FISHING: Kate Shelton – What’s biting on the Mid North Coast

FISHING across the Camden Haven region has been a little hit and miss recently.

There have been some tailor caught around the local headlands, although the action has been inconsistent, with patches of red weed appearing earlier than usual in the year.

Luderick and bream have been more reliable, with both Bonny Hills and Crowdy headlands producing some good fishing.

Offshore conditions have remained unpredictable for this time of year, with unsettled weather and strong currents making it difficult to pick the right days to head out.

Closer to shore, anglers are still managing some nice snapper and a variety of other reef species.

In the Hastings River, bream have been caught around the breakwalls and local wharves.

The nearby headlands have also been producing some decent bream and tailor, while Queens Head has been a standout for drummer and luderick.

Offshore, those who managed to get out during the week encountered a good variety of reef fish, including snapper and pearl perch.

With currents and water temperatures starting to improve, November is traditionally a good month for yellowfin tuna, and game fishing anglers should start to see more consistent action offshore as conditions become more favourable.

Further north in the Macleay region, fishing has also been showing plenty of promise.

Inshore reefs have been producing snapper and pearl perch, while mahi mahi have been encountered in deeper water off South West Rocks and Hat Head.

Kingfish have been spotted around Fish Rock and on the deeper reefs off Crescent Head.

Beach fishing has seen an increase in bream activity, particularly along the northern beaches, including Horseshoe Bay, Goolawah Beach and Big Hill. Fresh worms, squid and prawns have been the most effective baits.

In the Macleay River, flathead fishing continues to be excellent, while whiting numbers are starting to improve, with some good-sized fish being landed around Jerseyville.