give it a go - Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and

Fishing is fun -
‘Fishing is Fun’ is brought to you by the Australian Fishing Trade Association, Fishwise, DPIPWE (Marine Recreational Fisheries), Inland Fisheries
Service and Marine and Safety Tasmania. Produced by Stevens Publishing Pty Ltd. ABN 79 095 217 299. Phone 03 6331 1278
give it a go
Sea Fishe s of Tasm
ania
FREE
B la
ck b
ream
- Ac
a nth
o pa g
r us b
utc he
Black bream are a long
lived species – large
mature fish can be more
than 30 years old.
Trout & Salmon of T
asmania
ri
Fishes of Tasmania Poster
‘Learn to Fish 2’ DVD
Brown
A u stra
lian sa
lmon
- Arr
i pis t
r utt a
trout -
Salmo trutta
Brown trout - a cclimatised
from
England to Tasmania
in 1864.
Australian salmon are
a valueable recreational
species. From
small ‘cockies’ to the
large ‘blackback’ they
fight hard and are
found all around Tasmania
in estuaries and from
beaches.
Tasm
ania
n (s
trip
ed)
tru
mp
ete
r-L
a tr i s
lineata
Tasmanian (striped) trumpeter
are renowned
by many as Tasmania’s
best table fish. Large
specimens are caught
on offshore reefs.
Rainbow trout
- Oncorhynchus
mykiss
Rainbow trout - acclimatised
from New Zealand circa
1897.
Si x - s p in e
Silv
er
trev
ally
- Pseu
d l e at h
et - M
e rja c k
e us c h
en
ti
y cine
ia fre
Leatherjackets are easily
caught
inshore all around Tasmania
and
have delicious white
flesh.
• What you can catch, plus where and how
• Rules, how to cook and care for fish and more
• Go in the FREE draw to WIN a kayak
docara
nx dent
ex
Silver trevally are a premium
light tackle sport fish
and are common in
many estuaries and inshore.
Brook
trout
- Salv
elinus
fontinali
s
Brook trout (char) were
introduced from
America via New Zealand
circa 1883.
Shor
Some of Tasmania’s most
popular
recreational species are
shown. There
are many others, including
tuna that
are targeted offshore,
plus flathead,
morwong, garfish, calamari
and others.
tfn m
ako -
Is uru s
oxyrinc
hu
s
Mako sharks are highly
sought as a game
fish in Tasmania. They
fight hard, grow very
large and small makos
are great table fare.
Illustration by Trevor
Hawkins © Mike Stevens
Atlantic salmon
In memory of Michael
Tristram - a bequest from
Atlantic salmon - first
introduced
populations were unsuccessful. with trout in 1864, but sustaining
Commercially farmed
from circa 1984.
- Salmo salar
his estate.
Illustration by Trevor
Hawkins
© Mike Stevens
Tasmania supports the
purest strain of brown
trout
in the world—they are
highly
regarded, mostly hard
to catch and are the
backbone of the freshwate
r fishery.
Rainbows feature in
many lakes and
some rivers, whilst brook
trout are in
fewer waters and grow
to world record
sizes in a couple of west
Atlantic salmon are mostly coast lakes.
a commercial
farmed species, but many
large specimens are
released into recreatio
nal waters annually.
In memory of Michael
Tristram - a bequest from
his estate.
Fishing is fun for everyone - from toddlers to old age - just add water...
Cover photo courtesy Todd Lambert and happy St Helens anglers.
2
Plenty of fish
Tasmania has a huge variety of fishing options. Inland
waters abound with trout, and Tasmania’s coastline teems
with fish. Whilst fish can sometimes be difficult to catch,
fishing is much more than just catching fish.
The environment and places where fish are found are
often beautiful and the air fresh and healthy.
In marine waters there have been huge changes over
the last few years with a reduction of netting, both
recreational and commercial from many bays, rivers and
estuaries. The fishing has improved substantially in many
of these areas.
Silver trevally, Australian salmon, flathead, pike, bream,
garfish, mullet, calamari are all popular species and can
be caught statewide.
In recent times the Inland Fisheries Ser vice have
undertaken to heavily stock inland waters close to larger
population areas. This gives increased opportunities for
all anglers to catch a trout or Atlantic salmon.
The Australian Fishing Trade Association invites you to
try fishing this summer.
Start fishing for under $10
A handline from a jetty can get you
started. Your local AFTA tackle
store has a huge variety of
gear including pre-rigged
handcasters for around $5.
Add a packet of bait and you
can be catching fish for less
than $10.
Fresh or saltwater
outfits for $40 or less
Fishing tackle has never been more affordable than
it is today. The major brands all have rod, reel and
line combinations that will get you fishing with
confidence. Ask your AFTA tackle store for their
recommendation.
Try fly fishing
- outfits from $120
Fly fishing might be what you’d like to try. Well the
news is good. For a very reasonable price you can
get the essentials and be on your way.
AFTA stores giving great fishing advice—especially in
your local area, which will help you catch fish. They also
have a FREE poster and Learn to Fish DVD, but they are
in limited numbers so hurry in.
Expert advice from AFTA Stores
Buy your tackle from an AFTA store, make friends
with the staff and you will always get great
advice. Ask where to go and what you can catch.
Getting good advice makes sense with most things you
do in life and you will have greater success with the
benefit from experts.
Australian Fishing Trade Association (AFTA) members
are professional in their approach, delivery and
understanding of the recreational
fishery and they have a genuine desire
to help people catch a fish.
When you want fishing tackle check
out your local AFTA store opposite.
Contents
What you can catch ................................4
Locations ...................................................6
Marine fishing information .....................8
Fishwise and Redmap ..............................11
Fishwatch ...................................................12
Bag/Possession/Size limits ......................13
Cooking fish ..............................................14
Trout ...........................................................16
Useful knots ..............................................19
Peak fishing groups ..................................20
Contacts ....................................................23
Get your FREE ‘POSTER and ‘Learn to Fish 2’ DVD from any AFTA store
Trout & Salmon of Tasmania
Sea Fishes of Tasmania
B la c
k bre
am -
Ac a nth
o pa gr us
b utc he r i
species – large
Black bream are a long lived
30 years old.
mature fish can be more than
Brown trout - Salmo
A u st
ralia
n sa
lmo
n-
Arr i
pis
tr ut
from
Brown trout - a cclimatised
England to Tasmania in 1864.
trutta
ta
recreational species. From
Australian salmon are a valueable
they fight hard and are
small ‘cockies’ to the large ‘blackback’ and from beaches.
estuaries
found all around Tasmania in
ow trout
rhynchus
mykiss
- Onco
Rainb
Tasm
anian
(strip
ed)
tr
um p
eter
- L a tr i s
Rainbow trout - acclimatised
from New Zealand circa 1897.
lineata
are renowned
Tasmanian (striped) trumpeter
table fish. Large
by many as Tasmania’s best
reefs.
specimens are caught on offshore
Si x - s p
in e d
l e at h
e rja
cke
t-M
e us
c he
nia
frey
cine
ti
Leatherjackets are easily caught
and
inshore all around Tasmania
have delicious white flesh.
Brook trout
Silv
er tr
evally
o salar
on - Salm
Shor tf
tic salm
n mako -
Atlan
Isurus oxyrinchus
with trout in 1864, but sustaining
Atlantic salmon - first introduced
circa 1984.
Commercially farmed from
populations were unsuccessful.
as a game
Mako sharks are highly sought
grow very
fish in Tasmania. They fight hard,
table fare.
large and small makos are great
Illustration by Trevor Hawkins
us fontinal
is
from
Brook trout (char) were introduced
1883.
