FOR fishers it doesn’t get any better than summer in Port Stephens.

With the water warming and more pleasant weather forecast we can expect an invasion of thumping summer whiting to arrive any time.

From Stockton Beach to Fingal Beaches whiting nose into the sand searching for worms and tiny pipis before entering the port and taking up residence over the huge area of sand flats.

Flatheads are already active, particularly west of Little Island off Soldiers Point.

Remember that any flatty over 70 centimetres must be released.

I have been launching in Kiddies Corner on Fingal Beach for years and in recent times I have been joined by an increasing number of those who prefer to fish out of kayaks which are far more sophisticated than the canoes of the past.

Fingal Bay champ Keith Collins continues to improve his methods as he launches in the quiet southern corner of Fingal Bay and heads for the surrounding reefs, either south to Battleship Island or east to Fingal Island.

Both trips, around a kilometre and a half in distance, offer the opportunity to tangle with salmon, tailor, kingfish or the real prize, snapper – big snapper.

It is snapper that Keith targets and recent results suggest that he is on track.

Crackers to five kilograms have been attacking his floating cubed yellowtail bait on a 4/0 – 6/0 hook. Keith drifts along the edges of the reefs allowing the line to peel freely off the reel.

When he notices the line flying off, he engages the reel and it’s all action from there on.

Other kayakers I know prefer to drift and toss plastics and are returning to the beach with similar results.

Give it a go.

By John ‘Stinker’ CLARKE