Recreational anglers are overjoyed that the placement of Merimbula’s two tower artificial reefs at the head of Merimbula Bay is underway. These structures are paid for out of recreational fishing licence fees through the Department of Industries Recreational Fishing Trust.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Constructed by WA firm Subcon to the latest design, the two 96-tonne steel towers can only be described as complex so as to provide a wonderful habitat for pelagic and reef fish. They comprise four cylindrical steel tanks at each corner, steel vanes to induce current upwelling and pyramid shaped steel towers. The modules are designed to resist a 100-year storm and were assembled on the naval jetty at Eden, lifted into the water and towed into position.
They are sunk into place in water of some 30-32m depth and approximately 100m apart by allowing the corner tanks to flood in a similar way as positioning offshore oil platforms. As these reefs develop weed and sponge growth, more and more fish will be attracted to the habitat and without doubt become a great angling and diving tourist attraction for Merimbula.
Whales are becoming more and more abundant and coming in a lot closer to shore. Quite a few last week were seen along the 20 fathom line, so they are now easy to see from our headland vantage points and from Merimbula’s popular whale charter.
With improving conditions we are pleased to report good catches of snapper and morwong off our local reefs. There remain a surprising number of bait fish around, and often good snapper lurk beneath the bait balls. Flathead however have become quiet and we wait for the next tranche of warmer current to bring them back onto the chew.
Water temperatures are slowly rising in the estuaries and there is already some dusky flathead activity at Mogareeka. Good bream and estuary perch remain active further up the Bega River. Soft plastics, hard bodies and peeled prawns remain the best baits.
The Merimbula Big Game & Lakes Angling Club is hosting its annual Seafood Dinner this Saturday, September 22, 6.30pm for 7.00pm. The club invites members and guests for a great night of fine seafood and drinks.
This year we are taking the pressure off club members and getting in a caterer “A Pinch of Yum” to assist in preparation and presentation. Along with the traditional platter of prawns and oysters, your taste buds will be tempted by a starter of hors d'oeuvres followed by a rich seafood chowder, then 3 other seafood courses, closing with a cleansing (non seafood!) dessert.
Bar and raffles will help keep us entertained whilst we enjoy one another's company at this very popular annual event. Space and catering constraints force us to limit to 70 max.
The club 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 enquires to Lindon Thompson on 0411 873 880. 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!
