Anglers ready for start of trout season

A superb conditioned young male Brown Trout I caught and released late last season. Anglers will be out in force early in the new season hoping to catch similar fish.
Get ready for the season ahead
It's not long now until the start of the 2025–26 Tasmanian Brown Trout fishing season and time is ticking so you'd better hurry up and get your gear sorted.
Licenses need to be renewed or purchased, rods, reels and tackle need to be tuned up and plans need to be made for that all-important opening morning mission.
It's often said that success in fishing comes when preparation meets opportunity and when you're organised nothing's left to chance.
It pays to know the waters you're intending to fish but each season take the time to explore and fish unfamiliar, new areas.
New waters provide increased excitement and Google Earth offers the opportunity to find places that don't get fished a lot.
Social media is another avenue used to increase your connections which help you learn more about fishing as well as find new locations and the latest and newest gear.
Saying that, no amount of time spent online will substitute for spending time on the water yourself.
Fishing with an experienced friend or two also helps give you an advantage.
The old saying "teamwork makes the dream work" rings true in fishing and working together enables anglers to understand what strategies are needed to catch more fish and we're forever learning so our knowledge is always increasing.
One thing I can't go fishing without is a "go to bag" which is virtually everything that I need for a particular fishing trip.
This can often change depending on where and when I'm fishing but usually the go-to bag always includes the most important items I know I need or could need.
These include, in no particular order, a good pair of sharp scissors to cut braided line and leader line that also have split ring tips to change out rings and hooks on lures and also remove hooks from fish.
Plenty of fresh leader line in various strengths and backup new spools of braided line just in case I lose it off my fishing reel.
Plenty of tackle like jigheads, treble hooks, split rings, bait fishing hooks, sinkers, swivels, soft plastics and backup packets of go-to styles, sizes, weights and brands that I trust.
A sorted smaller lure box with lures I intend on using or trying aside from taking the full collection.
High quality warm fingerless gloves and also full-fingered gloves if needed.
A towel to wipe my hands which is also used to clean or dry anything else.
Small snacks to boost energy levels as well as a drink and that often means iced coffee.
A fully charged headlight for night fishing and a fully charged phone.
Various other items include my fishing license, a sharp knife and multi-tool, super glue to fix breakages, brag mat, weigh sling and weighing scales, pain killers, sunscreen, bandaids, fire lighter and even eye drops.
Aside, wearing and taking enough warm/protective clothing is another priority and items like thermal bottoms, tops and socks are a must especially during Winter.
Hoodies and warm, waterproof pants and coats are also needed as are fishing shirts with face protectors or buffs that keep us warm and block UV rays from the sun.
Again, depending on where and when you're fishing, items can change but I strongly recommend you organise all your fishing gear similarly and you'll ultimately be prepared for any situation and also be more successful on the water.
Next week I'll outline some of the best trout fishing waters to try early in the new season as we prepare for opening weekend on Saturday August 2.
Trout stocking continues
The Inland Fisheries Service has continued stocking trout into various waters around the State in the lead up to the new season.
Late last week Clarence Lagoon received 100 Brook Trout weighing on average around 0.450 kg and this water is well worth a visit early if you're chasing these bucket list fish.
Brook Trout represent a challenge and they can come on the chew at any time and with bait fishing not permitted in Clarence Lagoon, using wet flies and hard body lures during rough and cold weather are options most likely to catch fish.
Lake Plimsoll is another Brook Trout fishery and one of the best places to go to catch them and with the well-publicised stocking of big brookies here last season it should prove a popular place again early this season.
Lake Rolleston is located about 2 km upstream of Lake Plimsoll and is another good option for Brook Trout fishing as is Lake Selina which lies at the head of a minor tributary creek which is 15 minutes’ walk from the western shore of Lake Plimsoll.
Brook Trout weighing to around 2 kg or more are available from both these waters especially during the early months of the season.
In correspondence with the opening of the Tasmanian Brown Trout fishing season on Saturday August 2, Williams Outdoors in High Street New Norfolk is hosting its annual "Trout Night" on Thursday July 31 from 5 pm – 7 pm.
There will be live demonstrations from experts, discounts on clothing and all fishing gear plus raffles, giveaways and a lucky door prize available.
Tamar Marine is also hosting "Talkin Trout Tuesday" on the 29th of July from 8 am to 8 pm which will also offer expert advice, brand reps showcasing the latest gear and specials on all trout fishing gear.
Keep an eye out for other similar opportunities from tackle stores around the State as we push towards opening weekend.
Tip of the Week – When fishing in the cold, wearing waders, wader boots or any other type of boot that are two to three times bigger than your normal size allows you to wear multiple thicker pairs of socks that will keep your feet warmer.
Send in your fishing reports, tips and pics to valleyfishes@gmail.com.
Tight lines until next week.
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