2020 Laurieton Family Fishing Bonanza hampered by hot and windy weather in the Hastings

Boat and land-based fishers were keen to catch plenty of fish from January 3 despite the challenging conditions, before racing back to the official fish weigh in on January 5.

All fish must be caught on rod and reel or handline to qualify.

Club president Bert Hayes said the number of competitors was impressive but the conditions have not been perfect.

"The conditions haven't been very good with windy and hot weather. Hats off to the people who have stuck with it and gone out," he said.

"We had 161 entries for the competition which is pretty good for the conditions.

"Crews have been chasing flathead and bream because they are the big $250 each mystery prizes. Anything after that will be whiting, blackfish and mullet.

"It's generally going to be a bit dangerous at the rocks today while it's windy, although things like groper live in those areas. People are avoiding them this year.

"I'd like to thank everyone who turned up and thank the businesses who sponsored a category. It's good to have them on board."

The event boasts over $3500 in prizes with the major categories of biggest bream and mystery flathead always hotly coveted.

Several categories went uncontested this year including bonito, grouper, mulloway, salmon, dolphinfish and kingfish.

Two non-category catches, a pig fish and barracudda received prizes.

Fisherman Joe Malineack secured bragging rights this year with a massive bream caught in Harrington.

"It was an early morning catch at the top of the tide. Got him on mullet strips and we originally looked specially for a good structured spot to cast into," he said.

"You just need to know where to get them, I suppose."

The best junior bream was caught by Izaac Gaskin, who also won the prize for heaviest luderick.

All fish were gilled, cutted and kept on ice before weigh in.

While you're with us, you can now receive updates straight to your inbox from the Port Macquarie News. To make sure you're up to date with all the news, SIGN UP HERE.