Fishing - Annual licenses fees a barrier for anglers

Trout anglers are chomping at the bit in preparation for the new season, but once again, annual license fees are a talking point.

Trout fishing licenses in Tasmania are more expensive to purchase than those in Victoria and NSW.

But go to New Zealand, which, like Tasmania, is one of the best trout fishing destinations in the world, and you'll be paying more for a license than you would here.

License fees also vary worldwide, and in some of the best trout fishing destinations in the world, anglers pay much more to fish annually, and they'll also pay more to access areas for just a day or two of fishing.

To add more perspective, the price of trout in Australia is around $15.00 per kg, so an angler only needs to catch just over a handful of trout at that size to cover their single-adult Tasmanian full license fee.

A reminder that license fees not only allow anglers to fish for trout but they help support the Tasmanian Inland Fisheries Service with fish stocking programs, improving angler access points, research and stock assessment, threatened species monitoring, pest fish management and compliance and regulation.

Anglers 14 years and under don't need a license to go trout fishing, but everyone else does. With the IFS conducting regular compliance checks this season, hefty penalties will apply to those found fishing without a valid license.
Sea trout fishing in the Derwent and Huon Rivers has picked up a lot over the last week, with some well-conditioned chrome fish available. 

The catch ratio has swung in the sea runners' favour, with more fresh silver runners being caught now than resident fish, which is a good sign heading into opening weekend.

Anglers fishing Lake Meadowbank, Craigbourne Dam, Brushy Lagoon, Brady's Chain, Great Lake and Lake Pedder have also reported results during the warmer times of the day.

One of Australia's best-selling fishing guides, "The Complete Fishing Bible," written by Australian fisherman, underwater photographer, and television personality Alistair McGlashan, has returned with a sixth edition, eight years after the previous edition.

Regarded as Australia's most comprehensive recreational fishing guide, the 528-page book features the latest fishing tackle, technology and techniques, hundreds of new photographs, updated fishing locations and practical tips for everyone from first-time anglers through to seasoned fishers.

With recreational fishing continuing to grow in popularity across Australia, the new edition reflects how much the sport has evolved in recent years, with new species discovered, techniques refined and new fishing hotspots emerging across the country.

McGlashan is best known for his TV show Fish'n With Mates and the documentary Life On The Line: The Story of the Southern Bluefin Tuna.

Having spent more than three decades fishing, filming and documenting Australia's waterways, he is one of the country's most respected fishing authorities.
"This edition will help everyone fish better, no matter their skill level, budget or where they fish in Australia.

I've shared everything I've learnt over a lifetime of fishing, so you can catch more fish without making the same mistakes I did.

It's all in this book," says McGlashan.
The 6th edition of "The Complete Fishing Bible" by Alistair McGlashan, released by, Holland Publishers, is available from all good bookstores or online RRP $59.99. 
Tip Of The Week- Sea trout often swim alone, but it's also common for them to travel around in schools. 

Being part of a "school" provides safety in numbers, helping them evade predators.
Send in your fishing reports, pics and tips to valleyfishes@gmail.com
Tight Lines until next week.