America via New Zealand circa
Tasmania supports the
purest strain of brown trout
in the world—they are highly
regarded, mostly hard
to catch and are the
fishery.
backbone of the freshwater
and
Rainbows feature in many lakes
are in
some rivers, whilst brook trout
record
fewer waters and grow to world
lakes.
sizes in a couple of west coast
a commercial
mostly
are
salmon
Atlantic
specimens are
farmed species, but many large
annually.
released into recreational waters
- Pseudocar
anx dentex
light tackle sport fish
Silver trevally are a premium
and inshore.
and are common in many estuaries
Some of Tasmania’s most popular
There
recreational species are shown.
that
are many others, including tuna
are targeted offshore, plus flathead,
others.
morwong, garfish, calamari and
- Salvelin
© Mike Stevens
Illustration by Trevor Hawkins
In memory of Michael Tristram
FREE
Fishes of
Tasmania
Posters
- a bequest from his estate.
© Mike Stevens
In memory of Michael Tristram
- a bequest from his estate.
For the first time ever Tasmania has two superb artistic posters on popular Tasmanian
recreational fish. Produced with a bequest from Michael Tristram’s estate these
posters are available free from all AFTA member tackle stores. Details of these
stores are shown below.
Also in limited numbers are the popular ‘Learn to Fish 2’ DVDs. Introduced by
former Miss Australia and TV star Erin McNaught ‘Learn to Fish 2’ DVD goes
through some simple basic steps teaching you how to fish.
Gear selection and setup are explained, plus where and how to fish.This is all
explained by anglers who really understand what you need to know, and break
it down into simple, easy to follow steps.
You can collect your FREE DVD from the AFTA member stores listed below.There
are a limited number of DVDs available so hurry.
Collect your FREE Poster and DVD from these
Australian Fishing Trade Association members.
AFTA Tackle stores for expert advice
Launceston
Launceston
Launceston
Burnie
Devonport
Devonport
Ulverstone
St Helens
Longford
George Town
Kingston
Hobart
Hobart
Downtown Tackle Essential Fly Fisher
Tamar Marine
Tassie Tackle & Outdoor Bigfin Sportfishing
Devonport Boat N Tackle
Ultimate Fishing
St Helens Bait and Tackle
Doo-Gun Trout N Tour Damon Sherriff ’s Sport ‘N’ Fish Tackle Us
Bridges Bros
Spot On - The Fishing Connection
118 Charles St
105 York St 6-8 West Tamar Rd 37 Wilson St 58 Wright St 13a Forbes St 80 Reiby St Shop1/24 Quail St 21 Marlborough St 44 Macquarie Street
Kingston Plaza 71 Bathurst St 87-91 Harrington St
Get your FREE ‘POSTER and ‘Learn to Fish 2’ DVD from any AFTA store
6331 0001
6331 8944
6331 6188
6431 6500
6427 8854
6424 7172
6425 1968
6376 2244
6391 1401
6382 2373
6227 2400
6234 3791
6234 4880
3
4
What you can catch Freshwater
If you fish in inland waters you do need a licence if you are
over 14 years of age. Inland Fisheries licences are available
from AFTA tackle stores, Service Tasmania or online at www.
ifs.tas.gov.au
About trout
The coastline of Tasmania has a variety of saltwater fishing
options. These include Australian salmon, flathead, silver
trevally, pike (short and long finned), barracouta, bream, tailor,
garfish, mullet and more.
Inland waters contain brown trout, rainbow trout, brook trout,
stocked Atlantic salmon, blackfish, eels and several small native
galaxiids.
Where you can fish
Almost anywhere you have access to either fresh or saltwater
you can catch a fish.
The Inland Fisheries Service has stocked many waters close
to population areas that give anglers a good chance to catch a
fish and saltwater anglers have thousands of spots to choose
from. Tasmania’s shore is dotted with wharves and jetties, but
there are also beaches, rivers, lakes and dams where access is
easy and the fishing good. Ask at any AFTA tackle store and
the staff will give you some great places to try nearby.
What types of rigs to use
Rigs vary enormously but a few simple ones will serve you
well. You only need to learn a couple of knots and these will
suit all your needs.
What to do when you catch a fish
Only keep what you need for a feed and put the little ones
back—then there will be ‘Fish for the Future’.
Fish are best if despatched quickly with a sharp blow to the
head, or spiked behind the eyes, and then iced. If you make
the effort to go, make the effort to look after your catch.
Putting fish on ice is a great idea.
Introduced into
Tasmania in
1864 trout are
well established
and are available in virtually every river and impoundment.
Freshwater fish include brown, rainbow and brook trout and
Atlantic salmon.
The trout season runs from August to May for most waters,
but some are open all year round.
Gear
A spinning rod of two metres or so, a 2500 size reel and
some 2-3kg line will suit most bait and lure fishing for trout.
These outfits can be bought from around $40 for something
of reasonable quality. Fly fishing outfits are more specialised,
and cost from around $120.
Bait
The main baits used include; garden worms, wattle grubs,
mudeyes, grasshoppers, cockroaches and more. Each have
their own advocates and all will take good catches.
It is illegal to bring live bait into Tasmania. It is also illegal to
transfer any bait or fish between waterways.
Generally the more simple the rig the better. A small running
sinker rig or no sinker at all will work. The lighter the sinker
the better. Grasshoppers should be used without sinkers and
mudeyes are mostly fished under a float.
Lures
Lures can be cast from bank or boat, or a favourite method in
Tasmania is trolling from a boat.
Cobra style lures are popular and these are mostly used for
trolling from a boat They can also be used as casting lures, but
devon spinners and bibbed lures are more common.
Lures to try include Rapalas, Nilsmasters, Ashley spinners and
Celta style lures, which are especially popular in streams.
Soft plastic lures have seen a huge increase. Many styles are
available. Most popular are Squidgies, Berkley and Yeps.
Flies
Saltwater
This is a more specialist area of fishing, but with some
perserverance it can be enormously rewarding. You will need
specialist advice here so ask your AFTA tackle store for help.
You don’t need a licence for rod and line fishing in marine
waters. However to take rock lobster, abalone, scallops or use
a gillnet, beach seine net, drop or longline you do need a sea
fishing licence. More info on PAGE 8. Marine fishing licences
are available from Service Tasmania or online at www.fishing.
tas.gov.au/licence
The IFS has listed some of the more popular waters and you
should look at these first. You will find trout in virtually every
Tasmanian freshwater river and impoundment. Make sure you
check the Inland Recreational Fishing Code first to ensure the
methods you want to use are legal at that water.
When do I need a licence?
Where to go
Get your FREE ‘Learn to Fish 2’ DVD from AFTA stores
(see page 3)
or online at www.tasfish.com
- and how
There are plenty of plac
es to catch fish
Good fishing str uctures, such
as wharves, jetties are
breakwalls abound in the ma
rine environment and these
are all worth investigating. Fis
h love str ucture. Trout are
widespread and can be found
in most rivers and freshwate
r
impoundments in Tasmania.
Australian salmon
Australian salmon are caught from beaches, rocks and in estuaries. Larger
fish are known as ‘blackbacks’, whilst the smaller fish are called ‘cockies’.
These are a hard fighting sport fish and good to eat if bled and put on ice as
soon as caught.
Silver slice lures and soft plastic lures work well, but they will also take a bait fished on a
Paternoster rig off a wharf or beach.
Bream
Bream are an estuarine fish that are easy to catch using crabs and prawns. All east
coast rivers hold bream, as well as the rivers in the north east and across to Burnie.
You will find bream almost anywhere you can access these rivers. Use a prawn for
bait and a running sinker rig and a size 1 to 1/0 hook. Use the lightest, or no sinker
if possible. Sport fishers target bream with small lures and soft plastics as well. Bream
are reasonable table fish, but large fish can be up to 30 years old so only take what you
need for a feed. Bream should not be eaten from the Derwent River on a regular basis.
Silver trevally
These are fantastic fun to catch off wharves and jetties around Tasmania. They love
structure and you don’t need to cast far at all. In fact, just drop your line straight
down with a Paternoster rig with some size 1 hooks attached and you will most
likely be rewarded with a silver trevally. Try lifting your rig up half a metre or so.
They will eat most baits. Silver trevally are good to eat.
