Friday 6.5.22
From the end of the Easter Holidays into the start of May weather conditions for the most part have been good. The odd day of rain with cooler conditions in the mornings the water temperature remains warm for this time of year.
The big flush of our estuary system has certainly activated the fishing with everything from blackfish to snapper in the bay together with both mac and longtail tuna while flathead have been reported in many spots.
I have also had reports of blue swimmer and mud crabs in and round North Arm Cove and Tilligerry Creek. The snapper in the Bay have been crazy I have seen pic’s of fish to 99cm which are huge and many others around 80-90cm from various fisho’s – not many of which are keen to share their locations and pic’s which I understand that being said the snapper are in the bay and feeding on whole squid, fresh/dead fish baits so find a reef location / structure and work the change of tide with your baits down a long berley trail and you’re in with a chance.
For those keen blackfisho’s they are here and taking baits, the main Breakwall is the key location, inside near the marine rescue boat in the afternoons, if you like fishing in a swimming pool! I’d prefer to fish the outside wall on the tide change. Both weed and cabbage are working well I’d suggest a rich berley mix at the start of the season with a drop or two of aniseed. All reports are the fish were sizable and in good condition with 6 and 8’s being taken.
For those interested in starting blackfishing this season, check-out;
Reports of flathead from Roywood Reserve, Nelson Bay Beach towards Fly Point, Northern end of Dutchies Beach and Tilligerry Creek. Fish taking both plastics and bait. Remember flathead will wait in hiding to ambush their prey as swim’s past.
Long tail Tuna have been reported from Both the Anchorage and Main Break walls as well as Wanda Headland and Little Beach Boat Ramp. Reports of fish to 18kg from Sally Shores Wharf and The Tubes. Some larger Mac Tuna in the mix in the tuna schools. Plenty bonito on the move in the Bay taking small metals.
Hit Shoal Bay wharf for the last of the garfish, as well as the odd Tailor on metals or pilchards. Bream to 1kg from the small wharf at the Southern end of Little Beach with the odd black fish starting to hit the nets. Reports of flathead from Rocks Awash to 60cm on plastics.
The odd jew being taken on the tide change Western side of Middle Island and Entrance to Fame Cove. Winter whiting on the chew on the drift West of Shag Island and North of Bulls Island, prawns and worms doing the damage.