NSW
Now is the right time to get out on the water BERMAGUI
Darren Redman djsxstreamfishing@bigpond.com
Every fishing location has a time of year when the action is red hot, and right now that’s the case in Bermagui. A range of fish species is on the chew at the moment, presenting sometimes too many options for anglers. Offshore reef and light tackle sports fishing is excellent. Flathead, snapper, mowies and gummy sharks are plentiful,
with most areas producing, and some other species are mixed in as a welcome bonus for bottom fishos. For sportfishing enthusiasts, kingies are in good numbers around Montague and rocky outcrops along the coast, with bonito, salmon, tailor and other small pelagics being encountered either by trolling or casting lures in similar areas. Soft plastic jigging offshore is still very popular for fish such as kingies and snapper, and a host of other species thrown in. Light
spin and baitcaster outfits are all that’s required for an angler to have a lot of fun from this popular form of fishing. There is no doubt in my mind that March is the best month for fishing the rivers and lakes along the South Coast. Fish species are feeding vigorously in order to gain body weight before the onset of the cooler months. Anglers wishing to toss lures will do well on bream and flathead, while the bait fishos are right in their element for most
species. Try using rubber prawn-style lures, because at this time of year the prawns in the estuaries are of good size and plentiful.
and can be used in various ways. Pillies can be cut into small pieces and thrown into the water, as well as being punched through a
life and water temperatures have the bass feeding aggressively. It’s that time of year where black crickets are emerging, and anglers
Flicking nippers will result in multiple hook-ups and mixed species.
Wallaga Lake keeps producing quality bream.
Early morning is the prime time, as predators look for remaining stragglers from the night-time activity. Berleying is a great way to attract fish, and can be done both in the estuaries or off a beach. Striped tuna, mackerel and pilchards are very good for this form of attracting fish,
berley bucket along with the tuna. If you don’t have a bucket, just use a small mesh keeper net and make some cuts into the fish to allow it to break apart. This works very well on the beach in conjunction with the wave force. Lots of fun can be had in Brogo too, as the insect
can take advantage of this by using them as bait, or imitating them with lures and flies. A good time to fish is in the afternoon and into the night, and early mornings can be productive, too. The magnificent beauty of fishing this area at this time of year is the balmy To page 73
Racking up the species TATHRA
Darren Redman djsxstreamfishing@bigpond.com
If you like to chase a variety of fish species, Tathra is the place for you. It’s quite possible to rack up multiple species in a very short time. A good way to accumulate several
different species is by hugging the coastline or doing some rock hopping. Fish encountered may include small tuna species such as stripies, bonito and mac tuna. In addition to this, frigate mackerel, kingfish, salmon and tailor often make their presence felt. Underneath these fish you may find mid-water species in the form of snapper or
trevally, which are only too willing to pounce on an artificial jigged down deep. If you are shore based, the wharf is a good starting point (just be sure to get there early to avoid crowds). Both lures and live baits are producing the goods. Between there and Kianinny Bay boat ramp you’ll find many a good rock platform in which to use similar
Aussie salmon are a favourite and can be caught in many different ways in various locations.
There is whiting on offer in both the estuaries, or on the beaches. 72 MARCH 2023
methods. Here the predators regularly patrol the fringes in search of small baitfish. If surface action is quiet, you can try bait fishing from the rocks. The area is famous for its drummer and groper fishing. Having a boat gives you more scope to go further afield. Once you leave Kianinny, there are many rocky headlands to target, with the best way being to troll. Trolling allows you to cover more water to find where fish are concentrated, which will often be around
bait schools. Once you have located the fish, you have several options at your disposal. You can stay on the troll or try other methods including jigs, lures, or bait. A boat also allows you to go further afield if things are quiet in close. Autumn is a great time for billfish, with the warm currents bringing black and striped marlin in very close to shore as they follow the bait schools. Keep an eye out for showing schools of this bait, as it will often mean there is a predator in the area. You then
can match the hatch with either lures or bait. Moving away from sportfishing, there is good table fare on offer for anglers wishing to target bottom-dwelling species. Snapper have been in good numbers up off Goalen Head and south to White Rock, with some mid-range kingfish mixed in. Flathead are also on the chew, with plenty of sandies out from most beaches, while the tigers are out in the deeper water. The deeper water To page 73