Mullet
Mullet are a lot of fun and easily attracted with some berley. Bread and fish oil is mixed
into a slurry and then slowly dispensed into the water. Ask your tackle store about this.
Roll a bit of fresh doughy bread onto a long shank size 4 hook and you will be in
business. They can be hard to hook. Try a very small sinker on a running rig, but
keep it off the bottom, or try a small bait under a little float. If cleaned straight
away and kept cool they are good tucker.
Leatherjacket
Common in bays and estuaries in Tasmania and especially around seagrass areas. They
have a small strong mouth and will take a prawn or squid bait readily. The simplest of
rigs from a Paternoster to running rig will work if fished on the bottom. Long shank
hooks from 4 to 1/0 are best. Although quite hard to hook they will keep at your
baits as long as you keep feeding them. Excellent table quality when headed and
skinned.
Flathead
Tasmania’s favourite fish and can be caught almost anywhere over sand, off a wharf,
jetty, from the shore or a boat. A Paternoster rig will work well, as will lures or soft
plastic rigs worked over the bottom. A slow moving bait that disturbs the bottom is
often better than a stationary one. Any bait will work. Hooks size 1/0 to 3/0 are
fine. Flathead are a premium table fish that need no special attention or
cooking methods.
Garfish
Another premium eating fish that, like mullet, are easily attracted by berley. If you can
find a wharf or jetty with some current that goes over seagrass beds there is a good
chance you can get these fish to come to you. Berley as for mullet. A small size 4 to 8
long shank offset hook under a little float will work best. Bread dough for
bait or some prawn is all that is needed. Best fishing in winter. Superb eating.
Get your FREE ‘Learn to Fish 2’ DVD from AFTA stores
(see page 3)
or online at www.tasfish.com
5
6
Some locations near you
TIP: Ask your local AFTA store for some locations near
you, or if you see someone fishing, stop and have a chat
with them. They will help.
Good beach/surf fishing from Turners Beach, accessed
from Main Highway between Ulverstone and
Devonport, is good for salmon, couta and flathead.
Ulverstone
Smithton
Check out the training wall on either side of the Leven
River, more particularly the eastern side accessed
through Naval Park. Also try the wharf.
On the western
side of the river is
an area known as
the ‘Reclaim’. Here
you can catch small
trevally, flathead and
Australian salmon.
Stanley Wharf
Turners Beach
Devonport
(above)
45 minutes drive west of Burnie. Legendary for runs
of snotty trevally (blue warehou). When the fish are
running, get there early (before 5am) to secure a spot
on the wharf. The outer finger has been closed for safety
reasons, but most of the inner areas are still accessible.
For snotties drop an unweighted bait (chicken
preferred) to the point where it disappears from sight.
If nothing at the wharf is running, fish one of the inlets
(East and West Inlet) on either side of the isthmus for
salmon, flathead and, in the evening, gummy shark.
The Devonport Bluff is a great fishing spot and easily
accessed on foot. You will usually find someone here
fishing and they will help if they can.
A fishing platform has also been built on the western
side of the Mersey River. Many still fish from the rocks
here, but it is not encouraged due to safety concerns
of large waves caused by both sea conditions and large
vessels entering and exiting the river.
Salmon can usually be found at the mouth of the Forth
and Mersey rivers. Bream are caught in the Mersey - up
as far as Latrobe, Rubicon and Franklin rivers, as are searun trout.
Nearby, Lake Barrington (pictured above) has become
the mecca for impoundment anglers with atlantic
salmon, rainbow and brown trout being caught.
Tamar River
Burnie
On the eastern
side of Burnie, in
front of the yacht
club is a rock wall
and two boat
ramps. This is an
excellent structure
to fish from.
West Head is a great
fishing platform at the
mouth of the Tamar as
is Low Head on the
east. In George Town
there is a productive
pontoon and anglers
can get good results
lure fishing for pike
and Australian salmon
at The Monument at
the end of Macquarie
Street.
All the pontoons and jetties below Rosevears are
productive, as is the Beauty Point Wharf. It is rare to not
have fishing company on these.
Burnie - Pet Dam, Ridgley
Launceston and surrounds
Popular, accessible fresh water fishery 10 minutes drive
south of Burnie. Stocked with rainbow and brown trout.
Easy foot access on eastern shore. Open shores for easy
backcasting make this ideal for beginner fly fisherman.
Weed beds produce good mudeye fishing during
warmer months. At other times lure spinning proves
most productive.
Brumbys Creek, St Patricks River at the recreation park
on the Scottsdale road, North Esk, South Esk, Macquarie
and Meander rivers are all productive and can be fished
wherever you can access them. Trevallyn Dam and the
Trevallyn Tailrace are worth visiting.
Curries River Dam near George Town holds a good
population of both brown and rainbow trout.
Get your FREE ‘Learn to Fish 2’ DVD from AFTA stores
(see page 3)
or online at www.tasfish.com
7
Swansea
Four Springs Lake and
Brushy Lagoon both have
good access and are open
to all methods of trout
fishing. Brushy Lagoon is
open all year round and
has some huge Atlantic
salmon. The fish pictured
was caught by Janet
Lambert.
North east
A productive and lightly fished area with easy access. You
will find plenty of free camping with basic facilities, and
plenty of fishing spots in the National Parks in the north
east and east coast. All beaches and rocky outcrops can
fish exceptionally well. Fishing is good all year round and
after Summer there
is plenty of space.
However being with
like minded fishers can
be a lot of fun.
East coast
Similar to north east.
Ansons Bay is a great
bream fishery, as are the lagoons north of St Helens.
Swimcart beach is a renowned surf fishing beach.
Bream can be targetted from a boat or shore using
simple rigs with prawns for bait. Some anglers use hard
body or soft plastic lures.
St Helens
Georges Bay is a productive fishery with several small
jetties and a large wharf in town. For the land based
anglers Kirwans Beach Jetty is probably the best bet and
good trevally, flathead and squid can be caught here.
Scamander
Scamander River is a
great bream fishery
and can be fished for
much of its length, both
from the shore or a
boat.
Bicheno
Try bait fishing in the
Gulch, or silver slice
lures off Peggys Point.
Try the beaches or bream in the Swan River
or Little Swanport further south.
Hobart and southern area
All jetties, shores and beaches within Frederick
Henry Bay, Norfolk Bay, Derwent River and
the D’Entrecasteaux Channel can be very
productive. Fish
you might catch
include: flathead,
squid, mackerel,
whiting, morwong, cod,
Australian salmon, pike
and mullet. Bowen
Bridge–bream and sea
trout. D’Entrecasteaux
Channel–Atlantic salmon
escapees are especially
targeted.
West Coast
All beaches and rocky points can produce large
Australian salmon and numerous other species. Take
great care though as huge waves and swells can
catch you off guard. Fishing from the rocks around
Marrawah for salmon is highly regarded and the action
can be exciting with some of the biggest salmon in
Tasmania caught from here.
Even the
populated areas
such as Strahan
can be productive
and occasionally
very large escaped
Atlantic salmon
and big trout can
be caught.
Inland waters
Virtually all lakes and rivers in Tasmania hold trout.
Access to rivers is usually granted if you ask the
landowner. A licence, seasons and rules change between
waters so check the rules first.
If you want to know how
to access any waters, or
where the best local areas
are to fish ask your local
AFTA tackle store.
Get your FREE ‘Learn to Fish 2’ DVD from AFTA stores
(see page 3)
or online at www.tasfish.com
8
The Recreational Sea Fishing Guide has
comprehensive details on seasons, licences
and requirements for the marine fishery.
Recreational Marine
Fishing Information
Mako shark update
Recreational fishing for mako and porbeagle sharks is
now allowed in both State and Commonwealth waters.
Boat and possession limits apply to all shark species. See
the Recreational Sea Fishing Guide for details.
Fish ID Stations and Fish Measuring Rulers
Look out for new fish measuring and identification signs
and fish measuring rulers which have recently been
installed at popular fishing spots. Fishcare volunteers
will be looking
after these useful
fisheries awareness
facilities, so see the
Recreational Sea
Fishing Guide for
contact numbers to
report any damage
or make suggestions
about ruler
placement.
