When you come to New South Wales with adventure on your mind, you’ll have a difficult decision to make – where to start? “The Premier State” is home to the highest mountain on the continent, as well as the Sapphire Coast, which boasts hundreds of miles of sandy beaches. Then there’s fishing in New South Wales, which will lure in every angler who gives it a try.
The rich offshore fisheries attract anglers from all over the world to come out and test their luck. The Tasman Sea is the gathering place of many a species, and both locals and tourists know it. If you’re getting ready for a fishing trip in NSW, here’s what you can expect.
Best Fish to Catch in New South Wales
It’s no secret that NSW is one of the most productive fishing spots in Australia, with access to outstanding Billfish action. And while many anglers set their sights on Marlin, there’s a lot more to target in these waters. Let’s go over some of the most sought-after catches.
Home of the Marlin Grand Slam
Come summer, fishing in New South Wales turns from excellent to exceptional. Around Christmas, the first Striped Marlin show up and the game is on. Black Marlin are usually close behind, with the long-expected Blue Marlin coming in last, but still first on everyone’s to-catch list. Catch them all in one day, and you’ll have yourself a Marlin Grand Slam!
“The Big Three” spend several months around New South Wales prowling for food, just like fishermen prowl the bluewater for them. The best time to go after them is in February and March. They stick around until early May, which gives you six months to land the slam.
This is the place to fish for some of the biggest Striped Marlin in Australia. Following slimy mackerel, Stripeys are hungry and eager to fight, and fishos can’t wait. Head to the Continental Shelf, and you’ll be in the domain of Black and Blue Marlin. Blues and Blacks usually stay in the 200–300 kg ballpark, and sometimes even Striped varieties can weigh just as much.
The safest way to find Marlin is to follow the bait fish. Trolling will get the fish’s attention, and using live or dead bait like tuna, mullet, and mackerel will seal the deal. And while getting a Grand Slam is an amazing feat, if you don’t get them all in one day, you can always return and try again.
Winter Tuna Fishing at Its Best
The fishing fun doesn’t stop in the winter. Marlin move on, but then Tuna swoop in and take the spotlight. Yellowfins and Albacore are the most common catches, but Bluefins, Skipjack, and Bigeye are also out there.
First, Yellowfin Tuna come around in late May and stay until October. Average specimens weigh from 20–60 kilograms, sometimes more. This species comes closer to shore than its other relatives, so it’s easier to target. You’ll usually find them close to the surface, in the waters that are over 100 m deep.
Bluefin Tuna are trickier to locate because they prefer deep bluewater, so you’ll need to travel a bit to get to them. These feisty beauts are smaller compared to the northern Bluefins and average around 50 kilograms. Triple-digit fish have been caught, but they’re rare.
When you’re fishing for bigger Tuna, you’ll often find Albacore and Skipjack on your line. They’re significantly smaller and mostly weigh between 10–30 kilograms.
Burleying (chumming) is a great way to attract Tuna, especially if you use pilchards and mackerel. Beware of the Sharks snatching your catch from the line, because these predators often follow schools of Tuna. The bite is at its best when the light is low, so early mornings and dusk are productive.
More Reef Species Than You Can Catch
Even if you’re not an avid game fish chaser, fishing in New South Wales will not disappoint. If there’s one thing these waters can offer, it’s diversity. Snapper, Kingfish, Trevally, Mahi Mahi, and Sharks are just some of the species you could hook into.
Yellowtail Kingfish are beloved by all anglers. That has to do with the fact there’s a lot of them and, once hooked, they’ll fight you for every inch of the line. It doesn’t hurt they’re very tasty. Kingfish are one of the favourite catches in summer and early autumn when you can reel in a 10 kg fish on a good day. You’ll find these fellas around underwater structures in inshore and nearshore waters.
Snapper aka Pinkies/Knobbies are the most popular catch in the state. You can find them around reefs, kelp beds, and ledges, as well as in greater depths. Waters that are anywhere from 15–200 metres deep are the Snapper sweet spots. They can weigh anywhere from 1–20 kilograms, and they’re most active in spring and autumn.
