Give squid a chance
SQUID fishers in the North will soon be helping conserve squid stocks for a few weeks, with a closed season being implemented.
The commercial and recreational southern calamari and squid fisheries will be closed in two areas off Tasmania’s North Coast from October 6-22 to protect spawning calamari.
The initial proposal to close the entire North Coast was revised following consultation with fishers.
Closing only key spawning hot spots around the Stanley area in the North-West and waters adjacent to the Tamar River in the central North will support commercial and recreational fishing activity by providing the opportunity to fish in other areas along the coast.
During the closure period, taking or possessing calamari and other squid species is prohibited in the closed areas.
Transiting the closed areas in possession of squid species is not permitted unless the person in possession of Gould’s squid is the holder of a Commonwealth authority or a Tasmanian fishing licence (automatic squid jig) and has taken those fish under that authority.
These spawning closures ensure calamari won’t be targeted when they are at their most vulnerable, providing protection during peak spawning activity to help maintain stocks into the future.
More information about the exact areas that will be closed are available from the DPIPWE website.
Standout waters for trout fishing this week are Lake Crescent and although its full and the colour of coffee, it is fishing well.
Lures in fluorescent colours are a good choice, as are those that are gold and black. The bigger, the better.
Trolling for trout by boaters in Great Lake also seems to be a successful way to fish, with many reporting opening week being one of the best yet.
Fish are fat and full of small beetles and many other insects. With the odd warm day, many insects are now on the move and the trout seem to know when its dinnertime.
Brumby Creek has also fished well with many drowning worms in an attempt to catch dinner.
One angler told me of catching two nice browns within 10 minutes of each other, then not having another touch for the four-hour period afterwards.
In briny waters, fishers at Margate wharf have been doing okay also and tell of small snotty trevally, squid and flathead coming on the chew. Best baits appear to be chicken plus pearl-coloured soft plastics.
In the North, large salmon were caught this week off Shear Reef by boaters plus some good-sized snook were also taken by anglers fishing with floating stickbaits in the same area.
Small sea trout were taken at Trevallyn Tailrace, with anglers fishing with worms.