Email News Service
Want to keep up to date with news on Tasmania’s sea
fisheries? Subscribe to our email news service to receive
reminders about season dates as well as the latest
fisheries news.
Subscribe at www.fishing.tas.gov.au
Marine licence requirements
2010-11 recreational sea fishing licences are available
from all Service Tasmania shops and on the internet at
www.fishing.tas.gov.au/licence. Licence renewals can also
be done by telephone on 1300 720 647 or (03) 6224
1931 for callers outside Tasmania.
You do not need a licence for rod and line fishing in
saltwater or marine waters but an Inland Fisheries
Licence is required for any fishing in inland waters,
which includes some river mouths and estuaries. See
Recreational Sea Fishing Guide for more information.
A sea fishing licence is required for the following types
of recreational fishing:
• abalone;
• rock lobster dive;
• rock lobster pot;
• rock lobster ring;
• scallop;
Get your FREE ‘POSTER and ‘Learn to Fish 2’ DVD from any AFTA store
• graball net;
• mullet net;
• beach seine
net; and
• set line
(includes longline
and dropline).
The new
recreational
licensing year
begins on 1 November 2010. Licences are valid from
the date of issue to 31 October 2011, although seasons
apply for some species. The licence holder must
personally set and retrieve any fishing gear that requires
a licence.
Fishwise – licence fees are used to benefit our
fisheries
The Fishwise fund covers the management and
administration of licences as well as funding programs
that support recreational fishing activities. The Fishwise
fund is supported by the sale of recreational sea fishing
licences.
Hook and Line Fishing
No licence is needed to fish with a hook and line in
marine waters, including rod and line, and squid jigs.
Rod and Line: You must attend the lines that you are
using. You can use any number of lines with up to 5
hooks, as long as you are within 20 metres of the gear,
or the lines are attached to the boat from which you
are fishing. If using multiple rods, please consider other
fishers and share the area you fish, particularly on jetties.
Squid Jigs: A squid jig is a baited or artificial lure with
one or more sets
of pointed hooks
or spikes used to
take squid. You
can use up to
3 squid jigs per
line.
Set Lines: A
set line is an
unattended line,
either a dropline
or a longline,
with up to 30
hooks. A licence
is required to
use this gear and
area restrictions
apply.
A person may only use one set line at a time. In waters
more than 150 metres deep, you can join your set line
to the lines of up to 3 others on your boat, provided no
person uses more than 30 hooks or more than a total
of 120 hooks are used. Not more than 4 set lines are
permitted on a boat and each person must be present
when the line is set and retrieved.
Nets
No licence is required to use landing nets, dip nets,
bait nets and cast nets. You can only use one of each of
these net types. A licence is required to use a graball
net, mullet net or beach seine net. A licence only allows
for one net of each type to be used.
Fishcare Tasmania
This is a
program that
educates the
community
about
sustainable
recreational
fishing practices.
The program
is operated by
the DPIPWE’s
Wild Fisheries
Management Branch and paid for by Fishwise funds.
Fishcare encourages recreational fishers to ‘Fish for the
Future’ in a responsible manner. Releasing undersize fish,
handling fish with care, only taking what you need for a
feed and disposing of marine waste appropriately are all
examples what is needed to care for our fisheries.
Fishcare Tasmania has many enthusiastic and
knowledgeable volunteers who promote these
messages to the community. The volunteers are often
seen at popular fishing spots around the State, dressed
in their distinctive blue and gold uniforms, speaking to
fishers of all ages. They deliver in-house presentations
to community groups, schools, learn-to fish days and
attend many small regional events across the wider
community, delivering the message about practical ways
of improving recreational fishing practices in Tasmania.
The volunteers also maintain fish measuring and
identification signs that have been installed around the
state.
Children are our future fishers and at the heart of many
Fishcare activities. Fishcare has developed activities
that encourage children to think responsibly about
recreational fishing and their interaction with the marine
environment.
Get your FREE ‘POSTER and ‘Learn to Fish 2’ DVD from any AFTA store
9
10
Volunteers bring many skills to the program and
Fishcare endeavours to utilise and develop these skills
not only for the benefit of the program, but also for the
benefit of the volunteer. If you value what the oceans
provide and want to make a difference, then consider
becoming a Fishcare Volunteer. For Fishcare services in
your local area, see the contacts below.
Contacts
www.fishing.tas.gov.au
email: fishcare@dpipwe.tas.gov.au
Southern Tasmania Ph: (03) 6233 6208
Northern Tasmania Ph: (03) 6336 5474
Northwest Tasmania Ph: (03) 6443 8624
Sea Fishes of
Tasmania Posters
A series of four exciting new
large-sized fish posters, featuring
Tasmanian fish species including
popular recreational scalefish
as well as sharks, crustaceans
and molluscs. The Wild Fisheries
Management Branch is releasing
“Ten Most Wanted Recreational
Scale Fishes of Tasmania”,
“Forty Recreational Sea Fishes
of Tasmania”, “Sharks, Skates
and Rays of Tasmania” and
“Crustaceans and Molluscs of
Tasmania”.
Available through Service
Tasmania outlets.
Get your FREE ‘POSTER and ‘Learn to Fish 2’ DVD from any AFTA store
FISHWISE – licence
fees are used to
benefit our fisheries
Revenue from the sale
of sea fishing licences
supports the Fishwise
fund.
This fund covers the management and
administration of recreational fishing, including
the licensing system, and provides funds to
programs that support recreational fishing
activities.
Activities supported by Fishwise are in four key
areas:
• Communication – education and information
such as this sea fishing guide, rulers, gauges,
advertising and community education.
• Community Partnerships – promotes
community involvement in fishing, better fishing
practices and protecting fishing resources,
including the Fishcare Tasmania program.
• Resource Management – promotes
consultation with recreational fishers and funds
surveys of the fisheries as well as a 24-hour
hotline to report fishing offences.
• Fishwise Community Grants – funds projects
that improve the management of recreational sea
fishing and education on fishing issues. REDMAP
11
REDMAP
S P O T.
Shellfish Quality
LOG.
REDMAP
M A P.
www. re dmap. or g . au
Please consider the water quality
REDMAP, a new and interactive website, invites the Tasmanian
of the area before taking and
community to spot, log and map marine species that are
consuming shellfish.
S P O T . L O G . M A P.
uncommon in Tasmania or along particular parts of our coast.
S P O T . L O G . M A P.
Do not take shellfish from areas
As information is collected it’s mapped and displayed on the site,
demonstrating in time how species distributions may be changing.
near storm-water drains, marinas,
www.redm
.au
It does
not require
extra
fishing,
just gremember
to log a sighting.
w ww.re
dma
p.or
g .a
uap.or
slipways or waste-water outfalls
REDMAP,
a new list
and interactive
website, invites
the
Tasmanianplease visit the
For
a
full
species
or
to
register
your
sighting
or after heavy rainfall.
community to spot, log and map marine species that are
Redmap
website
at
www.redmap.org.au
orcommunity
contact the Redmap
REDMAP, REDMAP,
a new and
interactive
website,
Tasmanian
to
uncommon
ininvites
Tasmania
or the
along
parts of our
coast.
a new
and interactive
website,
invites
theparticular
Tasmanian
46
Do not consume shellfish from
Communications
Officerit’sthat
on
(03)
6227
7277.
As information
isspecies
collected
mapped
and
displayed
on the site,
community
to
spot,
log
and
map
marine
are
spot, log and map marine species that
are uncommon in Tasmania or along
demonstrating in time how species distributions may be changing.
the Derwent or Tamar Estuaries.
in Tasmania or along
particular
of just
our
coast.to log a sighting.
