February is generally dominated by nor' east winds, heat and the most uncomfortable humidity of the year, however the past week has seen southerly winds with more of the same predicted over coming days.
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While this may limit our angling options in the short term, on the plus side these winds have seen the warm current come right onshore, and we'll likely see some reasonable rainfall which is always welcome.
In the estuary, good flathead are on offer from around Rawdon Island and Limeburners, with lures and whitebait again achieving consistent results.
Bream numbers have also been excellent, particularly around the breakwalls after dark on yabbies and either mullet strips or mullet gut.
Good numbers of garfish are also active in the Hastings for those seeking some great fun on light line, a nice feed or a sensational bait source.
Whiting numbers and quality remain terrific, with Blackmans Point, the back channel, Limeburners and of course Lake Cathie all worth a look. Worms, yabbies and surface lures have all proven productive.
The entrance to Lake Cathie has begun to snake to the south with a significant sandbar now in front. This usually indicates closure is imminent, however the southerly winds of late may see some reprieve.
Off the rocks, tailor session remain a little inconsistent. A few nice bream and blackfish are on offer for those willing to put in the time, with areas north around Plomer and Hat Head fishing reasonably.
On the land-based game front, the season is now in full swing with some cracking longtail tuna over 20 kilos and the odd mackerel.
Reports have come from all favoured ledges both north and south, and locations like Bonny Hills and Two Jew at Port are well worth a look if you don't enjoy crowds.
Off the beaches, we are beginning to see more signs of red weed which is not at all desirable. To date it hasn't reached the levels to really impact angling.
Given the conditions over the past week, the open stretches have been pretty well off limits, however the southern sections of most beaches remain worth a look for bream, whiting and tailor.
Offshore conditions have generally been terrible with few chances to get out in any real degree of comfort.
Those who have been done report Barries Bay has produced Spanish and spotted mackerel along with mac tuna and longtails, although sharks are still in the mix.
The close-in reefs off Bonny Hills have also held mackerel without the shark issue. Little to report from the reef scene, with the strong current streaming down the coast making it very difficult beyond 25 metres or so.