Offshore anglers enjoyed a memorable week on the water, highlighted by what many are calling the best wahoo run seen in years.

With calm seas and favourable weather, local fishing grounds came alive with a wide variety of game fish. Water temperatures started high at around 27°C, with crystal-clear conditions before turning green in patches ahead of the weekend. The warm water pushed some species shallower, while bottom reef fishing slowed as fish became lethargic.

Dorado remain the most reliable catch, with anglers almost guaranteed a fish on every outing. These hard-fighting fish are plentiful from Cape Vidal to Margate, where one was even landed off the pier. Sizes range from smaller fish to large bull dorado, with the bigger specimens holding deeper.

Wahoo stole the spotlight this week, however, with strong numbers and good-sized fish reported, the best showing in many seasons. Barracouta were also around, although the real croc-sized fish remain elusive ahead of upcoming competitions. Bonito shoals are widespread, snoek continue along the backline and billfish action is encouraging, with both marlin and sailfish caught and released.

Reef anglers are still finding success with red fish, rockcod, stumpies and some amberjack, although returns have slowed slightly in the warm water.

Along the beaches, sand sharks, rays and the odd large specimen are keeping rods bent, especially in the late afternoons. Shad are still around, with better catches reported on the upper South Coast and a standout fish of 6.7kg landed. Calm surf conditions have also created good opportunities for pompano, grunter and other light-tackle species close in.

Anglers and beachgoers are urged to remain cautious. Avoid fishing in isolated areas at night and choose spots where others are present. Last week, beach users were reportedly robbed at gunpoint and had their vehicle stolen while fishing at Casuarina beach in Westbrook.

Stay safe and tight lines.

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