Tasmanian fishing update
by Carl Hyland 1 Nov 2021 21:26 UTC
Xabi Kumar with a cracker Derwent sea runner © Carl Hyland
What a week it's been in fishing, especially with the South being locked down for the earlier part of last week. The fish had a break, but hopefully, everyone can now get back into it.
Just in time to get involved in a survey to determine whether we should have a reduction in catch limits for both commercial and recreational sectors for calamari. Now call me cynical, but it seems that from what I have heard and seen that a decision has probably already been made over this matter and this is a 'feel good' exercise. Groups that are funded by government are supposedly pushing back against changes but again, I have some reservations. It will be interesting to see the outcomes but in the meantime, have a look at the survey, have your say and let's see what develops.
Calamari fishers are being asked to comment on options for possible changes to how Tasmania's calamari fishery is managed. The fishery is facing increased fishing pressure from both the recreational and commercial sectors and is impacted by changing environmental conditions.
Calamari stocks have been assessed as depleting for the past three years by the Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies and according to Government, require new management controls. A discussion paper has been released that puts forward possible management options to meet stock sustainability targets.
Commercial and recreational fishers and the broader community are asked to read the paper and complete the relevant survey on the options proposed. The options for possible changes include: introducing limited licences to the commercial fishery, and reducing catch limits for recreational fishers. Apparently, this is an informal feedback stage to gain early involvement from the broader fishing community.
The discussion paper can be found here and the actual survey for recreational anglers is available here.
The commercial sector can fill the survey out here.
Devonport or the North West coast is currently the 'hot spot' for Bluefin tuna. Last week, a 146kg Bluefin was taken in 30 metres of water off Devonport and another two huge fish were also caught. A group from the Tamar River area also were hooked into a big fish last Friday evening, but it was lost alongside. Vast amounts of bait are in the area and these include small school couta and large schools of Australian salmon.
Dee Lagoon and penstock are also firing with excellent hatches of duns and midges plus a few early gum beetles when warm wind blows in.In Dee, Station Bay is fishing really well with some good rainbow being taken on bladed lures from boats. Penstock, as usual is fishing very well too with the dam being full to overflowing. Boating activity on here can be hectic at times and as it is a fly fishing water only, plenty of distance should be given to other anglers.
One angler fishing from here last weekend managed a huge brown trout which kept him busy for 15 minutes. It was taken on a muddler minnow, which is a good all-rounder for early season mudeye feeders. The fish was photographed and released. Early season caddis moths are also currently being found and a replica should get anglers amongst fish. The hot spot for this week would have to be Talbots Lagoon in the North West where some good fish have been taken on the Hueys Jungle Lure.
Stay tuned for next week, we will have a report on the opening of the Rock lobster and Striped Trumpeter season opening!