Warmer summer water temperatures are now upon us, bringing a wider range of species within reach of surf anglers.

Now is the time to start chasing flathead from the beach with reasonable numbers taken so far, with most fish being around 45cm in length.

Over the next month, they will only get bigger with some getting up to 4kg in the McLoughlins Beach area around the Christmas/New Year period. Bluebait, whitebait, squid and surf poppers will all produce fish as well as soft plastics when fished on light gear.

Salmon and tailor have also been taken particularly around Golden Beach through to Lakes Entrance, however they can turn up anywhere at any stage. Some of the salmon have been up to approx 2.5kg, however the majority are less than 1kg.

Metal lures have been very successful when targeting these fish but baits of bluebait, pilchard and squid have also taken their fair share.

It is always a good idea when planning to target large species to keep salmon as fresh bait; this has been the most successful bait, particularly for gummy sharks.

Gummy sharks have been quite plentiful particularly near and around the full moon phases and have been taken from the majority of beaches. Lake Tyers, Pettmans, Golden Beach and McGaurans have been the most consistent for gummies up to 1.5m in length however the majority have been closer to 1m.

Fresh baits of salmon have been the most successful however squid, pilchards and cured eel have all produced at times. Other shark species have been taken as a by catch when targeting gummies such as bronze whalers, seven-gill and school sharks.

One bronze whaler taken at Golden Beach was described as particularly large. There has been reasonable numbers of bronze whalers being taken during the day. Hammerhead sharks should start to make an appearance shortly as the temperature starts getting quite warm.

McGaurans Beach has been producing good numbers of snapper up to 3kg; just before daylight being the best time to target this species. Smaller numbers have been taken in the area around Golden Beach however the most consistent have been at McGaurans Beach.

Most of these fish have been taken on squid and pilchards with fresh flathead and salmon fillets producing fish.

With Christmas holidays fast approaching, it should leave no excuses for getting out and giving the beach a go, you just never know what you might come across.

Lastly, I want to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.