Big fish ripe for the luring
An eventful week for lucky anglers is all I can say to try to describe what’s happening at various fishing locations.
A couple of boat anglers hooked some nice school bluefin near the Hippolytes last weekend and, while they were very happy with the one they landed, they weren’t happy with the outcomes for the two they lost.
One was lost when the line caught around the engine propeller, but the second one was actually taken by a large shark off the surface in a frenzied attack with blood and fish parts sprayed everywhere.
There is some supposition as to what species the shark was and one would think that water temperatures would be too low for mako, but perhaps it was a white pointer.
Certainly makes one be careful when gaffing or placing hands in the water when in the big pond.
Other action off Dru Point last week was also exciting for a few boat anglers with some nice snapper caught.
Now these blokes have put in the hard yards, studied reef structure and other underwater topography and are finally starting to reap the rewards. Having a GPS helps, for once they mind their mark, they stick with it.
I was told if you weren’t catching wrasse, cod, mowies or barber perch, you are in the wrong spot.
The intrepid anglers also told of masses of dolphins being around, no doubt after all the bait that has also been in the estuaries and inshore waters.
Some good flathead have been taken in Frederick Henry Bay in waters about 12m deep.
Off Burnie, large Australian salmon are being taken, and right along the foreshore, behind breaking waves, one can expect a hit near every cast, such are the numbers of sambo about at this time.
Further along the NorthWest Coast towards Wynyard, some anglers fishing chicken baits have also been taking some good size blue warehou (snotties).
Hydro Tasmania has reopened some waters. However, other rules do apply for the next four weeks.
Since Monday, May 11, lakes managed by Hydro Tasmania were opened for day use by people who reside within the municipality in which the lake is located.
Other recreation and exercise on Hydro Tasmania land is limited to those places within 30 kilometres of your primary residence. Social distancing, hygiene and gathering size restrictions apply.
A list of the lakes and associated facilities (including boat ramps) that are open to the public for day use only – include: North; North-West; Central Plateau; Upper Derwent Valley; Lower Derwent Valley; and West Coast.
Facilities (including campgrounds and toilet blocks) that remain temporarily closed to the public until further notice include: North; North-West; Central Plateau; Upper Derwent Valley; Lower Derwent Valley; West Coast and South West.
Visitor sites affected include: Waddamana Power Station Heritage Site; Lake Margaret Power Station tours; Trevallyn Power Station tours; and Tarraleah Penstock Lookout access.
More information about accessibility is available from the Hydro Tasmania website, www.hydro.com.au/ things-to-do/visitorinformation-and-safety/ alerts-for-visitors