Kayak Fishing Guide for Stony Rise, TAS
Located near Devonport, Tasmania, Stony Rise offers an exciting kayak fishing experience with its diverse marine life and scenic coastline. 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 Tides: The changing tides around Stony Rise bring various species within kayak fishing range. Peak fishing times typically occur during:
- Early Morning Low Tide: Exposed reefs and structures become accessible, attracting species like flathead, trevally, and the occasional snapper.
Late Afternoon High Tide: As the water rises, fish tend to move into the shallower, warmer waters, making it a prime time for catching bream, mulloway, and estuary perch.
Tide to Avoid: Steer clear of strong outgoing tides, especially during full moon phases, as they can quickly sweep kayaks out to sea, making it challenging to navigate back.
Fishing Seasons in Stony Rise, TAS:
- Year-Round: Flathead, bream, and eel are consistently present.
- Spring (Sept to Nov): Trevally, mulloway, and the first runs of snapper start to appear.
- Summer (Dec to Feb): Peak season for snapper, with larger fish more active during warmer months.
- Autumn (Mar to May): Excellent time for catching mulloway and larger trevally.
- Winter (Jun to Aug): Focus on bream, flathead, and estuary perch, which are more concentrated in the warmer, shallower waters.
Gear Tips for Kayak Fishing in Stony Rise:
- Rods & Reels: Medium to light action combos (2-4 kg) for general species. Bring a lighter setup for bream and a heavier one for snapper and mulloway.
- Lures: Soft plastics (curly tail grubs, prawn imitations), small metal jigs, and shallow diving hardbody lures.
- Bait: Use fresh bait like squid, pilchards, and mussels for bottom fishing.
- Kayak Accessories: Anchor, paddle leash, compass, and a small, waterproof first-aid kit.
Safety First:
- Weather Check: Always check the forecast before heading out. Tasmanian weather can turn quickly.
- Visible Gear: Use high visibility flags or clothing to stay visible to boat traffic.
- Safety Vest: A must-have. Ensure it’s Coast Guard-approved and in good condition.
- Communication: Carry a waterproof VHF radio or a fully charged mobile phone in a waterproof case.
- Inform Someone: Let a friend or family member know your fishing plan, including where you’re going and when you expect to return.
Enjoy your kayak fishing adventure in Stony Rise, TAS! Remember, respect the marine environment, practice catch-and-release fishing where possible, and adhere to local fishing regulations.
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