A few dry days with little wind and improved water clarity was welcomed by anglers over the Easter long weekend, and it's been a mixed bag this week but there are plenty of fish out there,
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On the beaches, bream and whiting have been terrific. Lighthouse has been the pick of locations with both species on the bite over virtually the entire length. Beach worms and pipis have been the gun baits.
A few tailor and salmon have also shown up, albeit a little inconsistently. We are, however, hearing great reports, from just down the coast, regarding quality tailor so fingers crossed they will find their way here soon.
Off the rocks, tailor numbers are reasonable from most headlands, with dawn sessions best.
Bream numbers are above average and for those fishing the washes, blackfish numbers are reasonable. Encouraging numbers of early season drummer are also showing up on most headlands.
On the land-based game scene, longtail tuna are here but actual captures have been down a little. Once we get some solid offshore winds, look for a sharp improvement.
In the estuary, bream numbers remain exceptional in the lower reaches. Pretty well all bait types have proven effective. Look for them to begin heading up river as the water continues to clear.
Flathead have been terrific, with great reports from the breakwalls up to around the Hibbard area. Whitebait and pilchards have been the standout baits, although lures are proving effective as the water clarity improves.
We have also seen a lot of estuary cod in the lower reaches, but be aware the species is protected under current legislation and must be returned immediately if caught.
Also in the estuary, good numbers of garfish have been in lower reaches, with small hooks, a float and either bread or peeled prawns.
For whiting enthusiasts, Lake Cathie is fishing exceptionally well at present, on worms and yabbies. Now conditions have begun to clear, surface lures will also be worth throwing.
Mulloway have not reached expectation in the Hastings. Look for improvement over the coming weeks as the mullet begin to congregate in the lower system.
Offshore, snapper numbers remain first class, with terrific reports from very close in, right out to about 100 metres.
Those fishing the wider reefs have also been scoring some terrific pearl perch to around 3 kilograms along with big morwong.
A few mackerel and cobia have been around Barries Bay, although the action has been hit and miss.
Wider out, some nice mahi mahi have been encountered by those targeting billfish.
