In the estuary, flathead numbers remain reasonable however, there have been a lot of juvenile fish in between the keepers. Whitebait as usual has been the bait of choice, however lures of all varieties have been most productive.

Best reports have come from around Rawdon Island in the Hastings, however Lake Cathie has also been worth a look. The lake has also been fishing quite well for whiting despite being closed to the ocean.

On the bream front, there are still a few fish responding to surface lures in the upper reaches, however the numbers and enthusiasm seen over recent months is no longer there. Deeper presentations or bait fishing will likely see the better action in the weeks and months ahead.

Also in the river, a few very large schools of blackfish have been sighted throughout the system, however have yet to begin feeding in earnest.

On the crabbing front, mud crabs remain terrific in most areas up river, while around Hibbard and the back channel has produced a few nice blue swimmers.

Off the rocks, after a somewhat sluggish start to the land-based game season, a few longtail tuna have finally shown up. Point Perpendicular and Hat Head have both been worth visiting, with the latter also seeing the odd cobia and spanish mackerel encounters.

Tailor numbers have also been consistent, with Point Plomer and Lighthouse holding the odd solid fish to near 2 kilograms along with a few nice bonito. Plomer has produced a few bream and the odd school mulloway after dark.

On the beaches, results have been reasonable without being spectacular. Lighthouse has produced a few bream and whiting with beach worms the bait of choice. Shelly Beach has been worth a look for blackfish. Those throwing lures at first or last light have also scored a few tailor. School mulloway have been a little quite however the evening tides this weekend are terrific.

On the offshore scene, results remain quite mixed as do the ocean currents. On most days, the current has been strong up north, but okay south of the Lighthouse.

Those throwing lures have been achieving reasonable results on snapper, with a few nice fish on offer. Those content to fish baits have also scored a few pan sized reds together with the odd most welcome pearl perch.

As is often the case at this time of year, Barries Bay has been well patronised with a flotilla of craft chasing mackerel. Some days have seen plenty of fish to around 20 kilos, while other only the odd mac tuna. Patience, tide changes and scoring a day with good water colour seem to be the key ingredients.

Wider out, the FAD remains worth visiting for mahi mahi, while marlin numbers are consistent for the game fishing enthusiasts.

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