I don't think I have met a kid who doesn't want to go fishing, and Port Stephens is just the place to start.

The wharves, jetties and breakwalls that surround the Port are all open for business with the most popular being Shoal Bay, Little Beach, Nelson Bay and Salamander.

These spots are easy to reach, safe and there is always a big chance to catch a bream.

The beaches both outside and inside the Port are loading up with early summer whiting, keen to attack a well-presented worm.

Rock fishing is a dangerous game so give it a miss - there are plenty of other safer options.

This week NSW Fisheries announced changes to recreational fishing that will come into force on November 3.

The bag limit of local species, including blue swimmer crabs, luderick and bream, has been reduced from 20 to 10 with a possession limit of 20.

Fisheries state "10 fish per person per day still provides a sufficient quantity for a person to feed themselves and their family". I agree.

I have always maintained that you catch the amount of fish that you need.

Why continue to catch fish just because you can?

Official notification has been given by Fisheries that witches hats and wide-mouthed crab traps are under review because of their impact on the turtle population in Port Stephens.

Expect a phasing out of these methods before Christmas.

To view a video explaining the changes and for further information visit dpi.nsw.gov/au/fisheries/recreational.

Stinker