They’re dam fine salmon

IT seems the salmon released into Craigbourne Dam recently are “playing by the rules” and are being caught on all manner of lures and baits.

There have been reports that the pumpkinseed colour in the soft plastics with the Hueys Sunset lure have been accounting for a lot of fish.

A fly dropper also seems to be a drawcard, inviting fish to bite, with many taken on the dropper last week.

That’s not to say that other lures won’t work, but these are just the ones that are accounting for a lot of fish.

At the other end of the state, the Lake Barrington releases are playing a bit harder to get.

Fish were apparently dropped off at the ski club end of the dam, and at the other end near the rowing course.

This provides a huge expanse of water for fish to frolic in, and I reckon some of them may never see the light of day again.

Barrington is vast and deep, dark water with fish I am told that would scare you with their size.

There is plenty of food for them too, with invertebrates and other fish such as blackfish, plus probably lobster.

I once hooked a fish in there that I did battle with for nearly 30 minutes. It was taken on a deep-diving lure trolled behind a down-rigged bomb. This fish gave no quarter and I saw the back of the reel on two occasions.

Unfortunately, the fight ended when one of the treble hooks gave way and the barb bent backwards, which is one of the reasons I sometimes now run single hooks or at least very strong trebles.

I’ve mentioned before about treble hooks being chemically sharpened and their “brittleness’’, and while their penetrating power is scary, their tendency to fracture is quite high.

Exotic visitors

REDMAP has just released its latest list of sightings, and this is Tasmanian grassroots scientists at work, namely you the anglers and beachcombers.

What you see in your everyday affairs, either at the beach, in the water or what you catch, can all be logged via the website.

This is a great record of what’s being caught where.

It also gives a trend for scientists to look at and see what species are heading south.

It amazes me how in Tasmanian waters we are now starting to capture game fish such as mahi-mahi and even sailfish in greater numbers.

Someone said to me the other day that we may well see species such as Spanish mackerel soon, and I reckon bring it on.

It is quite possible, especially with water warming plus the easterly current that “tailwags’ against our East Coast each year bringing a myriad of species with it.

Places to try for fishing this weekend would be Scamander, where some good bream are being taken. You could also try Margate Wharf, where slimy mackerel and snotty trevally have been caught.

Trout licences for the coming season are now available. Grab them online, from Service Tasmania shops, or at your tackle store.