Sightings are common and the Eden and Merimbula Long Point and Short Point lookouts are great places to see the whales in action.

With offshore sea temperatures still above 20 degrees game fish action continues with member Peter Haar reporting tag and release of striped marlin on two consecutive days fishing solo.

Observed off the horseshoe reef at about the 25 fathom mark and Short Point are schools of juvenile bluefin tuna at about the 30kg size.

This is a wonderful sign of resurgence for this magnificent fish.

There are many voices telling us that great white sharks are the top predator of the ocean and to preserve the balance of nature they are protected.

In this context how government can justify the Geelong Star taking some 20,000 tones of small pelagics (bait fish) this year from the waters off the Sapphire Coast is simply inexplicable.

In its media release of April 15, the Australian Recreational Fishing Foundation stated: “The ARFF’s view is that these stocks of small pelagics should not be commercially fished at an industrial scale as they form an important part of the basic food web for many marine species. They are also an important resource that underpins the viability of recreational fishing and tourism based communities around our southern coastline. We believe that the best economic use and return to the Australian community is achieved by leaving them in the water.”

Salmon and tailor are frequenting our headlands and beaches. We have a report of a bag limit catch of salmon to 67cm from Haycock Beach.

Snapper and morwong continue on local reefs from Eden to Tathra and beyond. Best results early morning and evening at reef edges.

Both soft plastics and pilchard baits are very effective.

Sand and tiger flathead continue to move into shallower waters as the temperatures drop and we have reports of good fish off Short Point at 15 fathoms.

Estuary fishing has slowed with the lower temperatures however bream and tailor remain on the chew in Merimbula and Pambula Lakes.

The club maintains an open house at Spencer Park, every Friday evening from 6.30pm. 

Visitors are welcome, come and enjoy the fishing report, the ambience, friendship and lovely views. 

Inquiries to Lindon Thompson on 0411 873 880 or everything you need to know is on the club’s website www.mbgalac.com.au.

Keep your rods bent!