In support of those youngsters from fire devastated areas about Merimbula in particular, the NSW DPI's Education Officer, Southern Recreational and Aboriginal Fisheries Unit, Stephen Thurstan, is running a free family fishing day with fun activities for all to learn the basics of fishing. Venue Spencer Park between 9am and 3pm on Saturday, February 29.
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Experienced Fishcare Volunteers and members of the Merimbula Big Game and Lake Angling Club will be on hand to provide lessons on casting, knot tying, rigging, lures and bait. Fishing rods, bait and assistance will be provided for a fishing session from the club's jetty. There will be prizes and giveaways! Contact Stephen Thurstan for further information. stephen.thurstan@dpi.nsw.gov.au.
Warmer currents associated with the EAC are pushing southwards and marlin are now reported off Bermagui. Local game fishers are keenly awaiting their arrival off Merimbula and Eden. Deep dropping at 70 fathoms and off the edge of the shelf has brought returns of blue eye, ling and the occasional Tasmanian trumpeter.
The large swells of the past week have fired up a number of species and in particular good snapper are on the chew, especially closer to the headlands, all the way south from Gillards to Bitangabee. Near Merimbula try the north end of Horseshoe reef at 17 fathoms. Best results from anchoring with a deep slung berley pot. Morwong, trevally and gummy shark are also likely targets.
There is no shortage of slimy mackerel bait fish at the artificial reefs. Flathead are scarce out of Kianniny but lucky anglers are bagging out off Quondolo a kilometre or so further south from Haycock at 15 fathoms. Australian salmon are active at Tura Beach, Middle Beach and the headlands and Merimbula Wharf. Also Haycock now the National Park is open plus Aslings beach at Eden.
Wonboyn is open again following big rains in the hills and bream in particular have really fired up.
At Mitchies good whiting are about and respond to worm baits and local prawns on a falling tide. Trevally, dusky flathead, the occasional flounder and bream remain on the chew all along the Merimbula channel down from the bridge. Best time is low tide with both soft plastics, nippers or pilchard baits. In Merimbula Lake tailor are ever-present as well as duskys, bream and trevally.
At the Merimbula Wharf calamari squid remain active with anglers bagging out in the mornings and evenings. Best results from dark coloured, prawn-like slow sinking jigs. Some good Australian salmon have also been taken with silver spinners.
