The spearfishing Sydney has to offer is enough to keep you busy for your whole vacation. Spearos have some of the best dive spots to choose from – the species are varied and bountiful in these waters, with high visibility in the water to aid you in finding that dream catch.
Spearfishing here is highly regulated – some say this fishing technique is now the most environmentally friendly form of fishing you can choose to do. No pollution, no by-catch, and it brings no harm to other protected species swimming nearby. Of course, no catch and release is possible, but it does make you more aware of what you are targeting and taking home.
What to Catch
When spearfishing in the waters around Sydney, you can choose between shore diving and boat diving. Depending on your fishing ground, you can catch bluewater species such as Mahi Mahi, Wahoo, Narrow-barred Spanish Mackerel, and Yellowfin Tuna. By the reefs, expect Pearl Perch, Bream, Bastard Trumpeter, Silver Trevally, Tailor, Eastern Australian Salmon, and many more.
Spearfishing Spots in Sydney
There’s plenty of top spots to visit when spearfishing from Sydney. Head to the reefs, shipwrecks, or FADs for a great day under the water. Read on for a closer look at some of the possibilities!
From the Shore
The shoreline of Sydney offers spearos some great sites. Species such as Bream, Flathead, Kingfish, and Red Morwong are common here. If you’re lucky, you might also find Jewfish and Crayfish. This area is good for beginners, as it is overall quite shallow. However, the ocean floor does drop off quickly in some places, so make sure you’re diving with a buddy.
FADs
There are many Fish Aggregating Devices (FADs) located in Sydney Harbour and further offshore. During the summer, these FADs are spaced out along the coast, where spearos will find Mahi Mahi and Wahoo around them. Please be aware of the code of conduct when fishing around FADs, and give space to anglers already there.
Wedding Cake Island
A short ride out will take you to Wedding Cake Island in the Tasman Sea. Fishing here is excellent and includes Bream, Snapper, Kingfish, Rainbow Runner, and more. You’ll likely see protected species, including Blue Groper and Blue Devil Fish – swim out of their path and note the location and time for the DPI’s records.
Long Reef
This headland has some excellent reefs to explore. Check out ‘The Wall’, ‘The Cathedral’, and ‘The Apartments’ under the water. Species you can target here include Yellowtail Kingfish, Snapper, Red Morwong, and many smaller species of fish.
How to Fish
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Do not use a torch when spearfishing. This is banned in NSW.
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In open water, spearos going after pelagic species will usually use a speargun of a minimum of 1,300 mm, paired with 20 mm thick latex rubber.
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For your own safety, make sure your knife is easily accessible to both hands, and make sure you can operate your weight belt with one hand if needed.
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You must tow a red, orange, or yellow coloured float with the international “code A” flag on it when under the water.
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A 5 mm wetsuit is recommended for spearos to wear during the winter. In the summer, change to a 3.5 mm wetsuit. These are thick enough to prevent accidents and keep you warm in the chilly waters.
Protected Species
In Australia, the following fish species are protected: Grey Nurse Shark, Great White Shark, Blue Groper, Elegant Wrasse, Blue Devil Fish, Queensland Grouper, Ballina Angelfish, and Estuary Cod. If you see these species on your trip, please notify the NSW DPI of the location of the sighting.
Sydney offers many great fisheries for spearos, with sites for all skill levels available. If diving without a guide, check with the NSW DPI or Marine Parks Authority for up-to-date information on which fisheries currently have restrictions on them. Inland waters, coastal lagoons, estuaries, and other areas within marine parks and aquatic reserves are closed at all times for spearfishing. In New South Wales, spearfishing is banned on all ocean beaches, apart from the last 20 meters at the end of the beach.
When to Go
Down under, the seasons are reversed from the northern hemisphere. Australian spring and summer last from November to March, and this is the best time to go fishing. During the summer, the changing currents mean that good-sized Bonito, Kingfish, Mangrove Jacks, and even Blue-barred Parrotfish enter these waters.
Join the Aussies in their summer for an unforgettable spearfishing adventure. The opportunities that spearfishing in Sydney has to offer will have you returning year after year.
