It’s been a week full of uncertainty again here in the South East, but as I write my report, we’re having updates coming through.
While the exclusion zone has been extended from Nene Valley to Southend, there appears to be loosened restrictions.
I’m still unsure myself how to interpret the new rules myself, so I will not even try, but as we move forward, I’d expect things to be better explained.
Now that we have got that out of the way, let’s get into the good bit! There has been plenty of fish caught on the outsides of the exclusion zone this week, from anglers heading out deep, west of Nene Valley or even up the river, there was plenty to catch.
Those who headed out wide found some good numbers of shark on the bottom in that 70mt line and beyond, topped off with some nice snapper, nannygai and morwong.
A couple of boats went a little wider and managed a few nice flathead from the 100mt to 120mt depths.
There are still no confirmed tuna captures just yet down here, but with the good weather this next week or so, I imagine we’ll see plenty of boats out there having a look in the next few days.
The garfishing in Livingstons and Pelican Point has been excellent this week.
The average size is still super impressive and both the boaties and waders have tasted success.
Mullet, tommy ruff and salmon trout have all been in the same areas and in good numbers, and I’m also hearing of some thumping silver trevally, which have definitely kept anglers entertained.
Whiting fishing has still been pretty slow compared to this time last year.
Anglers are getting a feed, but nothing like we’re used to.
The cooler water from the upwelling is probably to blame for the slow fishing, but as we see it dissipate, things should improve.
Much like the garfishos, the whiting guys are catching plenty of silver trevally in their spots, so a mixed bag is almost a sure thing.
Inland up at Rocklands Reservoir we’re still hearing of some nice cod and yellowbelly from all over the lake, and it’s also great to see the landbased anglers getting their fair share too.
Baits seem to be getting the nibs for the bank fishos, with yabbies, worms and cheese being the pick of baits.
Boaties on the other hand have done well with big stumpjumpers, shudderbaits and chatterbaits, all which react well to casting or trolling along the banks.
There has been a few reddies mixed in too with the others, so they’re always a welcome by-catch.
The Glenelg River has really kicked into gear this week, we have finally seen some nice mulloway captures from the river, and some solid fish too.
The lower end has been the most productive for the mulloway, with some nice fish coming from the estuary all the way up to Donovans, and some of those have been very nice fish, just under a metre in length.
The bream and perch fishing has remained excellent again, from the mouth to the way upper reaches, the fish are super spread out and responding to a good mixture of baits and lures.
The forecast is for a stinker on Saturday, up near 40 degrees, before that cool change comes through on Sunday to cool us all down.
If you are planning on wetting a line, check the current restrictions and guidelines as they’re constantly changing.
Until next week, safe fishing!
