This year has seen very high water temperatures, which in turn have resulted in some special fishing that’s not about to stop any time soon. The estuaries are unseasonably fishing better than they should, with Wallaga Lake being the pick and having the most species on offer.

At present, the Bermagui River and Wallaga Lake around the bridges are producing a good run of luderick, with some exceptional fish amongst them. The better fish seem to be at Wallaga — a result of the entrance staying open from the winter rains. Tailor are also in good numbers in the lake, and the terns will indicate their presence. Trolled lures are an effective way to find them, and once found switch to surface poppers for something special. For the kids, (and the big kids too), check out the Bermagui Harbour for schools of trevally. They are great fun and there are some monsters that will keep the best of anglers honest.

Not only have the warm waters affected the estuaries, the offshore and coastal scene has also benefited. Out to sea the reef and close-to-shore fishing is excellent. Snapper are liking the conditions and there are plenty of them. If you choose conventional drift fishing, try the Four and Six Mile reefs, while Goalen Head has sharks too.

Closer to shore you could anchor and berley the snapper up and drift baits back at varying depths, or do what is becoming more popular — casting soft plastics around. This is done in depths from 20m through to right in close to the rocky outcrops. Not only will you catch snapper, but there will be a host of different species willing to get into the act.

Tiger flathead offshore are also on the improve, with better fish coming from deeper waters. About 60-70m is a good depth to try, although if you are after big fish, try the Twelve Mile Reef as you may encounter those tasty Tassie trumpeter mixed in with the flatties.

Game fish are usually not at their best in August, however, the unseasonably high water temps this winter that caused all the bad weather off the east coast has maintained some tuna stock. Albacore would definitely be on the short list, along with some yellowfin. Bluefin tuna in varying sizes also visit the coast around now and by trolling a good spread of lures, these fish can be encountered on the shallow reefs to wide out over the 1000f line. There has also been a few captures of the rarer bigeye tuna, which will mix in with the other species but rarely come to the surface.

Wherever you find tuna you will encounter sharks. Makos are on top of that list, plus there will be blues and whalers. Berleying is the way to attract them, and it goes without saying that you use plenty of tuna in your berley. Doing this around the Twelve Mile Reef or the edge of the Continental Shelf will also permit some deep water bottom fishing.

All those lovely rough conditions this winter has really stirred up the rock species. Drummer and luderick have been excellent, and should remain so for some time. Some very nice bream, trevally, groper and wrasse have also been invigorated by these conditions, with salmon up on the surface. These are along the coastal beaches and make regular visits to the deeper gutters, thus providing anglers some very good winter shore-based fishing.