Winter is here and the weather has been fine overall. Most of the fishing action is either on the beaches with the salmon running well in the North East River, or offshore where the catches of striped trumpeter have been good.

The North East River has seen the usual run of impressive Australian salmon, with all methods successful. The number of fish here has to be seen to be believed, with many fish topping 2kg – great fishing indeed.

Around the islands flathead and gummies are the main catch, the kingfish and snapper having departed for the winter. The snapper usually show up again in October with the yellowtail kingfish in late November or early December.

For readers who venture out into Bass Strait and visit the islands south of Wilsons Promontory, work is underway to convert the power supply on for the Light Station on Deal Island. The existing diesel plant is to be replaced and a very large solar array and battery bank is going in. This will supply light and power for the caretakers who look after the island’s historic buildings and National Park. I suspect that with the sun at the right angle, this array will be visible from the north a long way out to sea.

Deal Island offers the only safe anchorages in bad weather in the middle of Eastern Bass Strait and is visited regularly by yachts, fishermen, divers and kayakers through the summer.

Back to the winter fishing though. Visitors to Flinders Island in July can expect to tangle with loads of Australian salmon in close. Those venturing deeper will be seeking the tasty striped trumpeter and the odd southern bluefin tuna. The tuna have ventured up to the island this year and adventurous anglers could well have a great time.

James Luddington operates the Strait Lady on Flinders Island and is the islands most experienced skipper for a wide variety of fishing experiences. James can be contacted through www.flindersisland.com.au/fishingtours .