OFFSHORE fishing from Birubi north to Broughton Island is as good as it gets.
Snapper is without doubt the most sought after fish because of its tenacious fighting qualities and outstanding performance in the kitchen.
The offshore coastal stretch to Seal Rocks, including the islands, is dominated by reef – ideal habitat for snapper.
Mulloway cruise in healthy schools over the same reefs and are mainly targeted during the warmer months.
Kingfish and teraglin are never far away.
Interestingly I am reporting an increasing number of “northern visitors” particularly pearl perch, spangled emperor and rarely mangrove jack.
Baitfish, tuna, bonito, slimy mackerel and yellow tail are always available – in most cases in the berley trail right under your boat.
The incredible number of sand flathead that snooze on the huge offshore expanses of sand continue to provide consistent results for drifters.
Rock fishing from Boat Harbour to Fingal, in the right conditions, is sensational.
Snapper are keen to rumble in a rising sea, along with black drummer, bream, leatherjacket, tailor, salmon, mulloway, kingfish and luderick.
Fishing off all coastal rock ledges and headlands is dangerous and every precaution must be taken – certainly not the place for a novice or family excursion.
Wear a life jacket at all times on the rocks.
The beach fisherman is well catered for with Stockton, Fingal and Hawks Nest being the most popular.
Stockton Beach, which is 4×4 friendly with a Council permit, is a hive of activity, particularly over the summer months when whiting move into the deeper holes along with flathead and mulloway.
As conditions become cooler, schools of tailor, salmon and bream move in.
Kingsley, One Mile and Fingal beaches also load up with summer whiting and are popular as family fishing destinations. Remember you are fishing inside the boundaries of the Port Stephens – Great Lakes Marine Park and rules do apply.
When the Marine Park was declared many were of the opinion that the Park would mean the end of fishing and boating in Port Stephens and be economically devastating to the local community.
As time has passed the fears have proven to be unfounded and the local waters have remained the iconic fishing haven that it has been for as long as records have been kept.
The community continues to thrive and attract fishing and boating families from far and wide.
Having said that, a review of the Marine Park – its boundaries, rules and effectiveness – is well overdue.
By John ‘Stinker’ CLARKE
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