Best tide times for kayak fishing near Moonah, TAS

Kayak Fishing in Moonah, TAS: A Guide to Reeling in the Catch

Located on the Derwent River, Moonah offers exceptional kayak fishing opportunities, with an abundance of species to target. To increase your chances of landing a prized catch, timing is everything. Here’s your comprehensive guide to kayak fishing in Moonah, TAS:

Ideal Tide Phases:

Peak Fishing Times:

Changing Tides: 1-2 hours either side of the tide change (both rising and falling). This period often triggers feeding frenzies among fish.
Low Tide: Exposes structure and baitfish, making it easier to locate predators like flathead, bream, and mulloway.
High Tide: Allows access to normally inaccessible areas, increasing your chances of catching species like Australian salmon and trevally.

Tide Phase to Avoid: Extremely high or low tides can limit access to certain areas or make fishing challenging due to strong currents.

Fishing Seasons in Moonah, TAS:

Year-Round Targets:

Flathead
Bream
Mullet

Seasonal Highlights:

Spring (Sept-Nov): Australian Salmon and Trevally are more active.
Summer (Dec-Feb): Warm waters attract species like Yellowfin Whiting and occasional visits from larger predators.
Autumn (Mar-May): Mulloway become more accessible as waters cool.
Winter (Jun-Aug): Focus on deeper waters for species like flathead and bream.

Gear Tips for Kayak Fishing in Moonah:

Rods & Reels:

Medium-light to medium-heavy action rods suitable for species mentioned.
Spinning or baitcaster reels with a good drag system.

Lures & Baits:

Soft plastics (e.g., curly tail grubs) for flathead and mulloway.
Small metal slices for Australian Salmon and Trevally.
Fresh or frozen baits (e.g., prawns, pilchards) for bream and mulloway.

Kayak Accessories:

Anchor or drag chain for stabilizing in current.
Paddle leash and tie-downs for gear.
Fishing net with a long handle.

Safety First:

Always Wear: Life jacket (PFD), hat, polarized sunglasses, and sunscreen.

Check Weather & Tides: Before heading out. Be prepared for sudden changes.

Carry a VHF Radio or Phone: In a waterproof container for emergency calls.

Fish with a Buddy: Whenever possible, and inform someone of your planned return time.

Respect the Environment: Follow all local fishing regulations and handle catch gently to promote sustainable fishing practices.

Before You Launch:

Ensure you have the necessary Tasmanian Fishing License.

Familiarize yourself with Local Fishing Regulations, including size limits, bag limits, and any closed areas or species.

By following this guide, you’ll be well-equipped to tackle the exciting world of kayak fishing in Moonah, TAS. Remember, patience and respect for the environment are key to a successful and enjoyable fishing experience. Tight lines!