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This will be Mex's last fishing report which he has been doing since 2000, he loved doing it but due to illness its his last.
Mex, on behalf of all the readers (0ver 6,000) thanks for the info of whats happening, when, how and where. The info has made a lot of people very happy with full stomachs to match so we all wish you good health and may your reel keep screamin !
Dec 5th
Well we just about have a mirror image of the past week compared with the week before in weather and fishing conditions.
Not to many anglers fished on the Saturday because of the weather forecast and then those that planned for a trip to sea on the Sunday were thwarted by high winds.
Good weather will add up to great fishing though as reports have still been coming in on plenty of tuna from 40 fathoms to beyond the shelf. Flathead fishos are still catching plenty of quality fish and beaches are still on fire with salmon on the go.
Estuaries are probably the best of all with duskys toping the charts along with most all other species having a crack.
The prawn run didn't happen due to rough conditions and lateness of the run out so hopefully next month will be a blinder.
Darrragh Reynolds and Barry Francis will open the clubrooms 6.30 pm Friday night in readiness for our Christmas party.
Santa will be making a visit so would all parents have a small gift for Santa to give to there kids.
A family barbeque will be had along with lollies and activities for the kids. We also have a briefing on the night for our last in-house gamefishing weekend to be run on Saturday 10th and Sunday 11th.
An added bonus will be Rob Wood giving a talk on boating in Merimbula Lake.
Rob has had many a year fishing our waterways and has an informative speech on navigation markers,oyster lease positions and how to protect items of interest including mobile phones,electronic car keys, wallets, and anything from getting wet.
Also please don't forget Gala Weekend January 8th and 9th.More helpers the better so come on down and enjoy a great weekend.
May your real scream, Mex.
Nov 28th
Anglers had a pretty good week on the water apart from rain and wind on the weekend.
No reports on the gamefishing due to this but the bottom bouncers are still catching plenty of flathead on the grounds north of Merimbula.
Inshore reefs still haven't fired to there potential but the chance of a kingfish or two is always on the cards fishing the grounds south of town.
Beaches are well worth the effort with plenty of salmon taking lures and pilchards whilst beach worms are best if chasing whiting, bream and flathead.
Estuaries are great with dusky flathead on the prowl and a few bream, whiting,trevaly and tailor are hitting the deck.
Its now getting close to the festive time of year and the club will have its Christmas Party on December 9th.
As usual a visit by Santa will happen so all parents are encouraged to bring the family to catch up with the jolly man in red.
The club will provide a barbeque and lollies and parents are asked to supply a small gift for Santa to give to there child.
We will also have our last in-house gamefishing competion for 2011 on December 10th and 11th and we will be looking for calm seas and the fish to turn up.
Hopefully all our members have sold there raffle tickets for the 2012 Gala Weekend to be held January 7th and 8th.
We are asking for all hands on deck as there is always plenty of work to be done over the weekend.
Moneys raised from the auction will be donated to Marine Rescue so again we are hoping for the fishing and weather gods to be with us.
May your reel scream, Mex.
Nov 21st
Fishing hasn't changed over the past week with all anglers catching fish.
The gamefishing fraternity is happy with albacore tuna to 8 kilo and yellowfin tuna up to 35 kilo which is a fantastic result for this early part of the season.
Bottom bashers over the shelf and beyond are also happy with some very nice harpooka and blueye trevally hitting the deck.
Flathead fishermen are still catching quality tigers and a few sandys have been caught in 20 to 40 meters on the grounds north of Merimbula.
Inshore reefs are abit quiet with not to many snapper and morwong on the chew but the headlands and wharfs are worth a shot for kingfish, tailor and salmon.
Plenty of squid about for any early morning or late night fishos and as usual the beaches have salmon on the chew.
Estuaries are still good with plenty of dusky flathead whilst the bream are still being a bit picky but there's always the chance of being nailed by tailor and trevaly.
We have the dark of the month coming soon and it may be worth a couple of late nights on the run out tide as there's a good chance of catching a feed of fresh prawns.
The biggest hurdle will be trying to launch and retrieve boats out of Merimbula Lake with ramp issues.
This Friday Shane Mayberry and Mex Williams will open the Spencer Park clubhouse 6.30 pm with happy hour followed by fishing report and raffles.
There will also be a briefing for our first in-house gamefishing tournament to be run over the weekend along with our end of month family night barbeque.
Members and visitors are all invited to attend this night of fun,food and fellowship.
May your reel scream, Mex.
Nov 14th
Fishing is getter and better with most anglers catching fish out to sea and in the estuaries.
Gamefishos are very happy with big numbers of albacore found on the shelf and beyond.
A few small yellowfin have also been taken and its only a matter of time until marlin start to show up.
Flathead fishos are wrapped as the tiger flathead are still on the chew and the beaches and headlands are always worth a shot if looking for salmon.
Estuaries have all species on the chew and bait and berly seems to be the trick at the moment if you want to catch a bream.
Our Tri-Estuary competion held over the weekend was a ripper with 23 teams fishing in almost perfect fishing conditions.
Lance Crook had the longest bream 369 mm and Bob Seach second longest bream 358mm. Ray Coles took longest flathead 815 mm and Darren Evans second longest flathead 795 mm. Damien Torpey longest trevally 417 mm and Doug Hodsdon second longest trevally 396 mm. Glen Rollason had longest tailor 394 and second longest tailor at 389 was caught by Shane Shaw.
Geoff Turner caught and released a magnificent jewfish at 860 mm and both Shane Mayberry and Merrily Bell showed a couple of new ways at attempting to launch vessels.
Our major sponsor of the tournament was Ron and Gael Vanderdrift of Merimbula Tackleworld and they also donated a lucky angler prize being an electric motor and lucky angler to win was Ray Coles.
A very special thankyou must go to Merimbula Tackleworld as without there support we wouldn't be able to run the tournament.
Also thankyou to the work put in by tournament director Dave Stewart and barman come cook come cleaner John Whittaker.
Last but not least all the competitors and we hope to see you all again next year.
The club will start the game season proper with our first monthly game competion commencing 26th and 27th November. $20.00 entry per boat will apply and a briefing will be 7.30 pm Friday 25th. Sunday will finish with barbeque and presentation approximately 4 pm.
The new flyfishing section of the club has had a great start and will now meet 6.30 pm on the second and last Thursday of each month.
Members, quests and all visitors are most welcome.
This Friday Dave Stewart and Johno McKay will open the clubhouse 6.30 pm with happy hour followed by fishing report and raffles so bring a friend and enjoy the views and fellowship had our Spencer Park clubhouse.
May your reel scream, Mex.
Nov 7th
Fishing over the past week has been exceptional for most anglers.
Over the shelf crews caught harpooka and blue eye trevalla whilst the gamefishermen had a ball catching many albacore and yellowfin.
Most of the tuna were under 10 kilo but its a great sign of things to come.
The bottom bouncers caught plenty of big tiger and sand flathead along with the added bonus of a gummy shark or two.
Reef and headland fishing can be a bit slower but morwong and snapper have been on the bite particularly if fishing south of Merimbula.
Squid are about with plenty caught early morning and last light and kingies are still out there on most of the local spots.
Beach fishing cannot be ruled out as the salmon are also on the chew.
Estuary fishing is great with all species on the bite so it will make for a very competitive Tri-Estuary tournament that is to be held this weekend. Entry is $50.00 per angler and cash and prizes are on offer for the longest and second longest bream, dusky flathead, tailor and trevaly.
Entry forms can be obtained from Merimbula Tackleworld during the week or from the Spencer Park clubrooms this Friday night prior to the tournament briefing.
Everyone is invited to fish and you don't need to be a club member.
You need a minimum of two anglers per team but can fish additional anglers if needed.
Our seafood raffle at the Merimbula Imlay Bowling Club is going along nicely and currently has a cash jackpot of over $3,500.00 so please support both clubs and attend the raffles on Sunday nights.
Tickets are sold from 5.30 pm and the draw starts 7.00pm sharp.
Darragh Reynolds and Don O'Connell open the club Friday night with happy hour 6.30.Our Tri-Estuary registration and briefing will be sometime around 7.30 and as usual a fishing report and raffle will be held.
May your reel scream, Mex
31st Oct
Fishing is still firing with plenty of flathead found on the grounds north of Merimbula.
Most fish found have been tigers with a few sandys in amongst them.
Albacore tuna are also being caught in reasonable numbers and reports of marlin, yellowfin and sharks are being heard from waters just north of us.
The inshore reefs and headlands have Kingies on the prowl and anglers game enough to throw poppers on heavy braided outfits are getting there arms stretched. A slow trolled livey or jig will also do the job most days.
Estuary fishing is great as Pambula River has big salmon and Merimbula has plenty of dusky flathead and bream keen to take a bait or lure.
Bega River can be a bit tough but is still a chance.
Our Tri-Estuary tournament is on November 12th-13th and hopefully plenty of crews will line up and have a crack at winning some of the cash and prizes on offer.
Entry is $50 per angler and entry forms can be obtained from Merimbula Tackleworld or the clubhouse Friday night.
This Sunday will be a cracker as we have our Mandeni Golf challenge. Hit off will be 9.30 am followed by a BBQ and drinks.Its always a great day with heaps of activities happening so come and enjoy this social event.
Rob Wood will open the clubhouse Friday 6.30 pm starting with happy hour followed by fishing report and raffles.
Members and visitors all invited.
May your reel scream, Mex.
Oct 24th.
The weather was fantastic last week and over the weekend and what a difference it made.
Water temperature has lifted and some estuary's were as hot as 20 degrees Celsius.
Gamefishermen were happy with plenty of albacore and striped tuna caught from 70 fathoms to over the shelf and the bottom bashers all caught quality flathead from the shore 70 fathoms.
Rock fishing and beaches are working well with salmon the main target and all the local reefs and headlands are worth a shot with the very real chance of a big kingie.
About 30 members travelled to Wonboyn Resort on the weekend and had a fun weekend in near perfect fishing conditions.
Dusky flathead, bream, whiting, luderick, salmon and tailor were all caught and as usual it was a fantastic social event with a banquet held on the Saturday night followed by the Sunday lunch cook up.
Shane Mayberry caught longest dusky flathead, Dave Stewart longest bream and junior Jasper Dulhunty had the biggest salmon.
Dave Dulhunty took out the Wally award for some excellent footwork done on the resort jetty late Friday night.
