Hooked on the Haven: Snapper sensation and estuary excellence Camden Haven by News Of The Area - Modern Media - August 18, 2024 Brett Fuller with a fantastic snapper he caught on a soft plastic. THE Camden Haven region continues to deliver for anglers, with a mix of beach, estuary, and offshore options. Beach-based anglers have been treated to the occasional thrill of encountering fast-paced salmon schools. Small metal lures have been the weapon of choice to entice these hard-fighting fish, with a few tailor often joining the fight. Advertise with News of The Area today. It’s worth it for your business. Message us. Phone us – (02) 4981 8882. Email us – media@newsofthearea.com.au Both Dunbogan and North Haven have been consistent producers of bream, with whiting also making an appearance. For those chasing the elusive mulloway, Lake Cathie remains the hotspot. Offshore, snapper numbers remain strong across most reefs. While plenty of plate-sized fish are being caught, along with larger models caught on reefs off Lake Cathie. Soft plastics and traditional anchoring and burley techniques have proven successful for targeting these fish. These past few weeks since the large swell we have seen some of the best snapper fishing in years. Anglers venturing further offshore have encountered samson fish and kingfish, while the increasing numbers of slimy mackerel suggest that striped marlin season may be just around the corner. The Port Macquarie area continues to impress with its consistent bream fishing off the rocks. From the Lighthouse in Port Macquarie to Point Plomer, anglers have been enjoying success with this popular target species. For those seeking a more local option, Rocky’s and Miners have produced good results. Prawns and mullet strips remain the preferred baits, but worms and pipis have also proven effective. Luderick numbers are holding steady, with Shelley’s and Point Plomer providing reliable opportunities. Tailor fishing has been sporadic, with only the occasional quality fish being caught. Mulloway enthusiasts have found some success around Miners and the Lighthouse, with both bait and lures producing results. Offshore conditions have been ideal, with anglers taking advantage to explore the inshore reefs. Snapper, kingfish, and leatherjackets have been common catches, and the water temperature hovering around nineteen to twenty degrees suggests the potential for tuna encounters out wide. Overall, the Camden Haven and Hastings River region is experiencing a productive fishing period. Whether you’re targeting species on the beach, in the estuary, or offshore, there are plenty of opportunities to enjoy a successful day on the water. The forecast for the weekend is looking below average but hopefully the forecast improves as it gets closer. By Kate SHELTON