In the estuary, flathead numbers remain excellent, with the entire Hastings system fishing well. Pick of the baits by far has been whitebait, but yabbies are also working extremely well. Lures are an excellent alternative with soft vibes remaining a standout.

Whiting numbers are gradually on the improve, particularly around Blackmans Point and up Limeburners, with worms and yabbies working well as bait. Once the water warms a little more, look for them to feed a little more aggressively.

Lake Cathie is also worth prospecting for whiting and flathead, and one lucky angler also scored a terrific 11.3 kilogram mulloway on a small soft plastic intended for flathead. In the Hastings, mulloway remain reasonable with the breakwalls seeing a few school fish taken on both lures and baits.

On the bream front, best reports have come from around Rawdon Island on both plastics and surface lures, although the ocean side of the north wall has also been worth a look with baits. Those hitting the fresh have also been doing exceptionally well on bass which is great to see.

Off the beaches, school mulloway numbers remain above average, with positive reports from both Lighthouse and North Beach, as well the beaches throughout the Camden Haven. Most have been in the school size range however the odd better fish to around 14 kilos has been taken. Beach worms, tailor and whole squid have all proven effective. Apart from mulloway, Lighthouse has produced a few nice bream and whiting despite the cool water currently hugging our coastline.

Off the rocks, results remain only average as is usually the case at this time of year. Best bet is to chase a few tailor at first light from the Lighthouse, alternately Shelley’s  and Plomer are both worth a look for blackfish and the odd bream.

Those travelling south to either Crowdy or Diamond heads are still finding a sporadic showing of late season drummer and groper, with the cool water likely to see them remain active for a few weeks yet.

Offshore, last weekend saw good conditions for a change, however normal service has again been resumed with the next few days questionable at best. Those who have been out report mixed results, with variable water temperatures and currents certainly not making life easy. The wider reefs off Plomer have again yielded kingfish, with both jigs and live bait effective.

The FAD has also produced a few kingfish and mahi mahi, however picking the day with a bit of warm water and current has been paramount to success. Wider out, marlin action has been most encouraging with some terrific blues seen over the past week. This is a great sign with the Golden Lure now only a month or so away.

Until next week, good fish and tight lines to all.