Darragh Reynolds and Barrie Francis will open the club this Friday starting with happy hour 6.30pm. It should be a fantastic night as it is our second family night BBQ of the season in conjunction with our buy, swap or sell night.
All unwanted fishing gear can be bought along by members and non-members on the night as some of your stuff may suit someone else.
As usual the bar will be available to all at very reasonable prices with the comfort and views all thrown in for free.
Anglers interested in fly fishing action are invited to the first meeting of the Merimbula Big Game and Lakes Angling Club's new fly fishing chapter.
It will be held 7;00 pm tomorrow night Thursday October 27th at the Spencer Park clubrooms.
Merimbula flyfishers will also meet regularly at the same place and time on the last Thursday of each month.
Members, quests and all visitors are most welcome to attend.
The first meeting will be and important one where input from fly fishers can be obtained so the club can develop a tailor made program of fly fishers activities to meet members needs so come along and see what it is all about and meet and discuss matters with like minded fly fishers in our region.
May your reel scream, Mex.
Oct 17th
The water is definitely starting to warm with 18 degrees Celsius found on the 40 fathom line and up to 15.5 degrees on the beaches.
This has helped the bottom bouncers with plenty of tiger flathead and small sharks. Inshore reef fishing is still a bit slow but some crews have had varied success if fishing incoming tides with plenty of berly.
Fishing out wide has been a non event due to the strong winds but I'm sure results will be good once the weather settles.
Squid are still having a crack at Merimbula Wharf and kingfish are roaming all our local reefs and headlands.
Salmon can still be found on the beaches and all local estuaries are firing with salmon, tailor, bream, dusky flathead ,tailor and estuary perch all having a crack.
Don't forget our family night barbeque and buy,sell and swap meet to be on October 28th.
Anyone can bring along unwanted fishing gear that someone else may want. Its usually a great night with plenty of bargains on offer.
Alot of us will be away at Wonboyn this weekend but Johno McKay will open the clubhouse for all members and visitors 6.30 pm Friday night starting with happy hour.
May your reel scream,Mex.
Oct 10th
Fishing was alot better for anglers that headed to sea over the past week.
Gamefishermen found albacore tuna up to 8 kilos and mako sharks when fishing the shelf and beyond.
Flathead fishos found a feed of sand and tiger flathead when fishing north of Merimbula and the inshore reef fishermen found plate sized snapper when on the drift.
Squid were caught in good numbers from local wharfs and headlands and the estuary fishing has still been the stand out with plenty of salmon in the Pambula River, bream and estuary perch in the Bega River and trevaly and tailor in the Merimbula system.
Anglers should note that the Merimbula boat ramp is now closed until late November whilst a major rebuild takes place.
Our trip away to Wonboyn on October 21st-23rd is all but booked out with only two single bedroom units remaining so ring Shane, 64950008 if you intend on attending.
This months family night on October 28th will be a cracker as we will have a huge buy and swap tackle night along with a free barbeque.
Shane Mayberry and I will start this Friday 6.30 pm with happy hour followed by fishing report and raffles at our Spencer Park clubrooms.
Members and visitors all welcome for some fun along with great views and very competitive bar prices.
May your reel scream, Mex.
Oct 3rd
Fishing hasn't changed with the weather not helping and unless your looking for whales its not worth putting to sea.
All the estuaries are still the go with all species on the go and the beaches and rocks a close second if conditions are right.
Lets hope things will improve soon but until it does anglers are able to put time in on there gear to bring it up to scratch or replace in readiness for the game season.
Not many cabins are left if attending Wonboyn Oct 21-23 so ring Shane 64950008 if you intend in joining us for a great weekend away.
Last week we had our first summer Friday family night and a good roll up of members and quests enjoyed the sausage sizzle and fellowship.
Highlight of the night was when president Shane awarded John McKay with his life membership certificate.
Dave Stewart and John McKay will open the Spencer Park clubhouse 6.30 pm Friday with happy hour followed by fishing report and raffles.
Members and guests are all invited so bring family and friends and enjoy great views, friendship and very competitive bar prices.
May your reel scream, Mex.
Sept 28th
Cant wait for the weather and water to warm up as the past week hasn't changed with anglers doing it tough on the inshore reefs and sand flats.
Reports of big yellowfin and bluefin tuna are being heard from just north of us and who knows the fish may be out front but with no boats looking we are never going to find out.
Beaches are worth a shot with salmon on the prowl and rock fishing is a good back up with the chance of drummer and salmon and those that persist with live bait may come in contact with a kingfish or two.
Estuaries are all on fire with dusky flathead, trevally, salmon and tailor all on the chew.
Some big schools of bream are now being seen so hopefully it wont be long till they come on the chew.
Our club weekend away at Wonboyn Resort is on October 21st 22nd and 23rd so be quick and put your name down on the list at the clubhouse to ensure that you don't miss out on a room. Already a good number have indicated on going so its going to be a great weekend with plenty of fun had by all.
The club will put on a banquet on the Saturday night and a fishing competion with a few prizes will be run over the weekend.
More information from Shane 64950008.
This Friday night Darragh Reynolds and Don O'Connell will commence our first summer family night 6.30 pm with happy hour.
The club will supply finger food and is hoping for a good roll up of members, juniors and visitors.
Bar prices are the best in town and raffles and fishing report will be held during the night and I'm sure everyone will be keen to practice singing Good Old Collingwood Forever in readiness for after the grand final on Saturday.
May your reel scream, Mex.
Sept 20
The fishing out to sea is worse than the former fortnight with anglers having a terrible run fishing the sand for flathead and gummy sharks.
Some crews didn't lose a bait for a full mornings effort. Reef fishos also had a tough time with only a few snapper, morwong and leatherjackets to be found.
A couple of boats fished wide of the shelf and encountered schools of baitfish but unfortunately no pelagics were found.
Salmon were found on the beaches and the rocks are worth a shot for drummer.
Water temperature is around the 18 degree mark out wide and only 15 back onshore and maybe this is why the inshore fishing is so tough.
The estuaries are still the pick of it with tailor, salmon, trevaly, bream ,dusky flathead and estuary perch all on the chew and it will only get better as the water warms.
We will be having our first summer family night at the Spencer Park clubrooms September 30 with finger food supplied and we are hoping for a good roll up of members. We are keen to get alot of our junior members along for a photo shoot and a good night is always had by all.
Our trip away to be held late October at Wonboyn Resort is fast approaching so put your name down on the list at the clubrooms as we need to know numbers for accommodation and catering purposes.
Last week I reported the possible capture of a Crown of Thorns Starfish.
This was incorrect as the animal has been positively identified as coscinasterias nuricata also know as the 11 Arm Sea Star. The 11 Arm Sea Star is a native to Australian waters and should not be removed from our waters as it isn't the destructive Crown of Thorns.
There are a number of specimens at the Merimbula Aquarium if anyone is keen to have a good look at one. If anyone is unsure about a species that they have seen or collected they should contact staff at the local Fisheries Office which is located at 13 Cocora St Eden. Contact number is 02 64968200 or mobile numbers Matthew Proctor 0428 899 876, Ian Merrington 0427 665 387 or Sarah Nolan 0407 783 237.
Rob Wood and John Whittaker will open the Spencer Park clubrooms with happy hour 6.30 pm followed by fishing report and raffles this Friday night.
Be early to get the best seats in the house and watch the mighty Pies take on the Hawks.
May your reel scream, Mex.
5th Sept
Last week was a huge disappointment after the fantastic fishing had over earlier weeks.
The water turned over and most anglers found it very tough to find a feed.
Fishos on the sand flats went from bagging out to catching just 1 or 2 fish and some not even loosing a bait.
Inshore reef fishing wasn't much better and the beaches were also quiet. Luckily the estuaries are still firing with plenty of trevaly, tailor and salmon on the prowl.
Merimbula front Lake is the pick of them and the Pambula River although fishing okay has the dreaded brown weed in it again.
Hopefully the water will warm soon and we get back to what we had sooner rather than later.
Tom Scott and Geoff Knox are on bar duty and will start with happy hour 6.30 pm Friday night at the Spencer Park clubrooms followed by fishing report and raffles.
Members and visitors all welcome so come on down for a fun night.
May your reel scream,Mex.
29th August
Flathead fishermen have been having a great run catching both sandys and tigers in quality size and numbers on the sand north of Merimbula.
A few gummys have also come off the sand so everyone is happy.
We are experiencing warm water up to 18 degrees and I wouldn't be at all surprised if we start catching plenty more right in close to the breakers in Merimbula Bay over the next few months.
The inner reefs are also worth persisting with plenty of snapper, morwong and reef species for anglers prepared to drift or anchor up and berly.
Kingfish have been abit tougher over the last week but still a few have responded to live baits and jigs.
All the local headlands, beaches and wharfs have salmon and tailor frequent at sometime of the day and with abit of effort anglers would score if targeting drummer off the rocks.
Estuary fishing is again brilliant with plenty of salmon up to 3 kilo caught in the Pambula River and Merimbula Lake is firing with heaps of salmon, tailor, trevaly along with the odd dusky flathead and bream.
Darragh Reynolds and Barry Francis will open the Spencer Park clubhouse 6.30 pm Friday night with happy hour followed by fishing report and raffles.
Members and quests all welcome and we have a huge selection on alcoholic and non alcoholic drinks available at very reasonable prices.
Best to be early and grab a front row seat to watch the mighty Pies destroy the Cats.
May your reel scream, Mex.
22nd August
Fishing wasn't ideal for crews at sea due to bad conditions but on the better days anglers came home with a feed of sand and tiger flathead from the grounds north of Merimbula.
Most kept away from headlands and rock platforms and its a good idea to wait until conditions are safer and a livey is worth a shot for a kingie or salmon.
Beach fishing is starting to improve with the odd salmon up around 3 kilo although most of the fish are between 1 and 2 kilo.
Estuary fishing was an absolute standout with all local estuaries firing. Dusky flathead, bream, trevaly, salmon, tailor and estuary perch have all been on the chew with big catches reported by many anglers.
Most fish have been taken near all estuary entrances due to alot of fresh water up stream and warmer water nearer the ocean.
Our 2011-2012 fishing season has started and membership dues are now overdue so don't make the embarrassing mistake of weighing a fish only to find out that your not financial.
Our seafood raffle at Club Sapphire held Sunday nights has a cash jackpot at $2950.00 so come and support both clubs and hopefully walk away with a prize.
