Experience Tasmania

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As host of iFISH I am fortunate enough to have been to Tasmania on over a dozen trips and, each time, the sole purpose has been the pursuit of fish. I can’t exactly put my finger on what it is, but there’s something that excites me greatly and makes me feel at home every time I visit the place.

The great part about the size of the island is that many of the journeys become road trips; sampling different options that the state has to offer. Fortunately this trip would be no different, and after landing in Launceston we were whisked away to the beautiful North Esk River.

I love my trout fishing and of all the forms, stream fishing with small lures is my favourite. Every pool on the Esk held another opportunity with fish attacking our lures with vigour. The best fish we landed may have nudged a pound, but once again, I got nailed by a monster that won the battle on the day.
Then it was off to the Central Highlands, the trout capital of the world! To say the weather was bad would be an understatement. But as a true testament to just how good this place is, we still caught fish in a blizzard and 40 knot winds. My toes have now fully thawed, in case you were wondering!

Down the hill and our road trip ended at the famous Salmon Ponds.  Beautiful, but not really fair if you ask me. All of those monster brown, rainbow, tiger and Brooke trout and not a fishing rod in sight.  As a collector of antique and old (yes, there is a big difference) fishing tackle I was blown away by the museum on the grounds.  The collection is staggering and will take you back to a time before braided lines and soft plastic biodegradable baits.

As with all good things, the journey came to an end. Back home to the rat race. But you can’t take away the memories, as they will live with me forever.

Yours in Fishing,
Paul Worsteling

(iFISH shows on Network TEN in Australia)