The East Australian Current, long associated with “Finding Nemo”, is pushing warmer waters ever southward and local ocean temperatures have increased to 20 degrees. One sign of the warmer water is now the presence of bluebottles and our surfers need to keep their eyes open. For our game fishers, we have reports of Striped Marlin on the bite together with Yellowfin Tuna. A Shortbill Spearfish was also hooked and released by an angler out of Eden. All in all a promising start to the season.
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A new arrival off Merimbula Main Beach is a prominent yellow buoy believed to be the awaited satellite linked (VR4G) listening station that detects tagged sharks and other marine animals within a distance of up to 500 metres. Captured information goes to a satellite and is then instantaneously sent to the public and beach authorities via Twitter and SMS.
The inshore reefs continue to fish well for Snapper and Morwong. Early morning and evening just past the turn of the tide gives best results. Good Sand Flathead occur in patches of the Tura Beach Golf Course and Tura Headland. Sand and Tiger Flathead are also available off the reefs, try at 15 to 20 fathoms. The headlands provide Salmon, Drummer and Tailor plus reports of a few Kingfish. Anglers are advised to wear lifejackets when fishing the headlands.
The Merimbula and Eden Wharfs are both producing good squid on jigs with the best results during dark. Luderick have returned to their normal habits shoaling past the Merimbula Wharf early morning and late afternoon. Local anglers experimenting with artificial lures, with plastic strands made to look like green weed, are achieving good results. Salmon and Kingfish sightings are reported from both wharfs.
In the estuaries Whiting are on the prowl over the sand flats during high tide and respond to worms and poppers. With soft plastics the go there is no shortage of good Dusky Flathead and anglers are encouraged to consider catch and release. Bream are on the chew in Merimbula and Pambula Lakes and the Bega River. In the Merimbula Channel some good size prawns are running and Trevally remain on the bite about the Merimbula Bridge, with the best time after dark.
The Merimbula Big Game & Lakes Angling Club holds an Open House at Spencer Park, every Friday evening, commencing 6.30pm. The club is also holding Christmas raffles the next few weeks. Visitors are very welcome. This Friday, December 9, Darragh Reynolds is your scheduled host. All inquires John McKay on 0427 639 585. Membership application, membership renewal and everything you need to know is on the club’s website www.mbgalac.com.au.
