FISHING: Spring signals a fishing frenzy

SPRING has arrived on the Mid North Coast and over the coming weeks I would expect to see a significant increase in pelagic activity along our coastline.

As the ocean currents begin to shift and baitfish numbers increase, large schools of bait are likely to congregate in the 100 to 200 metre depths, attracting some of the ocean’s most exciting predators, including tuna and striped marlin.

This is a time of year that local offshore anglers eagerly anticipate and, if conditions continue to line up, we should see increasing numbers of striped marlin encountered between South West Rocks and Port Macquarie.

All methods, including skip bait, lures and live bait, can be highly effective.

The Hastings River this week has seen a slight slowdown in luderick activity in the lower reaches, but the breakwalls continue to produce fish when targeting them with green weed or sea cabbage.

Bream fishing has improved, with Limeburners Creek holding some quality specimens. Yabbies and mullet gut have been effective baits.

Flathead numbers remain steady, with good-sized fish being caught between Settlement Point and Rawdon Island. Lures and whitebait have proven successful for these elusive predators.

There have also been reports of mud crabs emerging in the deeper sections of the river.

For those fishing off the rocks, Point Plomer and Queens Head have delivered above-average tailor, while the area under the Lighthouse has produced respectable catches.

Bream have been consistent, with early morning anglers enjoying the best results.

Offshore, kingfish numbers have been on the rise, with mid-week anglers landing fish up to eight kilograms. Live bait has been the preferred method.

A few nice snapper have also been caught, with lures proving effective for the larger specimens.

Things are also starting to heat up around the Macleay River and South West Rocks, with Mitch from Outdoor Adventures getting amongst some excellent kingfish while spearfishing and beach fishing.

The water has been incredibly clear, making for some fantastic conditions underwater, with plenty of baitfish, longtail tuna and good-sized tailor moving through the area.

With bait numbers building and water temperatures continuing to rise, the next few weeks should provide some exciting opportunities for both anglers and spearfishers.

Heading south to the Camden Haven River region, the beaches have been sporadically visited by schools of salmon, which have been readily attracted to small metal lures. A few tailor have also been accompanying the salmon, although in smaller numbers.

Both North Haven Beach and Rainbow Beach have been holding reasonable numbers of bream and whiting.

For those seeking mulloway, the Lake Cathie area has continued to produce the best results for school-sized fish.

Offshore in the Camden Haven area, snapper have been plentiful on most reefs, with a mix of plate-sized fish and larger specimens.

Soft plastics, along with anchoring and establishing a good burley trail, have been the most successful techniques for targeting the bigger fish.

As spring progresses and baitfish numbers increase, it will be interesting to see how quickly the pelagic activity builds across the region.

With warmer weather, increasing baitfish activity and more stable conditions hopefully on the way, the coming weeks should see plenty of exciting fishing opportunities across the Mid North Coast.