Nth coast NSW

[rmb]

Considering doing a trip up towards Yamba, Illuka and further up around Shearers way around April or May. What are the waves like this time of year not after any secret spots but is there anywhere to look apart from the obvious? Also any tips to be able to do it on the Cheap? I plan to take my dog with me leaving him in the car whilst surfing if its not to warm.

[alakaboo]

The dog will cruel your chances of doing it on the cheap, most campsites are in national parks or don't take animals

[steve shearer]

Probably the best time of year.
The dog will be a hindrance but if he's happy in the car then you'll be OK but you will get grief at the National Parks.
Don't worry about secret spots just surf the Points all day every day. You'll get plenty of waves.

[marauding mullet]

Yeah put poor old Fido in a boarding kennel or whatever.
I just travelled the entire width of the country with 2 dogs, it's doable but takes a lot of forward planning and inhibits you to an extent. If you have a tent then camping in caravan parks is probably the best balance of cheap/comfort, they have good facilities, some are dog friendly.

[rmb]

I have noticed theres a few dog friendly parks between yamba and the goldie so considering just tenting it or a swag. If the trip goes ahead will be taking fishing rods will try and do most my surfing mid week if conditions permit to try and limit crowds. Whats the water/air temp like around that time of year?

[steve shearer]

May can be a variable month, with cold outbreaks on the cards when cold fronts sweep up and create Tasman lows or ECL's. Water temp is normally on a very slow drop from 21-22 down to 20-ish.
Air temps are usually very pleasant with cool nights and warm days, cold snaps notwithstanding.

I didn't wear a jumper or a wetsuit more than a jacket until the end of May last year.

Anzac Day signals a seasonal shift into deep autumn.

[rmb]

Cheers everyone, Whats the fishing like at that time of year.

[steve shearer]

exceptional.

Anzac day in a normal year heralds the start of the mullet spawning run. It's normally followed by hordes of predators.
Very easy to catch a feed of tailor. Big jew and the last of the summer pelagics which tend to be XOS if you've got the chops.
Start at Hat Head and fish every headland.
I keep a rod handy and when I see a feeding frenzy, scramble.

[rmb]

Might be the Surf Spin rod and metal Slugs then.

[chrisb]

"Rmb" where do you live?

If you live south of Sydney you will clearly notice the difference in water temperatures when you visit the north coast. I live in Sydney and surf Coffs and Byron in June and the temperature difference is noticeable. Steamers are needed in Sydney but short johns usually work in Byron except when there is a strong southerly blowing.

[rmb]

Live in Vic so will be warm for me.

[aaarating]

I suggest a secret spot called 'the ass' in an out of the way backwater called Brian Bay. Can get good once or twice a year and is hard to find. Can be a bit sharky so get a few locals together before paddling out. Euro backpacker surfers are the best bait as they thrash around acting as lures.

[tootr]

On your way stop at the fishing tackle shop on the highway at Coffs and be prepared to either drop a shitload of cash or walk out with your brain in overload.

[Trev]

On your way stop at the fishing tackle shop on the highway at Coffs and be prepared to either drop a shitload of cash or walk out with your brain in overload.

Coffs?/
Who the hell stops in Coffs?

[steve shearer]

On your way stop at the fishing tackle shop on the highway at Coffs and be prepared to either drop a shitload of cash or walk out with your brain in overload.

MoTackle. aka heaven on Earth.

[tootr]

On your way stop at the fishing tackle shop on the highway at Coffs and be prepared to either drop a shitload of cash or walk out with your brain in overload.

Coffs?/
Who the hell stops in Coffs?

People trying to delay going to Qld.

[marauding mullet]

Coffs is one of the few places where the hwy actually passes through a town anymore, and Motackle IS a must.

[tootr]

Dont forget the clog barn too. It's tops.