adopted this two-handed Spey casting technique to suit their needs - to deliver a heavy fly with a heavy sink tip. Born was the Skagit system, a combination of short and heavy fly line and heavy sink tip. These two casting styles are known as the Scandi and the Skagit styles. In essence, this is my definition of Spey casting – A ‘constant tension’ cast where, during the back cast, a minimal amount of line is touching the water, creating an anchor point. This anchor point helps the caster in creating a ‘D’ loop that loads the rod for the forward cast and ‘unloads the line with great efficiency’. The change of direction is executed during the back cast and the creation of the ‘D’ loop.
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Whether you use the Traditional, Skandi or Skagit style, you are able to do all types of Spey casting which include Single Spey, Double Spey, Snap T, Snake Roll and countless variations.
Then come the Switch
In the last few years, the so called “SWITCH ROD” has become increasingly popular and most rod manufacturers have Switch rods in their range. It is the same as its bigger brother with two grips but it’s a lot shorter and lighter. They call it Switch rod because it is light enough and short enough to switch between two-hand casting and single-hand casting. The Switch rod was pioneered by Mr. Bob Meiser from Meiser Fly Rods. They usually range from 10’6” to 11’6” and between 5wt to 8wt and are very versatile rods for swinging wet flies, streamers and downstream nymphing. In recent years, fly rod manufacturers have developed an ultralight Switch rod called a Trout Spey. This ultralight Switch rod usually ranges from 2wt 10’6” up to 5wt 11’6” and is designed specifically for trout fishing using Spey casting techniques.
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Fishing News - Page 27
Switch rods are just as good and efficient as their bigger brother, the Spey rod for all types of casting styles – Scandi or Skagit and to do all types of Spey casts such as Single Spey, Double Spey, Snap-T and Snake Roll. Today, many rod manufacturers make Trout Spey such as Sage One Trout Spey 2wt 10’6” and 3wt 11’, Sage X, Method, Accell and Pulse Switch. From Redington release its new Hydrogen Switch series, TFO with its Deer Creek Switch collection, Beulah Fly Rods and many others. Since we don’t have many big rivers in this part of the world, the lighter Switch rod is ideal for trout fishing and some saltwater in Australia. The proliferation of ultralight Switch rods was also followed by the fly line manufacturers to produce Spey lines to suit these rods. As these rods are lighter, so the lines. Apart from lines that are specifically designed for Switch rods, all other lines for various Spey casting styles, such as Scandi or Skagit that are denoted with ‘Short’ or ‘Compact’, can be used for the Switch rods. One of the big advantages of Spey lines is that they are available as modular fly lines, that is, as the head (belly) only. You can purchase separate shooting or running line and poly leader to match the system. The components are all connected through ‘loop-to-loop’ connections. It is very versatile as you can interchange the belly and the tip to suit your fishing requirements.
Why Spey Cast?
• Cover a lot more water, changing direction in just one flick, the fly spends more time in the water than in the air. • Effortless - No energy wasted with false casting - Less casting fatigue (two-hand better than one hand). • You can add another technique to your fly fishing arsenal? • Ability to fish areas unfishable by other techniques • No room for back cast - No worries. You don’t need any space behind you to make a Spey cast. • Its fun - relaxing - enjoyable and beautiful way to present a fly.
Australian Spey Clave - October
If you want to know more about Spey casting, curious about Spey casting or advancing your Spey casting technique, Peter Hayes will host the first ‘Australian Spey Clave’ at Hayes on Brumby, Cressy 29-30 October 2016. Presenters includes: • Peter Hayes IFFF MCI, • April Vokey CI & B.C. Steelhead Guide, • Brian Henderson IFFF MCI & THCI, • Tony Loader MCI, • Roy Wybrow MCI and • Bintoro IFFF CI & THCI. There will be two days on everything about Spey: Single Handed and Two-handed Spey Casting, from Switch Rods to Spey Rods, Scandi, Skagit to Long Belly, Beginners to Advanced. Book now, places are limited. For further information visit www.peterhayesflyfishing.com Bintoro is International Federation of Fly Fishers (IFFF) certified Casting Instructor (CI) single handed and TwoHanded Casting Instructor (THCI). He is the first person to receive Two-Handed Casting Instructor certification from IFFF in the Southern Hemisphere. Fishing News - Page 28
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G
Good Fishing Ahead Inland Fisheries Service
Tasmania’s Inland Fisheries Service is predicting a good trout season ahead. Here is their contribution for the season opening. The brown trout season commenced on the 6th of August this year and with the recent rainfall across the State the outlook is for good fishing this coming year. After a prolonged dry period from spring 2015 until autumn 2016 the weather changed dramatically from the start of May, with heavy rain in the west followed in June by major flooding in the Central Highlands and northern river basins. The Mersey River flood ravaged farm land, roads and bridges, with the Kimberley to Latrobe section particularly hard hit. The same rain event saw yingina/ Great Lake rise by a full metre in one day and the Ouse River go over the bridge on the Marlborough Road between Miena and Little Pine Lagoon. The contrast in climatic conditions could not have been more extreme! Water storages across the State have spilled in July from Lake Burbury on the west coast to Tooms Lake in the east. Many rivers are also flowing strongly, which should result in good fishing for the season ahead. Expect to find fish feeding around the flooded margins of lakes and the flooded backwaters of rivers right from the opening. For boat users all ramps will be open for the foreseeable future.
Popular fisheries
Popular water that fished well last season included Woods Lake, Lake Crescent, Four Springs Lake, yingina/ Great Lake along with Bronte Little Pine and Penstock lagoons. All of these waters are expected to fish well again this season with lake Crescent likely to produce some huge trout. We have stocked Penstock Lagoon and Lake Crescent with brown trout from highland spawning
Lake Crescent is a renowned MONSTER fish water, and best early in the season. runs to ensure our fisheries remain sustainable and offer the bonus of creating some experiences that will be the best wild brown trout fishing possible. remembered for a lifetime. The wet conditions have rejuvenated fisheries across the state and we believe this season will be a good one Try somewhere new with the outlook for the next three years also good. This year we encourage anglers to try somewhere Waters including Tooms Lake, Lake Leake and Lake new. Explore some lesser known fisheries this season Dulverton have all refreshed with the winter rain and and you may well be surprised, if visiting a new area will be popular through the season consider teaming up with someone who knows the There are lots of family friendly waters that are fishery or perhaps hiring a guide to improve your stocked with trout. These include Craigbourne Dam, chances of success. Waters like lakes Pedder, King Four Springs Lake and Lake Kara. The River Derwent William, Burbury, Mackintosh and Lake Plimsoll to provides good fishing not far from Hobart and more name a few offer the opportunity to explore in scenic than likely there is a local river close to where you live locations and provide a good chance of catching a fish. that can provide quick easy options to try your luck. Sea run trout should start to turn up in the estuaries and lower reaches of major rivers from August. This can provide exciting fishing right through to Christmas. This type of fishing is reliable in the River Derwent, Huon River, Pieman River, Mersey River, Inglis River and many more right around the State. We encourage you to try one of these waters and go fishing with your kids or grandkids and pass on the Tasmanian Lake Pedder is a gorgeous water to fish. trout fishing tradition with
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Fishing News - Page 29
There is good accommodation and camping options at these lakes as well as boat launching facilities.
