No doubt the COVID-19 restrictions have had a lot to do with this, given recreational angling, or passive exercise as it is now categorised, is one of the few allowable pastimes in current times.

Another factor has been the sensational weather of late.

It has been a long time since we have enjoyed such a sustained period of sublime conditions.

On top of these aspects, this is also a premier time of year on the angling front, with terrific results being achieved on many species and from most locations.

Given these, it is no surprise the participation rate is so high.

In the estuary, the lower reaches have really come to life with plenty of mullet assembling ready to head to sea.

Anzac Day is traditionally renowned as when the mullet begin to run, but this of course varies each year depending upon conditions.

This annual occurrence is generally not missed by the predators, with mulloway action certainly on the cards over the coming weeks.

No prizes for guessing what the gun bait will be. Also in the estuaries, bream and tarwhine have been excellent around the break walls, and should only improve from this point onwards.

Blackfish action to has been consistent, with the break walls your best bets.

To date, cabbage has been the bait of choice, although those using the artificial weed have also enjoyed success.

Flathead numbers have been reasonable in the Hasting, with around Settlement Point and the Hibbard area faring best.

A few nice whiting also in Limeburners and around Pelican Island, with surface lures still working quite well.

On the beaches, Tailor numbers are up with North beach producing a few bag limit catches of fish to around a kilo.

Lighthouse has also held its fair share, with metal lures seeing the better results. Bream numbers have also been solid from most locations, as to whiting.

Mulloway however remain rather elusive apart from a few isolated reports from throughout the Camden haven and around Crescent Head.

Off the rocks, tailor numbers and quality are quite solid although by and large, the better action has been from south of Port.

Bream numbers locally are on the improve and should be well worth targeting over the coming week or so.

Blackfish and drummer numbers are also encouraging, with early season results on both species above average.

On the land based game scene, plenty of longtail tuna are still being encountered from Hat head, Point Perpendicular, Bonny Hills as well around the Lighthouse, and should remain a viable target for some weeks yet.

There are also still plenty of bonito about for those who want some great bait or light line sport.

Offshore, while the water colour and temperature in close has been less than desirable for inshore pelagics, those fishing the reefs have been doing very well indeed.

Snapper action has been terrific close in on both baits and lures, while wider out, pearl perch, teraglin and kingfish have all been plentiful.

On the game fishing front, we have also had several reports of yellowfin tuna wider out and wahoo not far north, while the FAD has held plenty of mahi mahi, albeit mainly juvenile.

Look for the mackerel action to pick up again when we get our next period of sustained southerly or offshore winds.

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