Charter Fishing in New South Wales
New South Wales offers fishing across offshore canyons and reefs, tidal estuaries and surf beaches, and inland rivers, dams, and alpine lakes.
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Top Rated Charters in New South Wales
New South Wales Fishing Guide
The New South Wales coast runs from the subtropical north to the cool South Coast near Victoria, and each stretch fishes differently. Offshore, the continental shelf sits close, so gamefish are within easy reach. Sydney, Port Stephens, Coffs Harbour, and Bermagui are key ports. Marlin dominate in summer, tuna in autumn and winter, and kingfish and snapper are staples year-round. Jigging, live baiting, and trolling are standard offshore methods.
Inshore waters are just as popular. The Hawkesbury, Shoalhaven, and Clarence river systems are loaded with flathead, bream, whiting, and mulloway. Surf beaches and rock ledges are part of the culture here — salmon, tailor, jewfish, and luderick all come from the suds.
Inland fishing is a different world. The Murray-Darling Basin is cod and perch country, with big Murray cod taking swimbaits, spinnerbaits, and surface lures. Trout fishing is strongest in the Snowy Mountains lakes — Jindabyne, Eucumbene, and Tantangara — and alpine rivers, especially in winter and spring.
Seasons drive the bite. Summer means marlin offshore and whiting in estuaries. Autumn is the best mix, with yellowfin, kingfish, bream, and cod all active. Winter shifts south with southern bluefin tuna and spawning trout, plus snapper schooling close to shore. Spring warms things up, sparking golden perch inland and bringing kingfish and bream back along the coast.
Charters cover every style. Sydney Harbour runs half-day estuary trips and full-day offshore runs. Port Stephens is famous for multi-day marlin charters. Bermagui and Eden chase tuna in winter. Coffs Harbour offers both offshore and Clarence River estuary fishing. Inland, guides target Murray cod and trout with lures and flies.
Fishing Seasons in New South Wales
Spring
Warming water kicks estuaries into gear with bream, flathead, and whiting. Offshore, early kingfish move in, and the first striped marlin show up. Golden perch inland become active, while trout feed hard in alpine rivers and lakes.
Summer
Summer brings the main marlin run — striped, black, and blue marlin along with mahi-mahi offshore. Estuaries are full of bream, whiting, and mulloway, while surf beaches produce tailor and jewfish. Inland, Murray cod season opens in December and surface lures are the go-to.
Fall
Fall is prime time all-round. Offshore, yellowfin tuna and albacore arrive, and kingfish peak on reefs. Estuaries see big flathead and bream feeding on lures. Inland rivers produce strong cod and golden perch bites. Trout fishing also improves as waters cool.
Winter
Winter brings southern bluefin tuna off Bermagui and Eden. Snapper move close to shore and school on reefs. Estuaries quieten but luderick and tailor are steady. In the Snowy Mountains, trout fishing peaks in lakes and rivers as fish spawn.
Top Fishing Regions
Sydney
Sydney has everything from offshore marlin and tuna to kingfish and snapper around the reefs, plus estuary fishing in Sydney Harbour. Charters run half-day harbour trips or full-day offshore runs.
Port Stephens
Port Stephens is marlin central. Summer brings striped, black, and blue marlin, while reefs hold snapper and kingfish. The estuaries and beaches provide flathead, whiting, and tailor.
Coffs Harbour
Coffs Harbour offers offshore canyons with marlin, tuna, and mahi, plus snapper and pearl perch on the reefs. The Clarence River nearby is a top estuary system for bream, flathead, and mulloway.
Bermagui
Bermagui is famous for southern bluefin tuna in winter. Offshore grounds also hold yellowfin and marlin. Snapper and kingfish are staples, and the estuaries and beaches produce salmon, tailor, and bream.
Batemans Bay
Batemans Bay has estuary fishing in the Clyde River plus snapper, kingfish, and tuna offshore. Both charter boats and private trailer boats work the reefs
Eden
Eden sits near the Victorian line and is known for southern bluefin and yellowfin tuna offshore. Reefs produce snapper and kingfish, while beaches hold salmon and tailor.
Snowy Mountains
The Snowies are trout country, with Jindabyne, Eucumbene, and Tantangara lakes, plus alpine rivers. Rainbow and brown trout are caught on fly, lure, or bait, especially in winter and spring.
Murray-Darling Basin
This is cod and perch water. Murray cod, golden perch, and catfish are caught in rivers and dams, with lures, baits, and surface plugs all effective.
Top Gamefish in New South Wales
- Striped Marlin – 100 to 300 lb. Found off Port Stephens and Sydney, peak January to March, taken trolling lures and rigged baits.
- Yellowfin Tuna – 30 to 150 lb. Offshore from Sydney to Bermagui, peak fall, caught trolling, cubing, or live baiting.
- Southern Bluefin Tuna – 50 to 250 lb. South Coast waters, peak June to August, taken by trolling and deep cubing.
- Kingfish – 10 to 50 lb. Inshore reefs and headlands, best spring to autumn, targeted with jigs, stickbaits, and live baits.
- Snapper – 2 to 20 lb. On reefs statewide, peak winter spawn, targeted with soft plastics, jigs, or cut baits.
- Murray Cod – 10 to 100 lb. Inland rivers and impoundments, season open December to August, taken on swimbaits, spinnerbaits, and surface lures.
- Golden Perch – 2 to 20 lb. Found in inland rivers and dams, best spring and fall, targeted with spinnerbaits, plastics, and trolled lures.
- Rainbow Trout – 1 to 10 lb. Alpine rivers and lakes, best winter and spring, targeted with flies, lures, and bait.
New South Wales Fishing FAQs
Do you need a license to fish in New South Wales?
Yes, a recreational fishing license is required for all saltwater and freshwater fishing. Short-term and yearly permits are available.
When is the best time to fish in New South Wales?
Offshore gamefishing peaks in summer and autumn, winter is best for tuna and snapper, and winter to spring for alpine trout.
What are the top fishing destinations in New South Wales?
Sydney, Port Stephens, Bermagui, Coffs Harbour, the Snowy Mountains, and the Murray-Darling Basin are the most popular destinations.
How long do charters run in New South Wales?
Most offshore charters run full days of 8–10 hours. Half-day estuary trips are also common. Multi-day offshore expeditions target marlin or tuna.
What gear works best in New South Wales?
Medium tackle spin gear suits estuaries and rivers, while heavy trolling and jigging outfits are needed offshore. Many charters provide all gear.
Are there closed seasons in New South Wales?
Yes, Murray cod are closed September to November, and trout rivers have seasonal closures around spawning. Bag and size rules also apply
Is fishing in New South Wales good for families?
Yes, estuaries, lakes, and beaches are safe and productive for families. Many charter operators run family-friendly trips.
Can you fish from the beach in New South Wales?
Yes, surf fishing is popular for tailor, salmon, whiting, and jewfish. Reading beach gutters is key for success.
How much do charters cost in New South Wales?
Half-day estuary trips cost AUD $120–$200, full-day offshore trips AUD $250–$400, and multi-day tuna or marlin trips run into the thousands.