Bay Explorer Marine Services: deep dropping specialists!
Online store • Email • Facebook
4/12/24
Parts of the Mid North Coast have been experiencing a natural phenomenon this week as some local beaches have been covered by a vibrant, albeit problematic, red algae bloom. Known locally as “red weed,” this algae can release unpleasant odours when it decomposes on shore. Despite this temporary inconvenience, it’s important to remember that algae plays a crucial role in marine ecosystems.
Fishing in the Camden Haven region has been a mixed bag. While a few tailor have been caught around the Laurieton headlands, the fishing has been inconsistent. However, luderick and bream have been more reliable, with Bonny Hills and Crowdy headlands proving to be productive spots. Offshore fishing has been unpredictable, as is typical for this time of year, due to unsettled weather and ocean currents. Closer to shore, anglers have been catching nice snapper and a variety of other reef fish. The Laurieton FAD has intermittently produced a few mahi mahi and is expected to improve as warmer currents move south. On the game fishing scene, a few marlin have been sighted offshore, with hopes for increased activity further north as the inshore black marlin season begins.
In the Hastings River, the recent drop in water temperature to around 18 degrees hasn’t deterred dedicated anglers. Bream have been cooperative around the breakwalls and local wharfs. The local headlands have also yielded decent bream and tailor, along with great catches of drummer and luderick at Point Plomer. The offshore scene was quiet over the weekend due to unfavourable weather conditions, but those who ventured out during the week encountered a variety of reef fish, including snapper and pearl perch. Local FADs have been a hot spot for anglers targeting mahi mahi, with live bait producing excellent catches.
Further north in the Macleay region, the fishing scene has been equally promising. Inshore reefs have been productive for snapper and pearl perch, while mahi mahi have been found in deeper waters off South West Rocks and Hat Head. Kingfish have been spotted around Fish Rock and on the deeper reefs off Crescent Head. An early push of spotted mackerel has excited anglers, with the reefs off Grassy being a popular spot. Beach fishing has seen a surge in bream activity, especially in the northern areas like Horseshoe Bay, Goolawah Beach, and Big Hill. Fresh worms, squid, and prawns have proven to be effective baits. In the Macleay River, flathead fishing has remained excellent, and whiting numbers have shown signs of improvement, with some solid fish being caught near Jerseyville.
As we look ahead to the summer months, the long-term forecast suggests a potential easing of the consistent winds that have characterised recent times. This improved weather outlook offers hope for more favourable fishing conditions and increased opportunities for anglers to explore the region’s diverse fishing grounds.
26/11/24
Last weekend, the Mid North Coast fishing scene exploded with an unforgettable yellowfin tuna jackpot. The excitement began on Thursday and Friday when local anglers reported catches of these magnificent fish far out at sea. As the weekend dawned, a fleet of eager game fishing anglers lined up at boat ramps, ready to seize the opportunity from South West Rocks to the Camden Haven.
With a favourable forecast of light north-easterly winds and calm seas, the perfect conditions were set for a thrilling day on the water. As the sun rose, a procession of boats, ranging from small tinnies to larger fly bridges, ventured out into the open ocean. The action kicked off around 7:00am, with the first signs of a massive yellowfin tuna feeding frenzy in 500 meters of water. The water temperature, a balmy 23.5 degrees, provided the ideal environment for these apex predators. Schools of colossal yellowfin tuna, estimated to weigh between 20 and 50 kilograms, were actively feeding on small baitfish, attracting a cloud of seabirds that swooped and dived above the turbulent activity.
By 8:00am, almost every boat in the fleet had hooked up with a hard-fighting yellowfin tuna. The VHF airwaves were filled with excited chatter as anglers reeled in personal best catches. A variety of lures proved effective, including skirts, hard bodies, and soft plastics. However, the Trophy Hunter Profidgie Tuna Lure emerged as the standout choice, enticing these powerful fish with its lifelike action.
In addition to the thrilling tuna action, anglers also encountered other impressive catches, including mahi mahi weighing up to 25 kilograms and a magnificent blue marlin estimated to be around 180 kilograms.
The weekend’s bounty of yellowfin tuna was not only a testament to the skill of local anglers but also a feast for the taste buds. Many of these prized catches were immediately enjoyed, whether raw in sushi or cooked in a variety of dishes. The firm, meaty texture and rich, slightly sweet flavour of yellowfin tuna make it a versatile ingredient. Sushi lovers delight in the silky smoothness of raw tuna, often paired with soy sauce and wasabi. For those who prefer their fish cooked, yellowfin tuna shines in dishes like spicy curries, where it absorbs the aromatic spices and tangy sauce.
This extraordinary fishing weekend will undoubtedly be etched into the memories of those who participated. The Mid North Coast has once again proven itself to be a world-class fishing destination, offering anglers the chance to experience the thrill of battling these magnificent game fish.
The promising start to the weekend was unfortunately short-lived. Sunday’s weather conditions, characterised by increasingly rough seas and inclement weather, deterred many anglers from venturing too far offshore. As this week unfolds, the long-range forecast paints a less than ideal picture for coastal fishing enthusiasts. Persistent rain and strong winds are expected to dominate the region, making it challenging for anglers to find suitable conditions for a successful fishing trip. On a positive note, looking at the pelagic action further north I expect the Mid North Coast to be in for a fantastic fishing summer.
24/11/24
With the sweet taste of spring almost behind us, the anticipation for a sizzling summer fishing season on the Mid North Coast is palpable. All indicators point to a fantastic fishing period, and this weekend offers a prime opportunity to wet a line. Light north-easterly winds in the morning, transitioning to moderate conditions in the afternoon, provide ideal fishing circumstances.
