ANGLERS are currently enjoying a productive run in the Hastings River, where bream catches remain consistently high.
Prawns and yabbies have been the standout baits while those heading further upstream are finding plenty of flathead eager to strike both surface and diving lures.
The crabbing scene is equally active.
Pelican Island is producing a run of blue swimmers, and the areas around Dennis Bridge and Fernbank Creek are yielding impressive mud crabs.
Along the coast, North Shore Beach has become a prime destination for bream and whiting during the day, with tailor appearing for those fishing evening sessions.
Plomer Bay is seeing a surge in cobia catches from both local and visiting anglers.
Shark interference has become a frustrating new reality, with roughly a third of all fish being lost.
The offshore FAD has been somewhat hit-or-miss, the mahi mahi that have been encountered are of a respectable size.
Meanwhile, reef fishers are bringing in snapper and pearl perch, though strong currents are currently making it difficult to reach deeper waters.
Further south, Crowdy Head and Perpendicular Point have emerged as the premier spots for luderick and drummer, with local reports indicating excellent results.
While tailor are present, they are mostly smaller sizes, though some quality bream are being landed in the early morning.
Activity has also surged around the breakwalls and Henry Kendall, where both cabbage and artificial weed are proving effective for luderick.
For those fishing after dark, these same locations are producing solid bream catches, especially for those using mullet strips as bait.
Heading north to Grassy, the mackerel run is in full swing with both Spanish and spotted varieties on the bite, though anglers are battling persistent sharks and a scarcity of live bait.
Those venturing further out to sea are being rewarded with catches of yellowfin tuna, wahoo, and more mahi mahi.
In the Macleay River, the sand flats near Jerseyville are the place to go for high-quality whiting.
Finally, the rock ledges around the Gaol and Hat Head are treating lucky anglers to catches of cobia and kingfish.
By Kate SHELTON
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