Fishing the NSW South Coast: An Angler’s Guide

The South Coast of New South Wales, stretching from Wollongong down to the Victorian border, is a diverse and productive fishing region. This area includes a wide range of saltwater fishing opportunities, from offshore game fishing to estuary and beach fishing. For anglers planning a trip to this region, understanding the key species, seasonal factors, popular fishing spots, and local waterways can help maximise the chances of a successful outing.

Contents

Fish Species To Target
Key NSW South Coast Fishing Spots
Seasonal Factors For Fishing
Waterways and Access Points

Prime Lure Fishing Species on the NSW South Coast

The South Coast is home to a wide variety of fish species, each offering unique challenges and opportunities. Here’s a breakdown of some of the most commonly targeted species:

• Snapper: A prized species for many anglers, snapper can be found in good numbers throughout the South Coast. They are particularly common around reef structures and deeper offshore areas. The cooler months (late autumn to early spring) often see larger snapper moving closer to shore, making them accessible to small boat and kayak anglers as well as those fishing from the rocks.
• Kingfish: Yellowtail kingfish are a highly sought-after species along the South Coast, especially around areas like Jervis Bay, Batemans Bay, and Montague Island. They are often found near rocky headlands, offshore reefs, and around bait schools. Kingfish are most abundant from late spring through to autumn, when the water temperatures rise.
• Flathead: Dusky flathead are common in the estuaries, coastal lakes, and shallow inshore areas. They are a favourite among anglers for their aggressive strikes and are most active in the warmer months. Look for them in sandy and muddy areas near drop-offs, weed beds, and creek mouths.
• Salmon and Tailor: Australian salmon and tailor are popular targets for beach and rock anglers. These species are highly active during the cooler months, with peak fishing typically occurring from late autumn to early winter. Both species are often found patrolling surf beaches and rocky headlands.
• Tuna and Marlin: Offshore fishing off the South Coast can be incredibly rewarding, with species like yellowfin tuna, albacore, and marlin (both black and striped) frequently encountered. The warm currents from the East Australian Current bring these pelagic species close to shore from late spring to early autumn.
• Bream, Mulloway, Estuary Perch, and Whiting: The estuaries and coastal lakes along the South Coast are excellent for species like bream, mulloway, estuary perch, and whiting. Bream are a year-round target, while whiting are more common in the warmer months. Mulloway (jewfish) are more challenging and are often caught at night or during tidal changes.

Key Fishing Spots on the NSW South Coast

Batemans Bay:

A major hub for anglers, Batemans Bay offers access to the Clyde River estuary, known for bream, flathead, mulloway, and estuary perch. Offshore, anglers target snapper, kingfish, tuna, and marlin. Several beach and rock fishing spots, such as Surf Beach and Broulee, are productive for salmon and tailor.

Resources: NSW South Coast Mulloway

St Georges Basin:

This large coastal lake is renowned for its flathead fishing, particularly during the warmer months. Bream, whiting, and estuary perch are also common targets. The basin’s numerous bays, weed beds, and drop-offs provide plenty of structure and habitat for these species.

Resources: St Georges Basin Bream | St Georges Basin Flathead 1 | St Georges Basin Flathead 2 | St Georges Basin Tailor | St Georges Basin Jewfish

Narooma and Montague Island:

Narooma is a popular fishing destination with access to the Wagonga Inlet, where bream, flathead, whiting and some quality mulloway are regularly caught. Montague Island, a short boat trip away, is a hotspot for kingfish, snapper, and pelagic species like marlin and tuna. The island is also known for its impressive diving and spearfishing opportunities.

Resources: Clyde River Mulloway

Eden:

The southernmost town on the NSW coast, Eden is well-known for its offshore fishing. Game fish such as marlin, tuna, and kingfish are commonly targeted here. Inshore, the beaches and rocky headlands provide good fishing for salmon, tailor, and flathead. Twofold Bay is also productive for snapper and bream.

Jervis Bay:

Although it’s located on the NSW coast, Jervis Bay is actually part of the ACT. It’s a deep natural harbour that offers excellent fishing for a range of species, including kingfish, snapper, and squid. The surrounding beaches and headlands are productive for salmon and tailor, while the estuaries feeding into the bay hold flathead, bream, estuay perch and whiting. The bay is also a key spot for land-based game fishing, with anglers targeting pelagic species from cliffs.