Lake Cathie has been a hotspot for whiting enthusiasts, particularly during the recent north-easterly winds. Anglers have been rewarded with consistent catches, along with impressive flathead and even the occasional mulloway lurking around the Ocean Drive bridge on top of the high tide.
The Hastings River continues to deliver, with flathead and whiting dominating the catch. These sought-after species can be found throughout the river system, with a mix of quality sized fish and juveniles. For those seeking a bigger challenge, mulloway have been making an appearance, particularly in deeper sections during the tide change. Soft plastics are proving to be the key to unlocking these prized catches. Freshwater enthusiasts have also had a fantastic start to the season, with bass numbers surging. As summer approaches and insect activity intensifies, the bass fishing is expected to reach new heights. Offshore, the fishing scene has been promising. Snapper have been cooperative in the waters near the Port Macquarie Lighthouse, with fish up to five kilograms succumbing to both bait and plastic lures. Further offshore, anglers have encountered strong southerly currents and water temperatures hovering around twenty-three degrees.
Heading south, the Crowdy and Perpendicular Point areas have been producing some impressive rock fishing, with large tailor being a highlight. Mulloway have been active around most headlands, but Dunbogan has been a particularly popular spot, with soft plastic enthusiasts enjoying success. Offshore, anglers have reported catches of teraglin and snapper, although the southerly current has presented challenges in deeper waters, but some locals did catch some great hauls of kingfish last weekend.
The Macleay River has been a hive of activity, with anglers reeling in good numbers of flathead, bream, and even the occasional kingfish around the river mouth. Beach fishing around Hat Head has yielded bream, dart, and flathead. Offshore, locals have reported promising catches of snapper and kingfish further north.
As we transition into summer, the Mid North Coast is poised to deliver exceptional fishing opportunities. Whether you’re a seasoned angler or a novice, there’s something for everyone. So, grab your gear, head out, and immerse yourself in the thrill of the catch.
13/11/24
The local fishing scene has presented a mixed bag of opportunities this week, with some regions experiencing promising conditions while others face more challenging circumstances.
The Macleay River has been a hotspot for flathead enthusiasts. Anglers have been reporting impressive catches throughout the system, particularly when using live herring as bait. The odd snapper has also been caught in the river, a surprising catch for anglers. For offshore anglers, kingfish have been actively feeding around Fish Rock, Black Rock, and the FAD. As the warmer months approach, hopes are high for the imminent arrival of black marlin further north.
The Camden Haven region has exhibited some unpredictability in recent days. While a few tailor have been sighted around the rocks at Bonny Hills, the overall catch rates have been relatively low. However, luderick and bream have shown more promise, with Dunbogan and Crowdy headlands emerging as potential hotspots. Offshore fishing has been influenced by the usual weather-related uncertainties. Nevertheless, local reefs have yielded decent catches of snapper and a variety of other reef species. The Laurieton FAD has offered sporadic opportunities for mahi mahi, and as warmer currents begin to flow south, expectations are high for improved catches. On the game fishing front, a few yellowfin and striped marlin have been sighted further offshore, and anglers are eagerly anticipating the start of the inshore black marlin season.
The Hastings River region has shown more consistent promise. Whiting numbers are on the rise, signalling a potentially excellent season ahead. Limeburners, Blackmans Point, and Maria River have all produced good catches using worms, yabbies, and surface lures. Bream fishing has been steady, with some decent fish taken from the northern break wall after dark. Further upstream, lure enthusiasts have reported consistent results. Flathead fishing has remained strong, with plenty of fish spread throughout the system. Mud crab numbers have also been improving, especially in deeper holes upstream. On the beaches, North Shore has been a top spot for bream and whiting, while Lighthouse has offered some small tailor and the occasional salmon.
Offshore, water conditions have improved after a recent downturn, leading to better fishing results. Snapper has been a prominent target, with some nice fish caught on soft plastics off Lighthouse and Point Plomer. Mid-week anglers enjoyed success with mahi mahi at the Port Macquarie FAD, but the weekend proved less fruitful. Additionally, a few kingfish have been caught around deeper reefs off Point Plomer using live bait and jigs.
A big day out on the water! Dave Poulton landed a massive 24kg cobia, while Tim Reed reeled in an impressive 11kg kingfish. Thanks to Ned Kelly’s Bait n Tackle for sharing this awesome catch.
7/11/24
Summer brings some of the best local fishing competitions to the Macquarie Coast. The Port Macquarie Game Fishing Club’s 41st Garmin Golden Lure, a fantastic game fishing tournament, will be held from the 10th to the 18th of January 2025. Additionally, the Laurieton United Services Club Fishing Bonanza, a family-friendly competition open to all types of fishing, will also take place in January. For more information, check out the Facebook pages of the Port Macquarie Game Fishing Club and LUSC Fishing Club.
For the latest fishing update from the Macquarie Coast, offshore pelagic fishing is heating up. Anglers who’ve managed to get out to sea during breaks in the weather have reported excellent catches of marlin, kingfish, and mahi mahi. Snapper have also been relatively abundant for this time of year, with some nice fish caught off Laurieton and Crowdy Head. A few fantastic catches of mahi mahi have been reported from the Port Macquarie and Hat Head FADs, with live yakkas and slimy mackerel being the preferred baits. Game fishing enthusiasts can expect black marlin to start migrating inshore off Trial Bay Gaol, while blue marlin are likely to be found further offshore between Hat Head and Port Macquarie.
In the rivers, the lower sections of the Hastings River in Port Macquarie continue to fish exceptionally well for bream and flathead. Additionally, some impressive mulloway have been caught off the breakwalls. The Macleay River has seen plenty of solid whiting activity throughout November, particularly in the Clybucca Creek area. The mud crab scene is also off to a great start, with reports of tasty crabs being caught further up the Macleay River, Lake Cathie, and the Hastings River, perfect for a summer feast.
