IT’S been a busy week across our local waterways, with the best results coming from those sticking to the rivers or finding the warm water offshore.
From the Camden Haven up to the Macleay, here is what’s biting.
In the Macleay River region, bream populations remain healthy and active.
Anglers working lures around rocky ledges during daylight hours are reporting the most successful outings.
The real excitement, however, is happening offshore.
The waters surrounding Grassy Head and Hat Head have been “hot” lately, with boaties landing Spanish mackerel of significant size.
Looking ahead to the weekend, snapper and various reef fish are expected to be the primary targets for the local fleet, provided the current doesn’t run too strong.
Further South, the Camden Haven River remains the “hot zone” this week, with the most successful ventures occurring within the sheltered waters of the river.
Luderick fishing has been particularly fruitful, with anglers reporting impressive catches at both the Henry Kendall reserve and the local breakwalls.
On the rocks, Crowdy Head and Perpendicular Point have delivered a diverse “mixed bag” this week, including drummer, tuna, and the occasional cobia. Beach anglers aren’t missing out either, as both Lake Cathie and Grants Beach continue to produce consistent numbers of school-sized mulloway.
For the boaties, the inshore reefs off Lake Cathie and Bonny Hills are yielding decent snapper along with the odd surprise cobia. Further offshore, midweek anglers found success at the FAD, which produced several quality catches of mahi-mahi.
In the Hastings River region, the southern breakwall has been a popular hive of activity for luderick.
Bream remains a top target for many, with the boat ramps at high tide proving to be highly productive.
Those using fresh bait near fish-cleaning stations have been rewarded with particularly large specimens.
While the flathead bite has been somewhat variable recently, local experts suggest that persistence is currently the key to success.
Along the coast, Shelly and Miners Beach have seen an abundance of tailor and bream.
Offshore conditions at Plomer Bay were quiet last weekend due to cold water and red weed, but with a promising forecast and warmer water expected to push in, the mackerel action is predicted to fire up just in time for the weekend.
Port Macquarie Tides
On Saturday, the morning high tide peaks at 6:10am, followed by a low at 1:09pm and a second high at 6:51pm.
Moving into Sunday, the cycle shifts slightly with an early low at 12:16am, leading into a 7:02am high tide.
The afternoon low will occur at 1:48pm, with the final high tide of the weekend rolling in at 7:34pm.
By Kate SHELTON
You can help your local paper.
Make a small once-off, or (if you can) a regular donation.
We are an independent family owned business and our newspapers are free to collect and our news stories are free online.
Help support us into the future.