Lake Pedder
In Tasmania’s south west this huge lake is set in stunning wilderness scenery. The remote location adds to its charm and appeal. The large trout of yester year may have gone but the huge population of brown trout, averaging around 1kg, means that fishing can be exciting. Lake Pedder remains an angler’s paradise with large bags of good condition brown trout regularly taken. There is accommodation available at Strathgordon and camping facilities around the lake.
Lake King William
This lake is known for large numbers of both brown and rainbow trout. They are often
small, around 600-800 grams, but they are wild trout and they are fit. The lake has filled quickly over past couple of months bringing the fish into the shallow margins. The fish will be hungry after the winter and should be feeding freely. While the lake is full you can launch a boat at either end. There are informal camping spots around the lake and a variety of accommodation and meals available at Derwent Bridge. While visiting Lake King William, also look in on nearby Lake St Clair. Lake St Clair is more than worth investigating. Trolling deep lures and fly fishing in the wind lanes will generally catch a few fish.
Lake Burbury
Lake Burbury is found on the West Coast. This Hydro Tasmania lake can have a considerable rise and fall in water level through the
Lake King William is full of fish this size.
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Fishing News - Page 30
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Try Lake Plimsoll early and catch a monster brookie.
season and at the moment is spilling. These changes in water level don’t seem to stop the fish from biting. Brown trout dominate catches but there is a large head of rainbow trout. Bright coloured lures work well in the tannin coloured water. Overcast days and a little rain can be the most productive weather to bring the fish on the bite and this can be common. Early morning midge hatches will see fish rising all over the lake. These fish can be tricky to catch but it’s great fun chasing them in a boat. Camping and boat ramps can be found at both ends of the lake. Accommodation is available in Queenstown.
Lake Mackintosh
Lake Mackintosh is primarily a boat fishing lake however opportunities for shore based angling exist. The lake is subject to regular water level fluctuations and is currently full. Drift spinning and trolling are the preferred methods for lure anglers. For the fly angler the summer months are best when fish can be found rising in wind lanes or chasing mudeyes.
Lake Plimsoll Woods Lake will be fished hard from the start of the season.
Also on the West Coast. this lake provides one of the few locations in Tasmania where you can catch a
www.tasfish.com - Get the knowledge - Get the fish.
Fishing News - Page 31
If you want to buy a licence, know more or simply want to pass on your experience then visit the website (www.ifs.tas.gov.au), ring or email on 1300INFISH or infish@ifs.tas.gov.au, we sincerely value your feedback.
Go trout fishing
Go on, plan a fishing adventure now and take the opportunity to escape to the great Tasmanian outdoors, unwind, unplug and come home completely relaxed and enjoy a meal of wild Tassie trout. Inland Fisheries Service
Lake St Clair and the lagoon are great fisheries. brook trout. A boat is best to access the lake but fishing from the shore is possible. Some say that there are world record size brook trout waiting to be caught in this lake. There is accommodation available in nearby Tullah.
For More Information
There are numerous Angler Access brochures available at your local tackle store or online at www.ifs.tas.gov.au. The brochures have information on regulations, the fishery and access points for rivers and lakes across Tasmania. If you don’t find the information you are after visiting to your local tackle store is always a good way to find out more. If you want to check out the weather or fishing activity at your favourite spot before you go then visit the Anglers Alliance Tasmania (AAT) Website and view their range of live webcams. The AAT website can also help put you in touch with your local angling club. There is also the INFISH app available for both Apple and Android www.ifs.tas.gov. au/infish to give you detailed, on the spot information on over 150 inland lakes and rivers including how to get there, fishing regulations, warnings, fishing news, fishing methods and you can use the app to purchase your angling licence from wherever you are. There are a number of local books including “Tasmanian Trout Waters” by Greg French that can provide details and advice on when and where to fish.
Get a licence
An angling licence is available to suit everyone from 48 hour, seven or 28 days, one and five season. You can purchase your angling licence and find all sorts of other information, including the latest fish stocking activities, on the Inland Fisheries Service website www.ifs. tas.gov.au . Fishing News - Page 32
Lake Mackintosh is productive and underfished.
Stocking Table
Latest stocking details – for further information got to our website – www.ifs.tas.gov.au
Water Bradys Lake Penstock Lagoon Bradys Lake Lake Crescent Lake Crescent
Date 26 May 30 May 31 May 14 June 16 June
Species brown trout brown trout brown trout brown trout brown trout
Stock Wild Wild Wild Wild Wild
Number 750 320 133 500 200
Type Diploid Diploid Diploid Diploid Diploid
Grams 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000
Diploid
10000
100 360
Origin Liawenee Canal Sandbanks Creek Liawenee Canal Liawenee Canal Sandbanks Creek Huon Aquaculture Company Little Pine River Tods Corner
Craigbourne Dam
21 June
Atlantic salmon Domestic 50
Lake Dulverton Tooms Lake
27 June 1 July
brown trout brown trout
Wild Wild
Diploid Diploid
1000 1000
Tooms Lake
1 July
brown trout
Wild
60
Liawenee Canal
Diploid
1000
Lake Crescent
15 July
brown trout
Wild
250
Diploid
700
Blackmans Lagoon
19 July
brown trout
Wild
235
Diploid
700
Craigbourne Dam
21 July
Atlantic salmon Domestic 60
Diploid
12000
Brushy Lagoon
25 July
Atlantic salmon Domestic 400
Diploid
1500
www.tasfish.com - Get the knowledge - Get the fish.
Tumbledown Creek Tumbledown Creek Huon Aquaculture Company Saltas
I’ve been surprised to learn that there are a lot of people out there who know the fishing rules but deliberately don’t take any notice of them. Particularly, people in the community who should know better.
