How to catch calamari
IN saltwater around the state, calamari squid are starting to move inshore and that usually means that we will see some larger specimens caught early.
Traditionally, Great Oyster Bay fishes well early on as do some areas of the North Coast.
Boaters usually fare well around the East Beach area and while a boat is an advantage, land based anglers shouldn’t be deterred as squid will readily take a jig or bait suspended under a mirrored float.
A berley trail will also help bring squid to your location and I use salmon flavoured dog roll (cheap) mashed up and placed in either an old onion bag or stocking.
There is enough oil and fish pieces in the roll to bring squid and other fish to your suspended bait or lure.
For those who like to fish from a secure platform, say a pier or jetty, the same methods work, but chances are your neighbours will be the one catching the fish.
The Margate jetty is becoming a very popular spots for squid fishing and small flathead with the odd larger specimen turning up.
Remember, strict size limits apply for flathead and take home rules also apply and if you are the last one fishing the jetty, don’t leave your mess behind, rubbish or squid ink, a quick sluice down with a bucket of water is all that is required to clean things up.
Dennes Point is also a great spot for squid and the location of adjacent weed beds mean that whiting are also a popular catch from here.
Bream are being caught at popular spots like Scamander and Georges Bay and already, big silver trevally are putting in an appearance.
Mullet are everywhere, and the Tamar is a good spot to catch them if that’s what your after.
Large sea trout have been caught (and lost) at Hoblers Bridge in Launceston and fishers are reminded that fish caught from Corra Lynn to St Leonards and Henty St bridges should not be consumed.
Public Health Services has detected per- and polyfluroalkyl substance (PFAS) in fish (including eels) from the North Esk River downstream of Corra Linn Gorge.
PFAS was detected in fish samples taken near the dog park in St Leonards and from near Corra Linn.
PFAS was not detected in fish from upstream towards Blessington.
Although PFAS has not been proven to cause any specific human illnesses, the Australian Government recommends human exposure to them be minimised.
I believe PFAS is found in firefighting foam.
As most of us are aware by now, the World Fly fishing championships are to be conducted in the state in early December.
There are some awesome videos out on the subject and I viewed one the other day, which I can recommend viewing because of its fantastic scenery and photography.
Featuring the Meander River, it highlights the hues and colours of the river and the fantastic topography of nearby farmlands and native bush.
It can be viewed at https:// youtu.be/4umpKmqZGyU.
Another great video on Tasmanian fly fishing can be also viewed at https:// youtu.be/5LMRAmZ_nCo