Aerial photos were taken of Anderson Inlet in 2002 and at the time the Inlet had only recently become free of commercial fishing. In June this year, another series of photos were commissioned and the changes have shown a very significant improvement towards recreational fishing.

The weed beds have developed extensively in Stevies Gutter through to the Snags, as well as in the main channel from the kiosk through to Ayr Creek. Weed beds are also starting to form along the edges of the sandbars within the body of the Inlet. Channels and holes throughout the Inlet have deepened, in particular out the front of the Bowling Club and in the Horseshoe. The erosion of Point Smyth has created another channel flowing into the Inlet.

The combination of these natural changes and the creation of Anderson Inlet as a recreational fishing reserve has resulted in better quality fish that can be targeted year round.

Call into the Rod Bendings Store at Inverloch to view the photos and you will see the changes in the Inlet. Our staff will highlight the hot spots to target your favourite species.

Salmon schools have moved deeper into the Inlet and Stevies Gutter is producing salmon to 2kg, with the majority being around 1kg. Soft plastics and surface poppers cast into the shallows around low tide is the best method of getting a bag limit.

For land-based anglers, Mahers Landing has been the pick of areas, with salmon to 1.5kg and trevally to 1kg being caught on bluebait and whitebait.

At the Bowling Club, the channel has turned into a small bay. From the bank, a short cast will put you into 5m of water on the high tide where salmon and trevally are taking a full variety of baits.

Whiting to 35cm have continued to be taken on live Bass yabbies. Due to the shortage of South Australian pipi, squid and mussel meat have been good alternatives. And between Stevies Gutter and the Snags is the prime spot.

As the Inlet cleans up, estuary perch are being caught around the Venus Bay Islands and in the lower reaches of Screw Creek. Live Bass yabbies are once again the pick of the baits.

The Tarwin River is still very dirty and it would pay to give it another month to clean up.

The Venus Bay surf beaches are still producing salmon and mullet around the high tide. The position you select on the beach will be crucial to you getting fish, so spend the time assessing the beach to ensure having a productive day. Vary casting distances and your choice of bait, but be prepare to fish running sinkers at this time in the season as an alternative to the standard two hook rig.

For further information on fishing around Inverloch, drop in and see David Walsh at Rod Bending’s World of Fishing, Shop 1, 8 Williams Street, Inverloch. Alternatively, give him a call on 03 5674 3322, or visit www.rodbending.com.au

Andersons Inlet and the Tarwin River are ideal locations to fish from a kayak. The popularity of kayak fishing is growing rapidly around Inverloch.