Not only have the numbers been very good but the quality of fish caught has been outstanding with snapper over 10kg not uncommon and 3 over 12kg landed in the last couple of months.

There is an increasing swing by snapper fishers to plastics as they discover the effectiveness of the method. Plastics don't require storage and freezing, they are clean, convenient and easy to use.

There is no secret technique in the use of plastics when fishing for snapper it is simply a case of casting in the direction of your drift and permit the plastic to sink in the most natural fashion. The real art in the use of plastics is knowing where to toss them.

There is a lot of water out there where snapper aren't. The most likely spots for a successful return are Fishermans Bay, Fingal Outer Light, Boondelbah Island and Broughton Island.If you are an old fashioned bait user like me use squid, big prawns, fresh bonito or slimy mackerel fillets for the best results.

Inside the Port the flathead have gone crackers since being washed downstream following the recent heavy rains. Shoal Bay, Nelson Bay, Corlette, Lemon Tree Passage and Karuah are boiling with thumping "lizards" on the southside of the harbour while overseas they are waiting in ambush along Jimmys Beach, Corrie Island and Pindimar.

If you have time this week on Thursday or Saturday, drop in and say "Gooday" to me between 9am-12pm at the Community College (opposite the Nelson Bay Police Station).

I will be signing books and showing old historical fishing photos. Friday I will be at Nelson Bay Newsagency.

I wish all my readers and holiday makers a very Merry and safe Christmas.

STINKER