Resources: 1. Ultimate Guide to Fishing Jervis Bay | Jervis Bay Kingfish | Sussex Inlet Flathead | Jervis Bay Marlin

Moruya River:

The Moruya River estuary is another productive location for bream, flathead, and mulloway. The river mouth and nearby beaches also provide opportunities for tailor and salmon fishing.

Resources: NSW South Coast Mulloway

Illawarra Shoalhaven:

Located near Wollongong, Lake Illawarra is an accessible spot for anglers looking to target flathead, bream, whiting, and even estuary perch. The lake is shallow and well-suited for kayak fishing or wading. The Shoalhaven River system is well known as a bass fishery, but the estuary offers numerous opportunities to target bream, flathead, whiting, mulloway and estuary perch.

Resources: Shoalhaven Estuary Perch | Shoalhaven Mulloway

Seasonal Factors Influencing Fishing

Fishing conditions on the NSW South Coast vary significantly with the seasons. Here are some key considerations:

• Summer (December to February): Warmer months bring increased activity offshore, with marlin, tuna, and kingfish being the main targets. Estuaries and coastal lakes see an influx of warm water, making this a great time to target flathead, whiting, and bream. Summer is also prime time for night fishing, particularly for mulloway.
• Autumn (March to May): This period often provides a mix of fishing opportunities. Offshore anglers can still find tuna and kingfish, while snapper start to become more prevalent. Beach and rock fishing can be productive for salmon and tailor as water temperatures begin to cool.
• Winter (June to August): Cooler months bring good opportunities for snapper closer to shore, as well as consistent fishing for salmon and tailor from beaches and rocky platforms. Estuary fishing can slow down a little, but there are still opportunities for bream and flathead. Mulloway can also be caught, particularly after rain when they move into estuaries to feed.
• Spring (September to November): With warming waters, kingfish start to appear again, and snapper remain a popular target. Estuary fishing picks up, especially for flathead and whiting, and offshore fishing can begin to offer early-season tuna.

Popular Waterways and Fishing Zones

The South Coast has a range of estuaries, coastal lakes, rivers, and bays that cater to different styles of fishing. Some notable waterways include:

• Clyde River: A significant estuary system near Batemans Bay, known for its bream, flathead, and mulloway populations. The river has numerous bends, drop-offs, and oyster leases that provide excellent fishing opportunities.
• Tuross Lake: This coastal lake system offers productive fishing for flathead, bream, and estuary perch. The lake’s shallow flats and deeper channels provide a range of habitats for various species. Resources: Tuross Flathead | Tuross Whiting
• Wagonga Inlet: Situated at Narooma, Wagonga Inlet is known for its clear waters and is a great location for targeting bream, flathead, and whiting. The inlet’s oyster leases and weed beds are prime fishing areas.
• Shoalhaven River: A large river system near Nowra, known for its mulloway fishing, especially after rain events. The river also holds bream, flathead, and estuary perch. Resources: Shoalhaven Estuary Perch | Shoalhaven Bass | Shoalhaven Yellowfin Tuna
• Lake Conjola: Diverse fishing opportunities for bream, flathead, whiting, and mulloway in clear, shallow waters, channels, and around submerged structures. This location is ideal for both boat and land-based anglers year-round. Resources: Lake Conjola Flathead

Major Population Centres and Access Points

• Wollongong: The northern gateway to the South Coast, offering a range of fishing options from beaches, rock platforms, and Lake Illawarra. A great place to target frigate mackerel and kingfish. It is a convenient base for exploring the northern section of the South Coast.
• Nowra: Close to Jervis Bay and the Shoalhaven River, Nowra is a central access point for fishing various habitats, including beaches, estuaries, and offshore reefs.
• Batemans Bay: A major town with access to the Clyde River and nearby coastal areas. Batemans Bay is well-equipped with fishing charters, tackle shops, and other angling services.
• Narooma: A small town providing access to Wagonga Inlet and Montague Island. Narooma is a popular spot for anglers looking to target a range of estuarine and offshore species.
• Eden: As the southernmost population centre on the South Coast, Eden is a key location for game fishing and offshore trips. It also provides access to numerous inshore and estuarine fishing spots.

ALF Episodes About Fishing The NSW South Coast