DESPITE the persistent rain that has plagued the region, some dedicated anglers have managed to find windows of opportunity this week.
In the Hastings, bream fishing has been a highlight during these breaks in the weather, particularly at night when mullet strips have proven to be the most effective bait.
Lure enthusiasts have also capitalised on clearer spells during the day, finding success with spinner blades, soft vibes, and crab imitations.
When conditions have allowed, prime spots have included Limeburners Creek, the Coal Wall, and various locations further upriver.
For those willing to brave the elements on the beaches, tailor have shown up in strong numbers, especially along North Shore Beach, with metal lures of all types being the most productive when conditions are fishable.
Bream fishing off the beaches has also been steady during calmer periods, with the Lighthouse and Oxley areas yielding consistent catches.
Offshore fishing reports for the week have been heavily influenced by the weather, with limited opportunities.
However, some mid-week anglers who managed to get out during brief respites from the hounding southerly winds have returned with good hauls, while others had less luck.
Snapper are currently biting reasonably well when conditions allow, and expectations are high for even better fishing as winter approaches, provided the weather improves. The inshore reefs are anticipated to be productive in the coming weeks, weather permitting.
There have also been encouraging reports of pearl perch catches off Point Plomer (in depths of 50-60m) and near Lighthouse Beach (around 45m) during calmer days.
Deep dropping enthusiasts have also found success on deeper reefs with moderate currents during breaks in the weather, landing blue eye trevalla, bar cod, and bass groper.
Moving south to the Camden Haven, the consistent changes in the swell has made rock fishing challenging, but when breaks in the weather have occurred, tailor have been biting aggressively.
Perpendicular Point, Bonny Hills, and the Crowdy area have been the prime locations during these times.
Mulloway anglers have also seen an increase in numbers off the ledges during calmer spells, with most fish ranging from four to fifteen kilos, and the possibility of landing even larger specimens.
Drummer have also been plentiful across the ledges when conditions have allowed, with prawns and cunjevoi being the preferred baits.
And for those after some lighter tackle action during lulls in the rain, luderick have been readily available for anglers using weed as bait.
Offshore fishing in the Camden Haven has been heavily impacted by the weather, but when boats have been able to get out, anglers have enjoyed a plentiful catch of desirable fish.
Snapper fishing has been exceptionally good for this early in the winter season during calmer days, with both lures and bait proving effective. Pearl perch have also been caught consistently off Lake Cathie and Crowdy Head when the weather has cooperated.
Adding to the excitement, there have been bonus catches of teraglin and kingfish mixed in during these opportunities.
The Macleay River region has offered limited but some fishing opportunities amidst the constant rain.
From the shore, anglers have managed to catch good sized bream off the breakwalls during breaks in the weather, with the occasional flathead providing extra excitement.
Offshore, kingfish have been caught on the deeper reefs off Crescent Head when conditions have allowed boats to venture out.
For those preferring inshore fishing, the reefs further north have produced decent sized snapper and tasty tuskfish during calmer periods.
By Kate SHELTON
