Whenever there is a break in the weather gamefishers are venturing out and we are getting reports of Marlin activity along the inside edge of the Continental Shelf between Tathra and Eden. The key is to locate bait schools where the marlin are lurking. Dolphin fish (dorado) are also coming onto the bite about the Merimbula -Eden FAD. Lures, live bait and pilchards are all taking fish.

With the summer prawns running, local offshore fish have really come onto the bite with good catches of flathead both sand and tiger from depths of 20 to 23 fathoms along the coast. Better catches have been reported off Kianinny, Bournda Island, Tura Headland and North Head. Morwong and snapper have also arced up with some great fish taken off the White Rock reefs as well as Haycock and Boyds Tower. Best results from anchoring and using burley bombs at depth. There are also lots of large slimy mackerel about and when taken these are the best bait for everything. Try soft plastics and micro jigs. When all else fails the humble pilchard is the best standby.

For Australian salmon off the beaches and headlands try Tura, Main, Haycock and Aslings at Eden. Seek out the “rips” or channels for some exciting angling. Good results from silver spinners at 50 -60 gm also whole pilchards on ganged hooks.

The Merimbula Bar is continuing to be a problem for those trying to cross during low tides. We advise boaters to be extra cautious with entry and exit from the Merimbula Lake. Marine Rescue Merimbula maintain their restriction only crossing the bar within 3 hours of high tide.

The channels at Merimbula and Pambula are producing great trevally, try pink coloured soft plastic as well as pilchards. There are also bream, dusky flathead and flounder as well as tailor and whiting. Best time is the start of the run-in tide. Good whiting can be taken off the sand flats opposite the launching ramps at both Merimbula and Bega River. Try live prawns at night and nippers during the day.

The Club’s inaugural Brogo Dam Bass Bash is scheduled for this Sunday 24th January. Fishing to commence @ 5.30 am. A BBQ will be held in the picnic area at approximately 11.30 am with BYO food and drink. All catch and release, with bass photographed on a DPI brag mat. Jim Clarke our resident bass expert will also be giving a workshop on bass angling at the Clubhouse on Wednesday 20th January commencing 7.00pm, all welcome.

Keep your rods bent!