There have been plenty of highlights over the past month with the estuary and surf beaches providing some top action. Once again the full moon phase was the time to be out there with the gummies really turning it on. I managed a few outings and had probably the best nights of surf fishing I have ever had.

You read a lot about how good cured eel is on the gummies in Westernport and I can report that it is effective on the beach as well. Its resistance to crabs is a real plus and it’s great to leave the bait out there for extended periods and know that unless it’s hit by a fish or shark it should be there when you bring the line in.

Combined with a 6/0 tuna circle hook the eel was deadly, with a hook-up rate of almost 100%. Over three nights of fishing we returned plenty of undersized gummies and a few others that were over the legal limit.

We had good outings at both Pearl Point and the entrance and I have heard positive reports from a couple of the other beaches as well. The full moon in early April will be a great time to have a crack at the gummies, particularly if the weather is good. I think I know where I will be spending a few nights.

Not to be outdone, the estuary has also been fishing well with some top quality bream and flathead caught. As the lake is closed, all the shallow areas that are not normally accessible are now covered in plenty of water and are producing fish. The edges of Bobs Bay have been productive with the southern edge of the lake around the Mahoganies also proving to be a popular area.

Sandworm is very hard to get throughout the whole of Gippsland at the moment, but luckily there has been a fair supply of prawn in the system. Anglers have had access to both fresh and frozen local prawns with the best results achieved by peeling them.

The channel is still producing a few good-sized flathead on live bait, although soft plastic fishers are finding them hard to come by. With the water temperature starting to drop, the flatties will become harder to catch over the coming months.

Work has commenced on the main boat ramp/car park, which will be usable all year round. The level of the car park is being raised so it will not go under water when the entrance is closed and the lake is at its highest point. We are all hopeful that this can be completed before the Easter break and school holidays.