As is often the case at this time of year, the weather can be all over the place with winds from every direction, a wildly fluctuating barometer, together with the ever present chance of a storm.
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At least we are finally getting a bit of rainfall with any potential colour added to the estuary certain to pay dividends over the coming months.
In the estuary, flathead remain fantastic with quality fish on offer from most parts. Given the clarity of the Hastings, good catches are now coming from areas further upstream, with the Maria and around Rawdon Island both fishing exceptionally well.
A few bream are still on offer around Limeburners and the coal wall, although they can be a little shy during daylight hours given the clear water. Best bet on the bream front will be after dark on baits, or well upriver where the system has a little colour.
Downstream, increasing numbers of whiting are beginning to show in the Hastings with Limeburners and up the Maria now producing quality fish, with live worms or yabbies the pick of baits. Lake Cathie too has been fishing quite well for whiting despite being closed.
On the mulloway front, Mark from Castaway Estuary Charters has been finding plenty of action for his customers with some nice fish over a meter encountered in the Maria and around the Highway bridges. For crustacean lovers, mud crab numbers are certainly picking up so now is definitely time to dust off the traps and dillies if you haven’t already done so, while I expect Lake Cathie will attract the attention of prawning enthusiasts over the next week or so.
Off the beaches, best results have centred around mulloway, with some nice school sized fish taken after dark on both North Beach, the southern section of Lighthouse and from the Camden Haven area. Apart from the mulloway, a few nice whiting have been taken from town beach on worms, while most beaches are still holding a few reasonable bream. For tailor enthusiasts, the action remains only spasmodic at best.
Off the rocks, still a few drummer on offer with some doing as well now as they did during the middle of winter. Best results of late have come from both Diamond Head and Point Perpendicular, although the local haunts around Port are still worth a look.
Tailor numbers and quality have also improved a little with some reasonable fish taken around the recent full moon. A few bream remain offer although by and large the average size and condition has begun to diminish as you expect at this time of year.
Outside reports remain positive for this time of year. Snapper reports have been terrific with most reefs holding fish in varying numbers and sizes. Both plastics and baits have proven effective. Kingfish numbers are also encouraging, with trag rock and other reefs beyond 70m worth a look on either jigs or live baits.
Until next week, good fishing and tight lines to all.
