The incredible fishery of the Tasmanian East Coast

When you think of freshwater Trout fishing in Australia, Tasmania always pops up…and the hills and streams behind Saint Helens hold some of the best examples of Brown and Rainbow trout in the state. Get yourself a pair of waders, a light spin setup and set off on your own trout wander. You’re looking for moving water, and to cast around the eddies that form around fallen trees, roots or bends in the creek. Trout fishing is also a game of stealth…so shhhh! It’s often the case you can see a trout feeding on the surface if you’re nice and quiet. Get a good cast in and hold on!

We were recommended small Rapala hard bodies.

Offshore, the fishing action of the east coast is by no means quiet. Anything from Kingfish to Swordfish patrol the cooler Tassie waters…and the kicker, the continental shelf is no more than a 45minute run from the Saint Helens marina. That means you have access to a range of incredible (and tasty) deepwater species like Trevalla and Gemfish. When we say deep, we mean 500m plus deep!

The Saint Helens action doesn’t stop offshore…those with smaller boats can enjoy plenty of fun in the bay…and at the right time of year, and if you pick the tide, you can go pick prawns from the surface of the water! You’ll need a small gauge landing net…a head torch and a bucket! Trust us, in a matter of 15minutes you’ll have a feed of prawns…and some!

So go on…jump a plane, pack the van or the 4×4 and make tracks to Tassie. If you’d like to pay Saint Helens a visit, we can recommend a stay at the Bay of Fires Apartments. Beautifully appointed rooms, smack bang in the middle of town. The perfect spot to rest your weary legs after a day or two fishing the region.

The legends who helped the Creek to Coast crew on-location.

Indy Thompson

Jet Worsteling