RECREATIONAL SEA FISHERIES NEWS
What have you learned since becoming a volunteer? Has your perspective changed?
I have a better understanding of the management of recreational fisheries and why some rules are there. I believe that there are rules that could be even stricter such as the size limit for stripeys which I think could be even higher, up to 600mm.
August/September 2016 SEASON DATES
In your spare time, what sort of fishing do you enjoy?
Rock Lobster
On 31 August 2016, the recreational rock lobster season closes for the males in the Western Region. The 2016/17 recreational rock lobster season opens from 5 November 2016 in the Western Region and from 19 November 2016 in the Eastern Region. More details at: www.fishing.tas.gov.au/ rec/seasons
Striped Trumpeter
A reminder that the striped trumpeter season is closed from 1 September to 31 October each year to protect fish during spawning.
Become a Fishcare Volunteer
Fishcare is looking for new recruits around the state. Becoming a volunteer is a great way to do your bit for Tasmania’s fisheries and to meet other like-minded people. Fishcare volunteers attend fishing events around the State and have the satisfaction of knowing they’ve made a difference.
What do Volunteers do?
Help keep Tasmania’s fisheries sustainable by: Attending fishing and community events such as boat shows, fishing competitions and AgFest; Teaching sustainable fishing practices; Pass on practical fishing knowledge and information; Maintaining local fishing signs and rulers; and Assisting with the Fishcare Schools Program. For more information about the Fishcare Program, see www.fishing.tas. gov.au/fishcare
I enjoy getting away from the farm, so I do a lot of my fishing out of Eddystone Point. Although I have to travel to catch my favourite fish, stripeys, I rarely have a
VOLUNTEER PROFILE – MIKE REID Name: Mike Reid Region: North West Volunteer since: ~2009
How did you become involved with Fishcare?
It was while I was at a public meeting (run by DPIPWE Fisheries) about changes to recreational fishing rules. I met and got talking to another volunteer who told me about Fishcare and what they do, so I followed up and volunteered after that.
ULVERSTONE
How often do you volunteer?
About every third weekend or so. I try to help out when asked, and also attend training days and social events where I can. Volunteering gives me a break from my other activities mainly looking after my 85 acre property where I keep cattle and sheep.
What is your favourite Fishcare activity? I enjoy it when we help out at boat shows such as the annual one at Deegan Marine. I also enjoy the social gettogethers, when we have a Fishcare training update, followed later by a barbeque or some of us get together and go fishing. Working with kids at fishing clinics is always great. The kids are fantastic, never any trouble, very willing to learn. It’s always rewarding after a fishing clinic when they say they’re going to start fishing and take their dad with them. It’s great to see their reaction when they actually catch a fish.
Has anything surprised you about volunteering with Fishcare?
ALL THE GEAR ALL THE ADVICE ALL THE TIME The perfect place to find the right tackle and great information. We specialise in for reel servicing and rod repairs. And why not lay-by a favourite piece of gear.
2/37 Queen St, Ulverstone TAS 7315 Phone: 0429 475 550 Hours: Opening hours 9 - 5 weekdays and 9 - 2 on Saturday
www.tasfish.com - Get the knowledge - Get the fish.
Fishing News - Page 33
poor trip. These days, I enjoy setting my pot for crayfish - I used to dive but not any longer. I also fish for flatties and black back salmon.
Date
Event
Location
Thursday, 4 August
Bright Ideas Festival, 4-day event
Strahan
How to Volunteer
Friday, 5 August
School Fair
Risdon Primary
12 - 14 August
Science Week
Princes Wharf No1, Hobart
Saturday, 13 August
Big Day of Science
Inveresk
Sat,13 - Sun 14 August
Deegan Marine Boat Show
Ulverstone
Monday, 15 August
Big Day of Science
Scottsdale LINC
Monday, 15 August
Big Gig Science Week Expo
Smithton
Sunday, 28 August
A Day on the Marsh
Carlton River
Monday, 5 September
Devonport City Council Fishing clinic
Musselrock, Devonport
Friday, 9-11 September
Tas Outdoor, Caravan & Boat Show
Launceston Silverdome
Saturday, 17 September
Launceston Church Grammar fair
Mowbray
Saturday, 17 September
Living Lightly Expo
Devonport
Sunday, 18 September
Brumbys Creek Trout Expo/IFS
Cressy
Monday, 19 September
Devonport City Council Fishing clinic
Reg Hope Park, Devonport
Check the calendar opposite and catch up with a Fishcare Coordinator in your region at a fishing show or community event near you. Or contact them using the details below. Contact one of our Fishcare Regional Coordinators: South: Rob Green on 6165 3039 North: Quenton Higgs on 6777 2082 North West: Damian Heran on 6443 8624 Email: fishcare@dpipwe.tas.gov.au. Web: www.fishing.tas.gov.au/fishcare.
Yellowtail Kingfish and Snapper Distribution Research
IMAS is currently conducting a study on the climatedriven changes to the distributions of yellowtail kingfish and snapper and the ecological impacts these species have as they arrive in Tassie. Researcher Curtis Champion is currently engaging with fishers to obtain samples in the form of fish frames for these two species from around the state. He’d like to hear of any people catching these species and is happy to collect the frames from fishers. Ideally, he is after fish frames with gonads and the gut still intact.
Need more information? Although it’s unlikely that kingfish are around much at this time of year, some snapper may still be caught and donated through winter and spring. If you can help please contact researcher Curtis Champion at IMAS at curtis.champion@utas.edu.au
Get a copy of the Recreational Sea Fishing Guide from Service Tasmania Download the Tasmanian Sea Fishing Guide app Go to 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
2016 TROUT SEASON OPENING 2012 SEASON SPECIALS 2010TROUT TROUT SEASON SPECIALS
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It’s coming
deegan marine
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Fishing News - Page 35
G
Game season wrap up Kelly Hooch Hunt This Mako was perfect size to take for the table.