On the beaches, whiting numbers are improving in sheltered areas, with some great fish being caught. Alongside whiting, there have been a few nice bream, dart, and flathead, especially further north around Hat Head and Crescent Head, where worms and pipis are the preferred baits. Mulloway have been reported throughout November on the beaches further south around Diamond Head and North Haven.
For rock fishing enthusiasts, the best reports are coming from headlands around Point Plomer, Perpendicular Point and Crowdy. There have been a few luderick, drummer, and the occasional large kingfish caught. As summer sets in and the water warms, we can expect to see some pelagic catches off the rocks in early 2025. Remember to prepare heavy fishing gear for these powerful fish.
Photo 1 – Junior angler Jakson West landed this beauty of a longtail (93cm) off Port Macquarie! What a catch. (Instagram – @thereeljonwest)
Photo 2 – Young angler Grayson Adams reels in a big surprise! The 7-year-old caught a 52cm snapper while fishing with his grandparents in Watson Taylors Lake.
Photo 3 – Check out this massive 26kg bar cod landed by angler Mick! Thanks to the guys at Outdoor Adventure South West Rocks for sharing this incredible catch. Mick caught this on a Bay Explorer Deep Drop fishing rig.
27/10/24
With the recent spell of average weather limiting offshore fishing opportunities, this has certainly not dampened the spirits of local anglers. River, rock, and freshwater fishing have continued to provide plenty of action, with a variety of species on offer.
The Hastings River has remained a popular destination for estuary anglers. Bream have been particularly cooperative, responding well to offerings of whitebait and prawns, especially during the peak of the morning high tide. Flathead have also been active, with live baits proving to be the most effective lure. Luderick anglers have found success on the breakwall, using sea cabbage, and weed flies. While the lower reaches of the river have been relatively quiet for mulloway, anglers have found better luck further west, where school-sized fish have been more prevalent. Mud crab enthusiasts have also had reason to celebrate, with warmer waters near Wauchope and Telegraph Point yielding impressive catches. As we approach summer, even better crabbing results are expected. Offshore, a few dedicated spearfishing anglers have found success at the FADs, targeting mahi mahi. As we transition into summer, we can anticipate improved fishing conditions and increased numbers of pelagic fish from the local FADs.
Further south, Lake Cathie continues to offer excellent fishing opportunities. Flathead, whiting, and the occasional mulloway have been caught regularly, with school prawns and yabbies proving to be the most effective baits. The eastern side of the lake, closer to the beach, has been the most productive area.
In the Camden Haven River, flathead numbers have been on the rise, with both lures and baits, such as mullet strips and prawns, proving effective. Bream fishing has been most successful around Henry Kendall Reserve, particularly on high tide with green prawns as bait.
In the Macleay River region, beach fishing has yielded decent catches of bream, whiting, and school mulloway. Gap Beach and Back Beach at South West Rocks have been particularly productive, with some impressive flathead caught on bait. In the river, fishing has also been rewarding, with anglers targeting flathead occasionally hooking into mulloway, providing exciting action on lighter gear. Whiting numbers have been improving throughout the system, with yabbies and prawns being the preferred baits.
Freshwater anglers have been particularly successful in the upper reaches of the Macleay and Hastings Rivers, with reports of impressive Australian bass catches emerging last week.
As we enter November, hopes are high for improved weather conditions, which will undoubtedly enhance fishing opportunities across the Mid North Coast. Whether you’re targeting freshwater, estuary, or coastal species, there are plenty of opportunities to enjoy a successful fishing trip in this beautiful region.
A metre-long monster! Brice Hayward’s impressive flathead catch caught on the Mid North Coast.
23/10/2024
In the Hastings River, bream have been active, with both breakwalls and Settlement Point producing good results. Mullet strips and brined prawns have been effective baits. Flathead numbers have remained consistent, with lures of various profiles and whitebait proving successful. Whiting have been congregating in Limeburners, Blackmans Point, and the back channel, with surface lures proving particularly effective. For luderick enthusiasts, the breakwalls have been holding a few fish, with sea cabbage and weed flies producing results. School-sized mulloway have been abundant between the highway bridges and Wauchope. Off the rocks, a few tailor have appeared around Point Plomer, although they are mostly smaller specimens. Luderick continue to be encountered locally, with Shelly’s and Miners Beach being prime locations. For those wanting to fish the afternoon bite, reasonable bream and school mulloway can be found at Big Hill and Point Plomer. For those brave enough to venture offshore, the rewards have been substantial. Snapper numbers remain healthy, with both bait and soft plastics proving effective. The reefs off the Lighthouse have been particularly productive. As the weather improves, targeting kingfish on the wider reefs with live bait and knife jigs could be a promising adventure.
In the Camden Haven, anglers have been finding success in various species on the beaches. Whiting numbers have been steadily increasing, particularly on the shallower sandbars during the rising tide. Worms and pipis have been the preferred baits. Bream have also been cooperative, with Grants Beach proving to be a productive spot. For night-time anglers, school mulloway remain a viable target, with the beaches south of Lake Cathie offering the best chances.
Further north in the Macleay River region, bream numbers remain excellent, with the best reports coming from those fishing with bait during the day. The river is also producing good catches of mud crabs further upstream. Offshore anglers have reported decent numbers of kingfish around the local FADs and Fish Rock.
This week’s feature photo is of Indi Garvey, a member of the Port Macquarie Game Fishing Club, who has been recognised for her outstanding achievements. She was awarded the Game Fishing Association Australia’s State Champion for Junior Female Angler Tag and Release. Her dedication and skill have made her a role model for young female anglers.
