IT was back in 1974 when I arrived in Port Stephens to take up an appointment as PE Teacher at Nelson Bay High School the following year. Having no knowledge of the area I was fortunate in that I knew Ken McCray, a teacher at Anna Bay Public School. My wife Ella and I were […]
The Fingal Spit. Photo: Supplied by John ‘Stinker’ Clarke.
LIVING in tranquil Fingal Bay, surrounded by incredible natural beauty, it is difficult to visualise the area as a centre of great volcanic activity, bubbling and hissing lava, heaving earth movement and giant blocks tumbling into the sea. In the time of great change the islands off our coastline were part of the mainland. When […]
I AM asked at times: “What is the biggest fish you have caught?” I immediately think of a thumping cobia I caught off the rocks off Cabarita headland some years ago. Kingfish, snapper and mulloway come to mind. Then I think of the monster I caught off Fingal. It was when I had Graham Duffy […]
If you’re fishing off the rocks, wear a lifejacket and try to fish with a mate.
FROM recent reports black drummer, also known as rock blackfish, are keen to rumble off the rocks anywhere between Fingal and Rocky Point. Best baits include fresh or salted cunjevoi, or bread and prawns tossed into a bread berley trail. A 2/0 hook and just enough lead to get you into the strike zone, which […]
The northern face of Broughton Island looking toward Seal Rocks. Photo: Supplied.
RECREATIONAL fishers are forever seeking the ultimate fishing experience. Fishing Utopia, the jewel in the crown. Well, I have found it! Two kilometres off the coast between Port Stephens and Forster sits an island wonderland where the fishing opportunities are endless. Three kilometres long and two kilometres wide, Broughton Island is the only island off […]
The Government’s Dutton (Ebor) and Gaden (Snowy Mountains) Trout Hatcheries produce millions of trout and salmon each year.
THE 2025-26 trout fishing season officially opened on Saturday 4 October following the annual four-month closure to allow fish to spawn and reproduce. The season remains open to midnight 8 June 2026. Rivers and streams across NSW are in prime condition, with two million Brown Trout, Rainbow Trout, Brook Trout and Atlantic Salmon to be […]
Fishing clubs can apply for up to $2,000 to host a variety of activities, such as casting and fishing workshops. Photo: Kim Ambrose/SaltyFoxFotography.
FISHING clubs and associated organisations are being encouraged to join in the state-wide ‘Gone Fishing Day’ festivities on Sunday 19 October by hosting their own events. NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) Acting Director Fisheries Management, Bryan Van Der Walt said clubs can apply for a fishing package or grants up to […]
THE NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) is harnessing the power of drones to enhance fisheries compliance operations DPIRD Director Fisheries Compliance Mika Malkki said fisheries officers are responsible for monitoring the vast coastline and inland lakes and rivers across NSW and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) are proving to be a game […]
