Julie/Graeme, Anglers Warehouse Tweed Heads (07) 5536 3822
anglerswarehouse@shopsafe.com.au
Wayne, Kingscliff Bait and Tackle
Matthew/Charlie, Deep Sea Fishing Charters

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Outside: Snapper, spotted & bar markerel local reefs to black rock

Rock & beach: Bream on south beach.
Bream on New Brighten beach, South wall bream & tailor

River: Bream & Blackfish around boat harbor, around spur wall. Whiting & flathead at Simpson creek right up to the bowing club. Bream, flathead around highway bridge more flathead around ferry reserve caravan park. Whiting up the river, Mangrove jacks & mud crabs as well.

Joe
BP Discount Fishing Tackle Brunswick Heads (02) 66851268
brunswick-fishing@netspace.net.au

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David Keevers, Coastal Fishing Tackle (02) 6685 7133

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Dave’s Bait Shop (02) 6686 2481
&
Tony Zann

t.zann@fishingmonthly.com.au

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Paul Kneller
Big River Bait and Tackle, Maclean (02) 6645 1834

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Peter Russell, Fish Tackle Australia 6652 4611
motackle@midcoast.com.au

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Mark and Denise Bird and Paul and Michelle Martin
Rocks Marine Bait and Tackle 6566 6726
rocksmarine@dodo.com.au

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In the estuaries at present, flathead and whiting have been the pick of the species, with Blackmans Point and the Maria fishing quite well. Best results of the flatties have been achieved during the last of the run out tide, whilst the last of the run in has seen the better whiting action. Lake Cathie also continues to produce excellent whiting, with plenty of fish well over 400g on offer. However on the flattie scene, it is once again disappointing to hear stories of big flatties being removed from around the break walls. Now whilst we cannot pass hard judgement on anyone taking what fisheries regulations allow, one particular gentleman was observed taking 3 big fish well over 70cms which is not only outside regulations, but simply a blatant waste of poor eating breeding females. To make matters worse, this gentleman was also planning another full on assault on a couple larger specimens lost during that particular session. Pure ego driven stupidity and simply another example of why a slot size limit like implemented in QLD should be in place here.

On the beaches, whiting numbers have been excellent with Lighthouse producing the better results. Best bait has been live beach worms, however pipis have also accounted for some quality bags. In with the whiting, bream numbers are on the improve, with the quality above what is usual for this time of year. Tailor remain poor however expect an improvement in the very near future as reports from further south are encouraging. On the jew front, a few schoolies have been snared from North Beach and around Lake Cathie, however fishing the high tide has been the key to success. This weekend onwards will be prime time for an early evening expedition.

Not a great deal of action of the rocks of late, apart from the continued run of drummer, particularly around Point Plommer and Hat Head. Tailor numbers have been average at best, with the dawn sessions proving best. On the land based game scene, last weekend saw the first real warm current of the season swing close to the coast, so with favourable conditions ahead, the season should be just about ready to fire.

Offshore reports over the past week have been limited given relatively poor conditions, however great to see the continued success of the Golden Lure game fishing tournament. Congratulations to the committee and those involved in making the tournament a success for not only all the anglers and spectators involved, but also a great advertisement for the local area. Great work and we look forward to another great tournament in 2006.

Jason and Virginia Isaac, Ned Kelly’s Bait and Tackle 6583 8318
jasned@ozemail.com.au

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Offshore - The ongoing windy conditions have allowed the local fleet one day at sea in the last week. When they did get out, there were big Mahi Mahi at the FAD, Striped Marlin on the 100 Fathom line and a few small Black Marlin in close. The reefs continue to provide a feed of Reds, Pearl Perch and assorted reef species. There are enough Kingfish around to become by-catch if you are using live bait for the Mahi Mahi.

Beaches and Rocks - Small Tailor, some Whiting and Bream have come from most beaches. Salmon are still being reported. Overall the beach and rock fishing is slower than you would hope for at this time of the year.

Estuary - Once again the Mulloway have fired up on the Tuncurry Breakwall with smaller fish to 10kg common. Overall the estuary system is providing quality fishing with the only disappointment being the slow crab season to date.

Lloyd Campbell, Great Lakes Tackle 02 6554 9541

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Too busy to talk, same as last week, basically.

