Club officials said this weekend would have been their anniversary 40^th edition of the Merimbula Open, but due to the COVID-19 lockdown the decision was made to postpone the event until next year.

Officials said with improving offshore conditions and easing restrictions around social distancing, anglers were invited to join the search for the elusive yellowfin tuna.

This event is open to members and their guests with free entry. Members said offshore anglers Shane Mayberry and Ole Ersvaer are to be congratulated for their fine catch of blue eye from the depths beyond the edge of the continental shelf.

With benign weather following last weeks blow there is certainly good snapper on the chew with some lovely fish being landed from off White Rock, Long Point, Hunter Reef, Horshoe Reef, Lennards, North Head and Boyds Tower.

Best time is early morning and evening with a change of tide. Try squid and pilchard baits.

Anglers are again reminded of the increased dangers around the Merimbula bar as sand is shifting the entry to the lake.

Club officials said to take care exiting the Merimbula Lake as the channel has moved significantly westwards and many boats are hitting shallows where there was once the main channel.

Aim for the western side of the MBGLAC fish cleaning pontoon to ensure

There are large schools of slimy mackerel bait fish underlain by cuta at the artificial reefs.

Ocean flathead are widespread, but of generally mediocre size. Australian salmon are available running off our beaches and headlands, silver spinners or ganged pilchards are the way to go.

In the Merimbula Top Lake tailor plus a few dusky flathead, bream and trevally remain on the bite.

Anglers on the lookout for something else, club officials said there are reports of some large octopuses in the deep holes at Merimbula. Dusky flathead are reported from Wallagoot Lake and at Mogareeka in the Bega River.

The Merimbula Big Game and Lakes Angling Club commenced its fishing year on June 1 where anglers earn championship points based on species length photographed on DPI brag mats.

MBGLAC membership applications, renewals and everything you need to know about local fishing is on the club's website at www.mbglac.com.au.

For more information or any inquiries contact Peter Haar 0417 021 066.