16/10/2024
The Hastings River breakwalls have been producing some excellent bream, and I managed to land a few decent flathead around Pelican Island over the weekend. Bank anglers have also been successful, with impressive flathead caught on live yabbies. Offshore, conditions have been a bit rough, limiting fishing opportunities. But there’s hope with the water temperatures rising, and clarity is improving. This weekend’s forecast is looking great for an offshore fish on Saturday.
In the Camden Haven, the headlands remain a great option for rock fishing. Drummer and luderick are still around, so grab some cunjevoi or prawns and head to Crowdy or Diamond Head. For beach anglers, Grants Beach has been producing bream, with the occasional mulloway thrown in. Bonny Hills has also been rewarding, offering bream and whiting. Mulloway activity seems to be increasing in several areas. North Haven and Dunbogan have seen some good catches, ranging from smaller fish to the occasional ten-kilogram slab. Rumours even suggest some truly impressive specimens are lurking out there. Patience and the right approach could lead to the catch of a lifetime. At Lake Cathie, flathead have been biting, and as the water warms, whiting should start to appear.
Further north in the Macleay, the river has been producing great results for local anglers. Flathead, bream, and whiting have been plentiful during the week. For offshore anglers who managed to get out, reports of good numbers of snapper and kingfish have been encouraging.
Remember, even in challenging conditions, there are always fish to be caught. Be flexible, adapt your approach based on the weather and water conditions, and don’t be afraid to experiment. Persistence can pay off, so grab your gear and keep trying.
Young angler Grayson Adams reels in a big surprise! The 7-year-old caught a 52cm snapper while fishing with his grandparents in Watson Taylors Lake.
9/10/2024
As we are almost half way into October, the fishing scene along the Mid-North Coast continues to sizzle. With the annual black marlin migration just around the corner, anglers are eagerly awaiting reports from further north. Closer to home, the local FADs offer exciting opportunities to target mahi mahi as they make their southward journey in the East Australian Current.
The Camden Haven region has been abuzz with fishing activity during the school holidays. Lucky anglers have managed to land prized snapper in the river, a rarity compared to their usual ocean haunts. Rock fishing anglers have been drawn to Crowdy Head and Perpendicular Point for encounters with large tailor, while mulloway have been a consistent target on beaches like Dunbogan. Offshore, snapper, pearl perch, nannygai, and kingfish have rewarded anglers during favourable weather conditions. As summer approaches, the anticipation grows for marlin, as well as mahi mahi, to become more prevalent. The FAD, expected to settle and attract fish in the coming weeks, promises exciting fishing prospects.
In the Hastings, flathead and whiting have remained the dominant species in the river. A mix of larger fish and juveniles can be found throughout the system, with Rawdon Island, Hibbard, and Pelican Island proving to be particularly productive spots. Lures, especially surface varieties, have been highly effective for targeting larger flathead in shallow water. Mulloway have also been caught, particularly when using larger soft plastics in deeper sections during the tide change. Freshwater enthusiasts have enjoyed a strong start to the bass fishing season, with expectations of further improvement as summer approaches and insect activity increases. Offshore, snapper have been caught off Shelly Beach and Plomer Bay, while anglers venturing further out have encountered southerly currents and landed kingfish on live bait. Yellowfin tuna and mahi mahi have also been reported by local game fishing anglers as the water temperature rises.
Heading north to the Macleay River region, visitor anglers have flocked to the area and enjoyed successful fishing trips. Snapper, kingfish, and pearl perch have been prominent catches offshore, while local anglers have reported the emergence of mud crabs, signalling the potential for a fruitful crabbing season.Young Jakson West landed this beauty of a longtail (93cm) off Port Macquarie!
3/10/2024
In the Camden Haven River, a few drummer are still lingering, with some impressive catches, including a models up to three kilos, being reported off the rocks. Cunjevoi has proven to be a productive bait. Tailor fishing has been average, with Crowdy Head demonstrating to be a productive location. For those targeting luderick, Bonny Hills is worth exploring, particularly if you can float some cabbage in the washes. Beach anglers have been finding nice bream and occasional solid salmon. In the river, local anglers fishing the breakwalls have caught some decent flathead and bream during the day high tides. Keep an eye on Lake Cathie as we may start to see some school prawns and mud crabs as we head into the warmer months.
In the Hastings River, luderick fishing is gradually slowing down, but persistent anglers can still find success at the breakwalls using green weed and weed flies. Bream numbers have been slow, but fishing has been more productive towards the mouth of the river using bait. Flathead numbers are on the rise, making most parts of the Hastings worth exploring. Offshore anglers have had a quieter week due to recent rough weather, but we should see some snapper caught this weekend. My preferred locations would be off Lighthouse Beach in around thirty to forty metres of water using soft plastics or frozen pilchards. Further offshore, I would expect pearl perch and kingfish to be active around Trag Rock. You could almost always guarantee a feed by fishing the flathead grounds in around fifty metres of water.
For freshwater enthusiasts, the state’s annual trout season will commence this weekend. Many streams and rivers will be in excellent condition following seasonal rains. I anticipate a few locals will head west over the long weekend and try their luck fishing for trout around the Ebor and Walcha area on fly gear.
The NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) has re-installed FADs (Fish Aggregating Devices) along the coast for the summer season to attract pelagic fish species like mahi mahi, marlin, and wahoo. See below for GPS coordinates of local FADs.
– Port Macquarie FAD 31° 24.567′ S 153° 04.725′ E
– Laurieton FAD 31° 39.601′ S 152° 56.235′ E
– Crowdy Head FAD 31° 47.000′ S 152° 55.200′ E
– South West Rocks FAD 30° 50.534′ S 153° 11.803’ E
– Hat Head FAD 31° 00.636′ S 153° 07.795′ E
This week’s photo is of Levi Vandermeel at Ned Kelly’s Bait n Tackle in Port Macquarie with a great catch of bream he caught at the Port Macquarie boat ramp using bread for bait.
