Inconsistent weather patterns of late Winter have kept many anglers at bay but weeks of rain followed by some blissful conditions seem be a recipe for fish action.

In a large deluge a number of weeks back the Tweed region received 520mm of rain with 48 hours, giving many boat owners a different reason to use their boats. This fresh fired up the action and should see us well all the way to September.

Big bream, bass, luderick and snapper will all still around be in numbers this month, weather permitting.

Rivers rich in nutrients have spurred on some action in the systems, especially around the mouths of the Tweed and Kingscliff Creek.

Some of the biggest tailor I've seen has been landed in numbers. Massive schools boiling the surface are an exciting sight as you prepare the throw a lure deep into the frenzy.

Hopefully these tailor, up to around 5kg, will hang around this month. Lures, live bait and cut bait should all work once the fish are found.

Early morning is by far the time to target these critters. If you have not tried casting for these fish you will need a long rod suitable to cast heavy metal lures and a good-quality spinning reel spooled with around 6kg to 8kg line. Find the fish, cast long, wind and wham!

Around this time of the season last year a number of jew were caught in the Tweed. It might be an idea to try and target one.

Look for deep holes, ledges and drop-offs throughout the system. Persistence and patience is what all good jew anglers have in common so don’t flame the idea after one unsuccessful mission.

Live mullet seem to be the pick bait but a well-jigged plastic also reaped the rewards last year.

The upper reaches will be a little slow until the water cleans up a little. If more major rains occur then September shapes up for an interesting month indeed.

Big wild bass have been taken with some regularity around Tumbulgum and Murwillumbah. The fresh has also brought them as far down as Chinderah.

They’re a great fish to target on light tackle and sure put on a good fight. Bass take most plastics and hard-bodied lures with most success coming from rattling lipless crankbaits. The ability of this lure to be fished at all depths makes it a winner.

September should also spell the start of crab season. It might be a good idea to throw over a pot or two as the crabs just might be on the move. Remember to always use fresh bait, preferably mullet, as this will enhance your chance of a catch.

Jack anglers – get ready and get out there! Tie your knots and sharpen your hooks because they might just start to show their aggressive little faces around this time. It’s worth getting ready for a crackerjack Summer.

The fresh has also spiked results offshore. Numbers of squire, snapper, pearl perch and other reefies continue to be caught consistently. All inshore reefs hold numbers with the odd big snapper showing up occasionally.

September should see some warmer days but still hold the cooler currents, keeping the snapper close to shore.

They are best caught on a floating rig. Once a patch of inviting reef is found, cast out a full blue pillie, strip bait or livie up-current, allowing the bait to drift slowly down. If you can fish down to about two-thirds of the water depth your strike rate should increase.

Keeping the reel in free spool with the ratchet on (or in BaitRunner mode for a threadline) will allow you to strip line to help your bait descend as well as keeping light pressure on the fish when the initial strike occurs.

As with most species, first light is the best bite time and try looking for deeper water as the day wears on.

For more information on what’s happening around the Tweed, see the guys at Anglers Warehouse or phone 07 5536 3822.