As with the rest of the South Coast, the challenge has been getting a good enough day weather-wise to get out there and enjoy the day on the water. Wind, rain and for those heading offshore, sea conditions have limited the amount of fishing done over the past month.

As usual for winter, salmon are thick on all the local beaches and headlands. The no nonsense way of catching a fish is to wander along looking for schools. It’s always interesting hearing all the different ways people cook the salmon and turn what is regarded as not the best eating fish, into a very acceptable meal. If in doubt, try smoking them as they are excellent eating when smoked.

Some good sized tailor are also being caught amongst the salmon, with some good fish also being caught in Wonboyn Lake.

In the estuaries the flathead fishing has slowed down with yellowfin and black bream still on the go. The recent rains have dirtied the water, so the best fishing was towards the entrance when the incoming tide is pushing in some clearer water. It’s great to see all the rivers and creeks flowing well as this will benefit the fishing in the months to come.

The southern bluefin tuna have made an appearance but no doubt by mid august they’ll be gone. The window of opportunity is small – two weeks if you’re lucky – and you need to get good weather in this period to get a chance of getting amongst a fish. Those who managed to luck out got amongst some good fish with the average fish caught around 30kg, with some bigger fish amongst them.

Once the SBT move off that will be the end of the gamefishing scene for another year. Boats chasing the kingfish have had little luck – if the fish are there they have been reluctant to bite.