Heading into grand final weekend, it's great to reflect on the Covid challenges overcome this season.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
It will be game on in two deciders this Saturday and Sunday, not to mention the Cox Plate - and who'd have thought that in March?
But now the weekend weather is throwing up another challenge and it's not looking all that flash for fishing.
"It looks like it's going to blow and rain it's ring out," according to Sean Griffiths from Fisherman's Warehouse at Marks Point.
"People will have to tuck into a corner opposite the wind and take cover, I think. Also a bit of swell about too.
"Best advice might be to sneak a quick fish in and then get ready for the grand final."
Love a contest
Speaking of contests, there's some exciting fishing competitions looming in early November, which again show how far we've come this year.
On the 7th and 8th Teralba Lakesiders Fishing Club will hold their Junior Teams Fishing Tournament.
The catch and release format is open to anglers 16 years and under and there is an amazing array of prizes on offer.
Entry across two divisions is free and you have until October 25 to register by emailing Teralbajuniorteamsfishingtournament@mail.com.
Following that, anglers will gear up for a shot at $20,000 in prizes at the inaugural Let's Fish Lake Mac competition, running from 7am, Friday November 13 to 2pm Sunday, November 15.
It's Lake Mac Council's first major event since Covid-19. All competitors receive a brag mat and unique code for verification. Anglers catch, photograph and release their entries.
Target species are bream, flathead, tailor and whiting and there are prize packs worth up to $1000 across senior and junior categories.
"Fishing is one of the most popular recreational pursuits in Lake Macquarie, and the ongoing rehabilitation of the lake makes it an even more enjoyable and rewarding experience," Lake Macquarie Mayor Cr Kay Fraser said.
"Let's Fish Lake Mac is a tremendous initiative by Lake Macquarie City Council and I'm keen to see serious anglers, families and mates all fishing for $21,000 in prizes over the three days," Event Director Michael Guest, from Reel Action TV, said.
Entry is $20 per person and all entrants over 18 must have a NSW Fishing Licence.
For further information and to register for the event, go to letsfishlakemac.com.au.
Fish fire up
Flathead and whiting have come on the chew in Lake Macquarie in the wake of the October prawn run.
"There's been some cracking flathead about this week ranging from 60cm to 80cm, and some great big whiting," Sean said.
"Also been kingfish up to 75cm lurking around Swansea bridge and biting on live squid.
"The funny thing about the prawn run, which finished up last week, is that not that many people got into it - not sure if it was a weather last weekend, or what."
Sean reports fishing outside Swansea is going very well, and he should know having headed out last Friday with the Tackleworld Team to celebrate his 50th birthday.
This very nearly puts Sean's story into the Old Man and the Sea category but of course we all know 50 is the new 30, right Sean?
"We headed out with a few blokes from work and my son Bailey with Daniel Fitzgerald from Sandy Bottom Charters," Sean said.
"Daniel's an excellent skipper and he put us right on the fish.
"We got snapper, morwong, ocean pearch, nanigai and of course leatherjackets.
"It was an excellent day."
The day marked a bit of a milestone for Bailey who's been doing it tough with his health.
"It was great to get him out there - it's been a journey but he's doing well," Sean said. "We were on the 90-metre mark which was a good effort for him and he got a good mixed bag. It was great to celebrate my birthday with him."
Catching the bug
Simon Rowe, from Tackle Power Sandgate, reports some nice tailor along Stockton Beach this week, lurking in the deeper gutters.
"Up the valley, the bass have really come on the chew in the impoundments," Simon said.
"That little bit of rain and extra temp has fired up the bugs and that's got the fish going.
"Been a similar story with the prawn run in the lake, whiting and flathead action on the increase in the shallows.
"Out wide this week, I heard word that a blue marlin was hooked by people chasing yellowfin."
Fish of the Week
For your chance to win the $45 Fish of the Week prize courtesy of Tackle Power Sandgate, email your pics to fishing@newcastleherald.com.au with catch and contact details.