There are reports of marlin tagged and released between 60-70kg, while kingfish up to 20kg have been found off Short Point and Tura. 

Anglers are now gearing up for the Merimbula Big Games and Lakes Angling Club’s ‘Snapper Classic’ in just over a week on May 19-20 with more than $2000 in cash and vouchers and many other prizes. 

The Committee decided to bring forward the competition so as not to conflict with Canberra’s Yellowfin at Bermagui the following weekend.

The briefing will be at the Spencer Park Clubhouse on May 18 with doors open at 6.30pm. 

It is a catch and release event, but everyone is welcome to join in. Entries are at the briefing, Tackleworld Merimbula or online at www.mbglac.com.au. 

Hosted this year by the Pambula Fishing Club, the Tri Club ‘Grudge Match’ (Merimbula, Pambula and Eden Clubs) was resoundingly won by the Pambula Club on 60 points followed by Merimbula and Eden Clubs on 46 and 45 points respectively. 

Of note is that Pambula’s winning snapper was under 2kg. – nothing like the monsters of South Australia and Victoria.  

Catches of snapper and morwong from our local reefs including Long Point, Haycock, Lennards Island and Mowarry Point continue.  Returns are not helped by an influx of pike and couta plus the annoying chinamen leatherjackets. 

More northerly, ocean flathead remain on the chew at the usual spots off Bithrys, Bournda Island and Tura Headland, however returns can be low due to the chinamen jackets.  Try at 15 fathoms off Tura Golf Course and 21 fathoms of Bithry’s.

It’s a good time for beach fishing when the SW winds set in.  For salmon try the gutters near Bournda Island also the Headland, Short Point, Haycock and Aslings beachs.  Good returns can come using three-ganged hooks presenting a whole pilchard.  After dark remember to use a wire trace as there are some large tailor on the prowl. 

At the Merimbula Fishing platform there have been some great days for calamari squid.  There is also plenty of bait fish mainly yellowtail and slimy mackerel and the occasional Kingfish. 

Good fish remain on the chew in our estuaries including luderick in Pambula Lake on nippers.  Water temperatures remain mild.  There are fine dusky flathead as well as trevally, bream and even snapper.

The Club is open every Friday evening from 6.30 pm.  Visitors are very welcome.   Darragh Reynolds is your scheduled host.  All enquires to John McKay on 0427 639 585.