SPRING fishing has been a mixed bag this year, with changeable weather making conditions challenging at times. However, signs of improvement are emerging, with water temperatures gradually warming and water clarity starting to improve in several areas. With November approaching, anglers will be hoping for more settled conditions and plenty of opportunities to get out on the water.
In the Hastings River, the breakwalls have been producing bream, with mullet strips proving an effective bait.
Settlement Point and Limeburners have also yielded flathead and the occasional hard-fighting trevally, while the canals remain a popular spot for targeting trevally.
The Camden Haven region has also been fishing well, with rock anglers enjoying success at Crowdy and Diamond Head, particularly for drummer and luderick. Cunjevoi and prawns have been the preferred baits.
Evening sessions around Perpendicular Point have produced quality bream and the occasional tailor.
Beach fishing has been productive too, with Grants Beach delivering bream and the occasional school mulloway.
Bonny Hills has been a good option for bream and whiting, while mulloway activity has also been encouraging at Grants Beach in North Haven.
Anglers in the Macleay region have enjoyed some great fishing, with consistent reports of quality catches.
The local reefs have been producing snapper and pearl perch. Kingfish have also been spotted around Fish Rock and in deeper waters off Crescent Head.
Beach fishing has been rewarding, particularly around Horseshoe Bay, Goolawah Beach and Big Hill, where bream have been taking fresh worms, squid and prawns.
In the river, flathead remain plentiful, while whiting numbers are increasing, with some solid fish being caught near Jerseyville.
With November just around the corner, the outlook is promising for local anglers.
Warmer water, improving clarity, and the potential for more settled weather should provide plenty of opportunities across the region.
As always, checking local forecasts before heading out is worthwhile, but there is plenty to look forward to as the spring fishing season continues to build.
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