Graham Duffy, Salamander Bait and Tackle 02 4982 0711

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WHERE TO FISH THIS WEEKEND.........

OUTSIDE
-Merewether reefs for Tragalin, Jewfish and Snapper.(full moon coming up, better time at night)
-Redhead close for Snapper and Kingfish. Try early in the mornings before the sun comes up,15-20m.
-All the farm reefs for Pearl Pearch, Mahi-Mahi and Kingies. Try the FAD(33-10-005,151-48-976)

LAKE/BEACH
-Blacksmiths beach for whiting and flathead, tailor in the pm.
-Lucy's breakwall and the sunken breakwall for BIG bream and tailor, trevally. Use the 'softies'
-Blue swimmer crabs at Summerland point
-Belmont bay for snapper, jewfish, try the dropover of a night with the moon on the rise.
-Coal point on the drift for flathead and flounder.

WEEKEND WEATHER
-SAT => e/se wind 10-15knotts, high tide=7.15 am
-SUN => s/e increasing to 15-25 knots, high tide=8.40 am

Peter Sanderson, Fisherman's Warehouse (02) 4945 8922
enquiries@fishermanswarehouse.com.au

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Aaron / Joel
Freddys Fishing World (02) 4367 5555
Shop 1/ 229 The Entrance Rd Erina

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Cold southerlies in the midst of summer are definitely not something any fisherman had on his Christmas list last year, but the fishing gods are as cruel as they can be kind, and seem to be conspiring against us. If there is just a few more warm days in a row we may see a huge turnaround in fortunes, especially in the harbour, but that’s not to say there is nothing about at present. Those that braved the inclement conditions were rewarded, such as Travis Laughton, who pulled several good Bream to 30cm off wharves and other structures around the bays east of the city, whilst in the midst of a windstorm. Most of the fish were belting soft plastic grubs jigged just off the bottom.

Some good sized and pretty tasty Flounder have also taken to the harbour at the moment, and catches have come from almost every sandy drift, including off Neilsen Park. A couple of monsters have also been taken from areas with shell grit bottoms, as high up as Roseville Bridge. Fresh pilchard and whitebait have accounted for the most fish.

Pittwater on the other hand is experiencing some beautifully warm water, and the Kings love it. Kingfish averaging about 75cm are putting many a rod and reel through their paces, almost exclusively for those fishing live squid, of which there is a major lack of course. Both sides of the Pittwater foreshore are working, though usually at different times. Pick your side and stick it out, with plenty of berley. Remember there are some absolute monsters around, as can be attested to by Pittwater Pete, who had 150metres of 30lb braid stripped before he could blink this week, before the fish unmercifully raked him through the moorings and busted him. No small fish!

Offshore is still comparatively slow, but some OK fishing is to be had on wide grounds just north of Sydney. Plenty of bait out there is holding a few interested though quite small Striped Marlin, which can be picked up by downrigging a live slimy, or with lesser success on a variety of skirted lures.

Darren Thomas
Fish Outta Water 9949 9488
fishon@uunet.com.au

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Garth, Deans Bait and Tackle, Windang 4295 1615

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This time of the year everything seems to be biting. It’s probably easier to mention what hasn’t been on the chew. Out wide reports of Marlin have been few and far between, although the boys have been catching the odd Yellowfin Tuna. Hopefully the Marlin season will pick up soon, the bait fish are here in large numbers but are hanging in close. Maybe it’s worth working in close for the Marlin this season, one off the rocks might be a possibility.

On the beaches, Salmon have been quiet, with reports of good Salmon catches starting to filter through from down south of Batemans Bay. The Bream, Flathead and Whiting are still fishing extremely well from the corner of the beaches.

Rivers are fishing well, with Flathead and Bream the main targets. Most anglers having good catches of Flathead and quite a few stories of 80cm plus Flathead being caught. There also has been plenty of Garfish, Whiting, Flounder and the odd Jewfish being caught. This time of year just get out and fish anything possible.

Rodney Stockman,
Harry’s Bait and Tackle
ph 02 4472 4393, fax 02 4472 3405

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Darryl, The Ocean Hut (02) 4476 2278

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Darren Redman and Mark Rose,
Bermagui Ocean Hut and Charter Booking Service, (02) 6493 4688

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