T
he blue water season just gone it was be a cracker. The available species that came to play was awesome and so too was the numbers of the usual suspects. Anglers really got excited and we had many weekends where boat ramps were chockers and so to were freezers on Sunday. Pleasing to see was also the growing interest in ‘Tag and Release’ fishing. All in all the fishing was fantastic so let’s make sure our gear is in good condition and boats are serviced ready for the big season that is on the way. The Mako fishing on the east coast started early with some very good fish landed and tagged. Many crews would start a nice burley trail and after a short time report multiple makos at the boat. There were also a good number of blue sharks about. These are not as favoured by anglers as much as the Shortfin Mako and fight like a spud bag full of toilet rolls. The toilet rolls soaked in salt water would also be better to eat. Catching a mako shark is an adrenalin filled activity that can become addictive. They are a species that releases well and thoughts should be considered to do so if you are not set up to harvest for a feed. Makos can dangerous at the side of the boat and often cause damage to gear and craft. Be aware have a plan though and you can enjoy some awesome angling. The school bluefin came through early and in sensationally good numbers. The schools were large and could be found in close in habiting the deep water points and head lands from Bicheno down to Eaglehawk Neck. I managed to have a few sessions on these fish and had some great top water sessions.
Fishing News - Page 36
You will read in magazines around the country about top water action this and top water action that. The buzz around this form of fishing is well founded. Its exciting , the gear is sexy and the bite is very visual. Basically it is using lures that run across the top of the water and incite an often spectacular bite from the fish below. We ran some skirted lures for a while off Schouten Passage, but it was not long before we found some surface fish. The tuna where in close to Schouten Island and slashing the surface and feeding on something. We rigged some longer rods fitted with bigger egg beaters and slowly head over to the action. Stealth is key and having the extra rod length to aid long casting is crucial. We had fingers poised ready for action. Pressing the line into the EVA handles with the tips of our pointer fingers waiting for the green light from the skipper. Rods held back and waiting to load up on the forward cast like a medieval catapault. FIRE ….. came from the mouth of the skipper and we
sent out top water lures long and hard over the back of the feeding school of Bluefin. The lures hit the water and we took up any slack instantly and worked the lures. These fish were hungry and they chased our lures with 2 and 3 fish swooping at the offering. BOOM….. we are on with a double hook up. The strike is so visual and super spectacular. Playing these fish on medium spin gear is also sensational fun. We managed fish after fish and very quickly worked out that bending and filing the barbs off our hooks was going to be of real benefit. We released all but 4 of the tuna and had some fantastic sashimi while reliving the fantastic day on the water. If these fish come through like this next year, do yourself a favour and gear up for some top
Bluefin on topwater lures
www.tasfish.com - Get the knowledge - Get the fish.
We love the Penn Slammer water action. You will need a rod that is around the 7 foot mark with a butt section suited to overhead casting. Braid line is king in this space for long casts and look to use 50 -80lb braid. Spinning reels from all manufactures will have something suitable, but if you are looking for extreme value for the awesome specification delivered have a look at the new PENN Slammer III range. Lures come in many many forms and types. We had success with poppers , stick baits and bibles minnows. We also took plenty of fish down with big paddle tail soft plastics. Marlin made a very strong appearance and gave anglers the magical excitement and local buzz we have not experienced for many seasons. The angling grapevine was alive with marlin sightings, strikes and the occasional captures. To have a marlin swim up into your spread and start slashing at your lures is a massive rush. Getting connected to that marlin is a battle on lures rigged for our customary tuna fishing. Keeping connected and landing that fish is a sensational angling achievement in Tasmania and is to be congratulated highly. The elusive yellowfin proved to be just that again this year. While ever there is a good marlin bite on you would think good numbers of Yellowfin tuna would be in that
Damian Turner with the fish and the grin the catching of a marlin in Tasmania produces
current. While there were a few caught this year and one being a beauty off T he Passag e at Schouten Island , they did not come on real strong. Keep looking though as we are due a good run very soon and next season just might be it. I just cant help but think they were there this year but we missed them for some reason o f a n o t h e r. The more keen anglers the more eyes and Nigel Mawby stumbled across a rare short billed spear fish lures we have scouring the oceans for the magnificent creatures. They Dolphin fish were about with many juveniles are a well respected sports fish and put up an amazing encountered off the warm current fingers around the battle. They are also very well sought after for tummy continental shelf. Late in the season and amazingly there tucker. was a superb specimen caught in August off the bottom A few short billed spear fish made their way onto a of Tasman Island. This is just plain crazy and the angler few anglers species lists this season. These are a fish we was dressed looking like a dog sledder I personally don’t see too often in Tasmania and always spark some think that this fish and the couple that were with him interest. They are a member of the marlin family and had lost their compass? Dolphin fish or Mahi Mahi are not even that common in other areas of Australia. are aggressive feeders that can often be found around What is also of interest is the thought they travel in some float flotsam like sea weed and ocean rubbish. similar water to Blue Marlin. Now that will set the place If you spot something floating in the water it is often alight should someone take the bit between the teeth worth a lap or two. Dolphin fish will come out from under and aggressively attack your lures often in pairs and target and find a Blue next season.
Matthew Locke with a nice dolphin fish caught very south and very late in the season
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Fishing News - Page 37
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Fishing News - Page 38
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P: (03) 6425 2238 F: (03) 6425 4540 E: info@deeganmarine.com.au
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or more. These fish are great fun on light line and sensational eating. When handlng them beside or in the boat be careful as they go fully nuts and love sticking hooks in unwary anglers. The romance with B r o a d b i l l S wo r d f i s h continued and many crews went out and explored what these great fish have to offer. It seems the season for these fish grows wider as we learn more and more. Recreational anglers found some quality fish with some specimens going over 300kg. These fish are a great eating fish and many families have been able to get their teeth into some due to angler generosity. The science community also had a great season and have placed a good many satellite tags into some fish that were caught quickly and released healthy. This information once harvested will help shape the fishery for the future and give us all some handy insight on how they behave. These giants of the ocean were caught well into the season and still turned up towards the very end. I am hesitant to mention the word “end” as the traditional game fishing seasons of old, with a start and a finish are gone. The currents and weather and fish seem to all be shifting to the point a trip out to the shelf is opportunity dependant rather than the based on the “right time” to go.
So if you have a break from work or the weather looks good just go. Start a burley trail, drop a bait down deep or drag some lures whenever you can. You may catch something that someone has told you is too early or too late. Don’t listen. Gear up, get the weather right and have a crack ! Kelly ‘Hooch’ Hunt
John Scatchard (pictured above and below) and son, Nathan “got bit” and put this great broadbill on deck. Kingfish, shown below were once a rare catch, but are now becoming more common.