Raffle tickets sold at 5.30pm with the draw starting 7pm. Dave Stewart and Darragh Reynolds will kick Friday night off 6.30 pm at the Spencer Park clubhouse with happy hour followed by the fishing report and raffles.
Members and visitors all welcome so come on down for a fun night and pick up a few fishing tips.
May your reel scream, Mex.
SHANE MAYBERRY - 201CLUB CHAMPION
The Club’s annual Presentation Night was last Saturday, at the RSL.
A great night was had by all. The Club Champion for 2010/11 was Shane Mayberry, Men’s Open winner Rob Wood, Ladies Open Winner Julie Riches, Junior Open was a tie between Daniel Bridle and Reece Bell, Sub-Junior winner was Jasper Dulhunty, Lake & Beach went to Rob Wood and Clubman of the Year is Jeff Knox.
The highest point scoring tag and release boat was Anna.
Congratulations to all winners and to all who weighed fish in.
Fishing has been fairly quiet over the last week though there have been good reports of Mako Shark caught at night-time.
The king fish are quiet at Mowarry and it would seem that the good run of Southern blue fin tuna is over.
In the estuaries, there are reports of both perch and bream in the Bega River and trevally and tailor in the channels of Merimbula Lake.
Salmon on the beaches are a bit hit and miss and there are some snapper and mowies on the inshore reefs, where the water temperature is 16°.
Come down to the Club on Friday night, where Darragh Reynolds and Dave Stewart are on duty.
Join the fellowship and find out where the fish are biting.
Visitors are very welcome.
Also, come to the Club Sapphire on Sunday evening, for the Club’s fabulous seafood raffle, which is drawn at 7 pm.
The jackpot is now $2900 and must be just about due to go off. Come down and support the Club.
TOM SCOTT
8th August
The past week was better for anglers at sea with a few nice flathead found by anglers fishing north of Merimbula.
The fish weren't big in numbers but were quality in size.
Gummy sharks were a bit tougher with only a few smaller specimens caught.
The beaches and headlands are great for salmon and tailor and always worth a troll if passing in a boat.
Reef fishing was best south of town with small snapper,morwong and leatherjackets partial to squid and mackerel fillets.
Kingfish were on the bite early last week with boats recording catches of fish from 5-12 kilos on the Mowarry grounds.
No gamefish were caught as most boats fished for kings instead of heading to the shelf but I did see a nice catch of harpooka and blue eye trevalla on the cleaning table caught out of Eden.
Estuary fishing is still on fire with trevaly, salmon and tailor all keen to take a bait or lure in Merimbula Lake and Pambula River.
Bega River is the place if looking for an estuary perch or bream.
Please ring Shane 64950008 if attending our presentation dinner held at the Merimbula RSL this Saturday night. Cost is $31 per adults and juniors will be free.
Darragh Reynolds will open the Spencer Park clubhouse Friday 6.30 pm with happy hour followed by fishing report and raffles.
Members and visitors all invited so why not enjoy a fun night and watch the Hot Pies put the Saints out of there misery.
May your reel scream, Mex.
1st August
A week in fishing can be a long time and the past week has been tough for most anglers at sea.
Only a couple of boats fishing out wide had results with small yellowfin and albacore tuna.
The deep sea anglers fishing over the shelf and the 70 fathom line did it even harder as the currents were moving quickly and making it impossible to fish in any depth of water.
Inshore a small quantity of snapper have been caught and the humble flathead have been hard to find although a few gummy sharks did hit the deck.
Different story in the estuaries with Bega River firing with estuary perch and the Merimbula front Lake being fantastic with whiting, trevaly, dusky flathead, flounder, salmon and tailor all lining up to take a bait or plastic.
Pambula River has also had large numbers of salmon up to 3 kilo.
Beach fishing is a close second with schools of salmon on the prowl and our headlands and local wharfs are also worth a shot.
Please put your name down on the list at the club if attending presentation night August 13 or ring Shane 64950008 for more details.
Our AGM will be on August 15 and as always some positions are available at committee level.
People with fresh ideas and constructive criticism are alot better than someone sitting in the back seats not coming forward so please put your hand up if you think you can contribute.
Andrew Buckland and Darragh Reynolds will open the Spencer Park clubrooms 6.30 pm Friday night starting with happy hour followed by fishing report and raffles.
Members and quests all invited.
May your reel scream, Mex.
July 25th.
About the only way to catch a feed over the past week would be to buy it at your local fish shop as huge seas and dirty estuaries combined with wind and rain had bought our sport to a halt.
Its to be expected though as yes, winter even comes to our part of the world here on the far south coast.
Its a real shame as crews haven't been able to travel wide and find out if bluefin, yellowfin or albacore are still in our waters.
Last report of water temperature was up to 18 degrees so the fish are more than likely still out there.
Once settled the snapper should be on the chew on our inshore reefs and I'm sure the salmon will be found on the beaches and in our estuaries.
The New South Wales Gamefishing Association held its Annual General Meeting on 15th,16th and 17th July at Port Macquarie and I'm happy to say that Southern Zone which we are part of took out the top 6 fishing trophies.
It was the first time in the history of Gamefishing for any of the 3 zones to take all and delegates from the Central and Northern Zones weren't happy chappies.
We have now started our 2011-2012 season so I hope all have renewed there membership.
You need to be financial to weigh fish and vote at our Annual General Meeting to be held August 15th. Darragh Reynolds and Don O'Connell will open our Spencer Park clubrooms Friday night with happy hour 6.30 pm followed by fishing report, raffles and the presentation of the winner of the 2010-2011 Tinny Tournament.
Members and visitors all invited to this fun night.
Our club Presentation Dinner will be held on August 13th at the Merimbula RSL. Price is $31.00 per adult and if attending put your name down on the list at the club or ring Shane 64950008.
May your reel scream, Mex
18th July
Gamefishing is at a crossroad this week with anglers being unable to find bluefin tuna but good news is plenty of albacore and a few yellowfin tuna up to 60 kilo being caught.
The water is still as warm as 18 degrees Celsius so maybe we will see an extended season as reports are that bluefin are still being found well south.
Lets hope they run past us just over the shelf and not 100 kilometres off shore.
Anglers fishing the inshore reefs and flathead grounds are enjoying reasonable catches of snapper, morwong and flathead whilst estuary, rock and beach fishos are having a ball targeting schools of salmon.
Many of these fish are averaging 2 to 3 kilo and are fun on the light gear.
Bream, tailor and trevaly are also keen to take a bait or lure with Merimbula Lake, Bega River and Pambula River all fishing well.
Rob Wood and John Whittaker will open our Spencer Park clubrooms this Friday 6.30 pm starting with happy hour followed by a fishing report and raffles.
Members and guests are all invited so come on down to our friendly clubhouse for a great night.
The Tinny Tournament winner will be announced July 29th so make sure you attend that night.
Presentation Night August 13 and AGM August 15th aren't far away so put those dates on your must do calendar.
May your reel scream, Mex.
11th July
Its a shame that the weather hasn't been good over the past week as many crews are waiting for the chance to get into the bluefin action before the end on this years run.
Plenty of albacore have been taken on lures on the way to the bluefin ground so maybe over the next week or two some great fish will be found.
Flathead fishing was a bit hit and miss but the inshore reefs are still worth a shot with snapper and morwong on the bite. Only downer has been the presence of barracouta although they make good fresh bait.
All the local wharfs and headlands are on fire with plenty of salmon and tailor with kings and tuna a chance.
Beaches are producing big numbers of salmon and tailor and the local estuaries are full of salmon and tailor along with catches of bream and estuary perch.
Michael Hampson and Darragh Reynolds will start Friday night with happy hour 6.30 pm at our Spencer Park clubhouse followed by fishing report and raffles some time after 7.30 pm.
Members and visitors all welcome so come and enjoy a great night with drinks at very cheap prices.
May your reel scream, Mex.
July 4th
BLUE FIN TUNA STILL PLENTIFUL
The great annual southern blue fin tuna run continues, with many fish caught 75km out wide, in our northern waters.
Last week’s fine weather, with little wind, allowed many local boats to get amongst them, though the more recent stronger winds have slowed things down.
As anticipated in last week’s report, the bigger fish have now made an appearance, with the biggest report of a catch to date is a 123kg beauty.
Some of the more notable captures included a 34kg fish on 8kg line, by Shannon Byrnes on Jedi, this is a potential NSW and Australian record.
Potential NSW records included Peter Haar on Spooky with a 44kg fish on 10kg line and a junior NSW record by Jasper Dulhunty on Snappy Tom with a 22.3 kg fish on 15kg line.
In addition to the blue fin, there are schools of albacore in the same waters. Also, on the game side, there have been good reports of bonito, close in off Green Cape.
Elsewhere, Merimbula Lake is producing good bream and lots of tailor and salmon to 3kg. Outside, flathead and snapper have been patchy, though there have been some reports of boats bagging out on large sand and tiger flathead, off Bournda.
A couple of dates to note:
The Presentation Night is on 13th August and the AGM is 15th August. The Tinny Tournament presentation will be towards the end of July. Check your next Catch magazine, for details.
Come and support the fishing club with its monster seafood raffle, at Club Sapphire Merimbula on Sunday evening.
The jackpot is now up to $2650. And of course, the Clubrooms are open every Friday night, at Spencer Park. Members and visitors are most welcome.
This Friday night, Tom Scott and Jeff Knox are on bar duty.
Tom Scott
June 26 BLUE FIN TUNA ARE BACK
Finally, we have great news to report. The annual run of Southern Blue Fin Tuna has arrived and they are out wide, about 75kms off shore, in very big numbers.
The magnificent weather of last weekend allowed many of our local boats to venture out and all were rewarded.
To date they are not real big fish, averaging about 40 kgs. However, the monster fish must be out there also. It is only a matter of time. Remember just two years ago MBGLAC angler Phil Body, on local boat Jedi, landed a 165 kg fish, which is a NSW, Australian and World Record.
Other fishing has been less spectacular, but there have been great reports of schools of large salmon and tailor, in Merimbula Lake.
Similar for our surf beaches.
There are also good-sized bream, trevally, luderick and whiting in the lake systems, though the dusky flathead have quietened off.
There are still good-sized snapper on the outside reefs, though barracouta are a problem. Also, both sand and tiger flathead have gone off the boil.
