The Nelson Bay breakwall has become a hive of activity since the luderick arrived a couple of weeks ago.

Isn't it great to have a fantastic fishery right in the middle of town.

Take a wander along the breakwall any time of the day and you are a big chance to watch champion local luderick fishers in action.

This style of fishing takes extra preparation and extra time to organise perfectly balanced floats, light line and whippy rods, long-handled scoop nets, berley and bait.

The bait can become a big problem as sea lettuce or cabbage and moss or long-stranded green weed preferred by the luderick are, at times, difficult to collect.

The cabbage grows on the ocean rocks at Fingal Head and Birubi and can be collected at low tide.

The green weed is more difficult to gather as luderick fishers keep their secret gathering spot very much to themselves.

The luderick is a much underrated table fish. Crumbed and pan fried or smoked the fillets are moist with a delicate flavour.

What a fantastic week. I anchored off the Outer Light off Fingal Island on a magic Monday night.

For the couple of hours I spent in Stinkpot I was surrounded by dolphins and more whales than I have seen for years.

Thumping snapper were biting on big prawns and fresh squid floated down a berley trail while the weather and sea conditions were ideal.

Congratulations to all those who have contributed to the rebirth of the Shoal Bay waterfront.

The boat ramp and surrounds have become increasingly popular and I'm told that a modern fish cleaning table, organised by the Port Stephens Council with funds from the Recreational Fishing Trust Fund, will be erected when other works are completed.

Great to see Shoalie looking so good.

Stinker