The month of June in the south of the state might seem to many to be a time to store the gear, maybe change some old line over or re-rig lures with new rings and hooks but there is still some good fishing around the lower Derwent and beyond.

Searun trout are starting to appear again and can be targeted from many shores. I tend to fish low in the system at this time looking for shores below the Bowen Bridge down to the Tasman. As always the run-out tide is imperative in my mind to a successful stint from the shore. Yes you will catch the odd fish on the top of the tide or the run-in but all the best sessions happen on the big ripping run-out. Be in the right spot at the right time and it’s possible you’ll need a third hand to count your catch in just a couple of hours.

I’m a hardbodied lure guy 90% of the time but from the shore soft plastics are generally the way I go and they seem to bring the best results. Gulp Minnows in Smelt or Pearl Watermelon my two favoured colours.

It really is worth the effort, check the tides and pick your day and you might just be surprised. A flat calm and mild day in the middle of winter is hard to beat. And it only gets better in July!

There have been plenty of good-sized flathead on the chew over the past few months. The Derwent normally is riddled with small undersized fish but this year particularly there seems to be a good run of 40cm and better fish about. The flathead are on the limited consumption list in the Derwent. I still return them to the water but they are there if you want them.

It’s been a corker of a bream year. I’ve had multiple consecutive trips with 6kg plus bags. My best fish at 43cm fork length and my 6-year-old son even landed his PB at 37cm fork on a Cranka Vibe in April. He actually caught more fish than me that day although I did land the biggest mullet of the year on a hardbodied lure!

It never ceases to amaze me the size and quality of our big black bream and it’s encouraging to see so many new boats out on the water hitting the shores and discovering just how much fun it is. The tournament scene in Tassie is growing and growing, I can’t wait until next year and it comes back around again.

Big tuna are still on the radar with the jumbo action rolling on. Amid a couple of quiet sections the big blues keep appearing and it’s been a reasonable season for the game fishing community. All the usual haunts are producing and the high numbers found around Pedra Branca and beyond moved through to the Neck in late April/May.

The broadbill swordfish capture in April certainly got the place buzzing and news travelled quickly across social media and the net. Mind you, any fish at 225kg is going to be a talking point and something like this isn’t going to take long to get around. There is still debate about it being the first rod and reel caught broadbill in Tasmanian waters but I’m personally yet to see proof to the contrary. Congratulations to all involved.

Striped trumpeter continued to show and were pretty reliable to target through May. Blue eye and rays bream are also in bags and the usual morwong in May, and some good sized flathead in closer.

Anglers looking for a freshwater fix will have to put up with Craigbourne Dam. This water is open year round and regular stockings are undertaken to keep patrons entertained.

Bright lures and soft plastics the best bet to landing a few fish.

Check current regulations for rules, fishing times and methods.