Northern inland waters remaining open include Brushy Lagoon, stocked last week with 200 Atlantic salmon averaging a whopping four kilograms. Also open is Huntsman Lake, holding trout. In contrast, most are only just big enough but are the wild brownies favoured by many anglers.

One seasoned fly fisher said that while Huntsman Lake was rising slowly, it was still as low as he has seen it, but clear. Launching boats has been difficult and shore-based lure anglers prefer deeper water near the ramp.

With trout also cruising in shallows near the barbecue, he has been pleased with catches there when prospecting with tiny midge nymphs. A few brownies rising to midges on dark have taken tiny floaters too.

Meanwhile, flathead continue to be targeted down East, with one keen young angler boating limits by drifting prawn bait about 25 metres down near St Helens Island, not far out from Georges Bay.

Then three big-game anglers, putting out recently from Coles Bay, found seagulls working not far seaward of Schouten Island. Soon boated from beneath these birds were two hefty bluefin tuna, estimated at 60 and 40 kilograms.

Taking advantage of smooth seas, the trio then went well out to fish squid bait 250 metres deep, hooking but losing a hefty swordfish partly because their hooks were too small.