Just wild about our abalone
WITH the lobster season opening last weekend, I thought it would be timely to pass on some information about shellfish, having been asked recently by a couple of fishers.
While abalone aren’t lobsters, they are classed as a shellfish, and many people in this state chase them by recreational and commercial diving.
The Tasmanian abalone fishery is the world’s largest sustainable wild abalone resource, providing about 25 per cent of the annual global harvest.
It is the most valuable wild-capture fishery in Tasmania and contributes significantly to the state’s economy.
Most of the abalone harvested in Tasmania is exported to Asian markets: China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Japan and Singapore.
Traditionally abalone were detached from the shell (shucked), then canned or individually quick-frozen. Today, most of the abalone is exported live.
The Tasmanian abalone fishery is regarded both nationally and internationally as one of the best managed wild fisheries in the world.
This has largely been the result of the introduction of a quota management system in 1985, which saw the total allowable catch divided between 3500 units, with access limited to 125 abalone dive licence holders.
Other control measures include rigorous reporting requirements, and the creation of management zones in state waters, each with its own total allowable catch, minimum size limits and closures.
More information on this tasty delicacy can be found at http://dpipwe.tas.gov.au/sea-fishing-aquaculture/recreational-fishing/ abalone-fishing CARL HYLAND I AM often asked what the best colour for squid jigs is, and to be honest it doesn’t really matter.
I do find that white jigs with a red head are good (you can paint this yourself), or perhaps a fluoro orange with a white belly is also effective.
Sometimes the crafty cephalopods will be cunning and look at nothing, but a way around this is to sweeten the jig hooks with a piece of fish bait. Quite often this will lead to a hook-up.
Squid jags are available with a metal spike inserted in, say, a whole pilchard and these can be used when the squid baulk at a jig. SOUTHERN anglers shouldn’t despair because the Margate Wharf is starting to fire, both for calamari and couta.
The couta aren’t the pesky little numbers that were around last year, and some are actually reaching a decent size.
Port Arthur is currently a great spot for dusk fishing, with squid turning up here as well. Pirates Bay jetty is always a great spot for squid, especially when charter boats have fish to clean.
However, be aware that your calamari capture could turn into a giant smooth ray, which also like the pickings from the boats.
Salmon activity is starting to pick up in the Derwent. I’d be trying places such as under the Tasman Bridge and around the Bowen Bridge.
McGee’s Bridge is currently a good spot for silver trevally, squid, and the occasional flathead.
In the Tamar River, salmon action can be found at York Cove and along the shallow margins of Kelso and Greens Beach. Also, don’t discount Badgers Beach or Three Mile Beach near Low Head.