This is the time of year which many of us keen coastal anglers look forward to. Hopefully the worst of the humidity is now behind us, and the first cooler changes of autumn not far off. Usually the fishing over the coming weeks and months is excellent, so let’s hope 2019 produces more of the same.
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On the beaches, formations have begun to redevelop nicely after the big swell of a couple of weeks ago. Lighthouse has been producing a few reasonable tailor albeit rather inconsistently, as too the beaches throughout the Camden Haven.
A few nice whiting have been on offer down towards Lake Cathie, with beach worms and pipis working well. Some reasonable bream have also been taken at dawn from the same area with pipis working very well indeed. We have also had a few reports of longtail tuna within casting distance off North Beach and Lighthouse, so keeping a lure or two handy could well provide dividends if you are seeking a bit of sport off the sand.
Off the rocks, some terrific early autumn action is being enjoyed all along our coastline. Tailor have been consistent at the Lighthouse and around Plomer, while a few nice bream and blackfish have also been feeding in the washes.
Land-based game enthusiasts have begun consistently finding a few Spanish mackerel and cobia predominately north of Port, while longtail tuna reports have come from several proven locations both north and south.
Given the increased presence of both bonito and garfish along our coastline over the past couple of weeks, it looks like a good land-based game season ahead.
In the estuary, blackfish numbers have remained above average with many locations in the lower reaches producing well conditioned fish to around a kilo. Cabbage and bull weed have been the baits of choice. Flathead numbers remain consistent with the Maria, Limeburners and around Rawdon Island providing some nice lizards on both lures and whitebait. Bream numbers have been reasonable from the up river areas, with a decent fresh of sorts really required to spark the action in the lower reaches.
Whiting on the other hand remain excellent, with Limeburners and Blackmans Point both fishing well on lures and yabbies. On the crab front, muddies and blue swimmers remain active in reasonable numbers, so to unfortunately are the share crabbers. The odd solid mulloway is also around the lower reaches, with good evening tides beginning early next week.
Offshore, the focus has been on the inshore pelagics, with Barries Bay locally a hive of activity. Longtail tuna, cobia and spotted mackerel have all been around in reasonable numbers, while the odd solid Spanish mackerel has also been taken. Look for the latter to improve markedly over the coming weeks based on reports from a little further north.
Wider out, the FAD has been holding a few nice mahi mahi after a relatively disappointing summer, while some cracking snapper and pearl perch have been taken by those fishing the reefs.
Until next time, tight lines and good fishing to all.