Merimbula Big Game and Lakes Angling Club members reported sightings off Long Point on Sunday evening, while the club has been informed there are about 30,000 whales making the trip each season. 

Experts have told anglers that there is also about a 5 per cent growth rate in the whale population each year, which bodes well for local whale watching opportunities with many anglers excited to catch a glimpse of the magnificent creatures making their way back south for the summer. 

“We can all anticipate the opportunity to see them frolicking in our near-shore waters,” a spokesman said.  

Morwong and snapper remain about the reefs with some exceptional size morwong again reported from the Haycock Reef.  Both soft plastics and pilchard baits are very effective.   Flathead are patchy but remain our staple with catches reported all along the coast from the Horseshoe Reef area to north of Tathra. Unfortunately clouds of chinamen leatherjackets are still around and dynamite on tackle.

Gummy shark (flake) and Port Jackson sharks have been active during the full moon.  Best locations are along the reef edges; Horseshoe, Haycock, Long Point and White Rock.   Anchor and use a berley bomb (these fish are bottom feeders).  Gummies like slimy mackerel and pilchards but go ape over hermit crabs and small crabs. Try the new soft plastic crabs that are now locally available.  

Salmon remain patchy, we have reports of salmon and tailor at evening time from Tura Beach near Bournda island and the entrances of Pambula Lake and Womboyn. 

With both estuary and ocean water temperatures low (12-13 degrees) fish activity has slowed. 

At Pambula and Merimbula some large tailor remain active evenings and it is a good time for trevally and bream over the shallows.  Nippers without a sinker or soft plastics will get results. 

The club’s presentation night is scheduled for this Saturday, August 11, 6.30pm for 7.00pm at the Lakeview Hotel Merimbula.  The Club’s AGM is scheduled for Monday evening, August 13, at 7pm.

The club is open every Friday evening from 6.30pm.  Come and enjoy the fishing report, the ambience, friendship and lovely views with very competitive bar prices.  Darragh Reynolds is your scheduled host.  All enquiries to Lindon Thompson on 0411 873 880.  Everything you need to know about local fishing is on the club’s website: www.mbglac.com.au.