THIS week has seen a real change in the weather with much colder conditions, however this has also coincided with an influx of cod which are very early but very welcome.

These fish are turning up everywhere although the best of the fishing is close inshore.

Some of these fish are up to 7lb and are in super condition, the best baits are squid and lug.

There are a lot more thornbacks of all sizes everywhere, including very small ones, which is a good sign of healthy stocks.

These thornbacks are pushing inshore to most areas and should be with us right through into the new year.

There are more whiting starting to show, these will increase in numbers rapidly as we get nearer October.

The best baits are mackerel and lugworm.

There are a few smoothounds still around inshore and offshore, these smaller males can be caught on squid and worm baits and will be here for a few more weeks yet.

There are some bass around with the best reported at over 8lb.

These fish will soon depart the Estuaries before the water gets colder although some schoolies will hang around until the winter.

The piers and beach marks have been producing well for codling, whiting, bass and odd thornbacks.

These inshore marks will fish well over the next few weeks as more winter fish start to push inshore.

Prospects are excellent with, hopefully, our best winter fishing for a long time.