Remember to support the fishing club seafood raffle at the Bowlo, each Sunday evening.
The jackpot is now about $2400. And of course, the Clubhouse at Spencer Park is open every Friday night, for fellowship and fishing stories. Visitors are most welcome.
This Friday Darragh Reynolds and Barrie Francis are on duty.
Tom Scott
We have just gone through a tough week of fishing as most species out at sea have gone very quiet and refuse to take a bait or show any interest.
Even the inshore reefs were quiet with only small snapper found by most anglers.
Rubbish fish didn't even respond to berly and flathead were almost non existent, lets hope for a better week as surely they must come on the chew sooner rather than later.
The best place to fish was the beaches with huge amounts of salmon up to 3 kilo along with a few tailor caught on the rising tide.
At times it was a fish a cast and very hectic using baits or lures and as usual dawn and dusk being the prime time to fish.
Merimbula Lake comes in at a close second with tailor found both in the front and back lakes and trawling the channel can also be rewarding.
After a couple of years the salmon have also entered the lake with anglers have fun on light gear finding them in the channel from the entrance to the causeway.
Greg Liddell and Johno McKay will open the Spencer Park clubrooms with happy hour 6.30 pm Friday night followed by fishing report and raffles.
Members and visitors all welcome to this great venue.
May your reel scream, Mex.
June 13th
The past week was nearly a mirror image of the week before with big seas and high winds.
Fishing was to rough for most of the gamefishing people and conditions not suitable for the deep sea bottom bashers over the shelf.
In close the flathead were very tough to find but the reefs provided good catches of snapper for those that persisted with plenty of berly.
Rock, beach and wharf fishing is still right up there with salmon, tailor,bonito and kingfish all on the prowl. Bega river has been okay with Estuary Perch, dusky flathead and bream on the chew but the pick of our lakes would have to be Merimbula Top Lake with mega sized schools of tailor.
Trolling around the edges of weed beds and keeping an eye out for any birds working armed with small metal or hard bodies lures should do the trick. Its not uncommon to catch 20 fish in an outing and its a great way to introduce small kids and novices into the sport.
Hopefully the weather will improve and we can all get out there and enjoy the fantastic fishing we have on the south coast.
Dave Stewart and Darragh Reynolds will open the Spencer Park clubrooms 6.30 pm Friday night with happy hour followed by fishing report and raffles.
Members and visitors all welcome so come on down for a fun night in our warm and spacious clubhouse.
May your reel scream, Mex.
June 6th
Anglers had a hard time fishing at sea over the past few days due to big seas and winds.
Sunday afternoon was the pick of it and a mate and I headed to Long Point and caught pan sized snapper from 500 grams up to 1.6 kilo.
Some nice flathead were also on the sand flats and not many rubbish fish found on the day. Estuaries are still providing fun for the plastic and lure tossers and bait fishos are doing okay with bream, trevally and tailor all on the chew.
Beaches are also worth a shot with plenty of salmon and tailor about and the local wharfs and headlands are still firing with salmon,tailor and bonito on the chew.
Gamefishermen are hoping for some settled weather as yellowfin tuna have been of quality size it can only be a matter of time till the bluefin tuna show up.
Shane Mayberry and I will open the Spencer Park clubrooms 6.30 pm Friday night with happy hour followed by raffles, fishing report and members draw.
Members and visitors all welcome for a fun night in our warm clubhouse and very reasonable drink prices.
May your reel scream, Mex
May 30th
Fishing picked up again last week and anglers that fished had success close to shore and over the shelf.
Flathead were on the chew and alot of sandys up to a kilo were taken by many crews.
Gummy shark were a bit quieter but a few were found particularly near the reef edgers when anglers targeted snapper.
Last weekend our Snapper Classic was held in near perfect conditions and all eleven teams found snapper for the table, 22 snapper were weighed and 15 of them were over 1 kilo and 4 over 2 kilo which goes to show the quality of the fish at the moment.
Special thanks to weighmaster, barbeque chef and organizer Jeff Knox for his work over the weekend and to our major sponsors Merimbula Tackleworld and Dimac Homes.
Shane Mayberry won the $500 cash with a 2.710 kilo fish.
Garry Huggett took out the Merimbula Tackleworld 2nd prize with a fish of 2.310 kilo.
Don O'Connell won a rod and reel combo prize with a fish of 2.080 and Ron Vanderdrift won the Dimac Homes mystery weight fish award with a fish at 1.600 kilo.
The snapper are still only starting to fire and it will only get better over the next few weeks.
Crews fishing the bottom on the shelf and further had a blast with harpooka and blue eye trevalla and the gamefishing boys had a few albacore up to 10 kilo caught but fish of the week would be a 75.5 kilo yellowfin tuna caught by skipper Paul Jones on Seamode.
Beaches,headlands and wharfs all fired with plenty of salmon, tailor and bonito on the prowl and the estuaries are still fishing with lots of tailor and a few bream, duskys and trevally found.
Andrew Buckland and Darragh Reynolds will open the Spencer Park clubrooms Friday with happy hour 6.30 pm followed on with fishing report,raffle and members draw.
All members and visitors are welcome so bring a friend and enjoy a few drinks and nibbles and discuss the fishing and footy.
May your reel scream, Mex.
May 23rd
Fishing was great earlier last week but unfortunately as the weekend arrived the currents turned and ran to the north and the barometer took a nose dive over both Saturday and Sunday.
Even so some nice quality 50 cm flathead hit the decks on boats fishing north of town.
Gummy sharks were also about but unfortunately plenty of them were a bit small to be taken. Inshore reefs are getting better with plenty of pan sized snapper along with morwong, leatherjackets and old boots on most spots.
Rocks, wharfs and beaches are all great fun with plenty of salon and tailor on the chew.
Estuary fishing is still fishing well with Estuary Perch, bream, dusky flathead and tailor all having a crack.
Gamefishing was a little slow but reports of yellowfin and albacore tuna have been trickling in so I'm sure a few big fish should hit the scales providing we get the weather.
Our 2011 Snapper Classic is on this Saturday and Sunday with both cash and prizes on offer. $25 per angler and you can fish between Goalen Head to the North and the Southern most point of Disaster Bay to the South.
Registration and briefing will be at the Merimbula Big Game and Lakes Angling Clubrooms at Spencer Park 7.30 pm Friday night.
This tournament is open to the general public as well as club members.......................For more information ring Tony 0429307233 or Jeff 64951312.
Darragh Reynolds and Don O'Connell will open the club 6.30 pm starting with happy hour followed by tournament briefing, fishing report, raffles and members draw.
May your reel scream, Mex.
16th May
Fishing was slow again over the past week due to colder weather and the trend was to stay at home and catch up on tidying fishing gear or sitting in front of the TV.
Those that did go to sea found flathead hard to find but thankfully gummy sharks of reasonable size were on the chew.
Inner reef fishing is still the go with plenty of snapper,morwong and leatherjackets taken on bait and plastics.
Many of the snapper were only just legal or under but in saying this a few fish up to 2 kilo were caught along with a couple of thumpers over 3 kilo.
Its all looking good for our Snapper Classic held 28th-29th May with plenty of prizes on offer. Heaviest fish will win $500.00 cash. Fishing gear for 2nd and 3rd heaviest fish will be awarded along with a great weekend held at the Spencer Park clubhouse for all participants.
This tournament is open to anyone holding a current NSW fishing licence or people exempt from holding a licence. Please ring Tony 0429307233 or Jeff 64951312 for any information.
Anyone not looking to go to sea can have a go at beach fishing as plenty of salmon are on the prowl.
Same old story for these guys, throw out a pilchard or strip bait on the 3 metre beach rod or throw out a 20 gram lure on a light bream rod. Usually ends up with the same result, a fun time.
Estuaries are also a bit tougher but alot of fun if chasing tailor early in the mornings or late afternoons with the odd mega fish between 2-4 kilo and if smoked taste better than the highly rated spotted pommy carp caught up in the freezing fresh water puddles. Dusky flathead,trevaly and whiting are getting harder to find but the diehards will find most of these fish with a bit of patience.
Greatest catch of the week would have to go to Russel Grey. Russel didn't catch a fish to speak of but was smart enough to be at the club Friday night and take home the $1450.00. members draw.
This Friday night will be good to catch up with the boys behind the bar starting 6.30 pm. Snappy and his cabin boy John will be on hand to tell storeys of the last weekend held at Bermagui so turn up for a great time.
Members and guests all welcome at our great Spencer Park venue.
May your reel scream. Mex.
9th May
Fishing slowed down over the weekend for anglers fishing on the ocean and in the estuaries.
Some anglers claimed Saturday to be the worst days fishing ever had.
There was a reason for it and that was because the current had stopped coming from the north and with it the dreaded chinaman leatherjackets turned up in big numbers.
Only people with tackle shops think there a good thing with sales of hooks, lines and soft plastics going through the roof.
Our grudge match between Merimbula , Pambula and Eden held over the weekend showed that snapper are in reasonable numbers and hopefully plenty of boats will enter our Snapper Classic to be run May 28th -29th.
Sand and tiger flathead were noted for there absence and only small gummy sharks were taken.
Fish of the week was a 51 kilo yellowfin tuna taken by new club member John Rankin fishing on Sea Mode. Caught on 15 kilo line class this will be a big point scorer and hopefully more will be caught over the next month.
Estuary fishing was tough but some nice dusky flathead, bream, tailer and trevaly hit the deck.
Michael Hampson and Darragh Reynolds will open the club Friday night with happy hour 6.30 pm followed by raffles and members draw that now stands at $1400.00.
Members and visitors all welcome so come on down and watch the mighty Pies destroy the Cats.
May your reel scream, Mex.
26th April
Weather has been good and as usual it makes the difference between catching and not catching a feed.
Most crews fishing the inshore grounds had a great week with heaps of sand and tiger flathead happy to take a bait.
Reef fishos were just as well off with morwong and snapper out there to be caught and lately the kingfish have been happy to stretch anyone that drops a jig or livebait in there territory.
Beaches are bit more lay back with a chance of whiting , bream and flathead on worm and pilchard and still great for anyone chasing salmon and tailor on lures.
Estuaries are still up there for guys fishing with bait and plastics with bream and tailor being the main targets.
We held our Merimbula Open Game Fishing Tournament over the Easter break and unfortunately not alot of fish were caught but all the indicators are out there to say that we are in for a fantastic tuna season on yellowfin and bluefin tuna.
