THE upcoming long weekend is shaping up to be a challenging one for anglers, with strong north-easterly winds forecast across the Mid North Coast.
While the weather may limit offshore and exposed rock fishing opportunities, there should still be a few options for those looking to wet a line when conditions allow.
With the warmer weather arriving, there are plenty of signs that spring fishing is starting to build across the region.
In the Camden Haven area, a few drummer are still hanging around, with some impressive fish, including models close to three kilos, being landed from the rocks.
Cunjevoi has been producing some good results for those targeting them.
Tailor fishing has been fairly average, although Crowdy Head continues to be worth a look when conditions allow.
For luderick anglers, the breakwalls are worth exploring.
Beach anglers have been finding some nice bream, along with the occasional solid salmon.
Inside the river, anglers have been picking up some good flathead and bream around the daytime high tides.
As temperatures continue to rise, it is also worth keeping an eye on Lake Cathie, with school prawns and mud crabs likely to become more active as we move further into the warmer months.
In the Hastings River, luderick fishing has been quiet, although persistent anglers can still find fish around the breakwalls using green weed and weed flies.
Bream numbers have been a little slower, with better results being reported towards the mouth of the river using bait. Flathead numbers are continuing to increase, making most sections of the Hastings worth exploring.
With the warmer water arriving, this should only improve as we move further into spring.
Offshore fishing has been quieter recently due to the unsettled weather, and the forecast strong north-easterly winds are likely to make conditions difficult over the long weekend.
However, if a suitable weather window presents itself, snapper should be worth targeting off Lighthouse Beach in around 25-30 metres of water, with soft plastics and frozen pilchards both good options.
Further offshore, Trag Rock should be worth a look for pearl perch and kingfish when conditions allow.
The flathead grounds in around 50 metres of water should also provide a reliable option for anglers looking to put a feed together.
While the long weekend forecast may not be ideal, there will still be opportunities for land-based and estuary anglers to get out and enjoy some fishing between the winds.
As spring settles in and water temperatures continue to rise, the fishing across the Mid North Coast should only continue to improve.
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