Marlin offshore, mahi mahi over the Shelf and unusual catches in the estuaries are all signs the water is the warmest it's been all season.

The marlin have driven many anglers crazy, with plenty of boats heading out wide only to return empty-handed.

The fish are spread out, appearing as far north as Kiama one day, then showing up off Eden the next.

Mahi mahi, or dolphinfish, are also teasing boaters, appearing in small numbers on occasions, especially further north around Nowra and Jervis Bay.

Despite the hit-and-miss results, hundreds of boats continue to head out wide every day in search of both species - because you just never know!

Estuary fishing has been excellent despite the crowds. Big flathead in shallows and surface-feeding bream and whiting have kept lure fishers busy.

Best systems include St Georges Basin, Wagonga Inlet and the Bega River.

There are some big chopper tailor in Corunna Lake, south of Narooma. These fish have been trapped in the lake for long periods and have grown fat on a diet of whitebait.

Anglers soaking baits in other systems have been catching plenty of bream, whiting, flathead and blackfish.

The capture of a cobia - a species normally found much further north - in the Clyde River last week indicates how warm the currents are.

The Canberra lakes are redfin central. They're being encountered everywhere, using every method.

Fishing for natives has been a little slow. The occasional big cod has caused excitement in Burley Griffin, Googong and Tuggeranong, but it's mostly been hard going.

Trout fishing at Eucumbene has been great. The best action is coming from the shore at dusk and after dark.