There are lots of fishing options, too, from marlin and dolphinfish over the Continental Shelf to bass and estuary perch in the brackish upper reaches of the estuaries.

The up and down marlin season finally looks like settling into a pattern, with catches becoming more consistent off the popular ports.

Boats fishing wide of Bermagui have been raising half-a-dozen marlin on good days, with catches of three or four fish becoming more common.

Dolphinfish remain an option if the billfish fail to show. Target these fish over the Shelf around pieces of floating timber or purpose built FADS (Fish Aggregating Devices).

Estuary fishing has been steady rather than spectacular, with many systems crying out for a drop of rain.

Pan-size flathead can be lured from most estuaries without too much effort, with 100mm long soft plastics working best.

Surface luring is yielding bream and whiting. Prawn imitation surface walkers are proving effective.

The brackish and freshwater reaches of the Clyde, Tuross, Shoalhaven and Moruya rivers are fishing well for bass.

Canberra fishos have been treated to some impressive fishing for natives in the local lakes this summer.

Since the beginning of the year, Lake Burley Griffin in particular has produced lively fishing for golden perch on lures.

Anglers stumbling across a school have caught up to a dozen fish in a session.

The fish are mostly hanging deep and can be targeted with sinking vibes and lipless crankbaits.

Expect some redfin as bycatch, too.