THE Mid North Coast has continued to produce excellent fishing across a wide range of locations and species, with anglers enjoying consistent success despite some recent challenging weather.
Rock anglers have found drummer to be a popular target, although catches have been a little inconsistent over the past week.
Camden Head has remained the standout location, while several other local headlands have also produced quality fish.
Anglers chasing luderick and bream have fared particularly well, with Diamond Head and Crowdy Head proving to be reliable options.
Fishing fresh green weed on light tackle has continued to deliver the best results for these species.
Offshore, kingfish and pearl perch have provided plenty of action.
Rowlands Reef has been fishing exceptionally well, although other deeper reefs throughout the region are also worth exploring.
Live baits and knife jigs have been the standout techniques for kingfish, with both methods accounting for quality fish.
The Hastings River has also continued to fish well for a variety of species.
Prior to the recent swell, the local beaches produced good numbers of bream and tailor.
Fresh bait, combined with fishing the run-in tide around dawn and dusk, proved to be the most productive approach. As sea conditions settle, the calmer water around the river mouth should once again produce consistent results. Within the river itself, bream remain the main target, with the top of the tide offering the most productive fishing. Surface lures, soft plastics and natural baits have all accounted for quality catches.
Flathead are responding well to lightly weighted lures and baits worked around structure, providing plenty of sport on light tackle.
Mulloway have been taken intermittently from the breakwalls, with both live baits and lures producing fish for those prepared to put in the time.
We should see some decent fish being caught next week with the upcoming full moon.
Offshore, snapper fishing was outstanding mid-week, particularly on reefs in 20 to 40 metres of water.
Pilchards, soft plastics and a range of lures all produced excellent catches.
With light winds and calm seas forecast this weekend, anglers will have an excellent opportunity to venture wider offshore for a deep-drop session.
Conditions should be ideal for targeting cod and other deep-water species, and I expect to see some impressive catches reported.
The forecast for both Saturday and Sunday looks outstanding, with light westerly winds, minimal swell and ideal conditions for both offshore and estuary anglers.
It shapes as one of the best weekends in recent weeks to get out on the water and, if the forecast holds, anglers can expect plenty of opportunities across the region.
By Kate SHELTON
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