WHILE the Mid North Coast has experienced a significant downpour for what feels like a few months, local anglers know a bit of rain is often beneficial for the waterways in the long run, though some sunny days would certainly be appreciated.
Unfortunately, the forecast suggests continued wet conditions for the rest of May.
The Hastings River has been affected by the consistent heavy rains, leading to murky, brown water throughout much of the estuary.
Consequently, fishing activity is likely to concentrate in the clearer waters closer to the river mouth until conditions improve.
On a positive note, bream fishing has been excellent and is predicted to remain strong in the coming weeks.
Bait anglers have enjoyed success, with mullet strips yielding good catches both during the day and at night.
Similar to bream, flathead fishing has been outstanding in the lower reaches of the Hastings. Lure anglers using various techniques have been successful, while bait anglers have found live bait to be the most productive.
The recent influx of freshwater might not immediately boost mulloway numbers, but some impressive specimens have been landed near the coal wharf.
Rock fishing continues to be dominated by tailor, with many local ledges producing fantastic catches.
This trend extends from Port Macquarie to areas like Plomer and further north. Garfish and large lures have been the go-to baits for these quality tailor.
While not as numerous as tailor, drummer numbers are showing encouraging signs of increase.
Bream numbers also remain steady along most beaches.
Evening fishing sessions have been particularly rewarding, with larger fish being caught on pilchards or slab baits.
North Shore Beach and Lighthouse Beach have also produced some decent bream and the occasional whiting, with worms and pipis proving effective baits.
Offshore fishing offers a mixed bag of opportunities.
Heading slightly south, the inshore reefs around the Lighthouse and nearby areas have yielded occasional cobia, spanish mackerel, and even a few tuna.
Closer to shore, trolling is producing good numbers of bonito and tailor. Bottom fishing has also been productive, with some lucky anglers landing nice snapper, kingfish, and pearl perch.
Further south, the ledges at Diamond Head have seen some good tailor catches this week, with some fish reaching up to two and a half kilograms.
For those seeking variety, most headlands offer opportunities to catch bream and luderick, although numbers may vary depending on the specific location.
School mulloway have been active on the beaches, with Dunbogan and the Lake Cathie area worth exploring.
With mullet now on the move and consistent tailor numbers, look for increased activity from larger tailor.
Offshore, snapper reports have been promising this past week, with some excellent fish up to five kilos being caught.
Baits have been the more successful method recently, but lures are expected to become more effective as winter approaches.
In addition to snapper, there have been reports of some great pearl perch and even a few decent kingfish from the deeper reefs.
By Kate SHELTON
