In the estuary, blackfish numbers remain consistent with both breakwalls and other spots in the lower Hastings fishing well. Lake Cathie has also been most productive with numerous bag limits of quality fish taken from around the main bridge.

Also in the estuaries, some nice winter flathead to around 2 kilograms continue to be caught throughout the Hastings and Lake Cathie over the past week, with whitebait and soft vibes proving by far the premier offerings.

On the bream scene, the breakwalls and coal wall have been fishing reasonably after dark, with yabbies and gut baits achieving the better results. The north wall has also been giving up the odd school mulloway, as have the deeper sections and structures further up river.

Just be mindful the new bag limit of one fish kicks off at the beginning of next month. We have also had a few reports of nice in Limeburners and Lake Cathie, with yabbies the bait of choice.

Off the beaches, a few nice bream have been taken from Lighthouse along with a sprinkling of tailor and salmon. North beach has produced similar results along with a few whiting from the southern end.

School mulloway, however, have been a little quiet although the wind and sea conditions were not ideal during the recent prime tide phases. Hopefully conditions will be more agreeable come the next full moon.

Off the rocks, tailor have been reasonable locally, although we are hearing very good reports from around South West Rocks and Hat Head. There have also been a few quite decent kingfish mixed in with the tailor up there, which is always a welcome bonus.

Most enthusiasts are eagerly awaiting the next really big sea, which will hopefully clear a bit of sand build-up and see a good end to our winter drummer season.

Plomer and Miners have both produced a few nice bream, while those who have been able to take advantage of the calm midweek seas, report plenty of solid groper from Point Perpendicular and Diamond Head.

Offshore, despite the recent poor weekend weather, a few have managed to sneak out midweek for generally good results. The wider reefs have held kingfish and pearl perch among other reef species, while snapper numbers have been terrific.

A few long term snapper enthusiasts reckon this winter has been the best snapper season for many years, and based on results it is hard to disagree.

All methods have yielded fish in varying degrees, however once again, those fishing soft plastics, as well as other lure profiles, seem the be getting the majority of the quality fish.

Until next time, tight lines and good fishing to all.