It does
not require extra
fishing,
remember
particular uncommon
parts of our
coast. As information
isparts
collected
it’s mapped and
a full species list or to register your sighting please visit the
Tasmania is periodically affected
As information is collected it’sFor
mapped
and
displayed
on
the
site,
Redmap
website
at
www.redmap.org.au
or
contact the Redmap
displayed on the site, demonstrating
46 how species
Communications
Officer
on
(03)
6227
7277.
demonstrating
in
time
distributions
may
be
changing.
by toxic algal blooms – follow any
in time how
species
species you have
It does
not require extra fishing, just remember
to log a lsighting.
Public Health Warnings.
ap what unusua
dm
Re
ll
Te
environments.
distributions
be changing.
inethe
For may
a full species
list or to register your
sighting please
visit
ian mar
otted in Tasman al species you have
If in doubt phone the Tasmanian
sp
It does notRedmap
require
extraat www.redmap.org.au
website
or at
contact
unusu the Redmap
Tell Redmap wh
environments.
46
Shellfish Quality Assurance
smanian marine
Communications
Officer
on
(03)
6227
7277.
Ta
in
ed
ott
sp
fishing, just remember to log
Hotline on (03) 6222 7784 or the
a sighting.
Tasmanian Shellfish Quality
For a full species list or to
Assurance Program on (03) 6222
register your sighting please
you have
7718 or 0419 577 048.
unusual species Yellowtailtskin. gfish
t
ha
visit the Redmap
website
at
w
ap
dm
Re
en
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fish
environm
For more information see the fact
Yellowtail king
smanian marine
www.redmap.org.au
orTacontact
ted in
ot
sp
sheet on recreational harvesting
the Redmap Communications
of shellfish at www.dhhs.tas.gov.au
Officer on (03) 6227 7277.
Recreational
Fishing Guide
Get your FREE ‘POSTER and ‘Learn to Fish 2’ DVD from any
AFTASeastore
12 Fishwise Community
Grants
Individuals and community
groups can receive grants
for projects that improve the
management of recreational
sea fisheries and community
understanding of fishing
issues. Anyone can apply for
a grant, including fishing clubs
and organisations, councils,
community groups, individuals,
students, and research
organisations.
The fund has previously funded
activities such as:
• school education programs
about recreational sea fishing;
• biological, social and economic
research of recreational sea
fisheries; and
• fishing clinics and fishing days
for children and disabled people.
For a full list of projects that
have received grants visit www.
dpipwe.tas.gov.au/fishwise
For enquiries about Fishwise
Community Grants visit www.
dpipwe.tas.gov.au/fishwise, email
fishwise@dpipwe.tas.gov.au or
phone (03) 6233 7042.
Recreational Fisheries Advisory
Committee
The Recreational Fisheries
Advisory Committee (RecFAC)
provides advice to the Minister
on recreational fisheries matters
including fishery reviews, policy
and Fishwise Community Grant
applications. Most members are
recreational fishers as well as a
member each from DPIPWE,
TAFI and the Marine Police.
Membership is renewed every
2-3 years.
Marine Safety
Many marine incidents that are reported to
Marine and Safety Tasmania (MAST), involve
recreational boats. Boat swampings and
capsizes are occurring around the State
because boaters are trying to get to the
perfect bit of ground to set or retrieve their
fishing gear.
Some general boating safety tips are :
• Obtain the latest and the long-range
weather forecast before heading out;
• Don’t overload the boat with gear and
people;
• Don’t reverse quickly after setting or
retrieving the gear;
• If a gear is snagged don’t tie the buoy line to
your boat to tow it out;
• Make sure the buoy line is the right length
prior to setting the gear;
• If you have VHF leave it on channel 16;
• Use a long boat hook to avoid leaning too
far over the side; and
• Make sure your boat has sufficient buoyancy.
Weather contact numbers: :
South: 6233 9955,
North: 6323 2555,
North-West: 6498 7755 and
East: 6376 0555.
For more safe boating information visit
www.mast.tas.gov.au
Report suspected illegal fishing and fishing
offences – call Fishwatch on 0427 655 557
Fisheries regulations help protect and share our valuable marine
resources and ensure that there will be fish in the sea for
another day. Fishwatch is a 24- hour hotline run by Tasmania
Police for information on illegal fishing activities. The fishing
community can help protect our fisheries by being vigilant
and reporting any suspect behaviour.
Information received may be:
• given anonymously;
• acted on immediately;
• used to assist with ongoing investigations;
• used for the planning of compliance operations in the future;
and
• used in the assessment and planning of education programs.
The information that will help the Marine
Police with illegal fishing includes:
• The time and location of the offence.
• Fishing gear used including licence or
ID numbers.
• Car registration numbers and boat names, descriptions or
distinguishing marks.
• The name or description of person/s involved.
Funding for the Fishwatch number is provided through Fishwise
– with licence fees being used to benefit our fisheries.
Get your FREE ‘POSTER and ‘Learn to Fish 2’ DVD from any AFTA store
QUICK REFERENCE – BAG, POSSESSION AND SIZE LIMITS
Scalefish Species
Albacore
Atlantic salmon (in marine waters)
Australian salmon
Banded morwong (season applies)
On Water
Possession
Limit
-
Possession Limit
Minimum Size
10
15
2
200 mm
between
360-460 mm
380 mm
-
10
Blue mackerel
Blue warehou (snotty trevally)
Blue-eye trevalla
Boarfish (species combined)
Bream
Cod (species combined)
Elephantfish
Flathead (species combined)
Flounder (species combined)
Garfish
Jack mackerel
Leatherjacket (species combined)
Mullet (species combined)
Redbait
Silver trevally
Shark – school and gummy combined (boat limit 5
- all species combined)
Sharks and rays – other combined, excluding
elephantfish (boat limit 5-all species combined)
Snapper
Striped trumpeter (season applies)
Tuna (bluefin, yellowfin, bigeye)
Whiting (species combined)
Wrasse
Yellowtail kingfish
Species not specified above
5
-
30
20
8
2
10
30
2
30
30
30
30
15
15
30
15
2
-
2
250 mm
450 mm
250 mm
300 mm
250 mm
250 mm
200 mm
250 mm
200 mm
750 mm or 450 mm
headed & tailed
-
4
-
5
8
2
30
10
5
15
300mm
500 mm
300 mm
-
Daily Bag
Limit
10
5
100 kg
5
Possession Limit
Minimum Size
20
5
100 kg
10
50
100
-
15
varies by region
male: 110 mm
female: 105 mm
varies by species and
region
-
-
15
-
Other Species
Abalone (licence required)
Octopus – Eaglehawk Bay
Octopus – other waters
Rock lobster
Scallops – species combined
(on water possession limit of 50)
Squid - Southern calamari (on water possession
limit of 10 in south east waters)
Squid - Gould’s (arrow)
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BL10449
Bastard trumpeter
13
14
Cooking fish
Three ingredients to fish cooking success
Don’t overcook fish as the texture will coarsen, dry out
and the flavour will be destroyed.
Don’t overspice - fish has very delicate flavours so be
light-handed with herbs and spices.
Keep fish moist and preserve the natural juices whilst
cooking by using a moist cooking method or baste
frequently during dry cooking.
butter or half butter and half olive oil. The oil
combined with the butter reduces the risk of
overheating the butter.
Deep frying
Deep frying is immersing the fillet or whole
fish in a deep pan after first coating with
egg and breadcrumbs or batter. The oil must
be 175 to 195C before placing the fish in.
If the oil isn’t hot enough the coating will
soak up the oil and become greasy and if it
is too hot the coating will burn before the
fish is cooked. Test the temperature without
a thermometer is easy. The oil should be
heated until a faint haze rises from it. Then
drop a small cube of bread into it. If it rises,
bubbling to the surface and becomes golden
brown it is ready. If it turns dark brown rapidly the heat
must be reduced and if it sinks and stays low in the oil it
is not hot enough yet.
Oven frying
The result is similar to shallow frying but done in hot
butter in a preheated baking dish in a hot oven 230-250C
(450-500F). Because of the high temperature used the
fish cooks quickly so this method is best suited to thin
whole fish.
