TASMANIAN ‘FIFO’ FISHING!
Here’s a fantastic new option for mainland anglers planning a Tasmanian fishing trip!
A lovely fly-caught Woods Lake brown trout taken from the hire rig.
The acronym “FIFO” stands for fly-in, fly-out and is most often used in relation to remote mining operations employing workers who fly to the site to commence their week or fortnight of shifts, then fly home afterwards for a break with their families. However, with the advent of fully-equipped “turn-key” hire packages of vehicles and boats, the FIFO concept now has genuine relevance in fishing circles as well!
Tassie Boat Hire’s 420 Quintrex Renegade rig is a complete turn-key package, ready for high end sport fishing in fresh or salt water and also tournament work.
In late spring 2015, my wife Jo and I took advantage of exactly such a business that’s now operating on the island state of Tasmania. The brainchild of Ulverstone tackle shop proprietor, Clinton Howe, Tassie Boat Hire kicked off in mid-2015 offering a single boat rig and 4WD vehicle, but has already begun expanding with the addition of new hire packages.
With a bow-mounted electric motor, quality sounder, marine radio, circulating live well, full safety gear, drift drogue, landing net and insulated cooler, the package is ready to rumble!
Jo and I were picked up from Launceston airport upon our arrival by Clinton in his first full rig: a 420 Quintrex Renegade towed by a 2011 model Mitsubishi Triton dual cab ute. Clinton drove to a nearby service centre to run us through the rig and complete the necessary paperwork, and then we were off under our own steam for a wonderful week in the Central Highlands chasing Tasmania’s famous wild trout on fly.
From the outset, Jo and I were totally blown away by Clinton’s professionalism and the incredibly high standard of every component of the hire gear, from vehicle, boat and trailer to the smaller but equally important stuff like safety gear, battery charger, drift drogue (sea anchor), marine radio and on-board electronics. Everything worked exactly as it was meant to!
This hire boat boasts a large, fully-plumbed live well… Just the ticket for fly-in, fly-out tournament anglers!
Tassie Boat Hire’s 420 Quintrex Renegade is powered by a 40HP Evinrude 2-stroke motor on the stern, has a Minn Kota Terrova auto-pilot electric up front, as well as all the “fruit” you could possibly need for full-blown freshwater, estuary and inshore work in between… It really is ready to rumble!
We confined our activities to the Central Highland’s Lakes, concentrating on Penstock, Woods, Arthurs, Little Pine and Crescent, but this rig is also spot-on for chasing Tassie’s big, blue-nosed bream in the state’s many estuaries, or even venturing up to a couple of kilometres offshore (on the right day) to tangle with all manner of goodies, right up to kingfish and even tuna!
We experienced very strong winds during our time in the high country, with the Bureau of Meteorology issuing small boat warnings for the lakes on several of the days we fished. The hired rig easily took these demanding conditions in its stride and we stayed surprisingly dry.
The boat’s generous, fully-plumbed live well was wonderful for keeping a few trout alive and healthy between photo shoots, or to bring one home at day’s end for the table, and will also suit tournament anglers perfectly. In fact, with the blossoming bream tournament circuit in Tasmania these days, it’s hardly surprising that a large proportion of Clinton’s customers are mainlanders flying south to compete in various ABT events.
Jo fights a rampaging Penstock rainbow on fly.
The diesel Triton tow vehicle was also clean, comfortable and reasonably economical to run. It never missed a beat and handled the sometimes corrugated dirt roads with ease.
All up costs for hiring the 4WD, boat and ancillary gear, plus airport transfers, come in at less than $350 per day (at time of writing), which is excellent value in my opinion, especially when split between two or three anglers. Discounts are also available for extended hire periods, and both the vehicle and boat are available for separate hire, if need be. Weighed up against the time, hassle and expense of driving your own rig to Melbourne and catching the ferry across Bass Strait, Clinton’s service makes a great deal of sense. For Melbourne residents, in particular, it means that a fast getaway for a weekend or long weekend of fishing on the Apple Isle is now eminently do-able… and affordable!
A feisty Central Highland’s brownie gets some air. If you look closely you’ll see a second fly on a dropper to the right of the airborne trout. Loch-style fishing with up to three flies is highly effective on Tasmania’s lakes.
If you’d like to learn more about this unique FIFO service for serious anglers visiting the Devils’ Playground, scan the QR code accompanying this review to watch the short YouTube video clip that Jo and I put together during our stay, or simply click here. If all else fails, Google “FIFO Tasmanian Trout” and you’ll soon find the clip.
You can also find out more, get detailed prices or make a booking by visiting Tassie Boat Hire’s website at www.tassieboathire.com.au, going to their page on Facebook, or giving Clinton a call on (0429) 475 550. Be sure to tell him Starlo sent you and he’ll look after you extra well!
G’Day Starlo,
The Tassie Boat Hire deal looks an excellent and very affordable one. Virtually stepping off the plane and driving off in a hire car with boat would save so much time and leave you with more time for fishing.
In my late teens/early 20’s, many, many moons ago, I lived Tassie for around ten years. I did a lot of bush walking and some fishing in remote alpine lakes and tarns. I must return with a fly rod soon.
Cheers,
Steve.
Yes Steve, it really is a wonderful service. You’ve got to get back down there!
Cheers & Tight Lines,
Starlo
It’s a great service, Steve! Yes, you must get back down there!