Conditions may not always be as pleasant as during other seasons but winter arguably offers the best angling of the year. It’s just a matter of donning the right gear and getting out there to enjoy what the area has to offer.

In the estuary, winter is prime bream time. Fish numbers are generally terrific in the lower reaches and their average size and condition first class. After dark is prime time using lightly weighted baits such as mullet strips, gut baits and yabbies.

The breakwalls, Limeburners and around Settlement Point are all worth prospecting. During daylight hours, baits will still prove effective particularly if there is a bit of colour in the water.

But best results will often be achieved with lures. Soft vibes and soft plastics fished in the deeper sections of the system is generally a great combination.

Blackfish numbers are also usually at their best over winter, with greenweed, cabbage and weed flies all worth throwing. If you haven’t chased blackfish before, they are not that difficult to catch at all with the correct set up.

Flathead will also remain viable on both baits and lures, with the old notion they were a summer-only target a long since debunked myth. Lures of all descriptions and whitebait will be the most productive approaches.

On the mulloway front, early winter often sees the best action of the year from the lower reaches. Live baits or large lures will both work, with tide changes often the key to success.

Off the beaches, bream, tailor and mulloway will be the staples mostly encountered, although some big whiting are often a welcome bonus. Depending upon what happens further south on the commercial front, salmon can also turn up in big numbers.

The key with beach fishing is learning how to read the water, looking for any changes that may create a feeding opportunity for fish. Sand spits, gutters holes and other structures will all be worth prospecting.

Off the rocks, winter is drummer season in particular, although tailor, bream, blackfish and mulloway will all be well worth chasing.

If you are not an experienced rock fisho, your best idea is to head out with someone who is, making sure sensible attire and footwear is worn. Pay close attention to sea conditions as safety should always be paramount when fishing such an unforgiving environment.

Offshore, winter is snapper time, although there are plenty of other reef species on offer. Using soft plastics is a premier method of attack, although anchoring and burlying can also be super productive.

The key is to look for bait rather than structure on your sounder, and the snapper will generally not be too far away.

Until next week, tight lines and good fishing to all.