Best tide times for kayak fishing near Goodwood, TAS

Kayak Fishing in Goodwood, TAS: A Comprehensive Guide

Located on the picturesque Derwent River, Goodwood, TAS, offers exceptional kayak fishing opportunities. To maximize your catch, it’s crucial to understand the best tide times, fishing seasons, and essential gear, while prioritizing safety.

Ideal Tide Phases for Kayak Fishing:

Changing Tides: The hour leading up to and after the tide change (both rising and falling) is often most productive. Fish are more active during these periods as they feed on bait stirred up by the shifting water.

Specifically for Goodwood:

Rising Tide: Fish the shallow flats and weed beds as the tide rises, targeting species like flathead, bream, and mulloway.
Falling Tide: Focus on structural elements like drop-offs, rocky points, and sunken logs, which attract species such as cod, perch, and the occasional snapper.

Fishing Seasons in Goodwood, TAS:

Summer (Dec to Feb): Warm waters bring mulloway, bream, and flathead into shallower areas.

Autumn (Mar to May): A transitional period with a mix of summer and winter species, including the start of the cod season.

Winter (Jun to Aug): Cod, perch, and snapper are more active in the colder waters.

Spring (Sep to Nov): See a resurgence of mulloway and bream, with flathead becoming more active.

Gear Tips for Kayak Fishing in Goodwood:

Rods & Reels: Medium to light action combos suitable for bream, mulloway, and flathead. Heavier setups for cod and snapper.

Lures:

Soft plastics (e.g., curly tail grubs) for bream and flathead.
Hard body lures and metal slices for mulloway and cod.
Jigs for snapper.

Bait: Live or frozen bait like prawns, squid, and pilchards can be effective for a variety of species.

Kayak Accessories:

Anchor or a good quality kayak anchor trolley system.
Paddle leash and a spare paddle.
First aid kit and a VHF radio or a reliable mobile phone in a waterproof case.

Safety First:

Check the Weather: Always forecast the weather before heading out. Derwent River can quickly become hazardous in bad weather.

Life Jacket: A personal flotation device (PFD) is a must. Ensure it’s Coast Guard approved and in good condition.

Visibility: Use reflective tape or bright colors on your kayak to enhance visibility, especially during early morning or late evening fishing trips.

Inform Someone: Let a friend or family member know your launch and expected return times, and the area you plan to fish.

Enjoy Your Kayak Fishing Adventure in Goodwood, TAS!

Remember, the key to a successful and enjoyable kayak fishing experience in Goodwood is understanding and adapting to the local conditions. Respect the environment, follow local regulations, and practice catch-and-release fishing to help preserve the beautiful Derwent River’s fish populations.