I fished trout opening with the grandkids and everyone managed to catch a fish. Our big winter rains certainly changed the river structure, washing out trees, filling in old holes and creating new ones. It’s amazing how much a river can change in a season.

The government needs to change its policy and start stocking trout in streams, especially closer to the city. If people can go on a picnic or an outing and catch a fish or two, it will encourage more people to go fishing. The good news is the snapper are showing in Western Port, both in the north arm and off Corinella. Let’s all hope for a bumper season.

On the surf beaches, there’s still plenty of salmon about for fishos willing to chase them, with fish from 0.5-3kg coming in. All the local beaches have been fishing well; you just need the weather to be kind to you.

Below the bridge, there were big bluefin tuna taken and lost in the 100kg+ class in as close as 40m in depth. It goes to show that you don’t have to go to Portland to catch a tuna. Part of the bluefin’s migratory pattern is to travel up the East Coast of Australia, so my estimate is that between June and September, bluefin come through Bass Strait and shoot up the East Coast. It’s just a matter of picking a good day and having a go.

Above the bridge, snapper are in, with fish starting to come in from Stoney Point, Hastings, Lysharts, Silverleaves, the Corals and Corinella on the other side. Whiting won’t be too far off – as soon as the water warms up it should be a good season for them as well.

Big squid are about in good numbers. Local fishos have been doing well off the Flinders Jetty. If you’re a boatie, you need to get there just on daylight when the squid are most active.

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Trout season is open – get excited!

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Trout fishing can be fun for everyone.