NSW
Getting right into the mix BERMAGUI
Darren Redman djsxstreamfishing@bigpond.com
Summer is a beautiful time of year to fish along the far south coast, with a mix of fish species to angle for, along with many different locations
to pursue them. Yes, it is gamefish season, with marlin at the top of the list. These fish are returning to our waters, following the many baitfish schools that have been channelled here by the warm currents coming closer to shore. Talking of close
proximity, the Continental Shelf 100 fathom drop-off is only 10.5 miles offshore from Bermagui, and then it’s only another 4 miles to the 1000 fathom line. Upwelling currents bring all the nutrients that the baitfish need to survive, and in turn bring with them the predators. Not only are
A 1-year-old bass finds a new home.
the marlin feeding on these baitfish, so too are a few species of tuna, dolphinfish (mahimahi), sharks and kingfish. Trolling is the best way to encounter them, either with lures or baits, and because the gamefish grounds are so close to Bermagui it’s a very safe area for trailer boat fishos should the weather blow up. For those wishing to bag some table fish offshore, there are plenty of flathead to be found close to shore within easy reach of the smaller boats along with the shallower water reefs mixing it up with a variety of species at hand like snapper, morwong, kingfish, ocean perch or those tasty, pesky leatherjackets. This season the beaches have never looked so good with a mix of species on offer. Australian salmon are always top of the list for entertainment value, throw in a few tailor, the odd jewfish or gummy shark for interest and then you have those small tasty species like bream, whiting or mullet only too happy to To page 75
Quality fish for the kids right next to Wallaga Bridge.
Family fun in the sun for the school holidays TATHRA
Darren Redman djsxstreamfishing@bigpond.com
The far south coast of NSW is a great place for families to visit, especially in summer, with one of the better places being the Tathra area. Here there are so
many activities on offer, with fishing being at the top of the list. The Bega River is a good starting place for family fishing activities, whether you fish from a boat or from the shore. For the land-based anglers, fishing around the bridge or from the sandy banks near the entrance can be
quite productive for bait fishos. Nippers, prawns and cut fish baits are the most productive for species like bream, trevally, flathead, or tailor. For those anglers who have boats, this waterway has plenty of areas to explore. As you move up the system there are lots of rocky areas harbouring
Summer holiday fishing just doesn’t get any better.
There are plenty of beaches to explore, with many good fish. 74
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estuary perch, luderick and bream. These spots are good for lure fishing or chasing luderick on weed under a float. Drifting the sandy flats where they drop into the deeper channels can be productive for flathead, either on lures or live mullet. These spots are also good areas for whiting that will take a liking to worms or nippers.
A lot further up the river, which is quite accessible following the floods, you can move into the sweetwater where bass become an option. Due to all that rain these fish have been able to move throughout the system freely, where their numbers are on the increase. Beaches are a popular venue in summer for families, with Tathra
having some of the best beaches in the country. A lot of these beaches are relatively secluded, and it is quite possible to have one all to yourself. Lots of these beaches are ideal family fishing areas, with schools of salmon on offer. These tough fighting sportfish can provide hours of entertainment when found To page 75