There’s little doubt winter is upon us now with plenty of mixed weather, a squall or two and our fair share of rain. However, there is plenty of good fishing to be had amongst the gloom – you just need to seek out the species that are still available in numbers. And it’s a great time to apply the ‘keep it simple’ rule.

As we headed through late autumn I was really pleased to note the numbers and consistency of the squid fishing right along the peninsula. Time will tell but I believe this certainly puts us in good stead for a really good winter squid fishing period. For most local (and visiting) fishos this is certainly music to their ears as the squid fishing along the peninsula, when good, provides a fantastic staple target through what some would consider the lean winter months.

Areas that have been seeing plenty of action include the moorings around Blairgowrie Marina, drifting around Queenscliff Pier and some of the shallower areas of the Rosebud reef. Successful jigs have varied this year, there has been no standout seller. Taking a range of good quality jigs such as Harimitsu, Yamashita and Gancraft with brights, naturals and dark coloured jigs will almost certainly see you with a few cephalopods in the boat!

The next three months form the core months for the Victorian winter surf scene. I really love this part of the year, good fun, and while it may take a bit of rugging-up, it is still a great way to spend a morning on the sand.

This year the fishing from our local hotspots, Gunnamatta back beach and Portsea back beach, has already seen some good fishing. Most of the salmon at this stage have been between 500g and 800g but there are always some bigger models mixed in.

Continuing the theme from last year, the number of anglers spinning lures for salmon in the surf seem to be on the increase. I have talked about it a lot the last couple of years and it really comes down to this – if you haven’t tried it, do it! The best aspect of spinning lures on the back beach is the simplicity. One rod, one reel and maybe a couple of metal lures or slugs. That’s it. No bait, no buckets, no rod holders – it can make the trip quick and easy. Suddenly a 45 minute session down the back beach is a good option. Back in my bait days, it didn’t seem worth the effort!

Sticking with the beach theme for a minute, while it is not everyone’s cup of tea, there has also been some reasonable beach fishing for sharks at night around Merricks and Shoreham. Staff Nick and mate Trent North did a few nights around this area early in the month producing a number of gummy sharks and monster seven-gill sharks. The boys also lost a bronze whaler on the shoreline. Worth a look if you fancy wrestling a behemoth in from the waves on a cool winter’s night!

The last two or three seasons, the King George whiting fishing has been outstanding through winter from Queenscliff right up through St Leonards and Port Arlington. There is no reason to think it will be any different this year! While the fish through this period are not huge, many between 28-35cm, they still provide for a quality meal on a cool day.

Land-based over the next couple of months often sees some good salmon schools around the Blairgowrie Marina. Get down there with a pack of Berkley Powerbait 3” minnows in watermelon pearl colour and see what damage you can do!

• For more information feel free to drop in and see the boys at Peninsula Total Tackle, 11 Boneo Road in Rosebud or phone: 03 5981 1994.