Strong offshore currents beyond the continental shelf have produced a few yellowfin tuna of 4-8kg.

While sea surface temperature charts are not overly suited to striped marlin at present, blue marlin fishing is one thing that should be considered by local and visiting boats alike.

It’s been an excellent season for such fish and many have been raised, lost or landed and last weekend was no different with two boats dropping fish of 350-450lb in 500-1000 fathoms.

Kingfish of good size and number continue to provide some excellent sports fishing opportunities at Montague Island.

Jigging for these fish remains highly productive, knife and spike jigs are good and the Zeppelin (200g) and Groover (200g) styles in the Samiki range have been excellent in colours 2, 5 & 7.

The past few days has seen the top of the island producing good fish when starting your drift in 45-50m and drifting down near the island’s northern shoreline.

Below the island, south and west of Auginish Rocks was great for those trolling late last week and having a popper rod on hand is certainly worthwhile.

Strip baits of fresh squid and mackerel work well drifting the western side of the island.

Use a heavy duty (80-120lb) single dropper Paternoster rig with a hook such as a Black Magic KS7/0 or Mustad Big Gun’s in sizes 8/0-10/0. You can also use this rig to pop your live bait on to where required.

The use of soft lures such as larger Flick baits, Slam baits and Jerk Shads works well and provides a soft option for those wearing themselves out after a couple of hours jigging.

- Scotty at Bermagui Bait & Tackle