Best tide times for kayak fishing near Hillcrest, TAS

Kayak Fishing Guide for Hillcrest, TAS

Located on the scenic shores of Tasmania, Hillcrest offers kayak anglers a unique fishing experience amidst its rugged coastline and pristine waters. To maximize your catch, we’ve put together this comprehensive guide, covering the best tide times, fishing seasons, essential gear, and crucial safety tips.

Best Tide Times:

Peak Fishing Tides: Hillcrest’s kayak fishing is most productive during the changing tides, specifically:

1-2 hours before and after the high tide for targeting species like bream, flathead, and Australian salmon in the shallow, coastal waters.
1-2 hours before and after the low tide for catching species like mulloway, estuary perch, and garfish in the exposed structures and creek entrances.

Tide Phases to Avoid: Steer clear of the dead low and high tide phases when water movement is minimal, reducing fish activity.

Fishing Seasons:

Summer (Dec-Feb): Ideal for catching Australian salmon, flathead, and bream as they congregate in the warmer, coastal waters.

Autumn (Mar-May) and Spring (Sep-Nov): Excellent for targeting mulloway, estuary perch, and garfish as they move into the estuaries and coastal areas during these transitional periods.

Winter (Jun-Aug): Focus on deeper waters for species like morwong and ling, which can be more active during the cooler months.

Gear Tips:

Kayak: Choose a sturdy, fishing-specific kayak with storage for your gear.

Rod/Reel Combo: A medium to light action setup (2-4 kg) with a spinning or baitcaster reel, suitable for the targeted species.

Lures/Bait:

Lures: Soft plastics (e.g., curly tail grubs), hard body lures (e.g., diving lures), and metal slices for various species.
Bait: Use fresh bait like squid, mussels, or pilchards for bottom dwellers and baitfish for pelagic species.

Safety Gear:

Personal Flotation Device (PFD) – a must-have.
First aid kit.
Navigation lights for early morning or late evening fishing.
Sunscreen, hat, and polarized sunglasses.

Safety First:

Check Weather and Tide Forecasts: Before heading out, ensure you’re aware of any adverse weather conditions or unexpected tidal changes.

Notify Someone: Inform a friend or family member of your fishing plans, including your expected return time.

Kayak Fishing Alone? Consider investing in a personal locator beacon (PLB) or satellite phone, especially for remote areas.

Respect the Environment: Follow local fishing regulations, handle fish gently to ensure survival upon release, and take all trash back with you.

By following this guide, you’ll be well-prepared to tackle the exciting world of kayak fishing in Hillcrest, TAS. Remember, safety and responsible fishing practices are key to a enjoyable and sustainable fishing experience. Tight lines!