Presented from Issue 100 Considering the world class quality of our sea trout fishery, these fish are not sought after by enough anglers. Sea runners live in the salt water and run up our estuaries and rivers from the start of August to the middle of November. At this time of the year, they are here to eat the many species of fish that are either running up the rivers to spawn or are living in and around the estuary systems. Trout, both sea run and resident (Slob Trout) feed heavily on these small fish which darken in colouration as they move further into fresh water reaches.
The majority of these predatory fish are brown trout with rainbows making up a very small percentage of the catch. They can be found all around the state but it would be fair to say that the east coast is the least prolific of all the areas. They still run up such rivers as the Georges (and many others) but their numbers along with the quality of the fishing elsewhere make it difficult to recommend the area above the larger northern, southern and western rivers.
The 2014 recreational scallop season opens from this Saturday, 12 April and runs until July 31. The D'Entrecasteaux Channel remains closed to protect scallop stocks, so you cannot take or possess scallops in this area or transit through it with scallops on board your boat. Reports last year indicated that scallop divers were most active on the East Coast from Coles Bay to Marion Bay.
A reminder to fishers that you are not allowed to take or target shark, skates or rays in Shark Refuge Areas. Fishing gear restrictions apply for set lines and gillnets in these sheltered habitats so sharks, skates and rays can breed and raise their young. The following areas are Shark Refuge Areas: Blackman Bay, Derwent Area, Frederick Henry Bay, Norfolk Bay, D'Entrecasteaux Channel, Georges Bay, Great Oyster Bay, East Coast Waters, Mercury Passage, Port Sorell and the Tamar River. Seemaps of these areas and the rules that apply.
Visit us at AgFest
The Recreational Fisheries Team and Fishcare Volunteers will be at AgFest from 1-3 May so drop in and say hello. Among the attractions are:
Kid's fishing pool
Fishcare display trailer
Filleting display - flathead and other species
Fish de-hooking and handling demonstrations
Live rock lobster
Fishing advice, guides and brochures
See you at Site M64 on Main Street.
Female Rock Lobster Season Closes
The recreational season for female rock lobster finishes at the end of April in time for the breeding season. Male rock lobster can still be taken until 31 August, but all female rock lobster should be carefully returned to the water in the area they were caught.
Female rock lobster can be distinguished from males by the large pleopods (red, flap-like structure) under their tails. These are used to hold their eggs and they also have a small nipper claw on their rear legs. Male rock lobster have much smaller pleopods and no nipper claw on their rear legs.
More information?
download the Tas Fish Guide phone app or pick up a copy of the Recreational Sea Fishing Guide;
call the Recreational Sea Fishing Line on 1300 720 647;
Click above for current issue content. The current issue of TFBN is extensive and topical. In Tackle Stores, Newsagents and by subscription. Delivered to your door for $48 for 2 years (8 issues). To subscribe, send Mike $48 via www.paypal.com.au . (Basic instructions are here) The email is at Contact Us. Your address will be included from PayPal. Or phone Mike with your c/c handy on 0418129949 Please ensure your details are correct, for Mike to organise delivery.
TFBN Newsletter Sign up Form
Category Descriptions
Here is a list of all of the ArticleCategories. The number in Brackets, eg (13) is the number of articles. Click on Derwent River and all articles relating to the Derwent will be displayed in the central area.
Hello everyone, I thought it would be a good time to introduce myself. My name is Stephen Smith and I have been managing the website tasfish.com since May 2009. It has been an epic journey of learning and discovery and I am indebted to Mike Stevens for his help, support and patience. I am developing a new venture Rubicon Web and Technology Training ( www.rwtt.com.au ). The focus is two part, to develop websites for individuals and small business and to train people to effectively use technology in their everyday lives.
Recently Atlantic salmon seems to be a very hot topic amongst local anglers, especially those in the south of the state in the D'Entrecasteaux area. Northern anglers should take a close look at the Tamar as there are opportunities here as well. The recent "great escape" has provided a perfect opportunity for fresh and saltwater anglers alike to experience some truly memorable sport. Tasmania's pristine, clean and cool waters are the perfect nursery for the Atlantic Salmon and as our local fish farms produce more and more fresh quality seafood it is a fact that there are going to be tangible consequences.