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Game Fishing

Tasmania's game fishing area is home to more than 20 national gamefish records.
Game Fishing

Tasmanian game-fishing waters stretch from Flinders Island in the north-east, past St Helens and all the way down the east coast to the Tasman Peninsula. In addition to its national gamefish records, Tasmania holds approximately six world records for southern bluefin tuna, with fish recorded up to 120 kilograms (264.5 pounds).

Adding to the attraction is that serious fishing can be under way within 30 minutes of leaving the boat ramp. But by far the greatest lure for sportsmen and women is that the waters are so little known outside Tasmania. Even some locals are just discovering the thrill of fishing the east coast from late December to June as the currents flowing down the coast of the mainland raise the water temperature as high as 23 degrees Celsius (73 degrees Fahrenheit). With the currents come the marlin, tuna and shark.

In a single season more than 200 marlin have been struck near St Helens, with a couple of dozen being caught. Some have been up to 200 kilograms (440 pounds).

During the season the challenges on offer include striped marlin, broadbill swordfish, yellowfin tuna, bluefin tuna, albacore tuna, and mako sharks.

Tag and release is encouraged by most charter boat operators.

While St Helens has the largest charter fleet, Bicheno, the Freycinet Peninsula, and the Tasman Peninsula are also popular.

The St Helens Game Fishing Classic, held over a weekend, each March, is the highlight of the year for locals and an increasing number of interstate visitors. It is conducted by the Game Fishing Club of Northern Tasmania and the St Helens Game Fishing Club.

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