Early mackerel, Lake Cathie prawns and coastal conditions

BEACHES across the Mid North Coast are currently experiencing a bloom of red algae.

Locally known as “red weed”, this natural phenomenon is vital for marine ecosystems but can create unpleasant odours as it decomposes on the sand.

Beachgoers should be prepared for the smell, though only temporary.

Prawning has been the highlight of the week at Lake Cathie.

The foreshore from the Perch Hole to the beach has been busy, with enthusiastic anglers netting impressive hauls of school prawns.

Activity is expected to peak this weekend as we move into the new moon phase, offering darker nights ideal for larger catches.

Fishing has been somewhat inconsistent in the Camden Haven area.

While rock fishing at Bonny Hills and Crowdy Head has yielded reliable catches of luderick and bream, tailor numbers have been hit-and-miss around the Laurieton headlands.

Offshore conditions remain unpredictable due to weather and currents, though anglers staying closer to shore have landed quality snapper.

The local FAD (Fish Aggregating Device) is producing intermittent mahi mahi, with activity expected to rise as warmer currents arrive.

Offshore game fishers have also reported early sightings of marlin.

In the Hastings region, bream are biting well around local wharfs and breakwalls.

Rock anglers at Point Plomer have reported excellent catches of drummer and luderick.

While weekend weather hampered offshore trips, mid-week anglers found success with snapper and pearl perch.

The standout performers have been the local FADs, where live bait is producing exciting action on mahi mahi.

Further north, the fishing is heating up.

An early run of mackerel has excited anglers at the Grassy Head reefs, while kingfish are patrolling Fish Rock and the deep reefs off Crescent Head.

Inshore reefs are holding snapper and pearl perch, with mahi mahi available in deeper waters off South West Rocks. Beach fishing has improved significantly at Horseshoe Bay and Goolawah, with bream responding well to worms, squid, and prawns. In the river, flathead remain excellent, and whiting catches are improving near Jerseyville.