As I write this I am excited - the weather is improving, the days are getting longer and we have the best fishing ahead of us.

With July and August providing some of the best rains experienced in 25 years the trout angler is excited, equally the saltwater angler has happy days ahead as the influx of fresh provides the promise of a productive summer fishery.

For the sea trout enthusiast the lower channel is very worthwhile with fish available through the Waterloo and Castle Forbes bay areas. Recommended techniques include shore-based fishing with traditional silver and gold spoons and flyfishing with whitebait patterns. For those whom can put up with the abundance of juvenile flathead, bait fishing with pretty fish (hardy heads) is also recommended. This is best done after dark.

Squid are still available in good numbers around Bruny Island with Dennes and Roberts points the proven locations. The red and white Yo Zuri jig is still a personal favourite.

The humble flathead provides the bread and butter species of the channel and is still available throughout. Fishing with a paternoster rig and bluebait or squid will take fish as will fishing with soft plastics and saltwater flies.

Recommend spots are Gordon, wide off Kettering and Dennes Point off Bruny Island. The Lune River mouth at Southport is also a favourite location. Shore based anglers will do best to concentrate around Margate, Woodbridge and Adventure Bay, the later being a particularly productive surf fishing spot.

The Esperance River is a recognised spring hot spot, as it gives up good numbers of estuarine species such as mullet, bream, mackerel, Australian salmon and the flavour of the month - sea run trout. The resident and sea run trout can be targeted from either the shore or a small boat. Slowly retrieved pretty fish (hardy heads) provide the angler one method of catching fish, although standard lightweight spinning gear and a small spoon or soft plastic that will give the angler the best possible chance.

Late September may also see some early season whitebait (more prolific in October/November) at such time a whitebait pattern fished on an intermediate line is recommended. The Lune River at Southport and upper Huon River at Huonville offer similar fishing.

The Tasman Peninsula is one popular spot during the spring months and although there are some days when  fishing is impossible due to strong winds. Pedra Branca, Tasman Island  and the Hippolyte Rocks will produce the occasional southern bluefin tuna and the very sought after striped trumpeter. The odd morwong perch, flathead and latchet is also available. Barracouta are also available – if you are into that sort of thing!

On the way to the Peninsula some anglers will pass Marion Bay, a spot that also gradually picks up as the weather improves during spring. Anglers will do best to fish from a boat where Australian salmon, gummy sharks and larger than average sand flathead are available. Trolling deep divers around the bar way will produce some large specimens. For those whom would rather fish in close there are plenty of wrasse and leatherjacket available.

On calm days fishing wide off Marion Bay can be produce with the occasional striped trumpeter and morwong perch available. Fresh squid bait is recommended.