Wollongong Fishing Charters

The best out of 3 charter fishing deals in Wollongong - enter dates to check availability

Wollongong: 3 fishing charters available
Excellent
4.8 / 5
(24 reviews)
Sydney
 Instant Confirmation
trips from US $840
Excellent
4.9 / 5
(14 reviews)
Sydney
 Instant Confirmation
trips from US $814
Excellent
4.4 / 5
(8 reviews)
Wollongong
trips from US $117

Frequently Asked Questions about Fishing Charters in Wollongong

According to customer reviews, some of the most popular fishing charters in Wollongong, New South Wales are: Full list of top fishing charters in Wollongong

Fishing charters in Wollongong that received great reviews from families are:

The top 3 fish species targeted on guided fishing trips in Wollongong are:

The top 3 fishing techniques in Wollongong are:

The top 3 types of fishing in Wollongong are:

Many fishing charters in Wollongong provide rods, reels and tackle. Some of the top rated are:

According to customer reviews on FishingBooker.com, some of the best rated charter captains in Wollongong are:

Some of the fishing trips offered by fishing charters in Wollongong are:
  • 6-hour fishing trips โ€“ AU $276

Fishing in Wollongong

Located 80 km south of Sydney, Wollongong (casually known as “the Gong”) is a great place to experience fishing in NSW. Visitors flock to this renowned destination to take in the stunning scenery, Nan Tien Temple–the largest Buddhist temple in the southern hemisphere–and of course, the fishing. The Gong may be bustling with tourists, but it also has loads of secret fishing spots where you can cast a line all on your own. On the other hand, you can escape the city altogether aboard a selection of Wollongong fishing charters. The choice is yours!

Known For

Deep Sea Fishing

Wollongong has access to some spectacular big game fishing. You’ll have to book a 10-hour trip to make the most of local opportunities, but the journey 30km offshore is worthwhile for anglers who want a chance to catch trophy-sized fish. Blue, Black, and Striped Marlin can be found swimming along the continental shelf here in summer, accompanied by Sailfish, Mahi Mahi, and Mako Sharks. In cooler months (May-September), Yellowfin and Albacore Tuna make an appearance. Below, these deep waters are inhabited by the likes of Bluesnore Warehou and Gemfish.

Reef Fishing

Reef fishing is popular year-round, with no shortage of Snapper, Morwong, Flathead, Trevally, Australian Salmon, and Kingfish (Yellowtail Amberjack). Trips to the reefs are likely to keep you within a 15km radius of the harbor and usually last around 6 hours. Many Wollongong charter operators offer shared trips, which can be a great way to experience local reef fishing without flexing your wallet.

Shore Fishing Spots in Wollongong

Wollongong City Beach

There’s also plenty of opportunity to spend some time in Wollongong fishing from shore. You can hook into Salmon, Tailor, Bream, and even the odd Mulloway or Kingfish from the Wollongong City Beach. The Wollongong Harbour also offers productive shore fishing (especially off the northern wall), where you can catch Trevally, Bream, Tailor, and Salmon. Parking on a side street is recommended, since it can be hard to find a spot nearby.

Warilla Beach

Warilla Beach is about a 15-minute drive south of the Wollongong City Beach and can be a great alternative for shore fishing. You’ll find similar species here, in addition to Flathead, Whiting, Rays, and small Sharks.

Lake Illawarra

Just west of Warilla Beach sits Lake Illawarra, a shallow body of water separated from the the waters of the South Pacific by a thin strip of land. Though it’s called a lake, this fishery actually offers excellent saltwater fishing while shielding anglers from the open seas and winds. Flounder, Tailor, Whiting, Bream, and Flathead are a few of the species you can catch while fishing Lake Illawarra. Recommended spots include Purry Burry Point, Wegit Point, Hooker Park, Lacey Park, and Kanahooka Point–to name a few.

Need to Know

Regulations

Wollongong fishing charters usually include bait, tackle, and fishing licenses for their customers. It’s always wise to confirm that a license is included ahead of time.

Anglers planning to fish on their own, whether in freshwater or saltwater, must pay a NSW recreational fishing fee and carry the receipt as proof. Be sure to read local regulations or consult a local tackle shop ahead of time so you know where it’s legal to fish from shore.

