There are positive signs that conservation efforts to protect the seventy-four are working, following reports of a few catch-and-releases last week.

Authorities placed a moratorium on catching the fish in 1998 and its threat level was downgraded from ‘critically endangered’ to ‘endangered’ in 2024, providing further evidence that protection efforts are paying off.

Anglers are reminded that there is still a zero bag limit for seventy-four and keeping the fish is prohibited.

Ski-boat anglers enjoyed good bottom fishing returns in small weather windows last week, with daga salmon, half kob and the usual red fish and rockcod species all on the bite. Musselcracker numbers seem to be increasing too, while geelbek salmon are now being caught over a large area.

Reports from the South Coast are that copper steenbras are moving onto the reefs. Regarded as the ‘holy grail’ of bottom fishing, they are also subject to strict bag limits.

Elsewhere offshore, garrick were the main game fish being caught, while some sizeable snoek were hooked by kayak anglers along the backline. Big swells and rough seas cut into fishing time, but lighter winds and a consistent water temperature of about 20°C offered better conditions towards the end of the week.

Shad were the primary target for shore anglers, with the fish spread across the entire coastline at present. Those fishing the rocky outcrops found copper bream, blacktail and karranteen, as well as the odd brusher, stumpie, lantern and stone bream.

Salmon were found at river mouths, with night fishing using live bait proving effective.

Anglers are warned to remain aware of their surroundings while fishing at night.

As for the early summer species, the odd small sandie and diamond ray was caught on both the South Coast and further up the North Coast. Neither has been seen in great numbers yet.