Grilling
Grilling (or broiling as Americans sometimes call it) is a
fast way to cook fish. Using either fillets or whole fish
this simple method allows the fish to develop its own
rich flavour under the intense heat. Fish should be basted
during cooking, either with butter or oil or a prepared
baste, to prevent it drying out. Alternatively the fish may
be marinated beforehand and the liquid used for basting.
Whole fish or thicker fillets seem to fare better under the
grill as the fish has time to develop a rich golden brown
by the time the inside is cooked.The high heat penetrates
and cooks thin uncoated pieces too fast for browning to
occur. If whole fish are to be grilled score the skin and
flesh to allow better heat penetration.
Marinating
Marinating has two distinct purposes: the first is to impart
a flavour by presoaking the fish in a mixture of lemon juice,
oils and flavourings and then using the marinade liquid to
baste during grilling, barbecuing or baking. The second is
to replace the cooking process altogether. Very fresh fish
is cut into boneless bite sized pieces and left to soak in
lemon juice and other flavourings until the flesh becomes
opaque and white right through – approximately 6 to
12 hours in the refrigerator or 4 to 8 hours at room
temperature. The marinade is then strained off and the
fish added to crisp, finely cut vegetables with dressings or
sauces such as mayonnaise, yogurt or coconut cream. It is
then served chilled.
Baking
Baking in a moderate oven 180-200C (350-400F) is an
extremely useful method of cooking whole fish, fillets,
cutlets or steaks. But remember it is a dry heat method
and fish, especially without its skin, tends to dry out, so
use a baste, marinade or sauce to reduce the moisture
loss.
Baking in Foil
Baking in foil is an excellent way to retain flavour and
moisture particularly of larger steaks, cutlets or whole fish.
Use a liquid such as fish stock, white wine or lemon juice
with a little butter, salt, pepper and seasonings of your
choice before sealing the fish in foil. Bake in a moderate
oven 180-200C (350-400F) for a mouth-watering result.
Barbecuing
Barbecue fish, but protect it with marinades, bastes,
lemon juice or oil or butter brushed on frequently
during the cooking. Or wrap it in foil with these liquids
and seasonings. Be careful turning the fish over during
cooking.
Casseroling
Casseroling in a little liquid in a covered dish in a moderate
oven will achieve a dish in which the subtle differences in
the flavours of the various species and their natural juices
are maintained.
Shallow frying
Shallow frying is cooking in a small quantity of fat
sufficient to come up to the level of half the thickness
of the fish – in a wide shallow pan. The best fat for fish is
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Poaching
Poaching as far as the fish is concerned means totally
immersing it in seasoned stock or court bouillon. The
liquid should be brought rapidly to the point where
the surface begins to swirl but with no bubbles rising
to surface (boiling should not occur). At this point the
heat should be reduced (and sometimes even turned
off). Inspect to see if the flesh flakes easily and comes
away from the bone. Poaching is unmatched as versatile
method of cooking fillets, steaks, cutlets or whole fish of
any fleshy type. It can then be served steaming hot, dressed
in a sauce made from the poaching liquid or chilled and
served in a variety of salads or as a cold entrée. It’s the
perfect cooking method for weightwatchers!
Sousing
Sousing is gently cooking small fish or fillets in a
combination of vinegar, water and a selection of various
herbs and spices. Although it may be served either hot or
cold, the delightful delicate piquancy of the subtle blend of
flavours only becomes evident after chilling. Fish cooked
this way will keep for up to a week in the refrigerator.
Steaming
There are two types of steaming. In one the fish is
put into the upper part of a double saucepan with a
perforated base and a tightly fitted lid. Steam rising from 15
boiling water in the saucepan below, passes through the
perforations and surrounds the fish cooking it. In the
second type of steaming no steam reaches the fish as
the upper part of the saucepan has no perforations (two
plates on top of the saucepan can be used if no double
saucepan is available.) This method is slower than the first
but effective and retains all the natural juices.
Microwave cooking
Seafood adapts well to microwave cooking – natural
flavours and colours are retained and often enhanced by
this quick method of cooking.The seafood can be cooked
without any additional liquid other than perhaps a small
amount of melted butter, lemon juice or wine. Covering
fish with tomatoes, lemon or orange slices or herbs will
help to retain moisture and enhance the flavour. Grilling
and frying fish is possible if a browning dish is used.
To test when fish is cooked
Test the fish at the thickest part by prodding it with a
fork. The flesh should “flake” readily. Another indication
is when the inside flesh turns from translucent to white.
Don’t be tempted to “give it a moment or two longer” as
it is very easy to overcook fish.
Thanks to DPIPWE for this information
Care for your catch - and eat better fish
You wouldn’t leave chicken, meat or pork outside in the
sun for hours before you cooked it - so don’t do it with
fish.
Properly cared for fish will greatly enhance the whole
experience of catching, cooking and eating fish. If we, as
recreational fishers want a fair share of the resource we
should be responsible in caring properly for what we
catch.
Many is the time you will observe fishers throwing their
freshly caught fish into a bucket to be dealt with later.
Fish deteriorate quickly from as soon as they are landed,
so look after them and you will be rewarded with a
superior product.
Keep your fish in good condition.
Decide how many fish you want to keep early and
only keep what you need for a feed. There is no better
storage place for fish than in the water, and it gives you
an excuse to go fishing again.
Take ice in a cooler with you. It will keep your food
cool and you can take your food out and replace it with
fish. Take some good strong bags to keep food and fish
separate.
Kill the fish you want to keep quickly with a sharp blow
to the head or with a sharp spike to the brain.
Australian salmon are not highly regarded by some
as a table fish, but are first rate if bled and put on ice
once caught. All fish taste better if cared for properly.
When there is a break in the hot action gut, gill and
scale the fish. Put them on ice.
Filleting is easier with fish that are cool and there will be
less to no slime that makes fish hard to handle.
Your fish will have bright and clear eyes. A good sign of
well cared for fish. The fish will not have a strong smell,
but only have a slight fishy odour. And if you choose to
skin the fish as well there will be even less smell. This is
a bonus and family and friends will appreciate the fish
more than ever.
In conclusion
Despatch fish immediately;
Bleed if necessary - tunas, Australian salmon etc.
Keep fish cool from the minute they are landed;
Eat within a couple of days.
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16
Catching trout
Right at your Back Door!
With its abundant streams and lakes, and pristine natural
environment, Tasmania provides some of the best inland
fishing waters in the world. You can catch wild trout in
crystal clear waters surrounded by spectacular scenery,
access prime fishing locations easily from major cities,
and fish for a variety of trout and salmon at one or
more waters in a single day. The fishery caters for all
angling tastes and skill levels whether you’re a beginner
or an expert angler and it offers a fabulous range of
fishing experiences, from remote solitary wilderness
fishing to trophy fishing at popular family waters.
Other benefits of a full season licence include the
convenience of being mailed a renewal form – with
licence card attached – each year before the start of
the season. The Service also targets full season licence
holders with information and special offers. This year,
we are repeating the offer of free entry to the Salmon
Ponds on presentation of a full season licence card and
also a Voucher, mailed out with the renewal notice, for a
free weekend licence to ‘Take a Mate Fishing’.
Get a Licence!
There are rules and regulations that govern inland
fishing in Tasmania and apply to individual waters. They
cover seasons and times, bag and size limits, angling
methods and fishing from a boat. The general rules that
apply to most waters are:
• an open season in line with brown trout waters from
7/8/10 to 1/5/11
• open to all methods of angling (fly, artificial lure and
bait fishing)
• a bag limit of 12 fish
• a minimum fish size limit of 220 mm in length.
Waters that are an exception to these rules, such as
waters open all year round, rainbow waters, waters
closed to fishing at all times, and all waters in the
Western Lakes area are listed in the Tasmanian Inland
Fishing Code 2010-11, which is provided for free with
You need a current angling licence to fish at any open
inland water in Tasmania (including farm dams on private
property), except at a registered private fishery where
you generally pay to fish. You can purchase or renew an
angling licence by visiting a licence agent (at major tackle
stores or any Service Tasmania shop). Licences can also
be purchased or renewed online at www.ifs.tas.gov.au.
