Fishing, as a recreation, has so much to offer including exercise, family involvement, a closeness to nature and a better appreciation of the environment.

There is also the bonus that you might catch a fish.

I do believe that recreational fishing and boating will play a greater part in our lives as we come to terms and adapt to an entirely different way of life.

As we contemplate the challenges of the future, personal welfare and mental health issues demand greater consideration than they have done in the past.

All of us need something to lighten the load.

What better way than to take timeout to go fishing and boating.

How lucky are we in Port Stephens to live in such a place that offers so many on-water recreational options?

Inside the mighty headlands, the opportunities to explore are endless.

Motor up the Myall River into the lake system and experience the magnificence or cruise under the Karuah Bridges into the mangrove wilderness.

Tilligerry Creek is far more than a creek.

There is another wonderland outside the heads.

Send your Port Stephens fishing tales and photos to Stinker at stinkerfishing@yahoo.com.