At long last the winds have finally begun to settle, and not before time. This period of relative stability is certainly most welcome, with areas outside the estuaries now able to be fished in a degree of comfort. Angling across the board is seeing more consistent results as our summer angling season begins to really fire up.
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In the estuary, flathead are again the best bet although you may have to contend with plenty of juveniles who seem particularly ravenous at present.
Along with the flatties, some nice school mulloway have been snared around the highway bridges and up the Maria, while increasing numbers of whiting have been taken from around the back channel, Blackmans Point and Big Bay.
Lake Cathie has also been producing some terrific whiting despite the system being closed, with surface lures responsible for the better action. If lures aren’t your thing, beach worms, yabbies and of course live prawns will all produce fish.
On the prawning scene at Lake Cathie, this recent dark saw results down from a month ago, but hopefully some warmer weather in the next few weeks will see an improvement.
On the beaches, with conditions now more sedate, results have improved. North Beach and Lighthouse have been producing some nice whiting and a few better than average late season bream.
Those fishing the evening sessions continue to find school mulloway, with almost all stretches of sand holding fish in varying degrees. Live worms and whole squid have both been effective, but don’t be afraid to throw a juicy fillet of tailor. Speaking of tailor, numbers remain a little inconsistent, but look for the bait fish and the terns that shadow them.
Off the rocks, results have been a little quiet, however those chasing blackfish on cabbage still report some nice bronzies and the odd drummer in the washes around Port. But, drummer encounters on blackfish gear have generally not ended well.
Bream numbers have been reasonable, mostly after dark on bream and mullet fillets. Diamond Head and Big Hill have both been worth a look for tailor, but the average size has been in the chopper class.
Offshore, we are seeing more civilized conditions. Those who have ventured out continue to score good numbers of snapper and a few nice pearl perch from the reefs in about 40 meters off Port and Plomer. Trag rock and the reefs slightly wider are still holding some terrific kingfish.
Marlin activity has certainly started with a terrific 170kg blue caught last weekend, while the FAD has already begun to hold some reasonable mahi mahi.
Until next week, good fishing and tight lines to all.
