About the only benefit from our strong springtime winds is the spectacular display from the southerly whale migration. When the sea is choppy the whales really arc-up and put on a great display. Numerous pods can be easily seen along our coastline from local viewing points and our whale watching charters.
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Cool water temperatures (13-14 degrees) continue to limit game fishing activity. There are reports of a few snapper and morwong from Mowarry, Boyd’s Tower, Lennards, Horshose and Haycock reefs. South currents are carrying a lot of green-brown slime - filamentous brown alga Hincksia sordida – which is a nuisance sticking to fishing lines and generally unpleasant. It is possible a cool current nutrient laden upwelling is contributing to the growth of the slime.
Locally there are a surprising number of bait fish around and may herald better fishing to come. Flathead are becoming more prolific with catches reported from off the Horsehoe Reef area to north of Tathra. Try 20-25 fathoms. Good tailor are reported off the beach near Bournda Island; evening on the rising tide is best. Salmon remain patchy. Best areas are Aslings Beach near Eden, North Tura and Main Beach.
Now is the time to fish the estuaries where some sheltered areas can be found during the periods of strong winds. We anticipate the lake waters will gradually warm from now on through spring, bringing estuary fish back onto the bite. A great run of garfish is reported from Pambula River near the Sharkhole. Bread crumb berley is needed and using a shallow float line with a small piece of prawn or whitebait brings good results. Mullet can be sourced in the same way.
Good tailor are already about in the Merimbula Back Lake, early morning or evenings are the best times, trolling or spinning is the way to go. Dusky flathead have been quiet apart from the Mogareeka area. Tailor are schooling all through the estuaries including Merimbula Lake and on Main Beach. Best time for tailor in the estuaries and beaches is early morning or evening. Try spinning with metal lures.
Merimbula Lake has returned a few dusky flathead best using soft plastics. Bream and estuary perch remain active in the Bega River. Soft plastics, hard bodies and peeled prawns remain the best baits.
The Merimbula Big Game & Lakes Angling Club will be hosting its annual Sponsors Evening on Saturday, September 8, 6.30pm for 7.00. All of MBGLAC’s sponsors have been invited to the Club in Spencer Park, for a pleasant evening to be had while feasting on succulent seafood and roast chicken.