18/09/2026
The estuaries and coastal rivers across the NSW South Coast are finally starting to warm as the spring incoming tides bring in very clear warming ocean waters, but more importantly the power of the sun is warming the sand, mud and rock around shallower areas, creating ideal conditions for targetting Bream and Flathead. I fished one of my local rivers yesterday, and whilst it was hard not spooking the fish, there were way more fish around than a month ago.
There are downsides to the warmer weather, yesterday's being a 1.8+ mtr Black Snake which swam clear across the river straight toward me, going into the sure line shrubbery within metres of my launch point - boy did I pay attention at the end of the float.
Fish slow and small around shallower - mainly because fish will still be a little lethargic and not ready to expend to much energy or aggressiveness. Find the warmer water on the rising tide and slack water for best results - remembering though, anytime on the water is a better time đź‘Ť.
Cast true, Bill.
