There's an old adage in fishing that says, "when the wind blows from the west, the fish bite the best".
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There's been ample opportunity to test that theory lately, with strong westerlies dominating the local fishing scene this month.
On the coast, the wind has kept most anglers land-based or close to shore.
Rock fishing has been good, despite the clear, flat seas. Groper and big bream have been the main catches.
Red crabs are ideal for groper, and try peeled prawns for bream.
The winter run of kingfish at Montague Island has been nothing short of remarkable.
While the westerlies have made fishing uncomfortable at times, a few boats have managed to get out to the rock, and some have bagged out quickly in very balmy 19-degree water.
Jigs, squid and live baits are all worth a try.
I can't recall a kingy season that has lasted all winter. Hopefully the bite continues indefinitely.
The westerlies have also hampered estuary fishing, but there are definitely some fish about.
If you can find a sheltered bay at Tuross, Coila and surrounding systems, big bream are on offer on slowly-worked soft plastics. There are a few by-catch flathead about as well.
Not surprisingly, trout reports have been scarce because of blizzard conditions in the mountains.
The big news this week was the release of 150 ex-brood stock rainbow trout into Lake Eucumbene.
These fish, from Gaden Hatchery, are not your run-of-the mill rainbow trout; these are massive fishing weighing up to 6kg. Yes, that's right -around 12lb in the old scale!
They've been released at Buckenderra, Braemar and Old Adaminaby. So, check those knots, adjust that drag and head up there this weekend.
And if you need more good news to brighten your week, the 2019-20 trout season opens in about 50 days! Bring it on!