Jarrrod Whitford was the successful angler taking out the heaviest yellowfin tuna with a fish of 51 kilo and will enjoy a holiday and airfares for 2 in Vanuatu in the near future .
John Rankin also had a great weekend with a Tag and Release blue marlin estimated at 190 kilo and Shane Mayberry took out the shark category with a mako shark weighing 158.5 kilo.
This weeks members draw now stands at $1300.00 so why not drop into the Spencer Park clubhouse Friday night and see if you get lucky.
Members and visitors all welcome for a great night.
May your reel scream, Mex.
18th April
Fishing hasn't changed much over the past week with most anglers coming home with a feed.
Flathead, gummy and school sharks are still on the bite and with a bit of moving about crews should find a quality catch from the grounds north of Merimbula.
Inshore reefs proved a bit tricky but again persistence and berly will improve your chance. Kingfish proved abit tougher but hopefully they will have a crack over the next few days.
Estuaries are well worth a go with all species on the chew and the beaches are still producing salmon and tailor in numbers.
Not many boats travelled wide over the past week and I'm sure there getting ready for our Merimbula Open to be run over this weekend starting Saturday 23rd and finishing Monday 25th.
If we get decent weather anything could happen as there has been monster blue marlin, striped marlin, mahi mahi, short billed spearfish, kingfish, shark and yellowfin tuna all taken in the last few weeks.
More information can be obtained from Rob 64959854 or come down to our Spencer Park clubrooms this Friday night for tournament registration and briefing.
Darragh Reynolds and Johno McKay will start the night off with happy hour starting 6.30pm.
The briefing will be some time after 7.30pm followed by heaps of raffles as this will be one of our biggest nights of the year.
Members and visitors all welcome and the members draw is now $1300.00 so be there or miss out.
May your reel scream, Mex.
April 11th
Fishing was great over the past week with flat seas and a lack of wind which proved fantastic for gamefishing boats.
Only a few billfish were seen but a monster blue marlin of 285 kilos was caught along with a shortbilled spearfish.
Kingfish were keen to take livebaits and jigs and a few yellowfin tuna were about and hopefully they will be on the chew for our Merimbula Open to be held 23rd-25th April. Entry forms available at the clubhouse Friday nights or ring Rob 64959854 for entry forms or details regarding the tournament.
Bottom bouncers also came home with school and gummy sharks along with some quality sand flathead when fishing the flats.
Inshore reefs fished with plenty of morwong on the bite but the snapper proved to be a challenge for most crews.
Estuary fishing is still okay and trolling the Merimbula Lake for mega sized tailor on bream gear can be awesome fun. Still plenty of bream, dusky flathead and trevaly for those tossing plastics, hard bodies and baits.
Beaches are also worth a shot with plenty of tailor and salmon on the prowl.
Dave Stewart and Darragh Reynolds will open our Spencer Park clubhouse Friday night 6.30 pm with happy hour followed by raffles and the members draw that now stands at $1250.00.
Members and visitors to town all invited to attend for a fun night.
May your reel scream, Mex.
April 4th
Thankfully the weather was abit better last week and anglers that fished the inshore reefs had a great time with kingfish, snapper and morwong on the chew.
Flathead are the same with plenty of legal sized sandys ready to take a bait or plastic.
People fishing the rocks have also had a ball with salmon and bonito keen to take a lure or floating pilchards and live baits can be just as productive and at times exiting because a big king may have just beaten a bonito to the take. Still reports of striped tuna in close so I wouldn't be surprised if a yellowfin is caught from our local rock platforms.
Beaches are showing schools of whiting and the best bait for these are worms but the ever popular pilchards on gang hooks will usually give mixed results with salmon, tailor and flathead on the prowl.
Estuary fishing is a bit tougher but 40 anglers fishing the Dusky Cash For Cash Tournament competition in Merimbula Lake were able to find dusky flathead, bream , tailor, trevaly, bream and flounder on lures and bait. Some big tailor up 2.5 kilo, trevaly over 1.2 kilo and bream well over the magic kilo mark hit the deck.
Longest catch and release dusky was a 644mm caught by Mex Williams, second longest catch and release dusky was a 558mm specimen caught by Nathan Wu. Mystery lenth catch and release dusky was a draw with Lachlan Hawkins and Lindon Thompson both having caught fish at 520 mm.
Team event was won by team DV8 skippered by Shane Mayberry and crew Mex Williams with a best 5 fish lenth coming in at 2.525 metres.
Dave Dulhunty and Tom Scott were the winning crew of the $50.00 lucky door prize kindly donated by Shane and Jewel from Pier One Restaurant.
A special thankyou to all the guys at Merimbula Tackleworld for without there support the club would struggle to put on this fantastic tournament. We had a record number of anglers on the day and hopefully this trend will continue.
Our next big event is the Merimbula Open ,April23rd-25th. Entry forms available at the club or ring Rob 64959854. Shane Mayberry and I will open the Spencer Park clubhouse 6.30 pm Friday night so bring a friend and have a couple of coldies whilst taking in the view.
Happy hour will be followed by raffles, fishing report and the membership draw now up around $1200.00.
May your reel scream, Mex.
March 28th
Fishing was as tough as you get over the last week due to big seas, bad weather and an influx or fresh water.
People fishing outside were disappointed as seas were big with plenty of rubbish floating about.
Most beaches, rock and wharfs were a waste of time and again the dirty brown water didn't help things.
Estuary fishing probably suffered the most but good news is things are improving with the water clearing up every day and by Sunday we should have a ripper Dusky Dash For Cash tournament held in the Merimbula Lake. Cash and fishing gear are to be won and anyone can enter so for more info ring Shane 64950008 ,John 64952173 or come down to our Spencer Park clubhouse this Friday 7.30 pm for the tournament registration and entry.
Andrew Buckland and Darragh Reynolds will open the club with happy hour starting 6.30 pm followed by the Dusky briefing and raffles, fishing report and members draw now standing around $1200.00.
May your reel scream, Mex.
March 21st
Unfortunately the weather has been not so good and because of this a quiet time was had by most anglers.
Some boats did fish the second leg of the Broadbill Tournament but unfortunately only a couple of sharks were tagged.
Marlin, tuna and broadbill didn't show up but its still early enough in the season for things to turn for the better.
Bottom bouncers had a better week with plenty of sand and tiger flathead on the chew. Gummy sharks were taken but mostly only smaller models. Inshore reefs are still worth persisting with for snapper and morwong.
Early morning and tide changes can help and the same goes for the beach fishos with salmon being the main target.
Kingfish are still a great bet with the reef systems south of Eden being the most productive but the bigger fish are still off our local reefs around Merimbula.
Estuary fishing was tough but hopefully plenty of Anglers will keep Sunday April 3rd free and fish our Dusky Dash For Cash in the Merimbula Lake.
This Friday night 6.30 pm Darragh Reynolds and Don O'Connell will start the night off with happy hour followed by raffles, fishing report and members draw now standing at $1100.00. Members and visitors all welcome so come and enjoy a fun night with the cheapest drinks in town.
Only 3 seats left for the Seafood Banquet to be held this Saturday night so ring Rob 64959854 if you wish to attend.
May your reel scream, Mex
14th March
Fishing is still the same as the last few weeks with anglers assured of catching a feed on the open waters or in our estuaries as long as time and effort is put in.
Gamefishing is abit slower but over the first leg of our Broadbill Tournament held last weekend, marlin, shortbilled spearfish, shark and tuna were all found. Unfortunately no Broadbill were captured or tagged but this coming weekend will hopefully bring a better result as the moon will be near full and more boats have registered to fish. Some crews fished the wide grounds for blue eye trevalla and harpooka but unfortunately only a few smaller specimens under 10 kilo were caught.
Bottom bouncers fishing close to shore have had better results with flathead and gummys manly to the north of town and all the inshore reefs are firing with Long Point to Eden being best providing snapper, morwong, kingfish and most reef dwellers.
Beach fishing is a little slower with catches of salmon being the best chance on pilchards.
Estuary fishing is starting to fire up with bream on the chew along with dusky flathead, whiting, tailor and trevaly all keen to take a bait or lure.
Our Dusky Dash For Cash will be on Merimbula Lake Sunday 3rd April so make sure your free to fish on the day. Cash and fishing gear will be won and anyone with a NSW fishing licence,unless exempt, are invited to fish for a small entry fee.
Ring Lindon 0411873880 if more information required or register at our Spencer Park clubhouse Friday nights.
Our seafood night has only 10 tickets left so Ring Rob 64959854 if you wish to secure a fantastic seafood banquet on March 26th at a very affordable price.
Darragh Reynolds and John Whittaker will start this Friday night off with happy hour starting 6.30 pm at our Spencer Park clubrooms followed by raffles, fishing report and members draw that now stands at $1050. Members and visitors all invited so come on down for a fun night and enjoy the cheap drinks and great views.
May your reel scream, Mex
March 7th
Unfortunately the flathead have been hard to get over the past few days but if the weather settles maybe a few more will hit the deck.
Inshore reefs are firing but for best results pre-dawn starts are a must.
Beaches are providing fun for anglers casting small metal lures for salmon and bream have been taking baits particularly down south.
Our Broadbill tournament is happening over the next two weekends and it may well be a pearler as bait fish including striped tuna are to be found from the shore to over the shelf. Reports of marlin, yellowfin,shark and kingfish are still coming so it may well be a lucky dip.
Estuary fishing was tough during the past week but the good news is that a few bream have been taken on lures and baits.
Dusky flathead are a bit hit and miss but again time and persistence can make the difference between success or not.
Whiting,trevaly and tailor are always a chance and help to keep anglers busy
The prawn run wasn't as good as the last couple of months so that just may be the best of it for the year although next month is still worth a look.
Michael Hampson and Darragh Reynolds will start the ball rolling with happy hour 6.30 pm Friday followed by fishing report, raffles and members draw after 7.30 pm.
Members and visitors all welcome and a reminder that the briefing and registration for the Broadbill Tournament will be this Thursday night, March 10th, 7.30 pm. All enquiries to Rob 64959854.
May your reel scream, Mex.
Feb 28th
Things haven't changed much over the past week with marlin still playing hard to get.
There are plenty of bait schools out there but most of it is down deep and not on the top or high in the water column.
