This past week has seen cool and windy weather a constant companion on our part of the coastline, and this coming weekend appears to offer more of the same. At least we are receiving a little much-needed rainfall, which is certainly most welcome.
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In the estuaries, we continue to receive numerous reports of good flathead catches taken from many locations in the Hastings ranging from the breakwalls to Wauchope. While there have been plenty of quality fish of around 1 to 2 kilos being taken, there has also been stacks of juvenile fish active. Although at times annoying, this is a great sign for the future with these juvenile fish seeming to be getting thicker each year.
Bream numbers remain reasonable primarily upstream, with lures achieving the better results of late. Elsewhere in the estuary, blackfish numbers have picked up in the lower reaches, with quality fish taken from the breakwalls and Lady Nelson wharf. Weed flies and cabbage are working well.
On the whiting scene, we are seeing a gradual improvement in quantity and quality, and this trend should continue as summer draws nearer. Best bet at present would be around Blackmans Point or up the Maria with either yabbies or worms, although surface lures should soon start working well.
On the crustacean front, Lake Cathie is holding encouraging numbers of prawns, although the quality is not yet what we would like to see. The signs however are terrific for the next few months and no doubt next moon will see a significant increase in participation. For crabbing enthusiasts, mud crabs numbers are reasonable in the upper Hastings however the quality is variable, while the downstream sand flats around Hibbard and Pelican Island are holding some nice blue swimmers.
Off the beaches, catches have been reasonable for this time of year, with a few nice bream still cruising the waves and the odd whiting beginning to show up. Best results locally have come from north beach, with live worms and pipis both working well. North beach has also been consistently holding school mulloway, with most fish ranging from about 70cm to a meter.
On the rocks, drummer reports are now a little quieter although areas around Diamond Head and Point Perpendicular are still fishing quite well. Groper, bream and blackfish also remain viable targets depending upon sea conditions and tide phases. On the tailor front, a few reasonable fish have been snared at first light, however the numbers are down on past months as is usual for this time of year. Locally, Lighthouse again has proven the pick of locations.
Offshore, conditions have not been favourable. Early indications are not encouraging for this weekend either, which is a real shame as both snapper and kingfish numbers have been solid.
Hopefully the weather gods smile and the wind lays down for a few days. Until next week, good fishing and tight lines to all.