It is that time of year that we all dust off our fishing gear eager for another season of fishing.

The estuary system is in excellent condition with plenty of bream, luderick, mullet and estuary perch here in good numbers. Trevally, Australian salmon and tailor are also in good numbers from the second island down to the entrance. The surf beaches are fishing well, with reports of anglers taking plenty of salmon and tailor on metal lures. Other reports of anglers bait fishing doing very well using bluebait, whitebait, squid accompanied with a surf popper.

Off shore the fishing is has been good with catches of flathead and gummy shark, and will get better when the water warms up and attracts baitfish into the area.

Just recently we have had a visit from the Beaumaris Motor Yacht Squadron for their annual fishing trip to our estuary. One of their legendary fishing identities Ian Jones was kind enough to furnish me with in depth report of their activities.

Twenty five BMYS members journeyed to Orbost for their annual competition with the local anglers. Some anglers arrived early and soon opened their account with bream up to 1kg and luderick to 1.1kg. There were also plenty of good mullet near Lake Corrringle.

The next day was very quiet due in part to a very fierce current. The third day saw BMYS Members and their guests competing for prises. Excellent fish were taken on a verity of baits with sandworm and black crab providing anglers with the best chances. Comp results saw Ernie Gladstone, with a 1.442kg bream taking 1st prize over Brian Willis’s 1.22kg bream, whilst Ian Jones landed a 1.07kg luderick. No anglers had any success with lures.

The Saturday competition was against Orbost anglers. Would you believe Ernie Gladstone of BMYS won again this time with a 1.402kg bream.

Best for Orbost seniors was Paul Fairless 1.201kg bream, whilst Kayle Shanahan was the best junior with a 1.221kg bream. Other notable catches were Chris Pryor (BMYS) 1.26kg and Peter Kenny (Orbost) 0.994kg bream on a lure. As usual the Orbost fraternity’s hospitality was outstanding. The hotel cuisine was enjoyed by all, as was the Saturday picnic lunch at the Brodribb Ramp, and the evenings spit roast.

Thanks to the Club Hotel publicans Mick & Debbie Colling and their staff for their contribution to a good weekend. A highlight was the arrival of the paddle streamer Curlip from Lakes Entrance after its annual survey.