Spring has certainly arrived along with plenty of wind from opposite ends of the compass. Standard fare for this time of year unfortunately, although there will be plenty of good periods in between to wet a line in comfort.
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In the estuary, flathead activity is really picking up with some nice fish on offer from most parts of the Hastings. Best reports have come from around the Hibbard area on either soft vibes or whitebait, although shallow divers, glide baits and bent minnows have been working a treat on the shallow sandbanks.
On the bream front, the better action of late has been from Limeburners, although those fishing around Rawdon Island have also been scoring some nice fish. Yabbies and mullet strips have been the most effective bait, while soft vibe lures continue to see good results.
The breakwalls are still worth a look for mulloway either on live bait or large soft plastics, with the change of tide the key to success.
Up river, good numbers of school-sized fish remain active, ranging from juvenile up to around a metre.
On the blackfish scene, the breakwalls and around Settlement Point are still producing a few fish, but you will need patience to gain a reasonable bag.
Some nice whiting are also becoming more active especially at Lake Cathie.
On the subject of the lake, it appears this open phase may be drawing to a close with the entrance beginning to sand-up earlier this week.
Although the large swells may see a bit of water flow in, unless Mother Nature pulls another miracle, it appears closure is imminent.
While many will be disappointed by this natural cycle, prawning enthusiasts are eyeing the coming months with great enthusiasm.
Numbers and quality at present are as good as we have seen for quite a few years, and no doubt the lake will be a hive of activity after dark over the coming months.
On the beaches, conditions have been challenging with plenty of wind and swells over the past week. Still a few whiting and bream around when conditions allow, along with plenty of solid salmon.
Off the rocks, drummer numbers remain consistent if not spectacular, with the odd really nice fish about. Best results over the past week have come from Diamond Head however locally Shelly Beach is worth a look.
Still a few tailor from around the Lighthouse at first light with a slowly spun pilchard the best method.
Offshore, snapper remain the go to species, although the winds and swell have not been kind lately. Best of the limited reports have come from close-in off Shelly and Lighthouse beaches.
While soft plastics have accounted for most of the better quality fish, solid numbers have been found by those prepared to anchor, burley and fish lightly weighted pilchards.
Hopefully the weather improves and lockdown distance restrictions are lifted so all options are again available in the near future.
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