You may fish alone off the shore, with immediate family or one other person. If you do decide to go boating the same self isolation rules apply at all times including at the boat ramp and on the boat.

Members of the Merimbula Big Game and Lakes Angling Club said with people infectious, but not showing symptoms it was a critical time to practice the social distancing measures in place.

If you do decide you need to go boating, stick to your local waters. Heading off on a road trip and extended voyage Is not considered to be within the spirit of the restrictions.

Visit the NSW Government website (nsw.gov.au) for regular updates.

All BVSC fish cleaning facilities such as at Coronation Bay, Kianinny, the Merimbula Wharf, The Marina and The Club's Pontoon are closed until further notice as it is not possible to properly clean and sterilise surfaces that may come into contact with the virus.

Marine Rescue NSW Commissioner Stacey Tannos has appealed to recreational boaters to stay on shore during the crisis, but assures the boating community that it remains ready to respond to emergencies. If you do head out, remember to Log On and Log Off with Marine Rescue NSW on your marine radio or the MarineRescue App.

The bar at Merimbula remains shallow and one should take extreme care crossing in small craft during low tide. This has arisen due to a false channel developed past Mitchies Jetty spreading the current flow over a wide area and limiting the normal channel scouring near the navigation buoy. Incidents continue to be reported.

Few reports are to hand but ocean flathead, our staple food fish, are certainly on the chew off Tura Headland. Try 15-17 fathoms. Flathead are also available in Merimbula Bay near the artificial reefs and off Haycock Beach at Quondolo at 13 fathoms.

For land based anglers good size Australian salmon are very active at Long Point, the reef off the Wharf Restaurant and Tura Headland. Good salmon reported also at Tura, Merimbula, Haycock, and Aslings beaches.

At Mogareeka, there are mullet, bream, trevally and dusky flathead, try pilchards or soft plastics.

All along the Merimbula channel down from the bridge tailor, trevally, dusky flathead the occasional flounder and bream remain on the chew. Fish from around the bridge, the Marina, the MBGLAC jetty and the Merimbula Wharf. Best time is low tide

At the Merimbula Wharf luderick have gone quiet but some small kingfish are circling and may herald larger fish to come. Calamari squid are best taken before dawn and after sunset.

The clubs Friday night meets have been suspended. Memberships and other info on the club at www.mbglac.com.au. All enquires to Peter Haar 0417 021 066.