AFTER a week of poor weather, anglers will be hoping to make the most of a much-improved forecast this weekend.
Conditions are expected to be favourable for both estuary and offshore fishing, although those heading out to sea should remain vigilant with the annual whale migration well under way.
A number of near misses have already been reported, with boats narrowly avoiding collisions with whales, so keeping a careful lookout at all times is essential, particularly when travelling at speed during darker hours.
The southern areas of our region have produced some quality fishing. Drummer have been the standout around Crowdy, while both rock and offshore anglers have also been finding success on mulloway.
Beach fishers are having a lot of fun catching Australian salmon that are moving through, with small metal lures proving hard for these powerful fish to resist.
A few tailor have been mixed in with the salmon, although numbers remain patchy.
North Haven Beach and Rainbow Beach are holding good numbers of bream, along with the occasional flathead.
For those chasing mulloway, Lake Cathie continues to be the most consistent location.
As the new moon approaches, anglers fishing the inshore reefs should find snapper becoming more active, with soft plastics and vibes accounting for some quality fish.
Further north in the Hastings River, luderick fishing has slowed slightly, although the breakwalls are still worth a visit using green weed or cabbage.
Bream fishing has improved noticeably, with spots around Pelican Island producing some excellent fish on prawns and worms.
Flathead remain a reliable option throughout the system.
Along the beaches and headlands, Point Plomer and Queens have been producing some solid tailor, while the Lighthouse has been rewarding anglers with both tailor and bream, particularly during the early morning bite.
Offshore anglers are eagerly awaiting Saturday’s favourable conditions.
Kingfish numbers continue to build, with knife jigs proving to be the most effective technique.
However, leatherjackets have arrived in force and are making life difficult on the deeper reefs by cutting off expensive jigs.
Snapper remain in good numbers, with anglers casting soft plastics and other lures enjoying the best results, particularly on larger fish.
By Kate SHELTON
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