Fishing Report / Announcement 3 April 2020
Slight change to our weekly format
With limited fishing still available as part of sensible exercising criteria and a suggestion to keep these activities fairly localised the report will also reflect this.
As a result, our report over coming weeks or months will also turn towards a more informative piece looking at such things as gear maintenance, tips and suggestions, competitions and fun ideas to help with the downtime we are all facing…. rather than strictly a what’s biting and where type piece.
Freshwater fishing for the moment is all but closed with National Parks, Reserves, Crown Land, Hydro and Conservation areas falling under closures themselves.
But don’t fear we will have plenty for you to do and just as many other things for you to focus your thoughts on for when the fishing restrictions are lifted ….one thing is for sure, all species of fish will still be there when we hit the water.
Fishing Report 3rd April 2020
Derwent River, Huon, Channel and Storm Bay
Australian Salmon
biting well in the majority of the Derwent from the river mouth to the upper reaches around Bridgewater. Size ranges from .3kg to 1.2kg.
Bream
will be a quiet for a few days after the rain but by mid next week should be back where they have been for the last month or so – biting well from most of the rocky points and shallow bays above Lindisfarne. Small 50-60mm bibbed minnows working well in the shallows.
Sand Flathead
are available around the sandy beaches of, Howrah, Long Beach, Kingston and Blackmans Bay – those launching into Storm Bay should find fish over the usual beds.
Sea Trout
a great option for Derwent River (and those in the Huon) at this time of the year as trout begin to head upstream to spawn… some will choose not to spawn and will simply feed heavily on baitfish in the lower tidal reaches. Soft plastics, bibbed minnows and fly all work well. Trolling in either river will produce fish as well. Tip make your offering mimic a saltwater prey item with splashes of silver and white.
Species in Profile …… in 100 words or less.
Silver Trevally are becoming more and more renowned around the state for their hard fighting capabilities and eagerness to hit larger 70-90mm bibbed lures and Gulp like soft plastics. Regular but not often reported captures are made along Bellerive Beach, Long Beach and at South Arm.
Soft plastics are undoubtedly the better of the artificial options for an angler however the classic Halco 30grm Slice and Twisty lure working well at times.
A regular customer catches fish in the 2.5 – 4kg range 2-3 times per year by simply casting as he and his wife walk their dog nightly at various beaches within the estuary.
These fish probably do hit baits but it’s not the preferred option lure being the best bit.
Rob Green with a beaut silver trevally
COVID-19 Restrictions and Fishing in Tasmania (Updated6/4/20)
Not sure about what you can and can’t do in relation to going for a fish?
Please see below for a brief summary
Can we still fish?
As of 3rd April (***This may change quickly please check with relevant agencies before heading off) – Some Restrictions are in place for the time being:
Localised fishing is preferred
If you must travel – you must ensure that you return to your place of residence the same day you depart to go fishing and minimise stops along the way.
Camping and staying away at a shack or holiday home is not permitted.
Fuelling up is ok – but adhere to social distancing requirements.
The two person rule applies (you and 1 other) or a family group from the same household is 1 plus 1 other individual.
All National Parks, Crown Lands, Hydro Waters, Public Reserves and Conservation Areas are closed – effectively eliminating 99% of the freshwater fishing options.
Local and Regional Councils have closed further public areas …. a phone call could be a great idea to check before leaving.
The Recreational Scallop Season will not open for 2020.
***Updated 6/4/20 The Premier has announced further restrictions for boat owners. From Wednesday 8 April and effective until Monday 27 April, if you own a boat, you are restricted to launching that boat within the municipality in which your primary residence address is listed. The move is designed to ensure people do not congregate at boat ramps over the Easter break.
The MAST link below is a little different:
The big difference is:
If boating with one person that you do not reside with, ensure you maintain social distancing (at least 1.5 metres apart). Use hand sanitiser where there is any contact with shared surfaces.
Ensure you wait your turn at the ramp and MAST recommends that if it is a double lane facility, that only one lane is used to maintain the required social distance. Same procedure to apply when retrieving your boat. Maintain personal hygiene at all times.
If you are boating alone, please ensure you tell someone where you are going, wear the kill switch cord and a life jacket
The important message from MAST is:
"If it is deemed essential, then Tasmanians can go boating and fishing for recreational purposes."
https://www.mast.tas.gov.au/covid-19-recreational-boating-guidelines/
Hunters
We understand a lot of our customers are hunters as well and share in the love of the great outdoors – the above pretty much holds true for this pastime as well. Hunters be mindful of the following:
NO PUBLIC LAND HUNTING can take place
Private Property hunting only
No camping or staying away from home for the night.
Social distancing requirements adhered to.
Only two persons.
