Charter operator Joe O'Connell of Game On Charters said the quintet chose the perfect weekend to make the three-hour trip south.

"Winter and Spring is the best time for deep sea fishing," he said.

"Plus it's a great time for farmers and rural people, in general, to get out on the sea because all the fishermen from Melbourne are in lockdown.

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"The boys had a great time; they caught heaps of snapper, coral fish and lots of table fish.

"There's not a lot of southern bluefin tuna around at the moment, but there is still a lot of suitable deep-sea species.

The veteran charter operator said he has ramped up his practices since the COVID-19 restrictions came into effect.

"I'm very serious on the coronavirus rules," he said.

"Every person who comes onto my 30-foot catamaran has their temperature checked."

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