Ocean flathead, both sand and tiger, remain plentiful off Tura and Bournda – try 22 fathoms. 

Morwong are biting well over the local reefs and off Turingal with snapper making a welcome return. 

The best area for Snapper looks like Horseshoe Reef south of Haycock. 

Salmon are about, but patchy and members suggested trying your luck at Haycock beach. 

Heavy storm rains may make the estuaries a little slow, but patience will win every time. 

Dusky flathead are responding to soft plastics, while bream remain active around the oyster racks and here soft plastics are also the way to go also with trevally. 

There are good whiting on the flats at Mogareeka and in Merimbula Lake.  Try the edges of the channel about low tide near the Merimbula Marina. 

Luderick continue to grace the Merimbula Fishing Platform early morning and late evening, together with squid and the occasional kingfish.

A fine king George whiting was landed at the platform testifying to the wide distribution of these great fish. 

It is happy days for game anglers with the return of marlin in abundance – all the way from Sydney to Eden. 

“This Marlin season has had one of the best starts ever...it’s all thanks to the unbelievable amount of bait that has stacked up, especially on the south coast,” Al McGlashan said.  

Members said the factory trawler has been banned from fishing off the Far South Coast again, this time for killing protected albatross. 

“Following a higher than expected level of albatross mortalities on the Geelong Star’s last fishing trip, the vessel will not fish again until additional mitigation measures are agreed to minimise any further interactions,” reads a release from the Australian Fishing Management Authority. 

In other news, the club is excited about a number of upcoming competitions and events. 

The next competition is the Dusky Dash for Cash on February 13-14. As always entry is open to both members, visitors and juniors. 

As a strictly catch and release event it will have little impact on the local environment with results forwarded to DPI for research. 

Briefing will be on February 11, doors open 6.30pm.  All inquires Lindon Thompson on 0411 873 880. 

The following week February 19-22, Merimbula will be hosting the Eden and Pambula clubs for the annual ‘grudge match’.

The club’s mystery bus tour is scheduled for March 5.

The Club maintains an Open House at Spencer Park, every Friday evening commencing 6.30 pm for Happy Hour.  Visitors are welcome, come and enjoy the ambience, friendship and lovely views with very competitive bar prices.  This Friday 5 February Darragh Reynolds and Lindon Thompson are hosts.  All inquires Lindon Thompson on 0411 873 880.

Keep your rods bent!