Best tide times for kayak fishing near Cairns Bay, TAS

Kayak Fishing Guide for Cairns Bay, TAS

Located on the southeastern coast of Tasmania, Cairns Bay offers an exciting kayak fishing experience amidst its pristine waters and diverse marine life. To maximize your catch, we’ve put together this comprehensive guide, covering the best tide times, fishing seasons, essential gear, and crucial safety tips.

Ideal Tide Phases for Kayak Fishing:

Best Tides: The changing tides in Cairns Bay significantly impact fishing success. For kayak fishing, focus on:

Early Morning Incoming Tide: Fish are more active as the tide rises, making this period ideal for catching species like Australian salmon and flathead.

Late Afternoon Outgoing Tide: As the tide drops, areas around reefs and drop-offs become hotspots for species such as mackerel and trevally.

Tide to Avoid: Steer clear of the peak high and low tide periods when fish tend to seek deeper waters, making them less accessible from a kayak.

Fishing Seasons in Cairns Bay:

Spring (Sept to Nov): Excellent for catching Australian salmon, mullet, and the occasional striped marlin.

Summer (Dec to Feb): Warm waters attract species like yellowfin tuna, albacore, and mahi-mahi.

Autumn (Mar to May): A mixed bag of fish including flathead, trevally, and mackerel.

Winter (Jun to Aug): Focus on deeper waters for species like cod, snapper, and the occasional shark.

Gear Tips for Kayak Fishing in Cairns Bay:

Rods & Reels: Medium to light action rods paired with spinning reels (2000-4000 series) are versatile for most species.

Lures:

Soft plastics for flathead and trevally.

Small metal jigs for mackerel and tuna.

Deep diving lures for targeting species in deeper waters during winter.

Bait: Pilchards, squid, and mullet are effective live baits for a variety of species.

Kayak Setup: Ensure your kayak is equipped with rod holders, a small anchor, and ample storage for gear.

Safety First:

Weather Check: Always check the forecast before heading out. Cairns Bay can experience rapid weather changes.

Visibility Gear: Wear high-visibility clothing and consider attaching reflective materials to your kayak.

Safety Kit: Carry a basic first aid kit, a VHF radio, a whistle, and a repair kit for your kayak.

Buddy System: When possible, fish with a buddy. If solo, inform someone of your itinerary and expected return time.

Respect the Environment: Follow all Tasmanian fishing regulations and practice catch-and-release to conserve Cairns Bay’s marine ecosystem.

Before You Cast:

Ensure you have a valid Tasmanian recreational sea fishing license.

Familiarize yourself with local fishing rules, including bag limits and size restrictions.

By following this guide, you’re well on your way to an exciting and rewarding kayak fishing experience in Cairns Bay, TAS. Always remember, safety and sustainability are key to enjoying this beautiful fishery. Tight lines!