Budget

Fishing charter prices in Wollongong are largely dependent on whether you plan to go reef fishing or deep sea fishing. Private reef trips cost AUD $950-1,350, while shared trips are usually AUD $120-135 per person. Most trips to the reefs last 6-7 hours, but some skippers run 8-9 hour trips, as well.

Deep sea fishing trips are typically restricted to private charters, for AUD $1,200-2,000. These trips last 9-10 hours minimum.

Getting There

The Gong is conveniently located less than 2 hours outside of Sydney. If you’re up for a scenic drive through coastal rainforests and seaside villages, take the Grand Pacific Drive. If you would rather get to town in a pinch, take the M1 Motorway and you’ll be there in 80 minutes!

Anglers traveling without a car can board a train in Sydney, instead. Sydney Trains operate South Coast Line commuter trains to Wollongong at regular intervals. You can connect to the South Coast Line at Wolli Creek Station if you catch a train directly from the airport. 

There’s no shortage of opportunity around here, and you’ll be spoiled for choice when you get to town! Whether you spend a day on the reefs, sailing high seas, or casting a line from the beach, your Wollongong fishing experience will be one to remember.

Wollongong
Excellent
4.5 / 5
Based on 28446 reviews by FishingBooker anglers

Wollongong Fishing Seasons

January

Tourist season is at its peak in summer. Head out to sea for a chance to cool off (and escape the crowds)! Marlin, Mahi Mahi, and Kingfish are at their peak.

February

Summer fishing continues in February, when you’re likely to catch Marlin, Mahi Mahi, Kingfish, Hapuka, and more in the deep sea. Closer to shore, Tailor, Salmon, and Flathead are biting. 

March

Average temperatures are beginning to cool and the fishing offshore will soon shift from Marlin and Mahi Mahi to Tuna.

April

Winter is approaching, which makes this a great time to try your luck in Lake Illawarra for Flathead, Salmon, Tailor, and more.

May

Average temperatures range from 12-20°C in May. Most anglers are on the lake or out by the reefs fishing for table fare. Snapper, Kingfish, and other fish will keep you busy at this time of year.

June

You can expect some of the coolest weather of the year in Wollongong, but relatively little rainfall. This is prime reef fishing season (not that there’s ever a bad time to fish the reefs)!

July

Come July, Tuna are starting to reach their peak offshore. On the reefs, you’ll catch lots of Snapper, Trevally, and Hapuka. Average temperatures are at their lowest, between 8-17°C.

August

Tuna fishing is better than it’s been all year in the Gong! Meanwhile, a day on the reefs will bring you Snapper, Trevally, Flathead, and much more.

September

Spring is on its way, and the action on Lake Illawarra keeps heating up. Flathead, Salmon, Bream, and Tailor are all in the cards at this time of year. You can still catch Yellowfin Tuna offshore.

October

In October, average temperatures are steadily increasing to 13-22°C. Mahi Mahi are reappearing offshore, while the reefs continue to offer Flathead, Snapper, Trevally, and more.

November

Spring is turning to summer, and the fishing around Wollongong is also in transition. Fishing offshore can be hit and miss at this time of year, but you can always count on the reefs for good table fare.

December

Summer is in full swing, with average temperatures as high as 25°C on some days. Mahi Mahi are at their peak, and Marlin aren’t far behind. Meanwhile, you can expect excellent fishing inshore and on the reefs. 

Wollongong Fishing Calendar

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How did anglers rate fishing charters in Wollongong?

Aquilla Fishing Charters
Aquilla Fishing Charters
Fishing charter in Wollongong
Very good
4.0 / 5
(8 reviews)
We caught some good moey and snapper with lots of odd little fish. Crew was nice, wouldve been better if theyre were so bigger fish but not the charters fault.
Simons  E.
Simons E.
Aquilla Fishing Charters
Aquilla Fishing Charters
Fishing charter in Wollongong
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(8 reviews)
What a great day out on the water especially for my 2 grandsons who were over the moon with there catches, we all took home a feed of fish but unfortunately no big ones for a photo, mabe next time , thats how fishing goes. Capt Bobby and decky were excelent and helpful in every way , looking forward to another trip with them. Cheers, Norm
Norman  M.
Norman M.
Aquilla Fishing Charters
Aquilla Fishing Charters
Fishing charter in Wollongong
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(8 reviews)
Crew were very nice. Pity my son didn't listen to me and take sea sickness tablets!!!!
Shane  P.
Shane P. Sydney, New South Wales

Top Targeted Species in Wollongong