LAST weekend saw the successful launch of the first-ever Annual Camden Haven Snapper Classic 2025, proudly presented by Plasmann Soft Plastics and Fishin4Pics.
Despite challenging blustery winds on both Saturday and Sunday, 29 teams, totalling 85 anglers, hit the water with high spirits.
The event focused not just on the catch, but on fostering community, creating memories and promoting sustainable fishing.
The turnout and sportsmanship were exceptional, with 72 snapper caught and released in total.
A standout performance came from Team Mid Coast Marine, who dominated with 296 points, upgrading their entire bag on Sunday.
Shaun from Team Hard Top landed the Largest Snapper of the Classic, an impressive 84cm to the fork, released in honour of local North Haven legend “Squeak.”
The Camden Haven area is truly shining for anglers.
Beach fishers are having a blast, with exciting encounters with salmon schools often joined by a few tailor.
Small metal lures have been the go-to for these hard-fighting fish.
Both Dunbogan and North Haven are consistently producing good numbers of bream and whiting.
If you’re after that first ever school mulloway, Lake Cathie remains the top spot.
Offshore, snapper numbers are strong across most reefs, with plenty of “plate-sized” fish being caught, along with larger specimens off Lake Cathie.
Soft plastics and traditional anchoring with burley are proving highly effective for snapper.
Further offshore, anglers are reeling in trag and kingfish.
The increasing presence of slimy mackerel suggests the striped marlin season might be just around the corner.
The Port Macquarie area continues to impress, particularly with its reliable bream fishing from the rocks.
From the Lighthouse in Port Macquarie all the way to Point Plomer, anglers are finding consistent success.
For more local spots, Rocky’s and Miners are yielding good results.
Prawns and mullet strips are the preferred baits, but worms and pipis are also proving effective. Luderick numbers are holding steady, with Shelley’s and Point Plomer offering consistent opportunities.
While tailor fishing has been a bit hit or miss, a few quality fish are still being caught.
Mulloway enthusiasts are having some luck around the Lighthouse, using both bait and lures.
Offshore conditions have been up and down but local anglers have reported catches of snapper, kingfish, and the odd leatherjacket.
Overall, the Mid North Coast region is experiencing a highly productive fishing period.
No matter your preference of beach, estuary, or offshore.
There are ample opportunities for a successful day on the water.
While the weekend forecast currently looks a bit below average, let’s hope it improves as the weekend approaches.
By Kate SHELTON
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