Coffs Creek, Park Beach - Rob Lang

Coffs Creek, Park Beach

What is it?

It is the Coffs Creek mouth which is surrounded by beach and parkland. Where is it?

Located adjacent to Orlando Street it is centrally located with easy access and plenty of parking available. What’s there?

This is an excellent family spot with a dog friendly beach, plenty of parkland, cycle paths, BBQs, picnic areas and toilet facilities.

For the kids

Fantastic for kids and families as they can fish, cycle and swim in beach and park land surroundings.

What bait should I use?

Best baits include Prawns, Pilchards and Sandworms.

Stay Safe

Keep an eye on children at all times. What lures are best?

Soft plastics and small hard bodied lures.

What fish should I target?

Here you can catch Bream, Flathead and Whiting.

Best time to fish?

Great spot all year round.

What dream fish might I catch?

Big Flathead, Whiting and occasionally a Mangrove Jack.

Coffs Harbour Tides for week commencing Monday xxxxxxxxxxxxx 2020 Coffs Harbour Tides for week commencing Monday xxxxxxxxxxxxx 2020 Coffs Harbour Tides for week commencing Monday March 7 & 14, 2022 Coffs Harbour Tides for week commencing Monday March 7 & 14, 2022

©Copyright Commonwealth of Australia 2019, Bureau of Meteorology (ABN 92 637 533 532)

© Copyright Commonwealth of Australia 2021, Bureau of Meteorology (ABN 92 637 533 532) Coffs Harbour Tides for week commencing Monday xxxxxxxxxxxxx, 2022 Coffs Harbour Tides for week commencing Monday xxxxxxxxxxxxx, 2022

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Hook, line and hobby

for Coffs Coast local

EMMA PRITCHARD

Paddling out into the Pacific Ocean in his stealth profisha 475 kayak, the shoreline behind him and a world of marine wildlife beneath him, there’s no other place where Luke Giovanetti feels at home.

Born and raised on the Coffs Coast, there isn’t a fishing spot between South West Rocks and Yamba that he doesn’t know, or hasn’t cast off from.

Throughout autumn and the chillier times of the year, he knows all of the best areas to catch snapper, kingfish and jewfish.

During summer, when the Spanish mackerel and northern blue fin tuna are biting, he knows exactly where to cast his line.

A passionate outdoorsman, being surrounded by nature and seeing the ocean from a perspective not many people get to witness, is the experience of a lifetime for Luke.

And it doesn’t matter if he doesn’t catch any fish.

“It’s definitely my passion and hobby, my escape from the reality of life,” he said.

“I’ve been in the ocean all my life, and it’s just such a great place to be.”

Luke said several patchy reefs along the Coffs Coast from 10m out to 40m help to make the local fishing very good for kayakers, with the best spots only a short paddle away.

The 32-year-old also credits the region and his hometown of Sawtell as having some incredible fishing grounds, fishing seasons and safe and pristine beaches and waterways for kayakers.

And while there are plenty of fish that can be caught by casting off from a tinny or larger vessel, Luke said there are several advantages of fishing from a kayak.

“You definitely have more stealth in a kayak,” he said.

“There are no distractions and it gives you a one-on-one feeling with the ocean.

“With a kayak, you don’t have an outboard engine so there’s no sound or vibrations for the fish to pick up.

“It’s definitely a great way to go fishing.”

Luke releases up to 90 percent of the fish he catches to help the Coffs Coast fishing ground remain a sustainable environment.

When casting for smaller fish such as snapper, Luke uses and recommends a 4000 size reel paired with a 6-8kg rod, spooled with a 30lb braid.

For larger catches, including Spanish mackerel and kingfish, he uses a 6500 size reel paired with a 10-15kg rod, spooled with a 50lb braid.

Before paddling out into the ocean, Luke said it’s important to ensure you familiarise yourself with the local weather and oceanic conditions.

He also recommends packing a bottle of water and a snack to eat, a GPS device and a marine radio to enable you to contact relevant authorities if you find yourself in difficulties.

To encourage more people and inspire others to become involved with kayaking and fishing, and to offer professional advice and additional support to beginners, Luke started the NSW Offshore Kayak and Fishing Group on Facebook.

Members interact freely and share photos of their daily catches, and the site also offers up to date weather details for the Coffs Coast.

It’s free to join and Luke said new members are always welcome.

“We’ve got roughly 3000 members, and it’s a great way for everyone to keep in contact, share information and ask questions,” he said.

“People are free to ask anything they like and all the information is shared freely.

“It’s a very enjoyable experience.”

Coffs Coast local Luke Giovanetti loves fishing, kayaking and spending time in the great outdoors. Image: contributed

Liam Agresta