Plenty of striped tuna and the odd yellowfin on the prowl as well. Kingfish are still on the chew as are most reef species and the flathead are fishing as good as they have for many months.
Estuary fishing is steady but the good news is now is the best time of the moon for the prawn run.
We have our Broadbill Swordfish Tournament running March 11-13th and 18-20th and for more information ring Rob 64959854 or come down to the clubhouse Friday night and pick up an entry form.
Tom Scott and Jeff Knox will open 6.30 pm with happy hour followed by raffles, fishing report and members draw.
May you reel scream, Mex.
Feb 21st
Gamefishing was a bit tougher over the past week with marlin not as keen to take a bait or lure.
Many fish were sighted from the 60 fathom line to over the shelf but most didn't play the game.
Hook-ups were relatively rare and many crews came home frustrated.
Good news is the report of a few yellowfin tuna caught so hopefully we are in for a big tuna season.
Kingfish fired on the local headlands and reefs as did the popular Mowary and Greencape areas.
Snapper and other reef species are still on the go and that's also suggesting that we may have a great run over the next few months.
Flathead fishing was a bit hit and miss but some anglers fishing close to shore caught quality fish in short time.
Gummy sharks are also on the prowl and a bait off the bottom should improve your chance.
Beaches are good providing a gutter and high tide are happening with salmon, bream and whiting on the hit list and the estuaries are always worth a shot this year chasing all species with lures and baits.
The new moon will be here on March 5th so next week the prawns will be running.
Darragh Reynolds and Barry Francis will open the club 6.30 pm Friday starting with happy hour and followed by raffles, members draw now standing at nearly $1000.00.
You must be in attendance to win if your number comes out of the barrel.
May your reel scream, Mex.
Feb 14th
Its a bugger when the fishing is as good as it is but useless to alot of fishos because of the weekend weather.
Its alot better for people retired, on holidays or have a paying job to go fishing as the weather during the week has been superb with clear mornings and fish on the chew.
Outside gamefishing is at a premium with plenty of marlin, kingfish and striped tuna found in numbers anywhere from the shore to the shelf.
Some mornings mackerel and big yellowtail can be a bit of a problem finding but once caught a good day is on the cards.
Bottom fishos are still reporting plenty of sand and tiger flathead with gummys and gurnard on the chew and the inshore reefs are still on fire with snapper and morwong on the top of the hit list.
Headlands are worth a shot with salmon, tailor, bonito and kings a chance and the beaches are a close second with salmon, tailor, bream, whiting and flathead taking baits.
Estuaries are not to be missed with all species on the chew so all in all things are looking great. Spencer Park clubhouse will open 6.30 pm Friday and host Greg Liddell and Johno McKay will start the night off with happy hour followed later with raffles, members draw and fishing report.
May your reel scream, Mex
Feb 07th
Nov 29th
Its been a shame that the weather played up over the past week as plenty of anglers are chomping on the bit hoping to catch a feed of flathead, snapper or gummy shark.
Once it clears I'm sure that good catches will happen as the fishing over the last few weeks has dramatically improved and as the water temperature rises the catch rate should improve.
Tuna are plentiful with albacore on or over the shelf and stripies found anywhere from 40 fathoms onward. Kingfish are on the prowl taking livebaits and jigs but can be abit hit and miss but if fishing any of the local reefs a live bait under a balloon could turn a great day into a truly memorable one. Its also a good chance of a thresher taken this time of year.
There has even been an unconfirmed report of a marlin sighted so hopefully this is just the start to a brilliant season.
Some of our members are chasing spotted pommie carp in the mountains in between rain showers and having success using power bait and lures.
Estuary fishing is also firing with plenty of bream, trevally, tailor and dusky flathead all on the chew taking both bait and lures. I hope that we have settled weather with very little wind over the next few nights as the new moon and big tides all happen and maybe we will see an early year run of prawns.
Last Friday night was a ripper with anglers picking up some great fishing gear in our yearly buy swap or sell night.
Don't forget that our Christmas party will be on December 10 and Gala Day 2011 will be on January 8 & 9. Club members draw now stands at $200 so be at the clubhouse Friday night to claim it.
Shane Mayberry and I will open with happy hour 6.30 pm and fishing report and raffles happening from 7.30 pm.
May your reel scream, Mex.
Nov 22nd
Continuing on from last week, the seawater is warming up and, as a result, the fish are on the chew. Estuary fishing is firing, with plenty of bream, whiting, trevally and dusky flathead all being caught in good numbers.
On the reefs, kingfish are showing up at Haycock and the Hunter, with a 9.9 kg beauty being caught last week. Live baiting or jigging is the go.
Out wide, good reports of albacore and stripey tuna are being received with the expectation of yellow fin tuna anytime soon.
On the surf, when there is a bit of white water, expect to pick up salmon and tailor, with good reports coming from Middle Beach and North Tura. There are arrow squid and calamari being jigged off the Wharf Fishing Platform.
Next Friday night 26th November, is the big family, pizza night at the Clubrooms, followed by our annual buy, swap and sell event. This is a good time to go through your fishing gear, identify your surplus gear and sell it for cash or swap for some other gear that you need.
On Saturday morning, the 27th of November, we have a working bee at the Club, come along and support your committee
.
The Club continues to run the seafood raffle at Club Sapphire every Sunday evening, with the draw at 7pm. The jackpot is now up to $1000. Again, come down and support your club
TOM SCOTT
Nov 8th
What a great week has been had for fishos fishing on the ocean.
Flathead have finally turned up on the chew and crews fishing north of town all came home with a great feed.
Local reefs are fishing ok with snapper, morwong and leatherjackets and down south kingfish up to 8 kilo have been having a crack. Crews fishing wide also had a ball with heaps of striped tuna and big catches of albacore tuna. Its good to see the albacore in numbers as its been a few years since we have had a good run of them.
Sharks are also about so maybe we are in for a cracker of a game season.
Estuary fishing is also starting to fire with reports of estuary perch being caught in the Bega River.
Dusky flathead, bream, trevaly and tailor all about so I'm sure that the Tri- Estuary competion held this weekend will produce some quality captures. Registration will be at the clubhouse this Friday night and for a $50 entry fee per angler this represents great value with a chance to win a heap of cash and fishing gear.
Merimbula Tackleworld are our major sponsor so if any fishing gear is required go and see Ronnie and the boys.
Rob Wood and John Whittaker are on bar duty starting with happy hour 6.30 pm followed by raffles and a new members draw that stands at $100 this week and will increase $50 a week until won.
May your reel scream, Mex.
Nov 5th
Unfortunately the weather closed in over the weekend and due to this anglers stayed at home or had to find areas on the estuaries out of the wind.
Those that did fish the enclosed waters had a ball with plenty of dusky flathead and a few trevally and estuary perch on the chew.
Fishing on the beaches and rocks was surprisingly slow with the only highlight being sightings of whales close to shore.
It may be another slow week if the weather stays rough but maybe its a good thing so we can prepare for our Tri- Estuary Competion on 13th-14th November. Entry is $50 per angler and all members of the public are invited to participate.
Cash prizes and fishing gear will be on offer for winners of this measure and release tournament and prizes will be awarded for longest bream, dusky flathead, trevaly and tailor. You can fish Bega River, Merimbula Lakes system or the Pambula River so plenty of opportunity is there for quality fish to be landed.
Please ring Shane 0428424496 if more information is needed or come down to our Spencer Park clubhouse this Friday night. Michael Hampson and Darragh Reynolds will open the bar 6.30 pm with happy hour followed by a fun night with raffles and fishing report some time before 8 pm.
Also a reminder to all club members and the general public that new life jacket laws have now come into place on 1 November 2010 and if you aren't sure of the new laws contact local authorities and ensure that your doing the right thing.
May your reel scream, Mex.
Oct 24th
We might have finally turned the corner fishing wise with anglers catching fish both on the ocean and also in the local estuaries.
Even the humble flathead turned up on some days with reports of fish caught mostly north of town.
On the shelf and beyond reports of blue-eye trevalla and tuna but the best news is reports of plenty of shark action.
The inshore reef fishing is still the same as past weeks with a few snapper, morwong and leatherjacket about and mostly caught by crews prepared to anchor and berly. Only down side to this is the presence of gear pinching barracouta and chinaman leatherjacket.
Our estuary systems are starting to heat up and with this plenty of dusky flathead on plastics whilst the bream and trevaly are still preferring natural baits.
All in all its starting to look good for our Tri-Estuary comp on Nov 13th and 14th. Ring Rob Wood 64959854 if you are intending on teeing off at the Mandeni Golf day this Sunday morning. Golfers tee off 9am followed by a bring your own food and drinks barbeque along with bocce and hit the target golf range around noon.
We are now back to the warmer part of the year so come on down to Spencer Park this Friday 6.30 pm for our first end of the month family night barbeque.
Members and visitors are all invited and Tom Scott and Jeff Knox will be on bar duty serving all drinks and nibbles. Raffles and fishing report some time before 8 pm, so I'll see you there for a fun night.
May your reel scream, Mex.
Oct 18th
Fishing is still tough when fishing outside with only small catches of flathead reported.
Reef fishing can be productive and probably the best bet would be anchored up and be prepared to spend a few hours berlying and hopefully the fish will come to you. Anglers doing this are catching some quality snapper amounst morwong, leatherjacket, barracouta and nannygai.
If the wind stops blowing a trip to the shelf is a great option with harpooka and blue eye trevalla the targeted species. Also a real chance for striped tuna, albacore and yellowfin as tuna have been caught north of our area and are probably in our waters as well.
Fishing the estuaries is getting better with plenty of dusky flathead about and now the bream although hard to find should start to improve.
The club had 32 members travel to Wonboyn Resort last weekend and had a fun couple of days. A tough time on the water due to wind and rain but plenty of dusky flathead plus a couple of bream, mullet, trevaly and tailor caught. Beach and headland fishing is okay with salmon and tailor about.
Next big event will be our Mandeni Golf Challenge held Sunday October 31. Hit off at 9.30 am and a BBQ will be after the game followed by bocce and the golf range so put your name down at the clubhouse if you are attending.
Our Tri- Estuary fishing competion on November 13-14 is fast approaching and prizes will be up for longest bream, flathead, tailor and trevaly so now's the time to organise your team. Everyone is invited to fish this tournament providing you have a NSW fishing licence, unless exempt.