Angling licences range in price from a full season adult
licence at $66.50 to a short term weekend licence
for $20. The full season licence offers anglers the best
value for money; being a 12 month licence with the
opportunity to fish every day of the year; and with
significant discounts for juniors (80% less at $12.00),
pensioners (45% less at $36.50) and seniors (25% off at
$53.00).
Know the Rules!
Get your FREE ‘POSTER and ‘Learn to Fish 2’ DVD from any AFTA store
your licence. You can also search the
regulations applying to individual waters
by visiting the IFS Waters Database at
www.ifs.tas.gov.au.
Go Fishing!
There’s no better time than now to go
trout fishing! The fishery is in excellent
health as a result of last year’s drought
breaking rains and the continued watering
this season, and the best of the season
is still ahead. Almost any inland water is
worth a visit but there are several worth
mentioning because of their standout improvements last season and/or
consistent quality of fishing.
In the Central Highlands, the increased
water level at Arthurs Lake has drawn the
A good trout from Four Springs taken on a soft plastic lure.
fishery out of danger from continuing low
regularly stocks these waters with juvenile wild fish
levels and ensured its status as the State’s
stock under its annual supplementary stocking program.
most popular fishing destination. It is surrounded by a
Bradys Lake is also stocked periodically with large
handful of premium waters that have also benefited
domestic rainbow trout and Atlantic salmon in order to
from higher lake levels and reduced angling pressure
provide for a variety of fishing experiences. All of these
last season. These include Great Lake and Woods Lake,
waters are easily accessed from the Lyell Highway and
as well as Penstock and Little Pine lagoons. Woods Lake
produce consistently good results for regular anglers.
received more attention last year from anglers due to
high catch rates, and with improvements to the access
Two top fishing destinations in the North of the State
road, its popularity is likely to continue this season.
are Four Springs Lake and Brushy Lagoon. Both have
Access to Lake Echo has also been improved and this
received intensive stocking by the Service with both
fishery shows excellent potential as a premium angling
juvenile and adult fish. Huntsman Dam, a new fishery
water in the future.
created in 2008, has an excellent head of wild brown
trout and needs no supplementary stocking. Brumbys
Bronte Lagoon and the Bradys chain of lakes in the
Creek along with other northern lowland rivers are a
southern Central Highlands generally feature in the top
good alternative to Highland waters early in the season.
5-10 waters fished by anglers each year. The Service
In the North West, sections of the
Mersey and Leven rivers should
provide good angling this season.
Access to the River Leven higher up
has been improved since last year,
opening up some superb sections of
the river for angling. Lake Barrington,
the most popular lake fishery in the
region, has been stocked intensively in
recent years. It regularly receives large
rainbow trout and Atlantic salmon,
and is favoured by boat anglers.
Lake Meadowbank and Craigbourne
Dam in the South, are also stocked
with large adult trout and trophy size
Atlantic salmon. Over the past 18
months, the Service has concentrated
Spinning from the shore or Lake Rowallan. Access is good on most Tasmanian lakes.
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17
18
2010-11 Angling Season Top
Inland Waters
Clubs often run fishing events for
juniors. Keep an eye on the various
websites to find out where.
on stocking at Craigbourne Dam, along with Tooms Lake
and Lake Leake, in order to rejuvenate these fisheries
with a boost to fish stocks. This is because these waters,
situated more towards the East and South of the State,
had suffered from the continued drought in recent
years. They have now made a miraculous recovery as a
result of the high rainfall last season and stocking by the
Service.
For further information on where to go fishing and the
regulations that apply to various waters, visit the Inland
Fisheries website at www.ifs.tas.gov.au
Water............................Region
Arthurs Lake........................... Central
Great Lake................................ Central
Woods Lake............................ Central
Penstock Lagoon................... Central
Little Pine Lagoon................. Central
Lake Echo ................................ Central
Bronte Lagoon....................... Central
Bradys chain of lakes ......... Central
Brumbys Creek...................... North
St Patricks River..................... North
Curries River Reservoir.... North
Macquarie River..................... North
South Esk River...................... North
Four Springs Lake................. North West
Brushy Lagoon........................ North West
Huntsman Lake...................... North West
Meander River........................ North West
Lake Barrington...................... North West
Pet Dam..................................... North West
River Leven............................... North West
Mersey River........................... North West
Lake Burbury........................... West
Lakes Rosebery...................... West
Lake Mackintosh.................... West
Gordon River.......................... West
River Derwent........................ South
Huon River............................... South
Tyenna River............................ South
Lake Meadowbank............... South
Craigbourne Dam................ South
Tooms Lake.............................. East
Lake Leake................................ East
The Inland Fisheries Service keeps Brushy Lagoon well stocked
with big rainbow trout and Atlantic salmon. It is an excellent all
year round family fishery open to all legal fishing methods. It
is well protected from strong winds. Good fishing can be had
from a boat or shore.
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Servicing your inflatable
pfd could save you
There has been a lot written and said recently about
inflatable life jackets. Marine and Safety Tasmania
(MAST) completed a client survey which showed
71% of Tasmanian boaters use an inflatable jacket. The
disturbing figure is though that only 2% are serviced.
Inflatable jackets, compared to the older styled foam
models, are more comfortable to wear as they are
not as bulky. Inflatables are also now available in some
instances at a cheaper price than the traditional jackets.
The major difference between an inflatable and
foam jackets are that an inflatable can be holed or
the inflation mechanism fails, these are not issues
confronting foam jackets.
Inflatable jackets need to be cared for, give them a
birthday prior to every boating season. Have them
serviced and two or three times between servicing
manually blow them up and leave them overnight to
check for leaks.
If you own an inflatable and are in the 2% that have
them serviced, well done, chances are though you are
not!
Servicing agents for the particular types of jackets and
self testing tips may be found on the MAST website,
www.mast.tas.gov.au
Useful Knots and rigs
Locked blood knot
One of the most common knots for joining line to hooks
swivels and terminal tackle is the locked blood, or clinch
knot.
Pass the line through the eye of the hook, swivel or lure
and make 5-6 turns around the main line. Hold the coils in
place and thread the line back through the loop above the
eye. Then thread the line back through the large loop.
Hold the tag end and ensuring the coils don’t overlap
- tighten slowly. Clip tag end.
Running sinker rig
A very useful and simple rig. Can be used in the surf, for
bream, off a wharf, for trout and numerous other species.
It allows the line to run freely and offers no resistance to
picky fish. They can then swallow the bait and the chance
of a hook up increases. It also allows light baits to be cast
a longer distance.
A variation of this is to add a swivel 300mm or so up the
line and position the sinker above that.
This rig can be useful for fishing mid-water depths from
a wharf. It allows the bait to waft around while the sinker
keeps the line straight and under control. Always use the
lightest sinker possible. Sometimes removing the sinker
completely will get the best results. And sometimes
depending on the tide, if you are
fishing saltwater you will need
different weights at different
stages of the tide.
Paternoster rig
This one of the most
useful rigs around.
It can be tied with 3 way swivels
or with simple dropper loops
straight off the main line. Sinker
and hook sizes depend on the
conditions and fish targeted.
The advantage of this type of
rig is that it places the bait in
two different areas.The bottom
hook is close to, or on, the
bottom - and thus attracts
bottom feeders, while the
upper hook attracts mid water
and other searching fish. It is an
excellent rig to use either from
a boat, wharf or jetty.
TIP: Moisten knots
before you tighten
them with saliva
and tighten slowly.
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Join TARFish for FREE and go into our regular Members Prize Draws, application forms available
by contacting us or downloading from our website. As a member you will receive our quarterly
bulletin which keeps you informed about what is happening across the state in recreational fishing.
TARFish is the only government recognised, independent peak body set up in 2004 to look after
the interests of recreational marine fishers.
