Offshore angling is being constrained to one or two days each week as we move through patches of rain and wind associated with a series of south coast lows, like last weekend.
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For the intrepid there are good fish available like the wonderful gummy shark (flake) shown by Emma Badullovich (pictured). Snapper and morwong are active at local reefs when the tide suits. We have reports of bag-out catches off the Haycock Reef taken around 20 fathoms about the turn of the tide - ie an hour before and up to an hour after high tide during late afternoon fishing. Best bait squid and pilchards.
Reports confirm lots of humpback whales inshore as they continue their travel northwards for breeding.
The DPI has trained members to undertake routine "Citizen Scientist" baited remote underwater video (BRUV) surveys of the Merimbula Artificial Reefs saving them long trips from Port Stephens. The underwater Go-Pro camera records sound as well as video. Our last survey detected lots of sound reminiscent of bleating cattle which were doubtless from passing whales.
Water temperatures are hovering about 15 degrees and there are few slimy mackerel. Yakkas like the deeper water near the bottom. Ocean flathead are quiet and catches best reported as occasional. We await some warmer water to get them back on the chew.
Australian salmon have become patchy best reported at the north end of Tura Beach. Salmon were also reported from off Haycock, Main and Tura Beaches. At the beaches some of the best salmon are taking poppers mounted above a single gang hooked pilchard. Try also 50gm light blue flashed silver spinners.
Pambula River and Broadwater again remain the stand out fishing spots during the past week with ubiquitous tailor, salmon, trevally and even some fine black bream. Keep to the northern side of the Broadwater directly opposite the boat yards. For salmon trawl the lower reaches of the river best results green flashed silver spinners.
In the Merimbula front lake the start of the run-in from the sea should provide some trevally in the channel and bream over the shallows. Nippers without a sinker or soft plastics will get results.
There are lots of "chopper" tailor in the Merimbula Back Lake plus some occasional bream and trevally. Water in the lake is stratified with good salt water below the discolored fresher water near surface.
The Bega River remains murky and following heavy rains there is also quite a lot of debris. No action to report.
Everything you need to know about local fishing is on the club website www.mbglac.com.au.