26/9/2024
Despite the adverse weather, there are still opportunities for dedicated anglers to pursue quality catches. The Hastings River has been producing impressive schools of mulloway upstream, and the larger swell could potentially lead to some sizable fish being caught off the break walls. Mud crabs have been reported in the area, and as the water warms, we can anticipate a promising summer season for these crustaceans. On the beaches, bream continue to be caught at North Shore beach and Lighthouse beach, with evening high tides offering the best action. Occasional schools of mulloway have also been encountered. Offshore, game fishing activity continues to produce great catches, with anglers reporting consistent catches of striped marlin using skip baiting. Those venturing into deeper waters have also enjoyed success with bass groper, blue eye trevalla, and bar cod. Closer to shore, snapper remain active but require more effort to catch. Anchoring and burling are effective strategies for targeting these fish.
In the Camden Haven, rock fishing has been relatively quiet, although anglers targeting luderick with cabbage have still managed to land some decent catches. The occasional drummer has also been encountered. The upcoming long weekend may stir up the rock fishing scene, offering promising opportunities for those seeking a challenge. For offshore anglers, there remains a healthy population of snapper and pearl perch on most reefs, along with plenty of nannygai and a few kingfish in the wider grounds. Game fishing enthusiasts can look forward to a prime time for targeting striped marlin once the weather clears.
In Lake Cathie, reports indicate that the occasional flathead and bream have been caught at the peak of high tide near the bridge and at the lake’s entrance.
Remember to check local weather forecasts and marine conditions before heading out for a fish this weekend.
Family fishing fun! Luke Middleton from Bonny Hills landed some fantastic bream, thanks to his brother Dylan’s worm-fishing expertise.
18/9/2024
In the Camden Haven River, a few drummer are still lurking, with some impressive catches reported, including fish close to three kilos. Cunjevoi has been the go-to bait for these elusive fish. Tailor fishing has been average, with Crowdy Head proving to be the most productive location. If you’re keen to try your luck at luderick, Perpendicular Point is worth a visit. Beach anglers have been rewarded with catches of nice bream and occasional solid salmon. Offshore, snapper action remains red hot, with most reefs producing consistent catches on both baits and lures. A few kingfish and bar cod have been on offer out wide, with live bait proving to be the most effective. Anglers should see a drop in the current this weekend after the consistent southerly wind.
In the Hastings River, the recent full moon and larger night tides have produced some impressive mulloway catches for local anglers with live bait being most successful. Bream numbers have been a bit quieter, but fishing has been productive further up the river, especially with lures. Flathead numbers are on the rise, making most parts of the Hastings River a worthwhile fishing destination. For those who have ventured offshore during favourable weather conditions, reported some terrific snapper up to six kilos caught off Lighthouse Beach. Soft plastics have been the preferred lure. Wider out, pearl perch and kingfish have been active around Trag Rock, while the flathead grounds in around fifty meters have been consistently productive. We should see over the next few weeks the NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) reinstate the fish aggregating devices (FADs) ready for the upcoming summer fishing season.
Further north in the Macleay River region, bream numbers on the beach are better than we have seen all year, particularly in the north around Front Beach, Little Bay and Gap Beach. Fresh worms, squid and prawns have all been the bait of choice. Offshore, snapper continued to be excellent with all reefs producing the goods. The wider reefs have also held a few reasonable kingfish, mulloway, and tasty pearl perch.
Local anglers Mitch Lowe, Joel Pavy, and junior angler Finn Pavy landed this impressive striped marlin off Port Macquarie. Not only did they enjoy some delicious meals like marlin kebabs, tacos, and curry, but they also shared their catch, feeding many local families.
14/9/2024
How awesome is Spring! Apart from the past couple of days the weather has been amazing so far. Anglers love Spring and for good reason, the fishing options are endless out there and with improving conditions things will only continue to fire up over the next couple of months.
Flathead continue to improve down the bottom of Wallis Lake and they will only get better as things continue to warm up. We have seen some very big fish landed down on the rock walls and back near the Fish Co-op all of which have fallen for live baits. Throwing big hard bodies in and around the sand flats has also been working great, September is often the month where you might not get a huge number of fish but the ones you get will be very nice fish and worth every bit of effort. If you are chasing a feed of tasty Flatty tails, heading a bit further up the river is still the best option, think about targeting areas such as Coomba Park, Regatta Island, The Cut and up the Wallamba River.
Bream have well and truly spread throughout the system again now with some nice fish starting to come from the shallow weed and sand areas in the southern half of the lake. Casting shallow crank baits and small soft plastics is the easiest way to fool these fish and you will get the odd one on surface now that the Prawns have started to move about. If you are bait fishing, stick to fishing the Oyster leases, bridge pylons and rock walls where you can expect to run into plenty of solid fish so be ready to go hard if you want to get them out away from the structure!
We have had some great Whiting reports over the past week or so with some very nice fish hammering small surface lures up on the flats. The single biggest factor for chasing these fish on lures is water temperature, you need to be hitting those shallow areas that have a chance to warm up and sit at a temperature above the rest of the estuary. Large bays with shallow sand/weed flats are the places to focus on, the fish down closer to the mouth of the system won’t fire up on the surface lures for a while yet but you will get them if you choose to soak a worm or yabby!
Local beach anglers have enjoyed an unbelievably good winter fishing season with an almost endless supply of solid Tailor, Salmon and Bream for months on end. While we have seen the Tailor numbers taper off a little, there are still some really nice fish about, particularly for those anglers fishing baits into the evening. If you fail to find any Tailor, the Bream and Salmon are almost a guarantee and you just never know when a Mulloway might come along to surprise you! We have heard of a few nice Whiting starting to turn up and this bit of weather may just do wonders as far as they’re concerned, they should be well and truly happening in a couple of weeks’ time.
