Inshore water temperatures are hovering around 17-18 degrees and the fishing is very good for a host of species. The close-in reefs are producing morwong, pigfish, small snapper and flathead. There are still a few kings hanging around, too.

The rocks are firing. Spinning with chrome slices is yielding bonito, salmon and tailor. These can be caught from just about any headland or breakwall on the south coast. A rising tide is best.

The presence of bonito is a genuine surprise. I can't ever remember these fish hanging around the far south coast stones until late June. It goes to show how warm the water is for this time of year.

Commercial fishing vessels are reporting large schools of big bluefin tuna out wide. Recreational anglers are keeping an eye on reports and hoping the fish come close enough to access with trailerboats.

A couple of big winter flathead have kept south coast estuary anglers interested. At least two 'crocs' over 90cm have been taken from Tuross and St Georges Basin in the past week. They've both fallen for large soft plastics fished very deep and slow.

Speaking of big fish, there have been a few impressive Murray cod caught locally, mainly at Googong and Lake Burley Griffin.

It's a good time of the year to throw large lures (over-size plastics or big swimbaits) for the cod of a lifetime.

It's a game of patience - but the rewards can be spectacular, with metre-plus fish on the cards. Rug-up and give it a go!

The mountain lakes are in a good shape and fishing nicely. Although Eucumbene is sitting at only 22 per cent capacity, shore-based fishing is ok for brown and rainbow trout - just be mindful of the soft, muddy shoreline.

The secret is to cover ground. Grab a light spin outfit, a few lures and walk the bank. Put in the kms and you'll find a fish or two, especially if it's a bit breezy or there's some cloud cover.