Best tide times for kayak fishing near Boat Harbour, TAS

Kayak Fishing Guide: Boat Harbour, TAS

Located on Tasmania’s stunning north coast, Boat Harbour offers an exciting kayak fishing experience. Here’s your comprehensive guide to making the most of your paddle and catch:

Ideal Tide Times:

1. Flood Tide (Rising): 1-2 hours after low tide, ideal for targeting species like Australian salmon, mullet, and flathead in the harbour’s shallow waters.
2. Peak High Tide: Suitable for fishing the reef structures and weed beds just outside the harbour entrance, where you might catch snapper, morwong, or even a stray tuna.
3. Ebb Tide (Falling): 1-2 hours after high tide, great for catching species like trevally, mackerel, and garfish in the harbour’s entrance and immediate coastal areas.

Fishing Seasons:

• Summer (Dec-Feb): Peak season for flathead, snapper, and morwong.
• Autumn (Mar-May): Excellent for Australian salmon, mulloway (jacks), and trevally.
• Spring (Sep-Nov): Good for a mixed bag, including snapper, morwong, and the occasional tuna.
• Winter (Jun-Aug): Best for targeting mulloway and the more resilient species like flathead and trevally.

Gear Tips:

• Lures: Soft plastics (e.g., curly tail grubs) for flathead, metal slicers for trevally and mackerel, and shallow diving hard bodies for snapper and morwong.
• Baits: Use fresh bait like squid, pilchards, or mussels for better success with a variety of species.
• Rods & Reels: Medium to light action combos (2-4 kg) suitable for most species in Boat Harbour.
• Kayak Setup: Ensure your kayak is equipped with a comfortable seating system, ample storage for gear, and a reliable anchoring system for when you find that perfect spot.

Safety First:

1. Weather Check: Always check the forecast before heading out. Tasmanian weather can be unpredictable.
2. Life Jacket: A must-have. Ensure it fits properly and is Coast Guard-approved.
3. Communication: Carry a waterproof VHF radio or a personal locator beacon (PLB), especially when fishing alone.
4. Sun Protection: Don’t underestimate the Tasmanian sun; pack sunscreen, a hat, and polarized sunglasses.
5. Fishing Licence: Make sure you have a valid Tasmanian recreational fishing licence.
6. Respect the Environment: Practice catch-and-release fishing where possible, and never litter.

Final Tips:

• Arrive early to secure parking and launch your kayak with ease.
• Be mindful of other water users, including swimmers and powerboats.
• Enjoy the serene beauty of Boat Harbour and the thrill of reeling in your catch!

Remember, safety and sustainability are key to a great kayak fishing experience in Boat Harbour, TAS. Tight lines!

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