Overview
SBT follow cold, bait-rich currents along the southern coastline, with the Portland, Port MacDonnell and Tasmanian fisheries drawing anglers from across the country each autumn.
Finding fish is about finding structure in the water — temperature breaks, current lines, working birds and bait schools all point the way.
Safety matters more than fishing here. These are offshore trips in cold water with rapidly changing conditions.
Where to find them
- ▸Shelf lines and canyons in 50–200 m.
- ▸Temperature breaks and current edges.
- ▸Working bird and dolphin activity over bait.
Tackle
- ▸Rod: 15–37 kg trolling outfits with quality lever-drag reels.
- ▸Line: 50–130 lb mono or braid with heavy fluorocarbon leader.
- ▸Lures: skirted trolling lures, deep divers, metal slugs and stickbaits for surface schools.
Tips from the water
- ▸Troll a spread with a mix of positions and colours until the pattern reveals itself.
- ▸Ice fish down immediately — SBT quality drops quickly in warm air.
Regulations
Strict recreational bag limits apply and are enforced. Confirm current limits before heading offshore.