Anglers persisting with the stones are still seeing a decent amount of pelagic action, the abundance of Pilchards, Whitebait and Sardines has meant that our usually seasonal species such as the Longtail Tuna have decided to hang about a bit longer! While the fish have only been within casting distance on fleeting occasions there are some really solid fish in the pods! While waiting for a Tuna, the wash zones are still holding some great Tailor, Bream, Luderick, Drummer and the odd Snapper.
Our offshore waters are alive with activity and there is no shortage of fish out there waiting to be caught! Bait balls are abundant and predatory species such as Longtail Tuna, Mack Tuna, Bonito and Tailor are all hungrily following them everywhere they go. On the demersal front, Snapper are still fishing very well, particularly out in 30-80m. While I would be hesitant to say that the shallow stuff is firing, the reefs in 10-25m are holding fish and you will most likely manage to land one or two solid ones but that might be it for the session, definitely worth a crack! Those deeper reefs eluded to earlier are also holding some big Trag and Leatherjackets (so pack some wire lol). We have some nice 22 odd degree water holding out wide and it’s loaded with bait so there’s a great opportunity there for anglers hoping to find a Tuna or Marlin, its hard work and makes for long days but you just never know what you might run into out there!
29/5/24
In the Port Macquarie region this week, the beaches are alive with fish. North Shore Beach is a haven for bream, and the action is expected to pick up even more after the full moon on Thursday. In the river, flathead enthusiasts are also having a blast, with soft vibes in the 14-20 gram range proving irresistible. Keep your eyes peeled for mulloway – travelling mullet and tailor are attracting these larger predators, so there’s a chance of landing a trophy catch. Off the rocks tailor fishing has been great, with good catches reported from headlands both north and south of Port Macquarie. This exciting fishing should continue for the coming weeks. Luderick anglers can look forward to improvement as well, with these fish expected to become more active in the coming weeks. While the FADs are being removed for winter, offshore fishing remains productive. Spanish mackerel and cobia can still be found in Plomer Bay and from the reefs straight out the front. Bottom feeders are in for a treat too, with encouraging numbers of snapper and the occasional quality pearl perch being caught around 60 meters off Point Plomer when the current cooperates.
The good times are rolling for bream anglers in Camden Haven this week. Both baits and lures are working a treat, and with the water clearing up, bream are active from the breakwalls all the way to Queens Lake. Flathead fans are also in luck, with a variety of baits and lures enticing these tasty fish. The news is good for luderick anglers too, as fishing at the breakwalls is steadily improving. If you’re hitting the beaches, Grants and Dunbogan offer a steady stream of bream and the occasional whiting. Tailor are keeping things interesting, and a few early season salmon are starting to show up. While there’s no word on monster mulloway, there are plenty of school-sized fish cruising around Lake Cathie and North Haven.
Rock anglers are rejoicing with a surge in drummer numbers over the past week. While popular spots from Port Macquarie to Seal Rocks are productive, but consider exploring the local ledges. These hidden gems offer great fishing in both calm and rough conditions, and often see less fishing pressure. Offshore fishing has transitioned to target bottom feeders. Snapper fishing is particularly promising, with some impressive catches reported, including fish up to 9 kilos. Baits are currently the most effective method, but lures are expected to take centre stage as winter approaches. Keep an eye out for pearl perch, kingfish, and bar cod on the deeper reefs as well.
The Macleay is firing this week, with excellent fishing opportunities across the region. Tailor are a consistent catch off the rocks, with fish present on most headlands. While most are smaller fish, some exceeding 2 kilos have been caught. Drummer numbers are also good, with excellent reports from Hat Head and increasing numbers around the South West Rocks ledges. Flathead fishing in the river remains outstanding, with fish available throughout the area downstream of Jersey. Luderick fishing off the breakwalls has picked up, with some nice catches around a kilo reported. Bream are also active off the breakwalls and in Back Creek, with evenings offering the best results. For mulloway enthusiasts, larger fish have been elusive, but plenty of school-sized fish up to a metre have been caught between the walls and in deeper upstream locations. Offshore, the reefs have been very productive, offering a variety of catches. Snapper and pearl perch are common in depths of 30 to 50 meters off both Grassy and Crescent Head. Kingfish numbers are strong, with fish up to 8 kilos caught in various locations. Even further offshore, anglers with suitable equipment have enjoyed success targeting bar cod and blue eye trevalla. As a reminder, the FAD will be removed in the coming days for its annual winter maintenance.
This week’s fishing photo is of Port Macquarie local Ricky Adorini with a tasty blue eye trevalla he caught deep drop fishing last Friday off Lake Cathie.
14/5/24
The past week brought a soaking that drenched the Mid North Coast, but for us anglers, a sprinkle or two is part of the deal, and good for the waterways in the long run, some extended sunshine would be a welcome catch. The forecast for the remainder of May continues to be a wet one.
The Hastings River has seen a fair amount of rain this past week, stirring up the estuary and causing the water to turn brown. This temporary lack of clarity will shift most fishing action towards the lower reaches of the river, closer to the mouth, until things clear up.
The good news is that the bream fishing has been fantastic and is expected to stay strong for weeks to come. Before the rainfall, anglers were having great success with soft vibe lures during the day. Bait anglers have also been doing well, with mullet strips producing solid catches both day and night. Like bream, flathead fishing in the lower Hastings has been excellent. Lure anglers of all preferences have enjoyed success, while bait anglers have done well with whitebait and prawns. The recent freshwater influx might not trigger a surge in mulloway activity, but some big fish (over 20 kilos!) have been caught around the coal wharf. The rock fishing scene remains dominated by tailor, with some fantastic catches reported from most local ledges. This hot streak extends to both Port Macquarie itself and surrounding areas like Plomer and further north. For these impressive catches, garfish and large lures have proven to be the most effective baits. While not quite as abundant as the tailor, drummer numbers are showing signs of improvement.
