Marlin and mackerel fire up off Shelly Beach

AS April approaches, the mornings are feeling cooler and we are experiencing some consistent southerly winds. 

Along the North Haven breakwall this week, the sight of large schools of mullet gathering at the river mouth suggests the spawning run is just about to kick off.

It’s a busy time for our local commercial fishers as well, who are keeping a close eye on the headlands to continue the generations-old tradition of beach netting.

The Hastings River has been dealing with some murky water this week from the rain we’ve had, but that hasn’t stopped the fish from biting.

For those chasing flathead, fresh garfish and soft plastics are the standout performers.

Luderick numbers are also on the rise, with cabbage and weed flies proving effective around the Lady Nelson wharf, the CBD main wharf, and the breakwalls.

The offshore scene is particularly electric right now. I managed to head out last weekend off Port Macquarie and found some incredible activity in just 20 metres of water off Shelly Beach.

The water was a warm 25 degrees and thick with tuna and the odd mackerel.

The highlight, however, was the billfish action, we managed to land one out of three marlin in a high-energy session.

With the upcoming full moon, expectations are high for mulloway.

Enthusiasts are already congregating at the breakwalls, especially during the high tide. If you’re looking for fresh bait, the cleaner water near the river mouth is currently holding plenty of pike, garfish, and herring.

With large swell caused from the recent southerly winds, those braving the beaches have been rewarded with quality mulloway and an increasing number of tailor, particularly at North Shore in the protected corner of the breakwall.

Further south, school-sized mulloway are keeping anglers happy in and around Lake Cathie. With the full moon approaching and the mullet run starting, we expect to see some much larger specimens hitting the beaches shortly.

Rock fishing is also at its peak, Perpendicular Point and Diamond Head are producing excellent tailor, some pushing the 2kg mark, especially for those using garfish or surface poppers. Drummer and luderick are also being caught in good numbers in these areas.

For the boaties, rumours of mackerel off Bonny Hills and Crowdy Head are circulating, making it a great time to prep the offshore gear.

The Macleay River is currently a hotspot, with healthy schools of mulloway, bream, and flathead keeping everyone busy.

Success here is all about timing, fresh bait and the high tide are the keys to a productive session.

Offshore, up at Grassy Head, the mackerel fishing has been hit and miss.

With the school holidays fast approaching, expect to see a surge of visiting anglers hitting the water to make the most of this autumn golden period.

A warning though for those crossing the bar, the swell has made for some dangerous conditions this week.

By Kate SHELTON