THIS long weekend promises promising weather, offering ample opportunities for anglers to head out fishing.
Mid week we saw limited fishing due to significant swell, but this is expected to subside over the long weekend.
In the Hastings, water clarity is improving, although the bottom of the tide still has some colour from consistent rainfall.
As has been the trend, bream numbers have been fantastic, with excellent reports from various locations in the river. Now that the full moon has passed, focus on fishing further upstream at the top of the high tide.
Flathead reports continue to be terrific, with plenty of fish in the lower reaches.
Lures of all types have been effective, as have whitebait and mullet strips for bait anglers.
Upriver in the Hastings, school mulloway have been present in good numbers, while the occasional larger fish has been found near the breakwalls in the wash from the large swell.
Offshore anglers faced hampered access mid week due to the significant swell, making bar crossings very challenging, especially on the run-out tide.
Last weekend, a few locals targeted mackerel with somewhat quiet results, although the odd cobia and tuna were still caught.
Further offshore, the FADs have held mahi-mahi ranging from juvenile to around seven kilos, while bottom fishers have found a steady stream of snapper and kingfish on live bait.
Further south, the recent large swell made most beaches unfishable. However, those who found protected stretches of sand managed decent catches.
North Haven beach and the beaches at Dunbogan have produced some nice tailor, while the occasional school mulloway has been caught around Lake Cathie.
Off the rocks, tailor numbers are steadily improving, with the best reports coming from protected corners around Camden Head. Several fish well over two kilos were taken around the recent full moon.
Spinners and fresh garfish worked best during afternoon sessions.
Drummer fishing continues to show positive early-season results, with some well-conditioned fish around.
Diamond Head and Point Perpendicular appear to be the prime locations currently.
Further north in the Macleay region, the recent easterly swell presented challenging bar conditions for both locals and visiting anglers.
However, those who braved the swell were certainly rewarded with some great offshore fishing this past week. Grassy Head has produced good numbers of mackerel, along with cobia, although sharks remain a persistent issue. In the river, whiting numbers and quality remain excellent, with the sand flats around Jerseyville worth investigating. Off the rocks this week, some fortunate anglers were rewarded with catches of cobia and kingfish around the Gaol and Hat Head ledges.
By Kate SHELTON