It is not a requirement to be a member of any fishing club but there is an entry fee of $50 per angler and registration will be on Friday 12th, 7.30 at our Spence Park clubrooms.
All enquiries to Shane 0428424496.
May your reel scream, Mex
Oct 11th
Fishing is still abit like last week with anglers having mixed results when fishing at sea.
The 40 fathom reef and inshore grounds up towards Tathra were probably the pick of spots when chasing flathead.
Earlier in the week gummy sharks were found and now there seems to be quiet a few gurnard about. Inshore reefs were quiet with only small numbers of snapper but a few morwong and leatherjacket were keen to take a bait. Plenty of big barracouta about so take plenty of sinkers and not the nice shiny ones.
The rocks and beaches are still producing salmon up to 2 kilo and the estuaries are starting to improve with dusky flathead, trevaly,bream, tailor and salmon all a chance.
Merimbula Lake and Pambula River is starting to fish okay but the Bega River has started to fire with bream,tailor and duskys all having a crack.
This weekend will be a corker with over 30 of us heading to Wonboyn Resort for a couple of days fishing and relaxing. Please ring Shane 64950008 if you intend on going as we need to finalize numbers for our Saturday night banquet.
Our Mandeni Golf day will be on Sunday October 31 so please put you name on the list at the club if you intend on playing. There will also be plenty of other activities including bocce and a BBQ had on the day.
Greg Liddell and Johno McKay will start this Friday night with happy hour 6.30 pm followed by the beer and seafood raffle some time after 7.30 pm.
May your reel scream, Mex.
Oct 4th
Fishing is still tough with limited catches of flathead and reef fish caught at sea but things are definitely on the improve.
Anglers heading out to the forty fathom line spotting whales should be dragging small lures as reports of striped tuna are coming in.
Plenty of dolphins and sooty turns and this time of year its not uncommon to come across huge schools of cowanyoung baitfish.
Trolling lures or baits around any of this activity can be very rewarding with the capture of tuna or sharks.
Some anglers are catching a few flathead and jackass morwong on the forty fathom reef but it can prove to be a bit hit and miss.
Kingfish are also on the chew with 6 -8 kilo fish found south of Eden in reasonable numbers. Knife jigs and trolled deep divers are doing the job. Its also always worth a shot on the way home to have a drop in the shallows off the Pambula River mouth, the Sticks in Merimbula Bay or in close on any of the beaches as the flathead may decide to come on the chew.
Estuary fishing is still firing with salmon and tailor the main target but as things start to warm up dusky flathead and bream will be caught.
Beach and rock fishing is still a great option particularly at day break flicking lures for salmon. We have started to have a few insect hatchings so I'm sure that the fresh water fishing is set to fire.
Brogo dam would be a good place to start if bass are on your list and anglers chasing spotted pommy carp are doing well in Lake Jindabyne and Eucumbene.
Don't forget to put your name down at the clubhouse or contact Shane 64950008 if you intend to fish Wonboyn, October 15-17th and as always the clubhouse will be open this Friday 6.30 pm start with happy hour.
We have Dave Stewart and Darragh Reynolds on bar duty and I'm sure the boys will start the night off singing Good Old Collingwood Forever so come down for a night of fun. Beer and seafood raffle some time after 7.30 so see you there.
May your reel scream, Mex.
Sept 26th
Thankfully the weather is starting to improve and with this the water out at sea will soon start to warm and bring the fish back on the bite.
Water close to shore was around 14 degrees and at the shelf up to around 16 degrees.
Crews that fished the bottom wide of the shelf fund blue eye trevalla and anglers fishing the inshore reef found plenty of species but unfortunately only small numbers of snapper were found. Still no flathead on the sand flats but plenty of whales on the forty fathom line to keep crews entertained.
Anglers fishing the beaches are catching salmon and tailor up to 2 kilo on small metal lures and baits.
The estuaries are providing a few dusky flathead, tailor, trevaly,salmon,garfish and mullet.
Estuary Perch are having a dip if fishing the Bega River and were all hoping that the bream and perch will be firing when we head down to our club weekend away to Wonboyn 15-17 October.
Please put your name down at the list at the clubhouse on any Friday night if attending.
Friday night Darragh Reynolds and Andrew Buckland will kick of proceedings 6.30 pm with happy hour followed by the fishing report and beer and seafood raffle.
Members and visitors all invited to come down for a fun night.
May your reel scream, Mex.
Sept 20th
Fishing hasn't changed over the past week with anglers having another tough time on the water.
Whale watching is a better option with plenty about but if fishing the Pambula River is probably the best bet. A few small bream were caught but on some days plenty of salmon were found. Small metal slugs and plastics trolled until the fish are found then casting to the school is the go with anglers catching as many as they could hope for.
A few tailor also have turned up with them so its a bit of a lucky dip. Merimbula Lake and Bega River are still tough with the odd bream, trevaly and tailor taken. Rock and beach fishing is the next best bet with salmon and tailor on the beaches particularly at high tide.
The club will be open Friday night 6.30 starting with happy hour. Shane Mayberry and I will be wearing our Collingwood jumpers in preparation for Saturdays win so come and have a couple of early celebration drinks with us. The beer and seafood raffles will be after we sing Good Old Collingwood Forever so come on down for a fun night.
May your reel scream, Mex
Sept 13th
Fishing is still slow with anglers doing it tough over the last week.
Even the estuary fishing shut down with bream,salmon and tailor not keen to take a bait or lure.
Flathead fishermen also did it tough with small fish found north of town and the reef fishing was near non existent.
About the only highlight for many was the sighting of whales. Never mind as now is the time to maintain all your fishing gear.
All reels should be serviced and if you aren't happy doing it yourself they can be sent back to the manufacturer for a full service at a very reasonable price. All hooks in lures should also be checked and sharpened and rods particularly runners given the once over.
All participants in last years Tinny Tournament are to attend the fishing club Friday night September 17th as the winner will be announced. You must be there to pick up the cash so don't miss out.
We also have a list at the clubhouse for our weekend away at Wonboyn, October 15-17th so please put your name down if you intend going.
Darragh Reynolds and Geoff Knox are on bar duty this Friday night starting at 6.30 pm. Beer and seafood raffle will be after the fishing report about 7.45 pm so bring a friend and enjoy a night of fun and fellowship.
May your reel scream, Mex.
Sept 7
Fishing was very tough for anglers heading to sea over the past week.
Unfortunately the winds and seas were up and that didn't help the cause.
The flathead grounds were very scares and local inshore reefs just as bad.
Only good thing was the rain and that in the long term will help the breeding cycle of all fish including prawns so maybe we may get a good run of prawns early in the season.
Estuary fishing was a little better with bream,dusky flathead,tailor and salmon on the chew but fishing the rocks on a safe day is probably the best bet at the moment with drummer being the targeted species.
Hopefully things will improve as we swing into the summer pattern of weather and maybe an early run of tuna in the next month or so.
This Friday night Shane Mayberry and I are on bar duty starting with happy hour 6.30 pm so bring a friend and enjoy a couple of drinks at our Spencer Park clubrooms.
Members and visitors to the town are all invited so come and enjoy a fun night with the beer and seafood raffle and fishing report sometime around 8pm,
May your reel scream, Mex.
Aug 29th
Fishing was a lot better for anglers this week with catches reported from out at sea on the rocks and in the local estuaries.
This is great news as this time of year can be very tough with plenty of effort for a small result. Outside the flathead have been up to 50 cm in reasonable numbers and plenty of snapper, morwong, sweep and nannygai caught on the inshore reefs.
The snapper over the weekend ranging from a kilo to 2.5 kilo in weight which is great for this area this time of year.
Barracouta are the only problem but you don't mind losing a bit of gear when quality fish are about.
Whales are starting to show up in our waters and are also an added bonus when fishing so take your camera for a couple of memorable photos.
Beaches have reasonable numbers of small salmon and rock fishing this time of year is well worth the trip as drummer are about and its perfect when the winds are coming from the west.
Local estuaries are good with bream, trevaly and tailor on the chew, but the pick of them would be Pambula River as salmon have also been keen to take lures on the troll or when cast.
Our new 2010-2011 committee was appointed recently and will soon announce the full club calendar detailing functions and weekends of club interest to be held.
Our weekend away has already been locked in for Wonboyn Resort on 16th- 17th October so ring president Shane 64950008 to book early or put your name down on the list at the clubhouse.
Congratulations to club stalwart Robert Wood who has been recognised for his tireless efforts over many years and has been awarded life membership.
May your reel scream, Mex.
Aug 15th
The gamefish seems to have gone but a few crews that had a drop in the waters over the 100 fathom line had success with harpooka, blue eye trevalla and ling on the chew.
Inshore reefs still are firing along with a few flathead on the sand flats whilst estuary fishing was hit and miss.
Both Merimbula Lake and Pambula River were fishless apart from the occasional trevally and tailor.
Salmon have been found on days in the Pambula River but that also can be a lottery.
Our presentation dinner will be at the Merimbula RSL club 6 pm Saturday 14th August . Cost for adults is $31.00. Meals for juniors and small fry will be at a much cheaper rate. If attending please put your name down at the list provided at the fishing club this Friday night or ring Shane 64950008 after working hours for more info.
Just as important is our AGM held on Monday16th, 7.00pm.
Committee elections will be held on the night and if you've keen to get involved with all aspects of our club come along.
Dave Stewart and Darragh Reynolds will open the clubhouse this Friday 6.30 pm starting with happy hour then following up with the beer and seafood raffle after the fishing report. Bring a friend and join in the fun with fellow fishos at our fully heated venue.
May your reel scream, Mex.
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Fishing is a great option if you have a couple of hours spare to relax and take in our local sites or even better if you want to put a feed on table as it doesn't get much better than now.
Anglers outside are catching many sand and tiger flathead with gummy sharks also an added bonus.
Plenty are being caught on the grounds north and south of town virtually from the beaches to the 40 fathom line.
Fishing the inshore reefs is well worth it with all reef species including snapper, morwong and leatherjackets all keen to take a bait.
Beach fishing is a must with bream, flathead and whiting keen to take worms and salmon and tailor best on pilchards and small metal lures.
Estuary fishing is abit more finicky but anglers have had results in all the local estuaries catching dusky flathead, whiting, trevaly,snapper,tailor,salmon and bream.
Gamefishing is the best we've seen for years with plenty of marlin sighted and hooked in our local waters. Hopefully this will continue on for the next couple of months before the tuna season kicks in.
