Best tide times for kayak fishing near Northdown, TAS

Kayak Fishing Guide for Northdown, TAS

Located on the picturesque north coast of Tasmania, Northdown offers kayak anglers a unique fishing experience amidst stunning scenery. To maximize your catch, follow this guide for the best tide times, fishing seasons, essential gear, and crucial safety tips.

Ideal Tide Phases for Kayak Fishing:

Best: Changing Tides – The periods of transitioning tides (from low to high and vice versa) often stimulate fish activity. For Northdown, focus on the last two hours of the incoming tide and the first two hours of the outgoing tide.

Secondary Option: High Tide – Fishing the mangrove edges, rocky outcrops, and weed beds during high tide can be productive, especially for species like bream and estuary perch.

Fishing Seasons in Northdown, TAS:

Peak Season (September to April): Enjoy warmer waters ideal for species like Australian salmon, mullet, and flathead.

Off-Season (May to August): While colder, this period is excellent for targeting species like bream, estuary perch, and the occasional mulloway.

Gear Tips for Kayak Fishing in Northdown:

Rod/Reel Combo: A medium-light to medium action spinning combo (2-4 kg or 4-6 lb) is versatile for most species.

Lures:

Soft Plastics: Excellent for flathead and bream. Try curly tail grubs or paddle-tail soft plastics in natural colors.

Hard Body Lures: Ideal for Australian salmon and mulloway. Choose lures that mimic baitfish.

Jigs: Useful for estuary perch and occasional mulloway. Experiment with different weights and colors.

Bait:

Live or Frozen Bait: Pilchards, squid, and live baitfish are great for a variety of species.

Lure Retrieval: Vary your retrieval to mimic injured baitfish, especially when using hard body lures.

Safety First:

Personal Flotation Device (PFD): Always wear a properly fitted PFD while on the water.

Weather Awareness: Tasmania’s weather can be unpredictable. Monitor forecasts and be prepared to return to shore if conditions deteriorate.

Visibility: Wear bright or reflective clothing to enhance visibility to other water users.

First Aid Kit and Communication Device: Ensure you have a basic first aid kit and a means of communication (e.g., waterproof phone case, VHF radio) on your kayak.

Sun Protection: Don’t underestimate the Tasmanian sun; pack sunscreen, a hat, and polarized sunglasses.

Before You Head Out:

Local Regulations: Familiarize yourself with TAS fishing regulations, including bag limits, size restrictions, and any closed areas.

Respect the Environment: Practice catch-and-release fishing when possible and always dispose of waste appropriately.

By following this guide, you’ll be well on your way to enjoying the rewarding experience of kayak fishing in Northdown, TAS. Always remember, the outdoors is for everyone, so respect the environment and other water users. Tight lines!