Concerned by the bushfire menace, MBGLAC nevertheless made the decision to hold its popular annual Dusky Dash for Cash competition sponsored by Eve O'Brien Properties over the weekend of February 1-2.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The decision to support locals and returning holidaymakers undertake some more normal activity during these most trying times was endorsed by the entry numbers and more particularly by the number of giant duskys caught and released during the competition. Saturday's heat and smoke was tough, particularly the sporadic rain of charred leaves, but the cool change over Saturday night made conditions much better for Sunday's angling.
First place went to Brian Davey of Tura Beach for his magnificent 94.2cm dusky taken from the shore. Second-placed Stuart Green of South Pambula fished the Merimbula Top Lake for his 92.7cm fish. Third and fourth places were both taken by Jordan Stafford of Bega also fishing from the shore at Mogareeka with duskys of 92 and 90cm. The final prize was taken by Avon Rollason, also of Bega, who caught and released a lovely 88.5cm fish in the Bega River. The individual senior angler longest bag of five fish was taken out by club secretary Chris Young fishing the Merimbula Lake with a cumulative total of 3.369 metres.
Offshore marlin are now active and club members are looking forward to participating in the Eden Open Tournament starting on February 14. There is plenty of baitfish off the shelf and closer in about our reefs; slimy mackerel, small couta and large shoals of whitebait. Some good catches of ocean flathead are reported from off Tura Headland and out from Quondola Point, try 17 fathoms. Morwong remain plentiful and snapper are on the chew off White Rock, Long Point and Haycock reefs as well as the reefs near Eden in Twofold Bay.
Trevally and bream remain on the chew all along the Merimbula channel down from the bridge and in the Pambula channel near the Shark Hole. Best time is low tide with both soft plastics or pilchard baits. There are also lots of blue swimmer crabs in Merimbula Lake so it's time to set your crab traps.
Calamari squid frequent the Merimbula Wharf morning and evening. Best results from prawn-like slow sinking jigs. Luderick can be patchy but some good catches are reported in the evenings using artificial lures. With patches of whitebait nearby some good Australian salmon have been taken with silver spinners.
On Friday, February 7, the club will be open from 6.30pm. Visitors are welcome, come and enjoy the ambience, fishing report, friendship and lovely views.