As water temperatures in the coastal estuaries slowly climb, dusky fathead are starting to shrug off their winter slumber and chase baits and lures.
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On the run-out tide, these fish are patrolling the channels and holes, waiting for the food to come to them.
A soft plastic lure bounced along the bottom should elicit a strike or two. Just remember to work lures slowly - these fish aren't in any hurry at the moment.
Lazy flatties also have a habit of grabbing the tail of a plastic, avoiding the hook, and hanging on for a few seconds before letting go. So expect some dropped fish.
On the rising tide, seriously large flathead are on offer over the flats.
A large, unweighted soft plastic fished in water as shallow as 30cm deep will tempt these crocs. At this time of the year, it's arguably the best way to hook a fish close to the magic metre mark.
Systems producing flatties right now include Tuross Lake, Mogareeka Inlet, Moruya River and Durras Lake.
Estuary perch fishing is also very good in and around the snags in many systems.
EPs, as they are affectionately known, relish a lightly weighted plastic wriggler or prawn imitation fished right in hard against structure.
They are great fun on light gear and, like their close cousins the bass, most anglers choose to catch and release them.
Best estuaries include Tuross Lake, Bega River, Clyde River and Shoalhaven River.
There's enough activity around the edges of the trout lakes to make a trip to Eucumbene or Jindabyne worthwhile.
The fish are cruising the shallows in the wind-affected bays and inlets and will hit lures or flies. Bait fishing with a lightly-weighted worm or Powerbait will work, too.
Eucumbene is 30 per cent full and Jindabyne is at 56 per cent capacity, and both are rising steadily.
