This time of year the weather is normally very erratic and often cool and windy but all is not lost.

For those who wish to venture out a little wider past the continental shelf when the weather allows, yellowfin tuna should be there. The past two months have provided fish of 50kg-plus and many smaller fish have provided plenty of light tackle action.

Bibless minnows and small bullet-headed skirted lures are the choice of trolling lures.

For my money Halco Tremblers have the best range to choose from and you can go for any brand of skirt, the main thing is to ensure the head is heavy – 1oz or more and maybe a jet head. Any type of green has always been an effective colour.

For those who wish to stay a little closer to home, it can be a little tougher because the sea temperature is around 17° or 18°.

But the blackfish love it and the westerly winds which push down the swell enable access some of the rocky headlands.

In Lake Macquarie blackfish numbers are healthy and will provide many good hauls.

I consistently hear from many different people that the blackfish bag limits are being exceeded time and again in Lake Macquarie and the Central Coast.

It amazes me to think some people would take advantage of a good thing. The fines are heavy, so give the fish a break!

In recent times many local fishing clubs are finding it hard to retain members for so many reasons but not so at one local club, which is heading forward with great gusto.

I receive plenty of invitations to attend many club functions and present trophies and I accept with great appreciation. It is overwhelming to witness how much participation there is by anglers and their families.

My latest experience was presenting the club champion award at the newly formed Charlestown Anglers Club. Local identity and co-star with the late Ron Calcutt of the 1970s TV show A Fisherman’s World, Ray Stenhouse, is the CEO and one of the founders of the club, which has been running for 18 months.

With just over 200 members, Charlestown Anglers is the one of the healthiest clubs in NSW.

I walked into the Charlestown Golf Club hall and saw over 200 people enjoying the festivities. Many trophies were handed out and Rob Irons scooped the pool with many awards, including largest snapper.

The night was an encouraging example to those who would like to participate in fishing at a club level. There are obviously many other benefits such as the social aspects, weekends away, nights out with partners and meeting other anglers and learning the ‘tricks’.

Other clubs that I have been associated with on this level include Redhead Bowling Club Anglers Club, Edgeworth Tavern Fishing Club, Maitland Leagues Club Fishing Club, Swansea RSL FC and Caves Beach Hotel FC. All these clubs are longstanding and successful organisations with hard working committees and enthusiastic members.