A few weeks of strong easterly winds has seen the entrance close after being open for a reasonably long period. The extended opening has given the system a good flush and we’re hopeful that it’s also given the prawns a chance to come in.

Luderick to 2.5kg have been caught, most around a kilo. The run of bream has also been impressive with quite a few fish over the kilo mark and a few over 3lb. The bream and luderick are looking for sandworm with only a few fish caught on other baits. Both species have been spread throughout the whole system with some good catches reported from the river too.

A few good tailor have been ‘locked in’ and have provided some top action down in the channel. Trolling or casting metal lures has produced some fish to 1.5kg. Trevally have also been caught down there with several over 1kg caught on whitebait. Throw in a few mullet, the odd whiting and a flathead or two and it’s been a mixed bag.

Areas of the lake that have been shallow and un-fishable, now come into play with the rising water. The edges of the lake, which are surrounded by teatree, tussocks and reeds have fished really well previously when the lake has been closed. I expect more of the same this time around. The summer weather has already stirred the flathead up and they can be targeted on the mud and sand banks down in the channel using soft plastics, hard-bodies lures or with live bait.

The beach should also be good in the coming months. The full moon is a beaut time to target gummy sharks. Squid, fish fillets and pilchards are the best baits. The run-up tide is usually the most productive although sometimes it pays to hang in there and keep fishing regardless.

Dust off the prawning gear and cross your fingers that it’s a good season.