Let’s dive into the fishing hotspots and what’s been biting.

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Up north, Grassy Head has been a haven for mackerel enthusiasts.

Spanish and spotted mackerel have been caught in good numbers, although the recent influx of sharks has made landing these prized fish a bit more challenging.

Water temperatures hovering around 24 degrees have created ideal conditions for these pelagic predators.

The Macleay River has been producing consistent results, with cobia, flathead, and mulloway being the primary targets.

Anglers have also been rewarded with impressive catches of mud crabs further upstream.

A few lucky anglers have also caught cobia off the break walls and headlands.

Offshore, the inshore black marlin season has kicked off with a bang, with anglers landing 30 to 40-kilogram fish.

Hat Head has been the epicentre of this action, with live bait proving to be the most effective lure.

Moving south, the Port Macquarie area has been a hot spot for mahi mahi, with fish up to 12 kilograms being caught off the FAD.

Live bait has been the key to success in targeting these exciting fighting fish.

While there have been no reports of mackerel or marlin from Plomer Bay, the arrival of these species is imminent.

For those who prefer freshwater fishing, the upper reaches of the Hastings, Pappinbarra, and Wilson Rivers have been producing excellent Australian bass.

Cicada lures have been the go to for these hard fighting fish.

Lake Cathie continues to delight anglers with abundant flathead, whiting, and the odd mulloway. School prawns and yabbies have been the most effective baits, and the eastern side of the lake, closer to the beach, has been the prime fishing location.

The Camden Haven River has seen a surge in flathead activity, with lures and natural baits like mullet strips and prawns proving equally effective.

Bream fishing has been best around Henry Kendall Reserve, particularly during high tide, using green prawns as bait.

The recent southerly change this week may influence fishing conditions, but there’s hope that it will push in warmer water and more fish just in time for the Christmas break.

By Kate SHELTON