Rob Maya straps his kayak to the roof and jumps aboard the Spirit of Tasmania to see what all the fuss is about.

Tassie has been a destination that anglers have flocked to in droves in search of the amazing fishing on offer, most notably fly anglers chasing some of Australia’s largest trout. Along with the new wave of anglers now opting to chase trout on hardbody lures, I’ve been keen to venture to Tassie to have a crack myself. Unfortunately, the thought of taking a kayak with me has always put a bit of a dampener on the excursion, as the logistics have always seemed too hard.
Recently the urge overcame me and I decided it was time to see what Tassie had to offer so I organised for my partner and I to head over for a few days. Surprisingly it was very easy to get everything I wanted over to Tassie using the Spirit of Tasmania as my mode of transport. With an amazing fishery on our back door step, I’ve written this article to give you a few tips on getting over so you too can experience the beauty of Tasmania. I’ve also included a heads up on some unique places that you have to visit along the way.

Spirit of Tasmania
So many potential problems ran through my mind when I was considering taking my kayak and fishing gear over to Tassie. I worried about the kayak sitting too high when on the roof of my car as well as possible weight restrictions that would affect how much I could pack. I quickly learnt that the best thing to do was simply ask.
The people at the Spirit of Tasmania were a pleasure to deal with and quickly reassured me that the height of my vehicle with the kayak on the roof wasn’t a problem and that I could load as much fishing gear into the car as my heart desired. So let me make this easy for you. All you have to do is load your kayak onto the roof, as you normally would. Pack your car with as much gear and clothing as you need and then drive onto the ship… It really is that easy. I can’t believe I haven’t done this sooner.
The Spirit of Tasmania certainly makes for an enjoyable way to travel to Tassie. There is so much to do on board including a gaming area, bars, cinema and a restaurant to name a few. While on the topic of the restaurant, let me say that the food was simply amazing. The food was as good as you’d find in most Melbourne restaurants and the service was on par with the quality of the produce.
The early morning wake up call ensured we were up and ready to see the arrival into Devonport, while enjoying a freshly brewed coffee.

The Pieman River barge known as Fat Man.

Raspberry Farm
Once you arrive in Devonport, I suggest you head over to the Raspberry Farm for a nourishing breakfast; this will set you up for the day ahead. The Raspberry Farm is just a 15 minute drive from the Spirit of Tasmania terminal and it offers a beautifully manicured garden setting where you can enjoy a fresh coffee and hearty breakfast. Those that dare to try something different can try a variety of items on the menu that feature a raspberry influence. If you’re a coffee lover I suggest you try the raspberry latte, it’s very different to anything I’ve had before and is definitely worth trying out.
Corinna
After breakfast we left for Corinna. Located on the west coast of Tasmania, Corinna is one of Australia’s most remote destinations. Situated some 170 kms from Devonport, Corinna is a small community located on the beautiful Pieman River.
The town is comprised of the Corinna pub, a general store and a variety of accommodation. There are no shops here but the general store does carry some basic food items essentials that may come in handy. You can also pick up maps here that will help to navigate the area. The pub provides great meals and it’s worth bunkering down here for dinner and drinks after a long day of fishing.
Corinna offers kayak anglers easy access to the Pieman River, one of Australia’s most picturesque rivers that certainly holds its own as a fishing location. It offers kayak anglers the opportunity to catch sea run trout up to 12 kg, with 4 kg trout being an average size fish in these waters. For those that haven’t brought their own kayak, or require an additional one for a friend or partner, 16 canoes and kayaks (with life jackets) are available on site for guests at Corinna’s wilderness experience. In November, fishermen ‘in the know’, gather at Corinna for the special 2 to 3 weeks when the whitebait run the rivers. Make sure the lures you’re using match the hatch and get ready for an experience you’ll never forget. Note that the season dates for fishing are November 1st to March 1st.
In addition to the fishing, Corinna offers your non-angling partners the opportunity to take one of its many bush walks, starting from a quick 15 minute walk right through to the 3 hour round trip hike. If walking is not your thing then the Pieman River offers entertainment for anglers and non-anglers alike. While you cast lures close to the banks, your partner can take a paddle to one of the various hidden attractions. Alternatively you can take the paddle with your partner to Lovers Corner, which is a beautiful waterfall. This will definitely earn you a few browny points, and no one is to know that you’re trolling a lure out the back. It’d be worth the quick loss of browny points if you did hook up to a Pieman River monster.
Once our stay at Corinna was complete, we packed and got ready for the drive to Arthurs Lake. Instead of backtracking over ground we had already seen, we decided to head to Arthurs via a different route. This required us to take the barge over the Pieman River, aptly named the Fat Man.
The drive from Corinna to Arthurs Lake was one of the most enjoyable I’ve taken. It has been named the second most scenic drive – behind the Great Ocean Road – and it’s easy to see why. The lush green mountainside demarcated by streams and rivers all add to the beauty of the region.
Arthurs Lake
Driving through the region of Great Lake was a sight to see. These pristine waters are picturesque and made the trek to Arthurs Lake all the more worthwhile. Arriving at Blue Lake Lodge, I had to check with my partner to make sure I was seeing correctly. It was like a mirage in the middle of nowhere. Driving down the driveway to the lodge we came across some of Tassie’s wildlife and signs like Devil’s Corner. This got me thinking, I wasn’t sure if I was heading to a fishing lodge or a remote cult headquarters. These thoughts were soon alleviated when we arrived at the lodge and John and Janina Cowley were there to greet us.
Blue Lake Lodge is located near the south western corner of Arthurs Lake and has direct access to the water. If you started from scratch and planned to create the perfect Angler’s retreat, this is pretty much what you’d come up with. This self-maintainable lodge has a huge lounge and dining area and a kitchen that’s a pleasure to cook in, while the fireplace ensures a warm and cosy feeling. For those that enjoy tying their own flies, Blue Lake Lodge also has a dedicated fly tying room that has everything you need to tie your favourite flies. But at the end of a long day’s fishing, there’s nothing like a good night’s sleep and the rooms at Blue Lake Lodge are as good as you’ll find.
If you stay at Blue Lake Lodge I’ll give you the heads up – you will have the best sleep you’ve ever had, and the mattresses is the best I have ever slept on. During your stay, if you come across any problems, Mick the resident ‘Mr fix it’ will be there to lend a hand.

The beautiful Blue Lake Lodge located next to Arthurs Lake, Tasmania.

There’s a great open area on the lake’s edge where you can leave your kayaks until you’re ready to head out and you can then park them there for the night after a day’s fishing.
John and Janina Cowley would have to be two of the best hosts I have ever come across, they were both extremely accommodating and I would have to say that my stay at Blue Lake lodge was the highlight of my trip. If the opportunity arises, I highly recommend staying here.
Bon Voyage!
After spending some time at the oasis at Arthurs Lake, it was time to head back to Devonport to board the Spirit of Tasmania for our voyage home. The trip back over Bass Strait was as good as it gets. Another great dinner was enjoyed at the Leatherwood restaurant and then it was back to the cabin. After a great night’s sleep, we had an early arrival in Melbourne.
Looking back at the trip now, it’s funny to think how perception can negatively impact what we choose to do on a daily basis. My perception that kayak fishing in Tassie would be way too onerous and painful was well and truly debunked by taking this trip.
Tasmania is an absolutely beautiful place that has so much to offer visitors and it’s so close and easy to get to. If you’re looking for a new fishing destination or a holiday for the family, Tasmania is a place that you should consider. I thoroughly enjoyed my time there and I look forward to seeing more of this beautiful part of the world in the future.