At the time of writing the Bega River was all but closed to the ocean for the first time in the years since the record-breaking rains.

There are still a lot of fish trapped in this system so shallow-minded anglers are likely to succeed.

You have to love shallow-water fishing, especially at this time of year. More often than not the water is clear, allowing anglers some of the very best sight fishing.

Whether you cast lures or love soaking a bait, the Bega River hosts a variety of fish that like to patrol the shallows.

Black bream are among the most sought-after. Areas to target include sand and gravel beds and rocky shorelines where the fish can be observed fossicking with their heads down and tails protruding from the water as they search for small crustaceans and other invertebrates.

Often a small, shallow-running lure stealthily cast near them will gain a reaction. Those who like more relaxed angling may just set a few fresh nippers, squirt worms or prawns and laze back waiting for the action to start.

With the black bream are whiting, flathead, mullet, luderick and yellowfin bream.

You may also encounter estuary perch in the deeper, rocky areas but it is illegal to possess these during the closed season from June 1 August 31.

The rocks adjacent to the boat ramp are one place to fish for luderick, which also lurk around the pylons of the nearby bridge. Anglers using floats and green or cabbage weed have been encountering plenty of these fish.

Along the beaches salmon schools are easily located and a few metal lures are all that is required to rustle up some rewarding action.

The wharf is a very popular spot and the water is extremely clear and anglers often sight fish here before targeting them. Trevally, slimy mackerel, yellowtail and garfish drift among the pylons while closer to shore, black drummer and luderick may be observed among the rocks.

Out at sea, those looking for a feed of flathead should think about the shallower water out from beaches, where sandies are prevalent. Drifting these areas will often yield a good bag of these tasty fish along with the odd surprise like the occasional flounder, red gurnard or gummy shark.

On the reefs snapper are making their presence felt, although avoiding those pesky but tasty leatherjackets may prove a problem.

For those who would like to attend, or even may want to get involved in or sponsor, the Brogo Bass Bash has been set for December 6-8. Visit the new website, fscbsa.weebly.com.