Once again autumn, arguably the most anticipated season on the angling calendar, has arrived. This is the time of year that has plenty to offer, with all of our summer species still on the chew and the winter species now beginning to stir.
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In essence, it doesn’t matter where your passion lies, this time of year will have something to offer every angler on the beautiful Mid-North Coast.
In the estuaries, bream numbers have been quite consistent for this time of year. Those throwing lures have been enjoying the better results with crab imitations and soft vibes now beginning to outperform surface offerings. Look for a further swing towards these types of deeper presentations as autumn progresses. For those content to fish with baits, live yabbies have been hard to beat although mullet strips have also been successful.
On the whiting front, Blackmans Point and Limeburners have again fished well, with the same locations also worth a look for flathead. No real news on the mulloway front apart from the odd school-sized fish around the highway bridges, however the tides at present are prime for chasing a larger model from around the breakwalls.
On the beaches, results are reasonable for this time of year. Daytime anglers have been scoring some nice bream and whiting from both Lighthouse and North Beach. Those fishing the evening session have been scoring tailor and school mulloway, with South Beach at Dunbogan proving the more consistent stretch of sand.
Off the rocks, anglers seeking some land-based game action are being frustrated by inconsistent conditions. This time of year is traditionally the time when cobia, spanish mackeral and longtail tuna grace our headlands, however with the exception of the odd success from Hat Head and South West Rocks, most ledges have been devoid of any major surface activity.
Hopefully we will soon see a few consistent days of southerly or offshore winds which should bring the warm water and baitfish back in close. For rock hoppers seeking alternate action, reasonable tailor have been snared from Point Plomer, Hat Head and Lighthouse locally, along with the odd bream and blackfish.
On the offshore scene, as is often the case at this time of year, fishing has been up and down courtesy of conditions. Barries Bay as usual has been a focal point with a few cobia and mackerel about, however getting them to the boat before the sharks move in has been a challenge.
Wider out, mahi mahi remain excellent around the FAD, while the reefs off Plomer remain worth a look for snapper, pearl perch, kingfish and teraglin.
Until next week, tight lines and good fishing to all.