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Fishing News - Page 39
Polycraft - tough and unbreakable ‘
The best boat I have owned’
Jim Allen 5.3m Warrior
4.50 Polycraft Drifter Side Console. Power: BF60 Honda. ‘This is a dream boat for me, and delivers everything I want from a boat. I am not a polisher and need a boat that is robust and easy care, but still capable of daily use for the three months I live in Tasmania’s Central Highlands. ‘The Polycraft Drifter 4.5 does everything I ask of it. Whilst its important for me for it to be an outstanding fishing platform I want more. ‘My parameters were; Easy to tow, drive on to the trailer, drift well, handles rough water beautifully and low maintenance. ‘During a day’s fishing I might launch and retrieve three or four times, so you can see why the custom trailer that all Polycrafts are on is such a winner. Get the trailer in a the right depth and it is a simple drive on exercise.There are no rollers to fall off or break, and the skids work perfectly. ‘I drive a VW Tiguan and this tows the braked trailer and boat with ease. If I want to slip over to Lake Burbury - no problem. And being polyethelene means no stone chips or marks. ‘The way I fish often includes many hours of drifting and a lot of time on the electric motor. It drifts slowly and quietly and if the wind is up one of Mike Stevens’ drogues slows it a treat. It is the best boat I have fished from. I have a seat I can move around and I love that. A 55lb bow mount motor is perfect for chasing sharks on Great Lake and the battery is separate to my starting battery. It lasts all day easily. ‘At the end of the day it can get very rough especially on Great Lake. This is when the little Polycraft comes into its own. This boat is soft riding and pretty dry as well. I am constantly astounded on how well it handles the rough water and I chuckle at the pounding some others receive in their tinnies.’ Jim Allen Fishing News - Page 40
The 4.50 Drifter Side Console is a brilliantly laid out boat for the hardcore fisherman. If you want the benefit of steering from a seated helm position, while at the same time retaining a large amount of useable floor space, then the brilliant 4.50 Drifter Side Console is the answer. The driver is positioned in the rear starboard corner, behind a console unit which provides protection from the elements and also great visibility. The console unit can be used to mount electronics, such as sounders and engine gauges, and also has built in dry storage facilities. The 4.50 Drifter Side Console comes in eight great, classic Polycraft colours and is a real catch for those keen on their angling. With generous storage under the split front hatch, as well as in the two huge rear storage seats, this boat is built for the fisherman and boater who likes to keep a tidy deck. Standard featues include: • 4.5 Anchor Well • 4.5 Bow Rail • 4.5 Bow Roller • 4.5 Cleat • 4.5 Front Casting Deck • 4.5 Hand Rail • Non Feedback Steering • Pin Stripes • Polycraft Logo • Side Console • Winch Point. Optional features: • 4.5 Front Cushion Set • 4.5 Pedestal Box & Seat • 4.5 Rear Cushion Set • Carpet Front & Rear Casting Deck • Carpeted Floor • Fuel Tank 70 Litre • Hydraulic Steering • Long Storage Seat • Rear Casting Deck Insert • Rear Storage Bait Box • Side Pockets • Ski Hooks • Survey Standard.
4.1m Challenger (Tiller)
4.1m Challenger (Centre Console)
3m Tuff Tender
Models from 3 to 6 metres. 21 Wellington St, Longford TAS 7301 Ph: 6391 1543 Mon-Fri: 8:30 AM - 6:00 PM Sat: 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM Email: info@tasmaniamarine.com.au Web: www.tasmaniamarine.com.au
Scan here to see how tough a Polycraft is.
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The Miracle Worker
Dr Mark
Ultralite Featherweight - Sporty looks aren’t
Can repair, renovate, rebuild, replace, redesign or renew just about anything to do with boats, trailers, propellers and other general engineering stuff.
If it is busted, bent, broken or dinged.
Dr Mark can fix it For new boats, new trailers, general fabrication, design or rewires.
Dr Mark can do it Miracles - No problem Spongers, idiots and time wasters are not welcome.
Aluman Engineering 424 Hobart Rd, Youngtown TAS 7249 6343 3341
The name Hardy is synonymous with fly gear and anglers alike. After a brief ‘where are they’ moment a few years ago, they have bounce right back to the top of the tree, producing some of the world’s best fly rods and reels. A history steeped in the manufacture of exquisite fly reels, the English born company is stopping at nothing to hedges its bets against the world in fly reel tech and outright sexiness.
Fortuna XDS - Starting at the top of the reel
tree here for 2017 is a re-tuned master blaster of saltwater madness. The original Fortuna X was such a beast, nothing come close to its drag output, line capacity and overall frame durability. It really only had one drawback - it was a heavy sun of a gun! This year sees the new Fortuna XDS having the same internal drag structure and components (all 32-lb of silky smoothness) but with two blistering new features. First is the drag dial. On the drag knob side of the reel you get a colour coded, 340 degree zero to hero system the allows you to precisely set and keep track of what your drag is doing and adjust quickly on the fly. Second is the overall weight of the reel. Hardy have really tuned this reel down in weight, and made it look cool as a cucumber in the process. The new Fortuna XDS is every bit as durable as it used to be and now it’s heaps sexier, lighter and has a more advanced drag cam. You really can’t go wrong!
everything! And this little critter has plenty of that to throw around but also boasts and multi disc drag system and a weight range from 82 - 102 grams. Yep! Featherweight is back and it packed a lunch and the kitchen sink!! The new 2017 Hardy Featherweight is the type of reel you pick up and immediately fall in love with. Aside from it minimalistic looks, the reels weight is a feature that you just can’t ignore. With the 3 weight version scaling in a diminutive 85 grams, you be more than happy with a clicker. Nope!! The Featherweight sports a multi washer drag system that even if it only ever get used for stripping tension (and realistically that’s what it would be on these light weight reels). Its finely tuned cam give you the ability to set and forget, strip line and or fight fish, it’s going to stay silky smooth and not give your tippets a fright!
Ultralite ASR - There’s a new cassette reel on the
decks people! It’s way more funky in overall design and looks and has a new spool engage/disengage mech. Everyone loves a cassette reel way they are built right from the start. The Hardy cassettes are exactly that. Coming with 3 polycarbonate spools the alloy cage and spool frame are built to take the knocks the everyday fishing can deliver and with a smooth and powerful drag system, you can put the brakes on some pretty hefty fish if need be. The new spool on/off switch in the Ultralite ASR has been made more user friendly by incorporating a single switch that when pushed, the spool simply pops off. And on return, the spool push fit to click and that’s all she wrote! Simple as it gets!! There are quite a few more new products coming from Hardy this year but I’ve run out of words so until next time, I’ll leave you with a list of other new stuff to think about - Marquis LWT (light weight), Demon Smuggler, Sirrus Glass and Zephrus Double Hand.
