A strong East Australian Current has seen waters remain fairly warm up to 22 degrees offshore as local marlin activity continues.  Some yellowfin tuna have also moved in closer to the coast with a massive engagement reported from the edge of the continental shelf off Goalen Headland.   A spectacular run of 1,229 kilometers by an albacore tuna has been recorded.  The tuna was tagged and released off Merimbula by member Ross Cooper of Woulmla in 2017 and was recaptured by a commercial fisherman this year in the Coral Sea. During this time the fish had quadrupled its size from an estimated 5kg in 2017.

Anglers report bag-out catches of sand flathead in Merimbula Bay near the Pambula River Mouth at about 14 fathoms.  Flathead remain on the chew off Short Point Tura Headland, Bournda Island, Turingal Point and off Cowdroys  and Bithry Inlet at 20 fathoms.  Good snapper and morwong are reported from our local reefs; Long Point to Short Point and White Rock also Lennards Island, North Head and Boyds Tower down to Mowarry.   Best results from anchoring and burleying morning and evening at 17-20 fathoms.  Gummy shark are also back on the bite south of Haycock Point. 

Salmon are a little quite but together with tailor can be taken off our beaches in the early mornings and evenings on a rising tide.  Try whole pilchards on a three ganged hook below a blue coloured popper.  Good results also from spinning at the Pambula River mouth. 

Just a reminder that the zero bag limit for estuary perch and bass commenced on 1st May and ends on 31 August.  The zero bag limit does not apply to fresh water impoundments such as Brogo Dam.

Lots of bait fish in our estuaries demonstrate the waters are healthy.  Returns are slowing however with the winter season already in place.  Best results from the Bega River rock wall area for bream and trevally also along the Millingandi side of Merimbula Lake.  Spinning for tailor with silver spinners is the main interest in Merimbula Lake, with dusky flathead a little scarce. 

The Club welcomes all locals, members and visitors to participate in its 2021 Snapper Classic on 22 and 23 May. Thanks to the Federal Governments Regional Tourism Bushfire Recovery Grants Program, in collaboration with the Bega Valley Shire Council plus sponsorship from Eden Outboards Mobile Servicing and Kane McKill Tree Service; there are over 15 prize categories from a prize pool of more than $3,500.  All details on the Club’s website www.mbglac.com.au.

The Pirtek Fishing Challenge held over 17-18 April, which supports the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia and The Peter Duncan Neurosciences Research Unit at St Vincent’s Hospital has awarded The Merimbula Big Game & Lakes Angling Club a Lowrance fishfinder prize valued at $549 for the most members from a single club in NSW registered for the Challenge

The Club house in Spencer Park will be open on Friday 7 May from 6.30pm.  Visitors are very welcome.  Come and enjoy the fishing report, the ambience, friendship and lovely views with very competitive bar prices.  Darragh Reynolds is the scheduled host. All enquires to Peter Haar 0417 021 066.  MBGLAC Membership application, membership renewal and everything you need to know about local fishing is available on the Club’s website. www.mbglac.com.au

Keep Your Rod Bent!