Anglers are reminded to make sure their lifejackets and safety gear are up to date and in good working order during the cooler winter months.

The good news is that this year's southerly whale migration is now in full swing with numerous pods of whales easily seen along our coastline from local viewing points. Most are the ubiquitous humpback but there are also some southern right whales about.

There are some good-size ocean flathead at 20 fathoms to the south-east of Turingal Headland but chinamen leatherjackets are making it difficult. Apart from flathead, a few medium-size snapper and morwong are reported off Long Point also to the south about Green Cape and Bitangabee but very slow at the Haycock and Horseshoe Reefs. Best results dawn and dusk.

Australian salmon and good tailor are available off Aslings, Haycock, Main and Tura beaches, best times early morning and evening. Try triple gang hooked pilchards as bait or if you want to cast, 50gm blue coloured metal spinners. Salmon will also be in the Pambula River and Broadwater. Try trolling with a green spinner.

Gummy shark (flake) and Port Jackson sharks remain active. Best locations for gummy are along the reef edges; south of the Bithry's, White Rock, Haycock and Horseshoe reef areas a few days each side of the full moon. Anchor and use a berley bomb (these fish are bottom feeders). Try the new soft plastic crabs that are now locally available.

Large schools of luderick are populating the lower channel up to the bridge at Merimbula. Try from the marina with stringy week or artificial lures. Nippers and worms are also great baits for luderick. Good bream and trevally are congregating at Mogareeka near the mouth of Bega River (closed) and there are some beautiful estuary perch further up river.

On Friday, August 23, the club will be open from 6.30pm and all are welcome to visit and partake in a free family sausage sizzle. You can enjoy the fishing report, the ambience, friendship and lovely views with very competitive bar prices. Darragh Reynolds is the scheduled host. All enquires to Lindon Thompson on 0411 873 880. Membership application and everything you need to know about local fishing is on the club's website: www.mbglac.com.au.

A great way to warm up during these cold winter evenings is to come to the club's Webber night on Friday, September 6, 6.30pm for 7pm. For only $10 per head you can enjoy succulent beef and lamb off the Webber!