On the beaches, bream numbers also remain solid on most beaches. Evening sessions have been producing the better class of fish on either pilchards or slab baits. North Beach and Lighthouse have also held some solid bream and the odd whiting, with worms and pipis seeing good results. Venturing offshore offers a mixed bag of potential catches. For those willing to explore a bit south, inshore reefs around the Lighthouse and nearby areas have seen occasional appearances of cobia, spanish mackerel, and even the odd tuna. Closer to shore, trolling enthusiasts can target plentiful bonito and tailor. The bottom fishing scene hasn’t disappointed either, with some lucky anglers reeling in nice snapper and pearl perch.
Further south this week, Diamond Head ledges have seen a few nice catches of tailor, with some fish reaching up to two and a half kilograms. For those looking for variety, most headlands offer the chance to catch bream and luderick, though the numbers may vary depending on the specific location. On the beaches school mulloway have been active, with Dunbogan and around Lake Cathie worth a look. Now the mullet have begun to travel and tailor numbers consistent, look for increased activity from the better models. Lake Cathie is well and truly open, hopefully in a couple of weeks the water clears up and we see a late season of luderick fishing. Offshore anglers, snapper reports have been promising this past week, with some terrific fish up to five kilos being caught. Baits have been the more productive method lately, but lures are expected to become more effective as winter approaches. In addition to snapper, there have been reports of some terrific pearl perch and even a few decent kingfish from the deeper reefs.
The Macleay River is showing promise for luderick enthusiasts! Numbers have picked up over the last week, with some nice catches reported from the break walls and other spots in the lower reaches. If you can find some green weed, it’s a great bait option, but weed flies and cabbage have also been proving successful. The good news continues for bream fishermen, as consistent catches are coming from both the break walls and Back Creek. Evening sessions seem to be the most productive for larger bream. Mullet strips are a top bait choice, but simply using mullet itself has also been effective.
This week’s photo is of Ben Hill with a blue-eye trevalla he caught off Port Macquarie on a Bay Explorer Marine deep drop rig.
24/4/24
The autumn rains have arrived, and more are on the way later this month. But fear not, anglers! This weekend (Saturday and Sunday) looks like a golden opportunity to get out and cast a line before the next weather event.
The Hastings River hasn’t stopped producing great catches despite the recent rains. Flathead fishing is still fantastic, with live herring and soft plastics being the go-to baits. Even in the dirty water, many local anglers are catching good bags of luderick around the CBD wharfs. Further upstream, bream are still plentiful, with both bait and lures proving effective. The recent freshwater flow attracted many mulloway anglers, and some lucky ones landed a couple of decent fish off the break walls, while others found success with school-sized mulloway further up river. The continuing big swells haven’t been kind to the local beaches, causing some erosion. But for those who braved the conditions, there were rewards. Anglers scored some impressive bream using pipis and mullet strips. Tailor fishing has also picked up steam, with some quality catches reported. Offshore conditions haven’t been ideal lately, but this weekend’s forecast promises calmer seas. Snapper and pearl perch fishing has been good, especially off Point Plomer, but be aware of strong currents that have been present. For pelagic fishing, there have been scattered reports of mackerel further north. Once the wet weather eases, keep an eye out for mackerel catches further south. The season for deep drop fishing is beginning, but reports are needed to see if the strong currents have subsided.
The Camden Haven River has seen a slowdown in luderick catches this week. However, some anglers managed to snag nice fish near the breakwalls using cabbage and green weed flies before the recent rains. Off the rocks, tailor numbers are holding steady for the season, but rough conditions have made accessing many rocky ledges unsafe. Bream and luderick fishing remains consistent in the more sheltered areas around Crowdy. Drummer is another option to target once this swell subsides, especially in areas with washouts.
Big flathead are still cruising the Macleay River, live bait and soft plastics remain the best bet. Rough weather this week kept offshore reports under wraps, but the forecast for this weekend looks like a dream. Get ready for a burst of fishing action both inshore and offshore this weekend.
This week’s angler is Blair Carroll. He speared this impressive Spanish mackerel, all while keeping an eye out for sharks.
24/3/24
Camden Haven has something for every angler this week! The river boasts impressive flathead catches, while the occasional school of mulloway tempts anglers near the break walls. Beaches around Bonny Hills and Dunbogan are schooling with bream and tailor, especially in protected areas where beach worms work wonders. Rock fishing offers a chance to snag some tailor or school mulloway, and venturing further south towards Crowdy Head might reward you with drummer. Remember, calmer mornings before the wind picks up are your best bet. Offshore reports, though not specific to Camden Haven, mention decent catches of snapper, pearl perch, and kingfish off Crowdy Head and around Lake Cathie reefs further north.
In the Hastings River this week, bream fishing in the river is fantastic since recent rainfall. Luderick numbers are improving, responding well to flies near the break walls. Flathead remain plentiful upstream, while the whiting season winds down with a few late catches possible. The future looks bright for mulloway with healthy juvenile populations, and the abundance of mullet downstream suggests larger fish might be on their way. Mud crabs are active but be mindful of trap theft reports. The beach scene is just as exciting! Bream are plentiful across all stretches of sand, with pipis and mullet strips proving effective bait. Beach worm enthusiasts can still score some nice whiting and noticeable increase in tailor numbers, particularly south of Port Macquarie, with anglers reporting catches of good quality fish. Rock fishing is hot too! Tailor are still going strong with catches around two kilos reported from most headlands. Surface poppers and garfish lures are enticing the bigger ones. Drummer season is ramping up nicely, with numbers expected to surge as the water cools down. Bream and luderick are also fishing well off the rocks, Plomer Point to the north being the most productive spot. Offshore conditions remain challenging. Persistent swells and a shallowing bar make crossing hazardous, especially on the outgoing tide. Safety should always be the priority. For those who braved the conditions, reports indicate elusive mackerel near shore due to dirty water. However, Barries Bay offered some cobia catches through the week. Further out, the FAD held juvenile and larger mahi mahi, while bottom fishing near shore produced a steady stream of snapper on both bait and lures.