Then there are over 20 Trevally species you can go after all year, especially in the winter. Silver Trevally are caught both offshore and around the nearshore reefs. Bigeye and Bluefin Trevally are also on the cards. Trevally respond well to burleying and they’ll happily gobble down any bait you throw their way. Avid anglers love fishing Trevally Alley in Brighton Le Sands for the best action.
Flathead – The Inshore Superstar
We can’t talk about fishing in NSW without mentioning the mighty Flathead. If the bite is shaky everywhere else, head to a nearby estuary or river mouth – chances are you’ll get a Flatty on the line. Wherever there’s a muddy bottom, you could easily snatch up a few of these fish. Early autumn and spring are peak seasons.
Flathead usually don’t weigh more than 10 kilograms, though trophy Dusky Flathead can grow up to 15 kilograms. They might not be much to look at, but they’re aggressive fighters, which makes them a blast on light tackle. Some fishos claim that the optimal time to catch Flatties is a few days before and after a full moon.
Flathead are ambush predators – their dark skin allows them to seamlessly fit into their surroundings until unsuspecting prey swims by. Then they attack, fast and vicious. This is why bouncing your bait along the bottom works to get one on. Flathead are great fish to target when you’re fishing with your kids and family because they’re fun to catch and they’re delicious when grilled.
And So Much More…
The fishing escapades don’t end there, and neither does the list of possible catches. We already mentioned that the variety of fish is a thing of beauty in NSW and after just one fishing trip, you’ll probably agree.
You’ll find quite a few Wahoo, Bonito, and Amberjack in the region’s offshore waters. Huge Sharks are here as well, with Mako and Tiger monsters that surpass 400 kilograms! Closer to shore, you could catch Morwong, Black Bream, Australian Salmon, and Wrasse. And that’s just to get your imagination going – there’s a lot more hiding in the blue depths.
Trout Fishing in New South Wales
Even though a lot of heads are turned by saltwater fishing, the freshwater scene has its own well-deserved spot. Or to be more precise, Trout fishing in NSW has a special place in the hearts of freshwater enthusiasts. The pristine streams in the Blue and Snowy Mountains are full of Brown, Rainbow, and Brook Trout ready for the taking.
Browns are the biggest of the bunch – they grow big and strong (2–12 kilograms) and they won’t be fooled easily into biting. Rainbows are somewhat smaller, and skinny water fishing for these beauts is often successful. Brookies are the smallest of the three, rarely weighing more than 2 kilograms.
If you want to fish mountain rivers and lakes, the season is open from October to June. After that, there’s a seasonal closure, so that the Trout can spawn undisturbed. You can still fish for these feisty fish in the winter, as long as you go to the Trout dams.
How to Go Fishing in New South Wales
Now that we know what the top catches are in NSW, it’s time to talk about some of the favourite types of fishing. Just like there are many species to catch, there are many ways to get them. Let’s take a closer look at the most common techniques.
Beach Fishing
Solo fishermen who prefer solid ground under their feet will enjoy beach fishing. There’s no shortage of beaches in New South Wales, be it on the coast, or on a river or lake.
Beaches are perfect for soaking up the sun and spending some time with your line in the water. Some of the coastal national parks provide great access to spots that are full of Flathead, Bream, and Snapper. All along the Sapphire Coast, you can look forward to Whiting, Tailor, and Australian Salmon, along with all the above-mentioned species. You can even collect oysters and prawns if the conditions allow!
Because the waves can be unpredictable, it’s important to stay safe at all times. If you’re fishing from cliffs, rocks, or remote beaches, familiarise yourself with the tides. Try not to go fishing alone and be sure to inform someone where you’ve gone. In these situations, it’s always better to be safe than sorry.
Fly Fishing
Fly fishing in NSW has a lot to offer, especially if you’re an outdoors enthusiast as well. Trout is the main target here and to get them, you’ll need to travel off the beaten path.
