Despite the fact the past couple of weeks have seen two minor floods in the Hastings, and the water still holding significant colour, the fishing has been simply first class.
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With lots of holidaymakers on the Mid-North Coast, the angling participation rate has been sky high.
In the estuary, all action has been centred on the lower part of the river as you would expect.
Bream have been simply first class with terrific numbers of quality fish taken from pretty well all parts downstream of Blackmans Point. Mullet and mackerel strips have been standout baits.
Along with the bream, some terrific flathead have also been on offer, with whitebait, pilchards and large white plastics all seeing success.
Surprisingly, whiting have also remained terrific despite the discoloured water. Best results have been achieved using beach worms, with around Pelican Island especially productive.
Mulloway however have been a little scarce, although the north wall has produced a couple of fish to around 20 kilos on lures.
On the crabbing front, muddies remain terrific downstream of Rawdon Island. Their level of activity is only matched by those who feel it's their right to either raid or steal traps not belonging to them.
Off the beaches, bream again have been terrific with both North Beach and Lighthouse holding good numbers. A few whiting have also been active along with the odd tailor despite the poor water clarity.
Off the rocks, bream and blackfish have been reasonable, along with some late season drummer for those using cunjevoi or prawns.
Offshore, the start to the pelagic season has been simply sensational, with warm currents close-in on most days.
Small black marlin have been everywhere from as close as Barries Bay out to about 50m.
The close-in waters have also held mahi mahi, yellowfin tuna, kingfish and Spanish mackerel indicating a cracking season ahead. Fingers crossed these favourable currents continue for the upcoming Golden Lure.
If game fishing isn't your scene, the reefs off Plomer have been fishing well for both snapper and pearl perch.
Finally, after 20 years of running our Fish of the Year competition, we have decided to give the format a break.
A massive thank you to all of our sponsors throughout this period, and to the all the anglers who have entered.
We would still love to see your photos though, so either email pics to jas.ned@bigpond.com, or call into Ned Kelly's Bait n Tackle for a quick pic.