South West Rocks has been buzzing with fishing activity during the school holidays! Boat ramps and popular spots have seen plenty of local and visiting anglers. Just before the recent rainfall, rock fishing enthusiasts had some success with pelagic catches off the headlands. The Macleay River also delivered a couple of exciting cobia catches near the breakwall, along with some kingfish. However, be aware of the challenging bar conditions. There have been incidents reported weekly, so prioritise safety and avoid venturing out to sea if unsure.
This week’s angler is Brice Hayward. He caught this wahoo recently off the Mid North Coast.
21/2/24
With the end of summer near and southerly winds becoming more common I expect the upcoming autumn fishing season to be a cracker with hopefully plenty of opportunities to head out for a fish.
In the Hastings region this week for anglers looking to fish off the beaches this week, a few local and visitor anglers experienced some terrific action on our coastline during the week. North Shore beach produced good numbers of bream and whiting throughout the day along with a few decent sized tailor throughout the evenings. Off the rocks, bream numbers have been excellent around the Lighthouse and Shelly beach. No real news on the land-based game fishing front, however the enthusiasts are a most secretive bunch who go to great lengths to keep results to themselves. Any time from now on will be worth a look, I would try fish around our northern ledges. In the river, bream numbers have been consistent off the break walls with quite a few bag limit catches reported. Offshore, mackerel fever is spreading with Plomer Bay starting to produce the odd mackerel along with cobia and mack tuna, but most fish were taken by a few larger sharks hanging around the area. For fishing out wider, the FADs have been a little hit and miss although the mahi mahi that have been caught have generally been of good size.
In the Camden Haven River this week some terrific sized flathead were caught by local anglers. Mulloway remain sporadic although a few school sized fish continue to be encountered around the river mouth off both break walls. On the beaches bream and tailor numbers have been excellent off both Bonny Hills and Dunbogan in the protected corners with beach worms being the best bait. Fishing off the rocks this week saw a few nice tailor and school mulloway caught by anglers. Those venturing down toward Crowdy Head have also been finding a few drummer and the odd snapper. Over the weekend I would try fish early in the mornings on sunrise before the wind picks up. For offshore fishing, I received a few reports of decent snapper, pearl perch and kingfish off Crowdy Head and Laurieton reefs.
Further north in the Macleay River region the river continues to produce great sized flathead for anglers targeting those larger record fish. Live bait and soft plastics working well. The pelagic scene during the week produced a few nice mackerel off the Gaol and Grassy. The FADs were a bit hit and miss this week with one day holding nice larger sized mahi mahi and the next day anglers seeing no fish. The weekend forecast looks fantastic, and I would expect to see plenty of fishing action offshore and in the river.
This week’s photo is Rick Adorini with a great bass groper and blue-eye trevalla he recently caught off Port Macquarie on a Bay Explorer deep drop fishing rig.
12/1/24
The offshore scene is the talk of the town as is usual at this time of year, the Port Macquarie Garmin Golden Lure has been the focus for the week. To date catches have been hot and cold, with the odd black marlin in close, a few sharks, whilst wider out has produced good numbers of striped marlin and mahi mahi. Fingers crossed the final days of competition will see better levels of action.
For Port Macquarie anglers, for fishing off the rocks reports have ranged from poor to encouraging depending upon where and when you went. In general, Point Plomer has been holding some nice luderick and a reasonable scattering of tailor, whilst Oxley and Lighthouse Beach have both produced bream. With warm currents now close in, and lots of flooding up the coast in Queensland, look for an early start to our land-based game season. Whilst in the river, whiting numbers have picked up noticeably with Limeburners well worth a look. Live worms remain the bait of choice, however those who prefer to throw surface lures have also again enjoyed success. Flathead catches also remain excellent, with the stretch from Settlement Point up to Rawdon Island producing great results on both live-bait and lures. On the bream front, the break walls are still worth a look with mullet fillets, mullet gut or brined prawns your best bets. For crabbing enthusiasts, muddies have been indecisive in the lower reaches although some nice blue swimmers have been found around Pelican Island and on the weed beds in the main channel.
Further south on the beaches, despite this time of year not generally being rated highly, some reasonable action has been enjoyed by visiting and local anglers. The stretches of sand around Lake Cathie have produced good numbers of bream and flathead. The beaches around the Camden Haven area seem to be holding a few tailor, with both pilchards and metal lures doing the job. The LUSC Family Fishing Bonanza was held last weekend, with challenging conditions there were still some great fish weighed in by competitors. Sarah Hutchison won the Bay Explorer Marine Services biggest bream ‘catch n release’ with a 385mm bream. Well done, Sarah.
In the Macleay River region, there has hardly been a vacant parking spot at the boat ramps with local and visitor anglers spending as much time as they can on the local waterways. In the river the break walls have been producing great numbers of mangrove jack, bream and flathead. Whiting have been popular further upstream on the sand flats on hightide. For offshore anglers, we did see a run of mackerel last week, but it seems to have all gone a little quiet now. The South West Rocks and Hat Head FADs continue to produce nice feeds of mahi mahi for anglers, so far it has been a fantastic year for mahi mahi.
This week’s photo is of Brock Farlow with an 18.2kg Mahi Mahi he caught on boat ‘Backlash II’ in the Port Macquarie Garmin Golden Lure.
