Best tide times for kayak fishing near Mornington, TAS

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

Located on the picturesque Derwent River, Mornington, Tasmania, offers exceptional kayak fishing experiences. To maximize your chances of landing a prized catch, timing is everything. Here’s your comprehensive guide to tackling the best tide times, seasons, gear, and safety tips for kayak fishing in Mornington.

Ideal Tide Phases:

Changing Tides: The 2-hour window during the transition from high to low tide and vice versa often triggers feeding frenzies. This period usually sees increased activity from species like Australian salmon, mulloway, and flathead.

Low Tide: Ideal for targeting species in shallower waters, such as flathead and flounder, as they congregate in the remaining pools and channels.

High Tide: Best for fishing the edges of the river, where larger predators like mulloway and striped trumpeter are more likely to be lurking.

Fishing Seasons in Mornington, TAS:

Summer (Dec-Feb): Warm waters attract Australian salmon and mulloway.

Autumn (Mar-May) & Spring (Sep-Nov): Optimal for flathead, flounder, and striped trumpeter.

Winter (Jun-Aug): Target mulloway and striped trumpeter, which are more active in cooler waters.

Gear Tips:

Lures: Soft plastics (e.g., curly tail grubs) for flathead, metal slices for Australian salmon, and deep diving hard bodies for mulloway.

Baits: Use fresh bait like squid, pilchards, or mussels for mulloway and striped trumpeter.

Rod/Reel Combo: A medium to heavy action combo suitable for the targeted species, spooled with a minimum of 15lb braid.

Kayak Accessories: Ensure your kayak is equipped with a sturdy rod holder, storage for your gear, and a reliable paddle leash.

Safety First:

PFD (Personal Flotation Device): Always wear a properly fitted PFD.

Weather Watch: Monitor forecasts and be prepared to return to shore at the first sign of deteriorating weather.

Visibility: Wear bright or reflective clothing to increase visibility to other watercraft.

Communication: Carry a waterproof VHF radio or a fully charged mobile phone in a waterproof case.

First Aid Kit: Onboard, and know basic first aid procedures.

Additional Tips for Mornington:

Launch Points: Utilize the public boat ramps at Mornington or nearby tranmere for easy kayak access.

Respect the Environment: Follow all local fishing regulations and practice catch-and-release fishing to help conserve Mornington’s marine biodiversity.

By aligning your kayak fishing trips with the ideal tide phases, being prepared with the right gear for the season, and prioritizing safety, you’re set to enjoy a rewarding experience on the waters of Mornington, TAS. Tight lines!