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Fishing News - Page 41
5:11 Stryke Pants We have never reviewed a pair of pants in TFBN. Allgoods is one of my favourite stores anywhere and the owner Robert Luck has advertised with us since issue one. He gave me a pair
of 5:11 Tactical pants and asked me to review them. I am a bit of a jeans fan, but thought ‘why not’. I have hunted, fished, cut wood and renovated a shop in them. Sometimes they have gone a week without getting washed. Simply put, they are the best work pants I have ever worn. I like them so much I have bought another pair. I read the hype and thought ‘oh yeah’, but after wearing them for two months almost every day I soon found out it is not hype at all. It is rare these days to find something that lives up to what’s on the label. If I am sounding like the 5:11 marketing guy please excuse me. He - or she must have the easiest job in the world. 5:11 is an emerging brand and have been targeted at police, fire fighters and the like. These are designed to be a serious working product which function without hinderance.
They are made from patented 2 way stretch, ripstop material with 12 pockets, including deep cargo pockets, articulated knees and a waistband with some stretch. What that all means to me is superb comfort in a robust pair of working pants. Sound expensive? No just $100 bucks at any Allgoods store. Robert also gave me a Stryke shirt, but it hasn’t had the use the pants have just yet. I have no doubt though that all the products from 5:11 are outstanding. Check out the range. Mike Stevens
Penn Slammer III PENN® reels are known to perform in heavy-duty fishing situations with features and benefits on which hard core anglers and charter captains trust. The Slammer III features the new IPX6 Sealed System to keep water out of the gear box and drag system in heavy spray and sea conditions. The Slammer III also incorporates the PENN proprietary sealed Dura-Drag
system with washers that eliminate hesitation even under extreme drag settings – up to 30kg in the larger models! With the computer-controlled CNC gear technology system, the precision brass main, pinion and oscillation gears are individually machined for exact tolerances to provide the smoothest operation. The full metal body, sideplate and rotor house seven stainless steel bearings for a lifetime of fishing in saltwater conditions. Eight models of the Slammer III are offered to cover a wide range of inshore and offshore angling opportunities from dropping
Pro XS FourStroke Performance Redefined Built on the legendary Pro XS reputation for superior hole shot, top end speed and durability. Mercury’s new 115HP Pro XS FourStroke redefines outboard performance. Visit mercurymarine.com.au to find out more.
Channel Marine Services Lot 10 Gemalla Rd, Margate Ph: 03 6267 1456 Tasmanian Marine Centre 21 Wellington Street, Longford Ph: 03 6391 1543
Fishing News - Page 42
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jigs down deep to casting poppers and stick baits. Gear ratios range from 6.2:1 with 92.5 cm of line retrieve on the smaller reels to 4.2:1 with 107.5 cm of line retrieve on the largest. Maximum drags start at 15kg in the smaller models to 30kg on the largest. The oversized reel handle grip gives the angler added control during the fight. The 3500 Slammer III is the smallest of the family weighing 394 grams while the 10500 weighs 1221 grams. Slammer III prices start at $369 RRP. www.pennfishing.com.au
Features galore and a striking finish to ensure you look smart on the water.
New Gulp! Shape - Berkley Gulp! Jigging Shrimp Combine the proven fish catching profile of a Gulp Shrimp and add the enticing tail action of a long, curl tail and you get the New Berkley Gulp Jigging Shrimp. Designed in Australia the Gulp! Jigging Shrimp shape is available in 3” & 5” sizes and 12 colours. On the drop or on the hop, the Gulp!
Jigging Shrimp tail swims at the slowest of speeds delivering a continuous lifelike action. Made with 100% natural ingredients and packed full of the most attractive scents on the market Gulp! releases 400 times more scent than plastic baits resulting in anglers catching more fish. $13.95 RRP www.berkley-fishing.com.au
Gulp 5” & 7’ Jerkshad – new colours The Gulp! Jerkshad is a proven fish catching weapon. Everything from reef fish to pelagics can’t resist the combination of baitfish profile, Gulp! scent and darting, fluttering wounded baitfish action that
Zerek Hy-Braid Zerek Hy-Braid is a translucent braid that is visible outside the water and has a decreased visibility inside the water. Hi-Braid is a unique hybrid hyperfill fibre line that has all the advantages of a traditional fused braided line without the disadvantages. The unique build of Hy-Braid allows for incredible casting distance, durability and longevity that is unsurpassed and, most importantly is easy to tie knots with and retains excellent line strength after knot tying. Available in 15m and 300m spool, Zerek Hy-Braid is a truly unique braided offering unlike anything else on the market.
FIRELINE We could tell you all about the science behind our fishing line, or all the research and fine tuning we do. But all that matters is that it works. See all our innovations at berkley-fishing.com.au
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Wilson Tackle Station Wilson Ultimate Tackle Station is designed to fit securely in your kayak, but also to be ideal for anglers requiring lots of storage options in a boat or on the shore. Made from 600d water resistant rip-stop poly fabric, this unit is feature packed. Features include 2 heavy duty carry straps with an adjustable and detachable padded shoulder strap, a sewn in triple rod/tool holder with three rod tubes secured by Velcro straps, a multitude of tool holders and accessory pouches, drainage holes in all areas, clear plastic map pockets and a Velcro secured top.