If you are not a member contact us and we will send you out an information pack which details our
objectives, structure, resources and what we do on behalf of the recreational fishing community.
Contact: Email: info@tarfish.org, Office Telephone: 1300 665 225, Mobile: 0403 868 004
Post: TARFish, GPO Box 2198, Hobart, 7001
Anglers
Alliance
Tasmania Inc.
Tasmania’s independent peak body for trout fishing.
Contact AAT with any concerns or suggestions in regard to any inland fishing issue.
AAT meets 3 - 4 times a year and has representation from the tackle industry,
clubs associations, guides and independent anglers. IFS also attends these
meetings, but does not have voting rights.
Your concerns are ours, so please contact us at www.anglersalliance.org or by
post or email as below.
Through the representation of all anglers, ensure the realisation and maintenance of the full potential of the fishery.
GPO BOX 963, HOBART TAS 7001 Email: anglersalliance@gmail.com ABN 73 327 229 428
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The Australian National
Sportfishing Association
(Tas) is building a new web
site. We want your input. Go
online and let us know what
you would like to see in it.
www.ansatas.com.au
BENEFITS OF ANSA MEMBERSHIP
1. A National Record Chart and rule book annually
New initiatives come into play on July 1st every four
years coinciding with a leap year
2. Access to Masters
ANSA provides a series of awards that recognise
personal achievement
Masters categories include 6 tackle divisions plus
Tagging, Freshwater impoundment, Landbased,
Sportfishing, All tackle – length only
3. Badges and Patches
Masters patches and 5 to 1 club patches- 250 point
capture- 500 point capture- 750 point capture1000 point capture- boat stickers- car stickersmasters pins
4. Association with IGFA
IGFA is a world leader in the recreational fishing
industry - ANSA is affiliated with IGFA - Members
can claim world records
5. National Record Charts
Records are available in:(a) Weight/line class across a
multitude of divisions (b) All tackle division, including
length only (non line class)
Extensive eligible species list including all IGFA
recognised gamefish
6. Diversity in fishing experience
Sportfishing- Lurecasting- Flyfishing- GamefishingLandbased Gamefishing- Handlining- Tag and
Release- Freshwater impoundment- Landbased
sportfishing
7. Fishing Ethic
The underlying spirit of angling is that the skill of
the angler is pitted against the instinct and strength
of the fish and that the latter is entitled to an even
chance for its life.
8. Conservation Ethic
Tag and Release for scientific purposesRevegetation of depleted areas
Input into freshwater stream flow researchNational Carp Policy
National Aquaculture Policy
9. Fellowship within a National organisation
200 clubs across Australia- ConventionsConferences- Information evenings
Visiting ANSA sportfishers warmly greeted by local
contacts
Local knowledge freely passed between members
10. Representation on peak bodies
Founding member of RECFISH AUSTRALIA
Affiliated with IGFA
State Branches members of independent peak bodies
(where established)
11. Recognition of most meritorious capture – Australia
wide - Winner presented with prize at Annual
National Conference
12. Internet Site
Achievements and ethos available to the world
Record chart updated regularly
Links to State branches
Sharing experiences with other members (photos,
stories etc)
Direct contact enabled at the member level
13. Family
A family oriented organisation
Women well represented at all levels
Children welcomed and encouraged
14. Functions, conferences, conventions
Open to all members
Conferences provide interaction between members,
politicians and fishing industry
Conventions provide opportunity for members to
fish and exchange experiences
15. Representation to/with parliamentarians
Parliamentarians at State and National level are
ANSA members
Organisation is respected, providing access to high
levels of government
16. Active participation in scientific research
Catch and release / Released fish survival
AUSTAG – State tagging programmes established
under a National banner
Catch Effort databases being established
ANSA RULES
The ANSA rule book and species list continue to be
upgraded and altered to suit new fishing methods
and techniques. Some of the advances in such tools
as braid lines and improved hooks specially made
for fish release have necessitated these continuous
updates.
Rule changes can only be made every four years,
coinciding with a leap year, to prevent unnecessary
minor modifications to the rules. ANSA members
prefer to go fishing rather than sitting down
modifying rules and regulations.
Both the rule book including the specie list is in pdf
format.
Note that the specie list has suggested trophy lengths
listed and some State branches have different trophy
lengths.
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Get the latest fishing reports emailed to you and get -
FREE Entry to win this kayak
All you need to do is go to www.tasfish.com and
subscribe to get the latest fishing reports, stocking
reports and news from Marine Fisheries, Inland
Fisheries, MAST and general anglers.
WIN
this
kayak
You can unsubscribe at any time, there is absolutely no
cost at all and your email will never be shared or sold
or passed on to anyone.
Moken 10 Specifications
Length: 3.2M
Width: 890mm
Weight: 29kg
Load Capacity: 200kg
Kayaks start from $1125
Colours available are Desert
Camo, Forest Camo, Blue
Camo and Orange.
Images by Byran Smith from Reel Productions
NEW Moken 10 Kayak
Integral wheel makes
transport from your car
a one person operation.
Drawn 28 February. Winner
and all entrants will be notified
by email. Winner will also be
announced on www.tasfish.com
Ready to take you on a great adventure whether
on your favourite river or out on a lake. The Moken
10 Kayak is very stable, portable and has great
manoeuvrability.
It is very user friendly from the experience paddler all
the way down to the beginner.
The Moken 10 kayak has been designed with as both a
fishing kayak, but also for the recreational paddler.
It is easy to paddle and handle on the water and the
inbuilt wheel make it easy to transport onshore as
well.
More on the Moken 10 at www.feelfreekayaks.com.au
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CONTACTS
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CONTACTS
Recreational Sea Fishing Information
DPIPWE
Phone: (03) 6233 7042
Free call 1300 368 550
Email: fishing.enquiries@dpipwe.tas.gov.au
Website: www.fishing.tas.gov.au
Visit: Marine Board Building, 1 Franklin
Wharf, Hobart
Write: to Recreational Fisheries, DPIPWE,
GPO Box 44, Hobart. Tasmania 7001
Recreational Sea Fishing Licences
Available from: www.fishing.tas.gov.au/licence
Service Tasmania
Or by phone (renewals only) 1300 720 647
[(03) 6224 1931 for callers outside Tasmania]
Fishwatch - report illegal fishing
- report lost, stolen or
irretrievable gear
0427 655 557
Fishcare Volunteers
www.fishing.tas.gov.au
North: (03) 6336 5474
North-West: (03) 6443 8624
South: (03) 6233 6208
Inland Fisheries Service
1300 463 474 or (03) 6261 8050 www.ifs.tas.gov.au
Marine Police
(03) 6230 2475 or 0427 655 557
Marine and Safety Tasmania (MAST)
(03) 6233 8801or www.mast.tas.gov.au
Fisheries research
TAFI: (03) 6227 7277 or www.tafi.org.au
CSIRO: (03) 6232 5222 or www.csiro.au
Parks and Wildlife Service
www.parks.tas.gov.au or (03) 6233 2270
Aboriginal fishing (Office of Aboriginal Affairs)
(03) 6232 7082 Email: oaa@dpac.tas.gov.au
DPIPWE Disease Watch Hotline
1800 675 888 (24-hours freecall)
Marine pollution and fish kills (DPIPWE
Environment Division)
1800 005 171 (24 hours freecall)
REDMAP (unusual fish sightings)
(03) 6227 7277 or www.redmap.org.au
Quarantine Tasmania
(03) 6233 3518
TARFISH (recreational fishing peak body)
1300 665 225 or www.tarfish.org
Tasmanian Shellfish Quality Assurance Program
(03) 6222 7784 or 0419 577 048
Tagged fish
TAFI: (03) 6227 7280 or email: fish.tag@utas.edu.au
Weather
North: (03) 6323 2555
North-West: (03) 6498 7755
East: (03) 6376 0555
South: (03) 6233 9955
www.bom.gov.au
Whale sightings
0427 942 537
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Get your FREE ‘POSTER and ‘Learn to Fish 2’ DVD from any AFTA store