Time to reflect on how best we can manage the increasing popularity of Port Stephens as a holiday destination.

From a recreational fishing and on-water perspective there is much to consider.

Boat ramps, associated parking, garbage, fish cleaning facilities and general amenities come under increased pressure and, in some cases, struggle to cope.

Little Beach is a wonderful facility for the majority of the year, but over the Christmas holidays it has been busting at the seams.

Launching through the huge crowds on Fingal Beach is a major issue and jet skis in crowded areas continue to drive me crackers.

Let's face it, Port Stephens is a holiday wonderland and local businesses depend on the tourist dollar for their very existence.

My suggestion is that agencies within Port Stephens Council sit down with local residents and discuss how we can improve.

Having said all that, we are now entering what I consider to be the best fishing time of the year.

February through to May is sensational here with warm water, relatively predictable good weather, acres of bait fish and no scrums at the boat ramps.

Offshore snapper and mulloway are prized while whiting fill the beaches and flathead, mulloway, whiting and crabs move inside the port.

This is when you realise why you have chosen to live in Port Stephens.

Thank you so much for the wonderful public support I received over the Australia Day weekend when I was given the honour of being the Nelson Bay ambassador.

It certainly made me very proud to be an Aussie and a member of this special community.

-Stinker