Inshore sailfish bite as hot water and fast currents push toward the coast

THIS weekend’s forecast is looking supreme, with the moon and tides aligning perfectly for some hot fishing action.

It’s the perfect time to get out there, especially since the long-term outlook predicts a few wet weeks ahead.

You’ll want to take full advantage of this pristine weather before the rain sets in and the conditions disappear.

In the Hastings region, the fishing scene has been a total hive of activity lately.

School mulloway are providing some thrilling light tackle action around the break walls and bridge pylons, while those same rocky structures are yielding plenty of flathead to anglers using live bait or mullet strips.

If you prefer lures, try to time your session with the incoming high tide for maximum water clarity. Meanwhile, luderick fans are finding quality fish on cabbage and green weed flies along the walls, and local crabbers are reporting a very productive week with plenty of mud crabs being pulled from the waterways.

The beach and rock fishing scenes are equally rewarding right now. Bream and whiting are in abundance along the southern end of Lighthouse Beach, Shelly Beach, and Queens Head. Rock fishing for tailor is also picking up as the season rolls on, with bream and luderick remaining reliable in the more sheltered spots.

However, the real talk of the town was the massive offshore surge in Plomer Bay last weekend. Lucky anglers encountered an incredible array of species, including tuna, mackerel, cobia, black marlin, and even sailfish, creating memories that will last a lifetime.

While that level of intensity in the bay isn’t a daily occurrence, it’s a great reminder of what happens when the currents and moon phases hit that sweet spot.

Heading south to the Camden Haven, the luderick fishing has been nothing short of exceptional, particularly around the river’s break walls.

The bream fishing is also outstanding now, with fish pushing the kilo mark being caught on pilchards.

Over at Lake Cathie, things remain consistent for whiting, flathead, and bream, with prawns being the standout bait choice.

If you’re heading offshore, the snapper numbers are looking very healthy this season off Lake Cathie and the Bonny Hills reefs, where you might even snag a sporadic mackerel if you’re lucky.

Finally, looking north to the Macleay River, there has been a noticeable jump in whiting activity in the upper reaches.

Rock fishing enthusiasts are having luck at the headlands near the Gaol and Crescent Head, where rumours of cobia, tuna, and the occasional kingfish are circulating.

Offshore fishing in the Macleay region is also on the rise, with successful boats landing impressive catches of mackerel, mahi mahi, cobia, and tuna this week.

By Kate SHELTON