Fly fishermen venture to the mountains every spring and summer, armed with a wide range of fly patterns including streamers, mudeye, and grasshoppers. Add to that a light, yet effective 4–6 wt outfit, and you’re good to go.
For the bravest of the brave, there’s another discipline to explore – saltwater big game fly fishing. If you’re confident and skilled enough, you’ll entice Marlin (and other game fish) on the fly. Getting a Marlin strike on a fly rod is as exhilarating as it is difficult to maneuver, but what a story it will make!
Deep Sea Fishing with a Charter
Coming to New South Wales with deep sea fishing battles on your mind? You’ll need a professional skipper to show you the way to the best bite. Hiring a knowledgeable crew can make all the difference – they’ll provide you with gear and tackle, know exactly where to take you, and how to put you on the fish.
If you’re keen on staying closer to shore with your family, there are plenty of charter operators that are family-friendly. This is a great choice for beginner fishermen who are looking forward to catching something nice for dinner. The crew will also help you with everything you need and make sure you follow the rules. Their insight and effort are indispensable for a good day on the water.
New South Wales Fishing Spots
We’ve covered “the what”, “the how”, and now it’s time to talk about where you can find prized fish. Here are some of the most promising fishing grounds in New South Wales to check out.
- Sydney: It’s hardly a surprise that the Australia’s largest city is at the top of the list. From here, you can fish for Flathead and Bream in the harbour, or set out offshore in search of Marlin, Tuna, and other trophies.
- Eden: This coastal town is a New South Wales fishing hub. Chase Snapper, Kingfish, and Marlin on the open sea or explore the surrounding lakes and rivers for a solid freshwater bite.
- Bermagui: If you’re on the lookout for Striped Marlin, Bermi is the place to be. Deep sea fishing here holds a lot of promise, with Tuna, Billfish, and Sharks on the cards. This is one of the more remote, but productive fishing destinations.
- Port Stephens: Another sportfishing epicenter, the town is a haven of trophy Billfish chasers. The NSW Interclub, the most prominent tournament on the continent, also takes place here, which speaks volumes about Port Stephens’ fishing potential.
- Merimbula: The town is one of the top fishing spots thanks to its proximity to the Continental Shelf. This is where the trifecta of game fishing – Blue, Black, and Striped Marlin, comes to play.
- Snowy Mountains: On the freshwater front, there’s hardly a better place to pursue Trout than the mountains. Lake Eucumbene is open to Trout fishing year-round, and rivers offer bombastic action in the warmer months.
- Bega River: Another popular haunt of freshwater fishermen, Bega is famous for its variety. Here, you can hook into Flathead, Estuary Perch Bream, and Whiting. Go to Brogo Dam and fish for Australian Bass.
New South Wales Fishing Regulations
While you don’t need a regular fishing licence to go fishing in New South Wales, you’re required to pay the New South Wales Recreational Fishing Fee. The fee receipt substitutes the recreational fishing licence, which you’ll need both when fishing in freshwater and saltwater.
You’ll need to pay the fee whether you’re fishing on your own or with a charter. There are several fee options, depending on how long you’d like to fish. Persons under the age of 18, pensioners, Indigenous Australians, and TPI (totally and permanently incapacitated) cardholders don’t need to pay the fee. Make sure to know the daily catch limits and fishing seasons before you hit the water.
Fishing in New South Wales – Premier State, Premier Fishing
Some fishing spots offer variety, some offer trophy-sized specimens, but NSW boasts both! Pair that with endless stretches of beaches, mountains full of Trout, and beautiful weather, and the fishing stories write themselves. And when you’ve had your fill of fishing in New South Wales, sightseeing adventures await!
If you crave more information on how to fish in Australia, take a look at our Australia fishing guide and learn about fish species, hotspots, angling techniques, and regulations.
Have you ever been fishing in NSW? What are your experiences? Any tricks, tips, or stories you’d like to share with the community? Anything we missed? Let us know in the comments.