We have our Dusky Dash For Cash tournament on February 26th-27th so mark this one down on the calendar.
Our Broadbill Tournament is March 11-13th and on the following weekend 18th- 20th and if the season stays as it is some very exiting results may well happen.
Entry forms available at the club or ring Robert 0413333598 for more information.
Darragh Reynolds and Dave Stewart are on bar duty this Friday night so come on down to the Spencer Park clubrooms for a great night. Happy hours starts 6.30 pm followed by raffles, fishing report and members draw now around $800.00.
Members and visitors to town all welcome.
May your reel scream, Mex.
Jan 31st
This week has continued on after last week with most anglers having a ball on the water.
Out wide the gamefishers are being kept busy with multiple strikes on striped marlin and some big blue marlin.
Some are surprised at some of the strikes with the possibility of getting spooled on the initial strike even on heavy gear. In closer the bottom bouncers are very happy with plenty of flathead and gummy sharks on the chew and even the odd trevally and gurnard caught.
Beach fishing is also at its best with plenty of salmon about and the rock fishos are in heaven with a chance of salmon, tailor, bonito and kings on the cards.
Fishing specifically for kings is as normal hit and miss with fish turning up one day and not the next but the usual spots including Morwary, Greencape, Haycock and the Shallow Hunter are the best.
Inshore reefs are good with snapper and other reef species on the go and I think that over the next few weeks this will get better and better.
All the local estuaries are fishing well with plenty of whiting, dusky flathead, trevaly and bream on the chew and during the week Merimbula Lake was fantastic with plenty of big prawns caught with catches of 2-3 kilo common.
Shane Mayberry will open the clubhouse this Friday 6.30 pm so bring a friend or the family down for a couple of drinks and fellowship.
Happy hour will start the night off then raffles, fishing report and members draw,$750.00 will be happening some time after 7.30pm.
May your reel scream, Mex.
Jan 24th
What a week anglers have had. The fishing couldn't get much better with all species on the chew.
Gamefishos have had a ball with marlin on the prowl around the 70 fathom mark to over the shelf and kingfish fired up at Morwarry and Greencape.
Deep reef fishing was also worth a shot with harpooka and blue eye on the radar. Unfortunately the 40 fathom mark didn't fire as well as normal and the gear pinching chinaman leatherjackets put in an appearance.
The grounds closer to shore were at there best with plenty of gummy sharks and nice bags of sand flathead caught.
Rock and local wharfs are great with plenty of bonito, salmon and tailor and most of the beaches are firing with bream and whiting on worms and salmon and tailor with lures or pilchards. Estuary fishing is a bit tough but a few whiting, dusky flathead, tailor and bream are about if plenty of time and preparation is put in by anglers.
Andrew Buckland and Darragh Reynolds will start the night off with happy hour 6.30pm Friday night at our Spencer Park clubrooms so bring a friend or the family down for a fun night.
Our raffles, fishing report and club membership draw that now stands at $700 will be some time after 7.30.
Members and visitors to town all invited to share in the night with the best views and cheapest drink prices in town.
May your reel scream, Mex.
Jan 17th
Fishing was a bit tougher during the past week and the variance in water temperature probably had a bit to do with it.
People on our local beaches were surprised at the coldness of the water some days. In saying that all was not lost with flathead in reasonable numbers caught close to shore but sometimes alot of shifts had to be made to find them.
Crews that fished the wider grounds didn't do very well and unfortunately the arrival of mongrel chinaman leatherjackets means lost lines, hooks, sinkers and anything else that goes over the side.
Gamefishos found plenty of schools of bait from the 70 fathom line onwards and marlin have been sighted and hooked on the same line and wider. Inshore reef fishing is still a good bet with nice sized snapper around the 2 kilo mark and the odd bigger fish happy to take a bait or soft plastic.
Rock and wharf fishing is also great with salmon, tailor and bonito on the cards particularly if done on sunrise.
Estuary fishing is producing whiting, bream, tailor, dusky flathead, snapper and tailor and both bait and lures will work.
Darragh Reynolds and Don O'Connell will open the clubhouse this Friday night starting with happy hour 6.30 pm followed by raffles, fishing report and members draw some time after 7.30 pm.
Members and visitors to the town are all invited so come on down for a fun night and enjoy the best view on the shores of Merimbula Lake whilst enjoying a drink or two.
May your reel scream, Mex.
Jan 10th.
We had a fantastic weekend for our Gala Weekend Fishing and I'm sure alot of people went home feeling well satisfied.
Many anglers fished and a great catch of flathead, gummy sharks, snapper, morwong, leatherjacket, salmon ,tailor, trevaly, whiting, bream and dusky flathead went under the hammer at our fish auction. Profits from the auction will go to the Pambula District Hospital and a special thanks to all the local businesses that sponsored the event and to everybody that took part over the weekend.
Next weekend will be a beauty as we are having a Junior Fishing Festival for all young anglers 16 years or under. Entry forms are at Tackleworld Merimbula and some great prizes are on offer. Fishing starts Saturday 9 am and finishes 4 pm with a Barbeque for all competitors.
Bushy will be there to hand out prizes for boys and girls in junior and sub-junior categories.
Spencer Park will be the hub of all activities but junior anglers can fish in any part of the Merimbula Lake system. Robert Wood and John Whittaker will open the clubhouse 6.30 pm this Friday with happy hour followed by the fishing report , raffles and members draw that now stands around $600 but your need to be in attendance to claim it.
Everyone's invited, both members and visitors so come along for a fun night and a couple of coldies.
May your reel scream, Mex.
Jan 3rd
Fishing on the sand flats for flathead has been tough recently but the good news is reports of legal size flathead in reasonable numbers caught north of town.
A few gummy sharks were also taken and that is a great bonus for all.
Gamefishing is starting to fire with plenty of striped tuna out wide and a number of sightings and hook ups of marlin.
Anglers with a bit of patience and burly are taking some nice snapper and the rock fishos have had a ball taking salmon, bonito and tailor.
Estuary fishing is also brilliant with all species on the chew and over the past week a good run of prawns for anglers that stayed up late into the night.
This weekend our Gala Weekend is on and members and visitors can enter at the fishing club this Friday night or see the boys at Merimbula Tackleworld during the week and pick up an entry form. This Friday Michael Hampson and Darragh Reynolds will open the club 6.30 pm with happy hour followed by raffles,fishing report and a members draw which is now over $500.00.
Don't forget the Shimano Road Show will be held January 15th at Spencer Park. The day starts 9.am and runs through till 7.30 pm with plenty of things happening including a Catch and Release Fishing Competion held for anglers 16 years of age and younger on the Merimbula Lake.
A barbeque for entrants and plenty of giveaways and prizes will be up for grabs for our junior fishos so don't miss out on this great day.
May your reel scream, Mex.
Dec 27th
Not to many have been fishing over the past week due to Christmas celebrations and the weather hasn't been as good as we would like it to be.
Those that have found fishing the sand flats north of town are bringing results with plenty of tiger and sand flathead hitting the decks.
Inshore reef fishing is also worth a shot with some decent snapper amounst all the usual species including morwong and leatherjacket.
Rock and wharf fishing is a must with reports or tailor, salmon and bonito on the chew and there's a good chance of a king this time of year.
Greencape has been producing kings on some days but they can be a bit hit and miss and boat shy.
Beach fishing is also starting to come good with salmon and tailor keen to take a bait or lure.
Prawns should be running late this week and also into next week and hopefully they will be a bit better size in average than last months run.
Estuary fishing is still firing with dusky flathead, bream, trevaly, whiting and tailor all on the chew so were looking good for this years Gala Weekend held January 8th-9th.
Entry forms available at Blue Water Sports in Market Street or at the Spencer Park clubrooms Friday nights 6.30 pm.
The club opens to members and visitors with happy hour starting the nights proceedings followed by raffles, fishing reports and members draw.
Tom Scott and Jeff Knox are on bar duty this Friday night so come on down for a fun night and even stay and watch the new years eve fireworks from our balcony.
May your reel scream, Mex.
Dec 13th
Fishing was a bit tougher this weekend but anglers that fished for flathead caught quality fish over a kilo when fishing a bit wider than the normal 20 -40 metres of water. Snapper are still on the chew along with morwong and leatherjackets with daybreak and nightfall being prime time.
Beach fishing is still abit slow and the rocks are very quiet if fishing for drummer but still worth a shot with a livebait for a kingie. Our local reefs out of Merimbula are probably the better spots if chasing big kings with reports of fish up to 10 kilo sighted regularly.
Boats fishing out wide had limited success with yellowfin up to 20 kilo taken along with striped tuna.
Estuary fishing is still great if fishing Merimbula Lake as tailor, trevally and a few dusky flathead have hit the deck over the past week. Bega River and Pambula River haven't been as good but this will improve once the huge amounts of freshwater start to disappear.
Our Gala Weekend will be held January 8th & 9th and we hope that all club members participate in this event.
We need anglers and plenty of helpers on shore over the weekend for it to be successful.
It's our main money making weekend and all profit from the fish auction will go to Pambula District Hospital. Come on down to the Spencer Park clubhouse this Friday night for an ale or two and find out where the fish are biting.
Greg Liddell and Johno McKay will be on bar duty with happy hour starting 6.30 pm.Our members draw stands at $350 and all you need to do is be there to claim it.
Everyone's invited, members and visitors all welcome.
May your reel scream, Mex.
Dec 6th
Fishing outside over the past week has been tough for anglers due to rain and then wind particularly on the weekend.
Flathead were the main target for those that persisted but there are plenty of reef species including snapper, morwong and kingfish out there to be caught. No one that I heard travelled for gamefish but better weather will see results.
The rain isn't all bad with estuary anglers having a ball. Some big tailor, bream, dusky flathead and trevally were all keen to take a bait or lure and yes the prawns have been running over the past week with catches of 5 kilo per boat being common.
Hopefully a heap of kids will bring along there parents to the clubhouse for this years Christmas party. A barbeque and kids games will be happening before Santa's arrival around 7.30 pm so would all parents please be early to make sure Santa's sack is full for the kids.
Dave Stewart and Darragh Reynolds are on bar duty and I'm sure they will have plenty of drinks on offer for the little and not so little kids.
Members draw is now $250 and the beer and seafood raffle will be on as usual so come on down and receive an early Chrissie bonus.
May your reel scream, Mex.
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