WITH the warmer months approaching, Fisheries Aggregating Devices (FADs) have once again been placed along the NSW coast, giving offshore anglers another exciting option as summer fishing begins to ramp up.
FADs have a long history in NSW, first being introduced as a resource for recreational fishers following the introduction of the Recreational Fishing Fee in 2001.
They are strategically positioned offshore during the warmer months and are particularly popular with anglers targeting mahi mahi, also known as dolphinfish.
Monitoring by the NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) has shown just how productive these structures can be, with mahi mahi making up around 95 per cent of the catch recorded around NSW FADs.
With water temperatures beginning to rise and the East Australian Current pushing warmer water down the coast, anglers will be watching closely for the arrival of mahi mahi and other pelagic species.
The return of the FADs is always a welcome sign that the summer offshore season is getting underway, and they can provide some fantastic light-tackle fishing when the fish move in.
Over the long weekend, I spent some time on the water and successfully put together a feed of mud crabs in the Maria River.
The Hastings River is also producing good numbers of mud crabs around Wauchope, particularly in the deeper sections.
In the Hastings, flathead and whiting have remained the dominant species, with Rawdon Island, Hibbard and Pelican Island proving particularly productive.
Lures, especially surface varieties, have been highly effective for targeting larger flathead in the shallows.
Mulloway have also been caught, with larger soft plastics producing fish around the deeper sections during the tide change.
Freshwater anglers have enjoyed a strong start to the bass season, with conditions expected to continue improving as summer approaches and insect activity increases.
In the Camden Haven River, anglers fishing the breakwalls have been catching some decent flathead and bream during the daytime high tides.
Beach fishing for tailor has been fairly average, although around the beaches of Crowdy have been producing some fish.
For luderick anglers, Bonny Hills is worth exploring, particularly around the washes where cabbage weed can be floated through the right areas.
With the weather warming, the FADs back in position and the first signs of the summer pelagic season beginning to appear, there is plenty to look forward to for local anglers in the weeks ahead.
By Kate SHELTON
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