As has been the case for a few weeks now, the Mid-North Coast is currently going through the change of seasons.
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Winds from most points of the compass, together with the mercury varying from quite cool to rather warm, has been the staple diet of late.
The only thing missing thus far has been the occasional cracking afternoon storm, although you can bet one or two won't be to far away.
In the estuary, flathead remain the star attraction with quality fish on offer from most parts. The better catches have been acquired from areas upstream, with the Maria and around Rawdon Island again fishing quite well. While lures have proven particularly effective, whitebait has also been achieving top results.
A few bream are also on offer around Rawdon Island during the day, although by and large the results have been a little below that of recent weeks. A much needed fresh would do wonders on this front.
Also in the estuary, whiting numbers are steadily improving and should really begin to pick up from this part of the season onwards.
Limeburners and around Pelican Island are both worth a look with either worms or yabbies. Still a few blackfish about for those putting in the time, with fresh cabbage achieving the better results.
On the mulloway front, results have slowed around the breakwalls however a few nice school fish remain active around the highway bridges and deeper holes up river.
Off the beaches, the news is not great with red weed now showing up in several locations. Hat Head is reported to have quite thick pockets in places, while North Beach has also seen quite a bit come in during the week.
This is horribly similar to last year's pattern, and in the absence of significant flooding in the short term, it looks like being a scourge again this summer. Time will tell in this regard.
In the interim, Lighthouse has held a few reasonable bream, while some nice whiting were on offer in front of Lake Cathie.
Off the rocks, still the occasional drummer on offer however you will need to locate the few remaining washed out gutters, and burley hard for them.
A few bream are also on offer, and should be even better once the current full moon phase begins to wane. Blackfish numbers remain reasonable, with Diamond Head and Point Perpendicular the pick of locations.
Offshore, Geoff from Fish Port Macquarie Charters reports results have been a little mixed, primarily due to a lack of current and some cool water.
Despite this, snapper remain in reasonable numbers in the 40 to 50 metres depth off both Port and Plomer, while some nice kingfish have been sporadically active a little wider.
We have also has a few reports of mahi mahi already hanging around the NSW Fisheries FAD, although they are yet to be aggressively feeding. Perhaps the next push of warm water down from the north will see them fire up.
Until next time, tight lines and good fishing to all.