THE Mid North Coast fishing scene offers a mix of conditions this week.
While the Camden Haven has been somewhat inconsistent, the Hastings River system is showing great promise as we move toward the warmer months.
Fishing in the Camden Haven remains a little unpredictable.
Anglers targeting the wash around the Bonny Hills ledges have managed to find a few tailor, though the catches have been sparse.
Offshore, the weather took an unfortunate turn on Monday evening, making conditions difficult. Prior to the chop, however, the local reefs were generous, yielding good catches of snapper and a healthy variety of other reef species over the weekend.
On the game fishing front, keen anglers have sighted a scattering of yellowfin and striped marlin further offshore, and anticipation is building for the upcoming start of the highly awaited inshore black marlin season.
The Hastings River region continues to deliver much more consistent results across the board. The standout news is the noticeable increase in whiting numbers, signalling what could be an excellent season ahead for surface lure enthusiasts.
Hotspots like Limeburners, Blackmans Point, and Maria River have all been producing solid catches.
Anglers are having success with traditional bait like worms and yabbies, as well as working surface lures during the early morning and late afternoon bite.
Bream fishing remains a steady option, with some impressive fish being taken from the darkness off the northern break wall. Further upstream, lure fishers are reporting reliable catches, maintaining consistency throughout the system.
Mud crab numbers are showing distinct improvement, particularly in the deeper upstream holes, making it worthwhile to drop a pot or two.
On the beaches, North Shore is proving to be the top location for reliable catches of both bream and whiting.
Meanwhile, the stretch of sand at Lighthouse has offered up some smaller tailor and the chance encounter with the occasional salmon.
Off the coast of Port Macquarie, the deeper reefs are still holding fish.
Snapper have been caught successfully on soft plastics fished off Lighthouse and Point Plomer.
For those targeting deep water structure, a few solid kingfish have been caught around the deeper reefs off Point Plomer using a combination of live bait and jigs.
A massive congratulations is for Port Macquarie Game Fishing junior angler Indi Garvey.
Last week, she achieved a spectacular double, winning the prestigious Tom Roche Trophy at the Game Fishing Association of Australia National Junior Tournament and being crowned the 2024/25 NSW State Champion for Junior Female Angler Tag and Release.
A brilliant effort.
By Kate SHELTON
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