Referred to as the ‘back harbour’ – the huge waterway west of Soldiers Point is a whole new world with fantastic fishing and crabbing.

Taylors Beach, Lemon tree Passage, Tanilba, the Karuah River, Tilligerry Creek, Carrington, Swan Bay – this region is a boating and fishing paradise.

Mulloway circle any structure and gather in deep water, while bream hang around the oyster racks and flathead sun themselves in the shallows. Trumpeter whiting swim through the entire system, while giant mud crabs lumber through the mangrove forests.

Blue swimmer crabs, which are a bit scarce at the moment, tap dance along the channels. There is no doubting Port Stephens is something else.

With both major political parties committed to a review of our Marine Park following the March elections it is time for all stake holders to consider how the park can be improved.

A group of concerned recreational fishers met with MP Scientists earlier in the week to discuss major issues. A frank and open discussion resulted which was beneficial to all present.