Cool offshore winds have been the norm over the past few weeks making for some great boating days. Rugging up with jumpers on under jackets and beanies pulled down over the ears may not be everyone's idea of a good days fishing but the gummies thrive in these cold conditions. Fishing in 40m out from the Cape Otway lighthouse has been very productive and in my last five trips I have taken gummies on every occassion. Fresh salmon or 'couta fillets are the bait of choice and fishing the slack water periods of the tide have seen the fish lining up to eat the bait. Surprisingly there are still some good snapper around as well which are normally caught as a by-catch when targeting the gummies. The boat harbour has had some good sized squid taking jigs over the sea grass beds and the salmon are still going off the beach at Marengo.
The Aire River has just openned to the sea and big tides have been pushing up the river. Now is a good time to cast small hard bodied lures against the bank as the tide is dropping and the bait is getting flushed out of the grassy banks.

OFFSHORE
Gummy sharks are taking fresh fish bait down around the Cape Otway lighthouse. Fish the slack tides around the reef edges and don't be surprised if the odd snapper jumps on your line as well.


If you are prepared to rugg up and brave the cold, there is still some great fishing to be had at Apollo Bay

INSHORE
Salmon schools are still cruising the coast so pack a trolling rod and a box of metal lures. Try the beaches at Wild Dog or Marengo but remember to stay out of the Marine Park.

BOAT HARBOUR
The new floating jetty is installed at the boat ramp and already has some black squid ink stains on it. Use the smallest jig you can buy and move it very slowly as the squid have been a little shy of late.

WILD DOG and MARENGO BEACHES
Salmon have been taken up to 2kg from both beaches with blue bait taking most of the fish. Fish the top of the tide at Marengo or the other stages at Wild Dog. Late afternoon high tides have been big fish produces!

AIRE RIVER
The Aire was up as high as I have ever seen it but has just broken out to sea. This should send the bream bonkers along with plenty of mullet and even a small school mulloway could be a change at this time of year.

BARHAM RIVER
The Barham has also just openned to the sea and should be producing the odd bream. I haven't heard of anyone fishing there lately but the estuary looks very healthy. If you have had some success drop me an email or send me a pic.

Regards
Daniel Kent