As you can imagine much of the time was spent fishing, particularly in the lake systems that branch off the Tweed River.

I spent time with old mates, recreational fishers, who have fished the lakes for over 70 years.

All agreed that the lakes were in real trouble.

Although small bream and mullet are in plague numbers, legal-sized flathead are very rare, so rare in fact that the fishermen, who know the lakes better than anyone, are very concerned. DPI Fisheries have been notified.

Port Stephens, where things are different, has a great advantage over the Tweed in that it is far bigger with a wider expanse of rich and diverse habitat which brings me to the pleasing news that the local Port Stephens-Great Lakes Marine Park review is up and rolling.

A well-balanced advisory committee has been formed with the aim of protecting our natural marine resources to achieve the magic goal - sustainability.

You will have noticed recently the increasing number of kids who are experiencing the delights of fishing.

Let's hope that education his high on the list of the advisory body.

It's also time when I invite a local student to be Stinker for a day. Send me a fishy photo and write an accompanying 200 word article.

I will judge the best effort and will print the winning article.

Give it a go and send it to stinkerfishing@yahoo.com.