When is the peak time to be kayak fishing in Australia and NZ? Specifics please as we may be coming down that way.

Hi Jon,

Whenever Billy Bob goes fishing always seems to be good

What part of Australia do you think you'll be visiting and about when ? I have posted a thread on the Australian Kayak Fishing Forum asking members for the best seasons & species in their areas so as soon as I have some info I'll post it back here.

Hi Jon
Sydney has great opportunities for kayak fishing on pretty much a year round basis. There are season variations, and you do get lulls in the fishing due to weather or seasons crossing over. Just remember that our seasons are the complete opposite of yours (May-August = Winter, September - April = Summer). In Sydney the pelagics you are mainly targeting are YellowTail Kingfish, Salmon, Tailor (our bluefish are small compared to US) Bonito and Frigate Mackeral (small tuna 2-3lbs). The great thing about Sydney is that you have a choice of sheltered waters such as Sydney harbour and Pittwater or if the weather is OK, the coastal beaches. I suggest that you look at Justin Duggans site for a good feel for the flyfishing around sydney (sydneyflyfishing.com.au). I can send you specific information later if you decide to come over. I am just looking into getting my first fishing kayak, a WS Tarpon 140, and your site has been a great help. The fishing in Northern and West Australia can be absolutly awesome, but it is season/weather dependant (can have very strong winds and monsoon season, as well as safety issues with saltwater crocs (they grow them big here!!!). Let me know if I can help further

February through until the end of May.... Tuna (Bluefin, Yellowfin) and Mackerel (Spotted and Narrow Barred). Sailfish if you like.
December/January are good as well but that's full on tourist season so it's pretty busy on the water as far as boat traffic goes.

Thanks guys. The best time for us to travel is our winter. That's when I'm thinking.

Hi Guys,

Rather than me post the replies from the Australian forum it's simpler if you go here and read them for yourself.

I'd really recommend you stay over on Australia's east coast with the best fishing being up Queensland way near where BillyBob is.

If you need help translating some of the terminology from Aussie to American just let me know

What does "tie me kangaroo down sport" mean?

Hey Jon, just remember that when you're down there, don't go south for the winter! Unless you want to south FOR their winter!

IKFA Member #107

Life's a beach.

It doesn't mean a lot really. It's a line from a silly but popular song sung by Rolf Harris around 30 years ago.

A kangaroo is a native animal with a long tail I'm sure you have heard of and 'sport' is a colloquial term you'd use when adressing someone. You'd use it just like you'd use the term 'mate', as in 'How are you going Mate ?', (or after too many beers 'howyagoin mate ?')

Sport, mate, cobber (that's a really old term not used much these days), bloke all have similar useage.

Best times to come to NZ are Feb-May as this is the period when the weather is best and most predictable. It is also after the Christmas holiday period and when all the major fish species are around.