With water temperatures only just beginning to improve and very clear water from the ocean flooding in, the fishing in general has been tough although the rewards are on offer for those who put in the effort.

Recent rain should improve the estuaries. Flathead have been in good numbers with a regular feed on the cards but the small fish have outnumbered the big ladies.

Bream remain disappointing with no two days recording the similar results. Good fish are on offer but time and perseverance are needed.

Scott Lathlan had an unexpected catch recently while chasing bream in Limeburners Creek, landing a 5.1kg mulloway on Berkley 6” Worm.

Eddie Studman, one of ports best lure makers who never gives much away and keeps his secrets pretty well-guarded, admits that bream fishing has been tough. But Eddie feels the river will be firing over the next few months when the weather heats up and the bream get hungry.

The good old salmon have been in good numbers off the beaches and headlands and are providing plenty of sport Wayne Bale had a memorable session on them just inside of the river mouth

Bream and whiting have been showing up on the beaches but big seas and bad weather have provided only scant opportunity to chase them.

Lake Cathie has again proved to be the pick of the spots for whiting. After dark has been best.

The recent dredging of the lake mouth has proven a big success and some quality sessions will be on offer over the holiday season. Prawns should also be on the go during the dark of the moon this month at Lake Cathie.

Offshore action should improve this month with warmer currents and favourable conditions mahi mahi should show up in numbers and provide plenty of action.

Here’s a tip to all those anglers who want something good for Christmas: Get your favourite local tackle store owner to jot down a few things you wouldn’t mind for Christmas.

Then start dropping hints around the house that some fishing gear would be nice, a new reel or rod. When asked, just say, “You choose, just ask for help at the tackle shop.”

When your better half heads into the tackle shop they’ll get the assistance they need and everyone’s a winner!

Remember over the holiday period to take it easy on the water and obey all the rules. As this time of year we have a huge influx of people into the Hastings area and we want everyone to enjoy their fishing.

I’ll be spinning my home waters looking for a feed of flathead and some trophy bream on fizzers.