Numerous sightings of humpback whales cavorting off Tura Headland point to the beginning of this year's Sapphire Coast whale season. The southerly whale migration will extend through to November so there is plenty of time to get your own sightings.
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With estimates of up to 30,000 whales having moved north earlier on, it is anybody's guess how many there are now on their track back to Antarctica after their annual calving.
While near shore temperatures are now down to 13-14 degrees, out at the edge of the Continental Shelf the waters remain at 17-19 degrees under the influence of the East Australian Current. It was there, directly off Merimbula, that Reel Gem, captained by Glenn Pollock, came across a large school of albacore tuna. Together with whale sightings and lots of tuna landed, a magnificent day was had by all.
The recent cold spell has further quitened our "bread and butter" reef fish however good ocean flathead remain on the chew off Tura Beach and Tura Headland. Try blue coloured soft plastics for the big ones! Out of Kianniny anglers are finding the going tough with large schools of chinamen leatherjackets. Best advice is to move further south.
Australian salmon and good tailor are gathered about our headlands, best times early morning and evening. They will also be moving in and out of the inlets for a few days either side of the full moon. Try trolling the lower reaches of the Pambula River and Broadwater.
Gummy sharks (flake) and Port Jackson sharks remain active. Best locations for gummy are along the reef edges; south of the Bithry's, White Rock, Haycock and Horseshoe reef areas a few days each side of the full moon. Anchor and use a berley bomb (these fish are bottom feeders). Try the new soft plastic crabs that are now locally available.
Good bream and trevally are congregating at Mogareeka near the mouth of Bega River (closed) and some beautiful estuary perch further up river.
The club's presentation night at the Lakeview Hotel last Saturday was a great success and none more so than the awards to Club Champions. Overall Club Champion and Men's Champion is Robert Wood, Women's Champion Merrily Bell, Junior Champion 13-year-old Bailey Riches and Small Fry Champion six-year-old Logan Walker. Congratulations to all.
On Friday, August 16, the Club will be open from 6.30pm and all are welcome to visit. You can enjoy the fishing report, the ambience, friendship and lovely views with very competitive bar prices. Darragh Reynolds is the scheduled host. All enquires to Lindon Thompson on 0411 873 880.
