IF you’re looking for calmer waters this week, the local wharfs and river mouths are the go-to spots for bream. However, the real standout has been the flathead fishing, it’s been nothing short of exceptional.
Local anglers are landing impressive catches near Pelican Island and the Limeburners Creek entrance.
For the best results, try using live herring as bait during the peak of the high tide; it’s a combination the lizards find hard to resist.
Whiting are also showing up reliably in the shallows around Blackmans Point and Limeburners, taking both worms and yabbies.
While the pelagic continues with mackerel, mahi mahi, sailfish, marlin, and wahoo all in the mix, there is a slight hiccup to note that the Port Macquarie FAD is currently missing.
It is expected to be replaced within the next week or so.
Further south, the beaches around North Haven and Lake Cathie are producing some sizable tailor.
Inside the river, bream fishing remains remarkably consistent, you can drop a line almost anywhere and find success right now.
Luderick numbers are also on the rise, with both breakwalls holding decent schools.
For those hunting flathead, both Queens Lake and Stingray Creek are yielding quality fish to those using both lures and bait.
The Macleay continues its run of fantastic fishing.
The system is currently firing for large mulloway, cobia, flathead, and mangrove jack.
To land these heavy hitters, focus your efforts around the river mouth during the top of the high tide. Live baits like herring, poddy mullet, or yakkas are your best bet.
Offshore, the Macleay region is rewarding dedicated crews with cobia, mackerel, wahoo and marlin.
Fish Aggregating Devices (FADs) are strategically placed along the NSW coastline during the warmer months.
They have been a resource for the angling community since their introduction in 2001, funded by Recreational Fishing License Fees.
These structures are designed to attract pelagic species, creating productive hubs for offshore enthusiasts.
According to monitoring by the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD), the program is a resounding success for those targeting mahi mahi (dolphinfish), which accounts for a staggering 95 percent of the total catch off FADs.
By Kate SHELTON
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