A guided Tuross tour by Brent Hodges
The south coast of New South Wales, from Batemans Bay to the Victorian border, is a family angler's paradise. Hemmed by the Great Dividing Range, it is one of the finest areas for all types of fishing in southern Australia, and a great place for a family holiday.
The coast is dotted with quaint little fishing and holiday resorts, with a wide range of hotel, motel and holiday-flat accommodation, as well as many caravan parks. These towns are not highly commercialised, although every year from December to April the population swells and quiet seaside villages become extremely busy tourist centres.
One of the attractions of this stretch of coastline is the variety of the country, with superb white surf beaches and crystal clear blue water, set against a backdrop of rocky mountains, lush forests, gentle hills and, of course, numerous fish holding rivers, lakes, estuaries, and inlets.
LOCATION AND SPECIES
Located in the Eurobodalla region approximately 20 minutes north of the seaside resort of Narooma, Tuross Head is a popular destination for tourists and holidaymakers, including many Victorian anglers.
While the locals have long been aware of its fishing potential, the buy-out of commercial fishers and removal of all commercial netting has resulted in a significant increase in the fish stocks. Nowadays, dusky flathead in excess of 80cm, quality southern black bream and yellowfin bream, school mulloway, whiting, tailor and estuary perch are the prime target species.
PHYSICAL FEATURES
The Tuross estuary forms a complex system of shallow interconnecting channels and lakes. The river varies in depth from 1-3m, while the main lake averages 2-4m. The township of Tuross Head lies to the north of the entrance, which remains shallow for much of the year, resulting in warmer water temperatures throughout the system in comparison to the nearby Wagonga Inlet.
Periodic closure of the Tuross entrance is a natural process for the Tuross River. When the entrance is open, the tidal influence can reach as far inland as Comerang, some 19km from the mouth, 9km upstream from the Princes Highway Bridge.
