Best tide times for kayak fishing near Boat Harbour Beach, TAS

Kayak Fishing Guide for Boat Harbour Beach, TAS

Located on Tasmania’s stunning northwest coast, Boat Harbour Beach offers an exceptional kayak fishing experience. To increase your chances of reeling in a beauty, follow this expert guide:

Ideal Tide Phases for Kayak Fishing:

Peak Fishing Tides:

Incoming Tide (Rising): 1-2 hours after low tide, ideal for targeting species like Australian salmon, trevally, and mullet as they feed on baitfish moving into the beach’s shallow waters.
Outgoing Tide (Falling): Last 2 hours before low tide, perfect for catching species like flathead, leatherjackets, and the occasional snapper as they hunt in the exposed sandbars and drop-offs.

Avoid: Strong tidal flows during the peak of high and low tide, as they can make paddling and fishing challenging.

Fishing Seasons in Boat Harbour Beach:

Summer (Dec-Feb): Excellent for Australian salmon, trevally, and mulloway.

Autumn (Mar-May) & Spring (Sep-Nov): Ideal for flathead, snapper, and leatherjackets.

Winter (Jun-Aug): Focus on species like cod, and the more resilient flathead.

Gear Tips:

Rod/Reel Combo: Medium to light action, suitable for 1-4 kg fish, with a reel loaded with at least 150m of 6-10 lb monofilament or equivalent braid.

Lures/Bait:

Lures: Small metal slices (e.g., 10-20g), soft plastics (e.g., 2-3 inch curly tail grubs), and shallow diving hard-body lures.
Bait: Use fresh bait like bluebait, squid, or sandworms for optimal results.

Kayak Gear: Ensure your kayak is fitted with rod holders, a small storage compartment for gear, and consider a trolling motor for ease, especially during strong tides.

Safety First:

Check the Weather: Always forecast checks before heading out. Boat Harbour Beach can experience sudden weather changes.

Tide Awareness: Understand the tide cycle to avoid being stranded or swept away.

Visibility and Lighting: Wear high-visibility clothing, especially during early morning or late evening fishing trips. Ensure your kayak is equipped with navigation lights if you plan to fish in low light conditions.

Safety Gear: Carry a VHF radio, a first aid kit, a repair kit for your kayak, and always wear a properly fitted PFD (Personal Flotation Device).

Buddy System: Preferably fish with a buddy, and inform someone onshore of your expected return time.

Additional Tips:

Respect local regulations regarding catch limits, size restrictions, and any closed areas.

Practice catch-and-release fishing to help conserve the marine environment.

Be mindful of other beach users and marine life.

By following this guide, you’ll be well-equipped to enjoy a successful and safe kayak fishing experience at Boat Harbour Beach, TAS. Tight lines!