OFFSHORE Port Stephens provides the most spectacular snapper habitat, with jagged reefs stretching from Birubi to Broughton Island.

For those targeting the southern reefs from Fingal to Fishermans Bay it is easiest to launch off the beach at Boat Harbour, which can cause a few problems if you are unfamiliar with launching over the sand.

From Fingal north to Broughton it is necessary to launch inside the harbour at Shoal Bay, Little Beach or Soldiers Point.

Remember that the beach launching site off Fingal Beach is closed until after the school holidays.

The closure has been put in place by Port Stephens Council to protect the beach goers and kids that visit over the holiday period.

I support the Council move as it is far too dangerous to drive through the gathering of excited holiday makers.

The Fingal closure does not concern kayakers who simply push their craft down the beach and do not require a vehicle.

One such kayaker is Fingal champion Keith Collin who paddles across Fingal Bay and drifts over the reef in around ten metres of water.

Using fresh cut bait of mullet or yellowtail Keith floats his bait into the strike zone – whammo!

Those who prefer to fish the beaches are in for a bonanza with cracker whiting swimming just behind the shore break.

Maitland visitors, the Nancarrow boys, have been having a ball on both Stockton and Fingal Beaches.

Worms are by far the best bait however they are becoming increasingly expensive.

My advice is to learn how to catch them.

It’s easy once you get the knack.

By John ‘Stinker’ CLARKE