No doubt plenty of people both young and old will be wetting a line over the coming weeks, and fingers crossed we will see great weather, and plenty of top angling action over the festive period.

In the estuaries, unfortunately red weed has now become an issue with the recent nor’east winds seeing quite a bit inundate the lower reaches.

At present, the tidal movements seem to allow for pockets of weed to congregate, leaving plenty of other clear water options.

Just be prepared to be mobile if your initial location presents problems.

Despite the weed, flathead and whiting remain excellent in the Hastings, while Lake Cathie continues to fire despite being closed to the ocean.

As per recent weeks, lures of all types have been the choice for flatties, although whitebait is certainly worth a go.

For whiting, surface lures are now really producing great results. A few blackfish and bream are also around the breakwalls, with evening sessions the go for the latter.

On the beaches, despite the red weed becoming increasingly problematic, there are a few fish around.

Lighthouse has been consistent for bream and whiting, while the beaches throughout the Camden Haven area seem to be holding the better numbers of tailor.

The odd better mulloway has also been taken down south, with fresh tailor or bonito slabs well worth throwing.

Off the rocks, results have been quiet as is usual at this time of year. There are a few tailor at first light with the Lighthouse as good a place as anywhere if you are after a feed.

Diamond Head is also worth a look for tailor and the odd late season drummer.

Offshore reports have again been limited courtesy of the constant winds, which of late seem to only back down mid week if at all.

Those who have managed to get out have been scoring a few nice mahi mahi at the FAD, along with plenty of juvenile kingfish. 

The reefs off Plomer have held a few better quality kingfish along with some nice snapper. Both baits and lures have proven effective.

There have been a few isolated spanish and spotted mackerel taken already, so if the currents become favourable, an early start to the season could be on the cards.

Finally, don’t forget this year’s Penn Fish of the Year competition ends on Tuesday. So you haven’t got too long to submit your catch details if you wish to take out a category or two. Winners will be announced next Friday.

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