Kayak Fishing at Moorland Point, TAS: A Comprehensive Guide
Located near East Devonport on Tasmania’s north coast, Moorland Point offers kayak anglers a sheltered environment with easy access to estuarine waters, sandflats, and nearshore reefs. To get the best out of your session, understanding the best tide times, fishing seasons, and gearing up correctly is essential.
Best Tide Times for Kayak Fishing at Moorland Point, TAS
- Peak Fishing Tides: Tidal flows around Moorland Point strongly influence fish activity. For successful kayak fishing, plan around:
- Incoming Tide (Rising): Rising tides flood the flats and channels, drawing in flathead, bream, and Australian salmon. The early stages of the incoming tide often produce the hottest action.
- Outgoing Tide (Falling): Falling tides concentrate fish along drop-offs, estuary edges, and sandbars, ideal for kayak-based targeting.
Tide Phases to Avoid for Kayak Fishing:
- Dead Low and High Tide: These slack periods usually see reduced fish movement—perfect for repositioning or switching lures.
Fishing Seasons at Moorland Point, TAS
- Year-Round Species: Flathead and bream are reliable all year, with squid visiting nearby coastal waters for much of the year.
- Seasonal Highlights:
- Summer (Dec to Feb): Best season for flathead, squid, and Australian salmon across the shallow flats and estuary mouths.
- Autumn (Mar to May) and Spring (Sep to Nov): Great periods for bream, trevally, and estuary species as water temperatures settle.
- Winter (Jun to Aug): Squid activity remains solid offshore, while bream can still be found deeper in the estuary system.
Gear Tips for Kayak Fishing at Moorland Point
- Rod and Reel: A 2–4 kg light spinning combo is ideal for the estuary and inshore targets you’ll encounter here.
- Lures and Baits:
- Lures: Soft plastics and shallow diving hardbodies are top choices; squid jigs are a must for calamari.
- Baits: Fresh pilchards, prawns, and squid strips work exceptionally well.
- Kayak Accessories:
- Anchor: Helpful for holding position along estuary edges or sand gutters.
- Storage: Dry bags and waterproof crates protect gear from splashes and salt spray.
Safety First for Kayak Fishing at Moorland Point
- Personal Flotation Device (PFD): Always wear an approved PFD when out on the water.
- Weather Awareness: Even sheltered areas can experience sudden wind gusts—check the forecast before launching.
- Visibility: Equip your kayak with a tall safety flag and wear bright clothing to stay visible to nearby boaters.
- Communication Device: Carry a waterproofed mobile phone or a handheld VHF radio in case of emergency.
- First Aid Kit: Essential for treating minor cuts or stings while on the water.
Final Tips for a Successful Kayak Fishing Trip at Moorland Point, TAS
- Respect the Environment: Follow fishing regulations carefully and practice sustainable fishing where possible.
- Local Knowledge: Tap into advice from local tackle shops or fellow anglers to find the most productive fishing grounds at different times of year.
By watching the tides and seasons and preparing properly, you’ll set yourself up for a rewarding kayak fishing adventure at Moorland Point, Tasmania.
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