Fishing Charters
in Hobart

Fishing Charters in Tasmania

Tasmania punches well above its weight as a fishing destination. Clean, cold Southern Ocean water, a rugged coastline, wild river systems, and virtually zero fishing pressure outside peak season add up to an experience that's hard to find anywhere else in Australia. The species list is unlike anything you'll find on the mainland — blue-eye trevalla from the deep, striped trumpeter over rocky ground, flathead in the estuaries, Atlantic salmon in the farm fisheries, and southern bluefin tuna offshore when the season fires.

The main fishing charter hubs are Hobart, St Helens on the East Coast, Bicheno, and Strahan on the West Coast. Each offers a distinct style of fishing: Hobart is strong for deepwater species and estuary fishing, St Helens draws serious tuna anglers from across the country, and Strahan offers a unique wilderness experience with Macquarie Harbour and the Gordon River nearby.

What to Target

Blue-eye trevalla is the headline act for deepwater fishing in Tasmanian waters. These are premium table fish found at 200–400m over rocky ledges and seamounts south and east of the island. Full-day or overnight charters are the norm for blue-eye — it's not a half-day trip. Striped trumpeter are another deepwater highlight, considered by many to be among the best-eating fish in Australian waters.

For offshore sport fishing, southern bluefin tuna is the main event. St Helens is widely regarded as one of the world's best light-tackle tuna fisheries, with fish running 20–80kg caught on poppers, jigs, and trolling gear from December through April. The run can be spectacular — large schools crashing baitfish on the surface just kilometres offshore.

Inshore and estuary fishing covers flathead, bream, whiting, and squid — solid species that are reliable year-round and well-suited to half-day charters. The Derwent River, Huon River, and D'Entrecasteaux Channel around Hobart are popular estuary options.

When to Go

Summer (December to April) is peak season for most Tasmanian fishing. Southern bluefin tuna are present December through April, reef and offshore fishing is best October to April, and the weather is at its most reliable for overnight trips. Winter brings consistent deepwater fishing for blue-eye and trumpeter but conditions offshore can be testing — only the hardiest anglers pursue these trips in July and August.

Spring (October to November) is an excellent transitional period — the weather is improving, tuna are starting to appear, and estuary fishing is consistent. Summer school holidays in January are peak demand — book early.

Finding a Charter in Tasmania

Tasmania has fewer operators than the mainland states, which makes it worth doing your research. A good Tasmanian charter skipper will know exactly where the tuna are running, which deepwater marks are producing, and how to read the changeable weather that can shut down offshore access fast.

Browse all verified Tasmanian fishing charter operators on MatesBoat, read reviews from people who've actually fished with them, and message operators directly. No booking fees, no commissions — straight information to help you find the right trip.