Lobster still popular catch

BEST BAITS FOR MOST WATERS, ESPECIALLY WITH SNOW MELT, ARE WORMS, GRUBS OR EVEN POWER BAIT SUSPENDED UNDER A FLOAT. IT’S A BIT EARLY FOR MUDEYES, BUT IF YOU HAVE SOME, COULD PROVE TO BE THE WINNING FORMULA ON TROUT SEEKING A TREAT

THIS week there is much activity in the brine and freshwater and while a lot of focus is on freshwater, the Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies released its annual survey estimating the recreational catch of rock lobster and abalone.

According to the survey, fishers last year took 53,655 rock lobster — estimated at 54.3 tonnes.

A further breakdown of those figures shows that 66 per cent were taken by pots, 31 per cent by diving and 3 per cent with rings.

Of those captures, 72 per cent took place on the East Coast, 13 per cent on the North Coast, and 14 per cent on the West Coast.

The East Coast stock rebuilding zone catch was 33.6 tonnes — below the 35 tonne national recreational amount for this area.

Some 25,500 abalone, an estimated 12.6 tonnes, was taken — 75 per cent from the East Coast, 13 per cent from the North Coast and 10 per cent from the West Coast.

IMAS reported 3200 fishers and non-fishers took part in the recreational fishing survey. It will release a discussion paper in early September.

Some dates fishers might like to keep in their diaries include the following: August 31, the rock lobster season West Region, and statewide trumpeter season, close at midnight.

From October 1-31, the North Coast squid spawning area is closed (from Cape Grim to Cape Naturaliste).

From October 15 to November 14, the East Coast squid spawning area is closed (this area includes Great Oyster Bay and Mercury Passage).

At midnight on October 31, recreational scallop season closes for all waters.

As part of the government assistance package for the rock lobster commercial fishery, uncaught quota on a fishing (rock lobster) licence from the 2019-20 year has been carried forward into the current year.

The total amount of uncaught quota carried forward is 86.33 tonnes. To date, 49 tonne of this uncaught quota has been landed during the 2020-21 season.

Full figures are available at dpipwe.tas.gov.au/sea-fishingaquaculture/commercial-fishing/rock-lobster-fishery/rocklobster-catch.

A standout freshwater fishery is Lake Leake, with many fishers delighted at captures so far.

Located near Campbell Town, this lake will get a lot of use by fishers this year and so far rainbow captures have been exceptional.

Four Springs Lake is somewhat similar, with anglers reporting that floating weed is already a nuisance but well worth the fishing time as the fish are fat and healthy.

Huntsman Dam near Meander has some good fish, and the recent stocking of some tagged fish will no doubt boost the enthusiasm of some.

The tagged fish are worth prizes from local business and not to be confused with the $10,000 tagged fish promotion being run by Inland Fisheries Service in some waters.

Best baits for most waters, especially with snow melt, are worms, grubs or even power bait suspended under a float. It’s a bit early for mudeyes, but if you have some, could prove to be the winning formula on trout seeking a treat.

Until next week, take care.