A mixed bag of reports this week has kept anglers busy right across the district. From freshwater systems filling and firing to offshore shark missions, there’s been something on offer for just about everyone.
Offshore
February and March are traditionally the most diverse and productive months for offshore fishing in South West Victoria, and this week has lived up to expectations. Conditions have been favourable and excitement levels are high.
Jordan Sicely headed offshore solo in search of mako sharks and enjoyed a very successful session, landing multiple fish including an impressive 79.6kg model on a Shogun 400lb shark rig. The number of makos around lately has been outstanding and highlights just how good our local fishery is. These sharks are not to be taken lightly, however, and should only be targeted by experienced anglers with the correct gear and knowledge. Jordan’s experience paid off, and he also made the right call releasing a much smaller specimen which is something anglers are strongly encouraged to do to ensure future stocks.
Bottom fishing has also been producing solid results, with plenty of gummy and school shark reports. David Cassidy and crew enjoyed a standout session off Warrnambool, landing school sharks, gummy sharks, nannygai and snapper. These species are common this time of year, and often year-round, but 2026 has started particularly well. Nannygai and snapper continue to respond not only to bait but also to jigs and soft plastics. Often, simply winding a lure a metre or two off the bottom is enough to draw a strike, especially when tipped with a strip of squid on an assist hook.
School tuna numbers are also on the rise, with anglers finding success casting surface poppers such as the Maria Pop Queen, as well as trolling proven performers like Zerek Speed Donkeys and Halco Laser Pros. Tuna schools are often seen just below the surface at this time of year, so keeping a sharp eye out for subtle surface ripples can make all the difference. Blind trolling remains an effective way to locate actively feeding fish below the surface.
Estuaries
Local rivers have been fishing exceptionally well, with strong numbers of bream and estuary perch coming from the usual haunts. The Hopkins River has been particularly productive, especially around the Rowan’s Lane area.
Tom Scarborough recently took Geelong Cats captain Patrick Dangerfield and forward Brad Close out for a session chasing bream and perch. The boys managed a nice bag of fish, with Brad landing a quality bream in the high 30cm range tight to the reeds. Warm water temperatures have fish holding close to structure and feeding aggressively on both baits and lures.
Mick King and his brother-in-law also enjoyed a solid session on the Hopkins, using frozen yabbies, whitebait and cut salmon to land a steady run of fish. While no giants were landed, it was a great example of how effective lightly weighted or unweighted presentations can be at this time of year. Casting into the reeds produced plenty of undersized fish too, making it an ideal option for kids and families keen to get into the action.
The Glenelg River continues to impress, particularly for mulloway. Richard Bath and Leon Holscher landed five mulloway to around 70cm along the edges of upstream mud banks, along with bream to 41cm during a pair of cracking morning sessions.
Ray and Brandon Dorman also enjoyed some exciting surface action while teaching Scott Addinsall the finer points of topwater fishing. Fish to the mid-40cm range were taken on cicada-style lures such as the Megabass Siglett and Jackall Suisen, with aggressive strikes even when lures weren’t swimming perfectly, a clear sign of how fired-up the fish are.
An unusual capture was reported down near Craig’s Landing, where young gun Finn (from Spot On Mount Gambier) landed a small gummy shark — not a common estuary catch, but a very cool one nonetheless.
The Curdies River is also fishing well, with fish pushing further into the lake thanks to higher water levels and warmer temperatures. Ultra-shallow divers such as Hurricane Twitch 66 RBX minnows worked across the tops of weed beds have been a very effective and fun way to target bream and perch.
Freshwater
In the freshwater scene, Mick from Victorian Inland Fishing Charters has been finding plenty of redfin at Lake Purrumbete. While most fish have been on the smaller side, they more than make up for it on the plate. Redfin respond well to both soft plastics and live baits, with scrub worms and live minnows proving hard to beat. As an introduced pest species, redfin can be kept in any number or size, and they remain one of the best freshwater table fish going - often referred to as the “chicken of the freshwater”.
Estuary perch in the upper Hopkins have also been providing exciting surface action. Timmy Vincent launched the kayak and found success casting larger surface lures such as the Megabass Anthrax. These unique, upside-down style lures have a distinct action and are getting smashed when worked correctly.
Plenty of options are on offer right now, catering to anglers of all skill levels and fishing styles. Until next week — tight lines and good luck on the water.