Unfortunately there were no sightings of Migaloo the white albino humpback whale off Merimbula or Eden last week. After mating in far North Queensland Migaloo is making his way southward towards Antarctica. Nevertheless windy conditions have seen other whales really active and putting on a great display.
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Good conditions offshore were a boon for anglers over the long weekend with catches of morwong and snapper all along the local reefs from Eden to Bermagui. Best time is always early morning and evening with baits ranging from micro jigs, soft plastics, squid heads to pilchards. Depths of 18 to 25 fathoms give good results for both sand and tiger flathead. Larger fish are scarce and voracious schools of couta along the coast have destroyed lots of fishing rigs.
At the presentation for the Col Russell Memorial Fishing Competition held at Tathra last Sunday, Col’s son Bill made the presentations with particular congratulations to seven-year-old junior angler Liam Cotter. In the seniors; Col Beveridge won the prize for sand flathead and Stewart McCormick for tiger flathead.
Kingfish are on the chew at Mowarry and your chances are greatly improved if you can find a patch of pinkish krill which will be underlain by schools of small pelagic bait fish (SPF) like slimy mackerel and then beneath will be the kingfish. Live baits, squid heads and jigging all bring results.
AFMA, the Australian Fisheries Management Authority, has advised that a mid water trawler has commenced operations along the south east coast targeting SPF. The trawler is the Sydney registered 39.9m Saints Antonio & Giuseppe operated by Muollo Fishing Pty Ltd, the company that initially applied for the right to undertake pair trawling of the same area.
Tony Muollo has told us that they will be dealing with “fresh” fish for sale in Australia and using Australian crews. This means trips will be limited to a few days each and Tony anticipates catches of about 100 tonnes a week. Of concern to recreational anglers is that this could be just the first of many trawlers, focusing their efforts on the known bait hot spots off the Sapphire Coast that support our iconic game fishing industry.
With the Bega River entrance at Mogareeka closed, flathead are gathering in the Mogareeka area about the bridge looking for sea water seepage through the sands. This really is the time to practise catch and release so stocks are not depleted.
The government sponsored “Gone Fishing Day” is scheduled for Sunday, October 15. You can help shape and promote recreational fishing in Australia by joining the national recreational fishing register. Google; “Gone Fishing Day”. Once registered you will be kept informed about what’s happening in recreational fishing. It’s free and you will be helping to build a bright and sustainable future for recreational fishing in Australia.
The club’s annual trip for 2017 will feature the Wonboyn Lake Resort. This trip and its main feature the Mex Williams Memorial Fishing Competition is open to all comers. Starting on Friday, October 20, the weekend will end on Sunday 21st, inquiries Merrily Bell on 0427 011 074.
The club in Spencer Park is open every Friday evening 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 your scheduled host. All inquires to John McKay on 0427 639 585. Membership Application, Membership Renewal and everything you need to know about local fishing is on the club’s website www.mbglac.com.au. Keep your rods bent!