berkley-fishing.com.au
www.tasfish.com - Get the knowledge - Get the fish. 210x297 Berkley Fishing Evolved.indd 1
10/06/2016 2:42 pm Fishing News - Page 43
can be imparted with a simple jerking retrieve technique. Taking inspiration from four popular Australian bait fish four new colours are added to the 2017 Gulp! Jerkshad range: Bluefuze, Gar Licker, Slimed and Yakka Snak. Made with 100% natural ingredients and packed full of the most attractive scents on the market Gulp! releases 400 times more scent than plastic baits resulting in anglers catching more fish. $13.95 RRP www.berkley-fishing.com.au
to bend a lot deeper in the blank. In fishing terms a rod that bends a bit deeper has more “feel” in close and lets face it, most fish are caught within 50 feet and it’s the 30-50ft length that is so critical for most trout fishing. At these ranges the rods I have tried excel. The other aspect of Konnetic HD is that it seems to track straighter and truer – tracking is what we refer to as the path of the tip of the rod laterally – sideways movement greatly affects accuracy and Jerry Siem, Sage’s chief rod designer, along with Steve Greist understands this need to align the fibers in the rod to achieve minimal lateral movement. These rods are dead accurate. This summer I look forward very much
Sage X The Sage X rods are their new flagship series replacing the popular and very versatile Ones. Sage renew their flagship model approximately every 5-6 years and this is the 10th flagship model in their history (get it, the Roman numeral X = 10). The rods utilize the Sage Konnetic technology which aims to reduce the amount of resin between the carbon fibers. The new technology is called Konnetic HD (high density) and Sage’s in house composite engineer Steve Greist has this to say about it; “The essence of KONNETIC HD Technology is our ability to further increase the fiber density in the c o m p o s i t e a b o v e KO N N E T I C Technology used in the ONE and SALT rods. That is to say there are more fibers in a given volume in HD. This translates into increased composite modulus (stiffness) and more effective energy transfer between fibers and ultimately throughout the whole rod. We’ve increased the stiffness to weight ratio as well as the strength to weight ratio with the new material so have gained on all fronts. This gives Jerry a material to further optimize his design and actions that are efficient to load, develop high line speed and result in accurate and improved loop control.” So how does that translate into what happens through the rod, in your hand and ultimately in the line. The rods are definitely lighter in hand than their predecessors and they certainly seem Fishing News - Page 44
to putting the new X #5 up against my old #5 One, perhaps the most versatile rod I have ever owned. The #8 was an instant love affair and is simply the best rod I have ever cast – if only there were bonefish in Tassy. Peter Morse
Simms Waypoint Sling Pack For anglers looking for comfort as well as solutions the Simms Waypoints Sling Pack could be it. While there are anglers who still favor vests, others greatly dislike what is regarded as clutter on the chest. In addition, while many vests are now
ventilated, for some, they can often still feel like wearing another shirt on hot days and also feel imbalanced and uncomfortable with bulkier items like cameras or water bottles. For those who prefer a pack, often packs remain bulky in the front and parts of the pack tend to catch loose line (at the worst times, of course). Many anglers are finding slings to be an alternative. The Simms Waypoints Sling Pack (Large) is that it is light. As the plan for a pack is generally to fill it, this is a great starting point. This sling is not only light in hand, but it also feels impressively light when wearing it. Shoulder pull is a common problem with poorly-designed slings - not with the Simms. Another common problem with slings is that they can swing around when you are maneuvering around the water or terrain. You might climb, reach, or bend for something, and your sling swings from your back to the front. Frustrating. The Simms Waypoints Sling Pack also has a side strap to keep everything in place. Many designs allow everything to just be a free for all in one main compartment. This makes finding things more difficult than it needs to be. The Waypoints Sling Pack has four zippered compartments and numerous dividers in two of those compartments. Fly anglers like to be organized, and this design allows for a tremendous amount of organization. And with respect to these compartments, the designers at Simms are masters at imagining every possible need an angler might have on the water. One section folds down into a perfectlysized work bench, and items such as a “tippet tender” and a floatant holder can be readily available or even moved and stuck to the front of the pack. Pockets within various sections of the pack are designed to fit fly fishing accessories and elastic pockets keep these items in place. And in what might seem like a trivial detail, this pack has U-shaped zippers that actually do make it easier to zip and unzip this pack. This is a surprising feature that anglers will enjoy getting used to. Finally, the Simms Waypoints Sling Pack has a mesh back that allows for breathability, especially on hot days. And in the ventilated center has two padded sections for added comfort. The Simms Waypoints Sling Pack is impressively designed and will attract
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many anglers. The large Sling pack retails for $250 and smaller version for $200. You will find them at Essential Flyfisher.
Ugly Stik 40th Anniversary - Getting Ugly since 1976 The year was 1976. Malcolm Fraser was just settling into the prime minister’s chair after Gough Whitlam’s dismissal, Greg Chapell had become the Australian Cricket Captain, Hawthorn took out the VFL grand final, Manly-Warringah triumphed in the NSWRFL AND the first Ugly Stik rolled off the Howell process machine. 2016 marks the 40th birthday of the Ugly Stik by Shakespeare. Since the first rod was fished in 1976, Ugly Stik’s combination of strength and sensitivity has resonated with anglers around the world. The Ugly Stik name has become synonymous with toughness and durability. Australian anglers soon realised the benefits of Ugly Stik’s double built blank. Local Ugly Stik series such as Ugly Stik Guts Butt, Ugly Stik Platinum and Ugly Stik Gold came to life delivering Australian anglers the actions they wanted and Ugly Stik’s legendary strength and sensitivity. The Ugly Stik’s® exclusive Howald Process Double-Built construction features a graphite inner core with an outer layer of E-Glass to create a rod with superior strength and sensitivity. This process remains the same in Ugly Stik rods built to this very day. Ugly Stik has stood the test of time and become Australia’s most trusted name in fishing rods. To celebrate Ugly Stik’s 40th Anniversary like us on Facebook for birthday promotions. Ugly Stik – Getting Ugly since 1976 www.shakespeare.com.au
The RISE is ON RISE Fly Fishing Film Festival 2016 Fly fishing’s most celebrated annual event, the RISE Fly Fishing Film Festival, continues its global tour during August and September in Australia. The film tour serves as a stage for the best Australian and Kiwi filmmakers in the industry to premiere their latest offerings, allowing the fishing community to share their passion for the sport by attending film screenings across the country. In its 11th year, RISE is celebrating over a decade of bringing the best fishing entertainment to cinemas around the world. Australian audiences can look forward to stunning footage from Argentina, Australia, New Zealand, Bolivia and Alaska presented in high definition on the big screen. Gin-Clear Media’s Freaks of Nature is one of the features of the festival. It is a film about the giant rainbow trout of Patagonia’s fabled Jurassic Lake. This desolate and wind-swept lake is undoubtedly home to the largest trout on the planet, a place where ten pound fish are common and twenty pound plus trout are caught every week. The festival will also be premiering Parallel Lines the new film from emerging Aussie filmmaker Benny Godfrey. Filmed in numerous locations across Australia and featuring Brett Wilson and Shannon Kitchener, two mates whose lives have been shaped by their passion for fly fishing. For many, RISE Fly Fishing Film Festival has become so much more than just going to the cinema. These annual fish-fests have become a true celebration of fly fishing, it’s an excuse to get together with friends and reminisce about the past season as well as look forward to the season to come. Presented by Gin-Clear Media, RISE will screen across Australia, including Brisbane, Central Coast, Sydney, Bowral, Canberra, Albury, Melbourne, Ballarat, Bendigo, Hobart, Burnie, Launceston, Adelaide, Perth and Darwin. For more information, movie trailers etc. visit www.ginclear.com BURNIE, 29-Aug METRO CINEMA LAUNCESTON, 30-Aug VILLAGE CINEMAS HOBART, 01-Sep VILLAGE EASTLANDS
English angler Paul Procter cradles a trophy brown trout before release. From The Rise. Available from Essential Flyfisher and all good tackle stores. $120
A drogue allows you more time to fish productive water. Slow your drift by 75% and catch more fish.
