Let’s start offshore and work our way back in. On the continental shelf there are blue and striped marlin as well as a few blacks. Tiger sharks, hammerhead sharks, big whalers and the odd mako are also about.

Striped tuna and maybe rat yellowfin can also be found out wide, while the inshore reefs, with the 60-fathom line in particular, hold more striped marlin as well as juvenile blacks. Mahi mahi can be found in the warm blue water, often in abundance.

Closer inshore there can also be more small black marlin as well as rat kingfish and bonito. Smaller hammerheads and whaler sharks are common in the same area.

Snapper can be found (depending on current) anywhere from 120 metres right back to the shore. The same can be said for the school jewfish, especially around the full moon.

Reefs along the 50-metre line will hold more reds as well as good bream. Those who like to drift will find good flathead along the 50-metre line.

Rock anglers have a heap to choose from with tailor, kingfish and bonito on the surface and jewfish, bream, snapper, blackfish and drummer on the bottom.

January beach fishing can yield small and large jewfish along with bream, tailor, flathead and whiting.

In the estuary systems there is again a smorgasbord on offer.

On the surface tailor, kingies and bonito are the primary targets and towards the bottom you will find mulloway, flathead, bream, whiting, blackfish and blue swimmer crabs.

I probably have left out a few species and I have no doubt that people are catching fish I am unaware of, but regardless how you look at it there is a hell of a lot on offer on the Central Coast. I can safely say it is the best month to be out there fishing.

If you are passionate enough about your fishing to be reading this report, please ensure that you take the time to get out and wet a line because there is no other time of year that can offer so much.

This is a very busy time on our waterways and along our coast. If the area you propose to fish is crowded beyond your liking, use the opportunity to try to find a new spot. As much as I dislike the crowds, it is often because of them that I have discovered and new and often more productive fishing areas.

• The Calmwater Fishing Charters vessel is up for sale so if you are interested give me a call on 0419 239 882.

Matthew Hoare with another beautiful Hawkesbury River jewfish.