Wet and wild forecast can’t dampen the fishing spirit

LAST weekend, I finally got to head to sea off Port Macquarie since giving birth to my baby in March.

I had a great time even though fishing was a bit quiet.

Unfortunately, the weather is looking wet and wild for the upcoming weekend, with heavy rain and large swell in the forecast.

This weekend might be a write off, hopefully the following weekend weather improves.

The Camden Haven region continues to deliver for anglers, offering a diverse mix of beach, estuary, and offshore options.

Along the beaches, anglers have been thrilled by the occasional encounters with tailor.

Small metal lures have been the go-to for enticing these hard-fighting fish, with a few salmon often joining the action.

Both Dunbogan and North Haven have been consistent producers of bream, with whiting also making an appearance. For those chasing the elusive mulloway, Lake Cathie remains the hotspot.

Offshore, snapper numbers remain strong across most reefs.

Many plate-sized fish are being caught, along with larger models landed on reefs off Lake Cathie.

Soft plastics and traditional anchoring and burley techniques have proven successful for targeting these fish.

Over the weekend the current was making it difficult for angler to fish past sixty metres of water. Anglers venturing further offshore have encountered kingfish and pearl perch while the increasing numbers of slimy mackerel suggest that striped marlin season may be just around the corner.

The Port Macquarie area continues to impress with its consistent bream fishing off the rocks. From the Lighthouse in Port Macquarie to Point Plomer, anglers have been enjoying success with this popular target species.

For those seeking a more local option, Rocky’s and Miners have produced good results.

Prawns and mullet strips remain the preferred baits, but worms and pipis have also proven effective.

Luderick numbers are holding steady, with the breakwalls providing reliable opportunities.

Tailor fishing has been sporadic, with only the occasional quality fish being caught.

Mulloway enthusiasts have found some success around Miners and the Lighthouse, with both bait and lures producing results.

Offshore conditions have been ideal, with anglers taking advantage to explore the inshore reefs. Snapper, kingfish, and leatherjackets have been common catches, and with the water temperature hovering around twenty one degrees, there’s potential for tuna encounters out wide.

By Kate SHELTON