A guide to fishing in Tasmania
There are fewer pristine fishing places in abundance than Australia's Apple Isle, Tasmania. Which ever direction of the compass you choose to go in, there's a spot just waiting for the fish to bite.
Coast to coast: Tasmania's unrivalled fishing spots
Let's start with the south coast. The D'Entrecasteaux Channel is a favourite among many fishing regulars because not only does it take in a large amount of Tasmania's southern waterways, but it also has the widest array of fish available for the catch. From trout to Barracouta, bream to squid, there's definitely no shortage of variety.
One of the bonuses of the Channel is the Australian Salmon. Both wild and farmed varieties can be found regularly, especially after there has been a large ‘escape' from the hatcheries – a more common occurrence than you'd think. These salmon can reach up to 3-4kg, with brood stock reaching as much as 9kg. Good spots in the Channel area are Gordon (squid), Kettering (salmon and mackerel), Southport (flathead) and Port Esperance (salmon).
Across the Channel is Bruny Island, which has a list of catch as long as your angler: flathead, silver trevally, flounder, cod, mackerel, pike, Australian salmon, barracouta and perch, to name a few. Bruny Island is accessible by ferry, and is best between the months of November to April.
The East Stretch
If it's beach fishing you're after, then a trip to the east coast is just the thing. All year round is a good time for catching Australian salmon, with most catches hauling 1-2kg fish. Just make sure you're not in a shark refuge area (this information is available on the Tasmanian Sea Fishing and Aquaculture website, the link for which is below). Rock fishing is also popular on the east coast and can turn up some truly random catches, including anything from flathead to wrasse, salmon to barracouta.
And of course one of the bonuses of the east coast is its big game fishing. From Flinders Island to the Tasman Peninsula, Tasmania holds more game fishing records than anywhere else in Australia. A world record-breaking bluefin tuna, weighing 120kgs, was caught in this region.
Head North
Up north the catch can be truly delightful. An hour and a half from Launceston is Cape Portland, where you can catch rock lobsters, snapper, kingfish – and salmon, of course. Half an hour away is Bridport, which is fast becoming known as the premier place to bag a whopping snapper. In recent times it has become not so uncommon for 7kg snapper to be reeled in from the deep. One even weighted in at 15kgs!
If you're that way, then a drop in at the Tamar River Region is a must. Only a short way from Launceston, the Tamar is famous for its sea-run trout, especially where the North and South Esk rivers meet. There's low angling pressure, and apparently a well-kept secret (until now).
Go west, young man
Then there's the west coast, and for those with a sense of adventure and a boat, fishing outside the heads can yield an exciting array of catch. Most common are barracouta, trevally and striped trumpeter. If you have a licence, then the southern rock lobster is also a tempting treat.
The west coast is a great destination for families as well. River cruises operate up the Gordon River, and fishing tours are also available. Another great holiday spot is the Arthur River in the Arthur-Pieman Protected Area. Australian salmon rest in this area from November through to as late as February, and more recently it has become a destination for trout anglers.
Fishing tours in Tassie
In just about every region and every type of fishing, there's a tour to be had in Tasmania. With its 5,400 kilometres of coastline – more than NSW and Victoria put together – and more boats per person than anywhere else in Australia, it's really no surprise. For more information on tours, try some of the links below.
Fishing in Tasmania requires a fishing licence, and often times there are limits on the size, weight and number of the catch you can keep. Stay abreast with these regulations by looking up your destination on the Tasmanian Sea Fishing and Aquaculture website, where there's also loads of information on the best lures, best times of year to fish and where all the hot spots are.