This drogue has been developed by Mike Stevens from the Peter Hayes drogues that many will be familiar with. It uses a mesh material, which makes it set more easily, is lighter, more compact and easier to handle. Instead of a centre hole to stabilise it the mesh allows a small amount of water to filter through. The mesh means you don’t pull large amounts of water into the boat. The drogue comes complete with bridle ropes, float and chain.
Using your drogue
Tickets for the Launceston Show can be bought from Essential Flyfisher 105 York Street, Launceston. Gin-Clear Media is a multi-media company based in Te Anau, New Zealand, whose enterprises include leading feature films, websites, events and exhibitions. RISE is Gin-Clear Media’s 11th annual film festival, adding to its increasingly important influence in the fly fishing film genre. For more details, contact: Nick Reygaert. Email: nick@gin-clear.com
Your new drogue may be a little stiff at the start, but will soon become soft and flexible as you use it more and will ‘set’ faster. Your boat can be ‘sailed’ across the wind but letting line ‘A ‘ and/or ‘B’ in or out. Experiment to find the best drift as it varies between boats. If your boat has high sides you may need to extend the lines ‘A’ and ‘B’. Keep them as short as you can, then you can motor along slowly without the drogue tangling in the outboard. Drogue comes with bridle lines ‘C’ and ‘D’ attached. You need to add lines ‘A’ and ‘B’. If your boat pulls the drogue to the surface lengthen ‘C’ or shorten ‘D’.
‘A’ Some boaters join these ends and feed the lines in and out to steer the boat on the drogue.
Set lines ‘A’ and ‘B’ as far apart as practicable.
‘B’
‘C’ ‘D’
Likewise if the drogue is going below the surface lengthen ‘C’ or shorten ‘D’. Suits boats to 5 metres. Custom made for bigger boats.
$120 + post; email mike@tasfish.com phone 0418 129949 for other retailers near you. - Page 45 Fishing News www.tasfish.com -RRP Get the knowledge - Get theor fish.
The Leven
The Leven slide on camper is constructed from light weight fibreglass panel and has outstanding insulation properties. The aerodynamic shape of the Leven not only looks great, but is functional saving you fuel on those long road trips. The electric powered roof gives the Leven it’s stylish exterior and the camper is able to be used even with the roof down. Security features in the Leven include the Aussie Traveller security door, and double glazed windows with triple lock down points that ensure a strong and durable seal. The quality fitted interior is designed to allow the maximum use of space. The features include a pull out table which can be stored when not needed and comfortable face to face seating in a choice of durable fashion fabrics. The sleek kitchen design features overhead storage, plenty of draws, and a choice of gas or electric hotplate. A fridge is also included in the camper so you will have everything you need including the kitchen sink.
Little Henty camper - this is a great camper for couples who want a very light weight fully insulated slide on with extensive customization options. So make it suit how you want to live while on the road. With seven models in the range and three of them set for those who travel alone we have it covered.
Phone : 03 6437 2791 email : drafting@penguincomposites.com.au
Wanted to buy Japanese swords & fittings, antique & WW2. Long or short. Private collector 0417 543 815.
Your ad can work if it’s here. Phone Mike Stevens 0418 129949
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椀渀昀漀䀀昀爀愀渀欀氀椀渀洀愀爀椀渀攀⸀挀漀洀⸀愀甀 ㌀㌀㐀㤀 䠀甀漀渀 䠀眀礀Ⰰ 䘀爀愀渀欀氀椀渀 眀眀眀⸀昀爀愀渀欀氀椀渀洀愀爀椀渀攀⸀挀漀洀⸀愀甀
Fishing News - Page 46
Launceston’s Only Authorised Dealer and Service Centre Mercury and Motorguide 8 Legana Park Drive Legana Industrial Estate, P: 6330 2277 E: 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.
Scott, 53 King St. Scottsdale.Ph. 6352 2357 Julie-Anne, 41 Quail St. St Helens. Ph. 6376 1390
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Top Service – Top Price
Boat trailer wheel and tyre
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
Dunbier and early Holden pattern
around $90ea 62 Hopkins St, Moonah 6228 0274
Hillcrest Tourist Park and Mini Market
100 Chimney Heights Rd. St Helens 6376 3298
Outboard Technology
Gone Fishing Charters
• East coast estuary and bay • Whiting, Bream, Salmon, Garfish, Flathead, Squid and more • Soft plastics, lures, fly and bait • 5.8 metre sportfishing boat.
Quality service and repairs to all Outboard Motors
Southern Region
Gone Fishing Charters St Helens
David Gillespie 6248 9080 or 0417 562 859
Michael Haley 0419 353 041 mhaleycharters@bigpond.com www.breamfishing.com.au
96 Clifton Beach Rd Sandford Tas 7020
Fish
World class fishing in the heart of the central highlands
Stay in a luxury art deco 3 bedroom cottage Atmospheric Highlander Arms tavern on the doorstep 3 course meal provided each night Catch your own salmon in Tarraleah lake and learn how to prepare it with expert chef 18 lakes within 30 minutes drive
(03) 6289 0111 info @tarraleah.com www.tarraleah.com
cosy wood fires
wine & whisky tasting
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guided fishing trips
great pub
Fishing News - Page 47
Know your lifejacket
Better safety and facilities for Tasmanian boaters
Incorrectly worn or fitted lifejackets may not work effectively Make sure yours; • Fits • Is serviced regularly • You know how to use it • If it is inflatable - is it auto or manual inflate? Explain that to the crew
Scan the QR code above or go to www. mast.tas.gov.au to see MAST’s lifejacket awareness video. Incorrectly worn or fitted lifejackets may not work effectively
MAST spend $1,000,000 every year improving your recreational boating facilities around Tasmania. THE BOATWISE COULD
Apply any time for better boating facilities. Go to www.mast.tas.gov.au
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