THERE are so many fishing options available to those who choose to visit Port Stephens over the Christmas break.

I have listed but a few, with an emphasis on the kids in your team, that should be considered remembering that safety is far more important than catching a fish.

Plan A: Obtain a beach permit for your 4×4 vehicle. Permits are available through the Council or at the Anna Bay servo.

Head off to Stockton Beach for a day with the family chasing whiting, which are gathering just behind the shore break.

Bait of worms or pipis can be collected on the beach but be aware that rules do apply on the numbers that can be taken.

Pipis cannot be removed from the beach.

Take care while travelling on the beach as it becomes busy at this time of the year. Also be respectful to the traditional owners, the Worimi people, who are active along the beach.

Plan B: Still considering whiting? Head for Fingal Beach mid-way between the Surf Club and the notorious Fingal Spit.

Worms, which can be caught on the beach, are deadly bait on a rising tide into the evening.

Do not be surprised to hook a flathead, salmon, mulloway or a lazy bream.

Why notorious? The sandy finger connecting Fingal Beach to Fingal Island is moody and unpredictable.

My advice is not to cross.

Plan C: For those who own a boat, launch at Soldiers Point and spend the day floating around the port.

This place is spectacular. I have been here for 50 years and I’m not over it yet.

A great day for the kids. Small trumpeter whiting are great fun and easy to catch drifting from Soldiers Point to the Karuah River.

Lemon Tree Passage and Tilligerry Creek are awesome spots where there is always a big chance to catch a cracker flathead.

While you are at it set a crab trap which you can pick up at the end of your outing.

A message to crabbers – Witches Hats are banned in Port Stephens along with all traps which have an entrance over 32 centimetres.

The reason is that we have a large population of Green Turtles that we are protecting.

Please report any incidents of turtles in distress to NPWS.

Plan D: Those with a bigger boat should spend time around Broughton Island.

Situated some 14km from the entrance to the port Broughton is a must visit.

The reefs around the island are loaded with snapper while the beaches on the island are alive with whiting and flathead.

You may wish to give fishing a miss for a while and wander around the island and check out the birdlife and suck in the amazing history.

I wrote a book some time ago called “Broughton Islanders” which is available through the Tourist Information Centre.

Welcome to Port Stephens, truly a water wonderland.

Any questions? Contact me at stinkerfishing@yahoo.com.

By John ‘Stinker’ CLARKE