As social distancing restrictions gradually ease, more anglers are taking the chance to wet a line before winter well and truly sets in.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
or signup to continue reading
I have been struck by the number of people fishing in the local lakes, particularly Burly Griffin.
There are so many anglers around the lake on weekends that you'd be excused for thinking it was hosting a competition.
The fishing has been tough since last week's icy blast and drenching rain, with just a few redfin and one or two golden perch reported.
Carp fishing continues its resurgence, with plenty of locals desperate to tangle with a fish - any fish - trying their luck with sweetcorn and bread baits.
Googong has been slightly more productive. There have been some cracking redfin pulled from the depths, as well as a handful of goldens. You really need a boat or kayak, though.
As predicted, the annual run of spawning brown trout is underway in the mountains.
Fish to 2.5kg have been caught on hard-bodied divers, glo bugs and soft plastics.
The Thredbo River has so far fished a little better than the Eucumbene, with the latter quite discoloured thanks to ash from the summer fires. It will improve, though.
On the coast, all the action is happening off the rocks and beaches.
The rocks in particular are worth a look. The water in close is quite cool - as chilly as 16 degrees at times.
This is perfect for drummer, bream, groper, blackfish, salmon and tailor.
Good drummer have been caught on bread around Moruya and there are a few bulldozing blue groper hanging around the Bermagui and Tathra areas.
Groper of any size seriously pull. Imagine a kingfish, and then double it! Best baits for these fish are red crabs or cunje. Just remember to hang on!
Anglers reporting bite-offs from large, unseen fish have most likely hooked one of the big chopper tailor patrolling the shoreline at the moment.
