South West Rocks Fishing Charters
South West Rocks fishing charters run the Macleay River mouth, inshore reefs, and deepwater grounds off Trial Bay, with jewfish, snapper, kingfish, mackerel, and tuna all part of the lineup.
Top Rated Charters in South West Rocks
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South West Rocks, NSW Fishing Guide
South West Rocks is one of the most consistent fisheries on the NSW Mid North Coast. The Macleay River mouth is famous for jewfish, bream, and flathead, with anglers working the rock walls and deep holes on tides and moon phases. Head outside the bar and you’re right on productive reef and pelagic country. Inshore grounds like Fish Rock and Green Island hold snapper, kingfish, mulloway, and cobia, while the wider runs to the shelf deliver marlin, tuna, mahi mahi, and wahoo.
Charters typically split into estuary/river trips and offshore runs. Half-day trips may focus on jewfish and flathead inside the river or snapper and kings on the reefs. Full-day offshore charters push 15–30 miles for tuna, marlin, and mahi mahi when the East Australian Current pushes close. Fish Rock is the standout spot, just a few miles offshore, where current and reef structure produce everything from snapper to cobia. Launches are usually from the South West Rocks boat ramp, with quick access to both river and offshore grounds.
The seasons set the tone. Summer and early autumn are dominated by pelagics—Spanish mackerel, spotted mackerel, wahoo, and tuna. Winter brings the prime snapper bite, with reds schooling on inshore reefs. Spring produces a mix, with jewfish and tailor in the river and mahi mahi offshore. Year-round, flathead, bream, and trevally keep the estuary ticking, while jewfish remain a staple for serious locals.
Techniques here are varied. Inshore reefs are fished with soft plastics, vibes, and baits for snapper, mulloway, and cobia. Live-baiting with yakkas is the key for kingfish and mackerel. Offshore, trolling skirted lures and baits is standard for marlin, mahi mahi, and tuna. In the river, live mullet or prawns tempt jewfish, while flathead and bream are steady on plastics and bait. South West Rocks combines a productive estuary with bluewater access, making it one of NSW’s most complete fisheries.
Fishing Seasons in South West Rocks
Spring (March–May)
Spring sees warming water and improving offshore action. Snapper remain active on the reefs, especially early mornings with soft plastics and pilchards. Spanish mackerel start to push down the coast, while mahi mahi show offshore around FADs and traps. In the river, flathead bite hard as they move into shallows to spawn, while bream feed more actively around rock walls. Tailor and trevally also become reliable, especially on lures in the lower river. Spring charters often blend estuary mornings with offshore pelagic sessions when conditions allow.
Summer (June–August)
Summer is peak pelagic time. Spanish mackerel, spotted mackerel, wahoo, and cobia dominate the reefs, taken on trolled lures and live baits. Yellowfin and longtail tuna add to the mix offshore, with marlin a prime target on wider runs. Inshore, kingfish are aggressive around Fish Rock, smashing jigs and live baits. The Macleay River produces mangrove jack in the creeks, whiting across sandflats, and jewfish at the mouth. Night fishing in summer is popular, with jewfish feeding on live mullet along the walls.
Fall (September–November)
Autumn keeps the pelagic action rolling while adding consistency in the river. Tuna and cobia stay strong offshore, with marlin still a possibility early in the season. Snapper catches improve, especially on the reefs closer to shore. In the estuary, jewfish remain active, with bream schooling tighter around structure. Flathead are reliable throughout autumn, while whiting stay steady on the flats. Stable weather makes fall a reliable time for mixed-bag trips.
Winter (December–February)
Winter is snapper season in South West Rocks. Inshore reefs light up with quality reds, taken on soft plastics, vibes, and pilchards. Pearl perch and morwong also fill the bins, with tailor and salmon schooling along beaches and headlands. Offshore pelagics slow, though southern bluefin tuna occasionally appear on wide runs. Inside, bream school thick around the river walls, with flathead holding in deeper holes. Jewfish fishing remains strong at night, with live mullet the go-to bait. Winter charters often focus on reef and estuary fishing, with less boat traffic and consistent bites.
Gamefish in South West Rocks
- Jewfish (Mulloway) – 10–50 lb. Year-round in river holes and reefs, best on live mullet or squid at night.
- Snapper – 2–20 lb. Peak winter on inshore reefs, taken on soft plastics, pilchards, and vibes.
- Spanish Mackerel – 10–40 lb. Summer offshore target, best trolling garfish or drifting live baits.
- <Spanish Mackerel – 10–40 lb. Summer offshore target, best trolling garfish or drifting live baits.>Coho (Silver Salmon) – Show up late summer through fall. Fast and strong, commonly 8–15 lbs
- Flathead – 2–10 lb. Reliable estuary target year-round, strongest in spring on plastics and bait
- Bream – 1–3 lb. River and estuary staple, best in winter around rock walls and leases.
- Tuna (Yellowfin/Longtail) – 10–80 lb. Summer and autumn offshore, taken trolling lures and cubing.
- Mahi Mahi – 5–20 lb. Found offshore spring through summer, best around FADs and traps.
South West Rocks Fishing FAQs
Where do most South West Rocks charters depart from?
Trips usually leave from the South West Rocks boat ramp, with access to the Macleay River and offshore reefs.
How long are typical trips?
Half-day charters target the river or nearby reefs. Full-day trips push offshore for pelagics and deeper reef species.
Do charters provide gear?
Yes, all bait, tackle, and rods are included. Offshore boats carry heavy trolling gear, while estuary trips use light spin tackle.
Do I need a license to fish South West Rocks?
Yes, NSW requires a recreational license, but most charters cover this under the booking or help arrange one.
When is the best time to fish South West Rocks?
Summer is prime for pelagics like mackerel, tuna, and kingfish. Winter is best for snapper and jewfish. Spring and autumn give a mix of both.
What techniques are most common?
Live-baiting and lure casting in the river for jewfish, trolling and jigging offshore for pelagics, and bait or plastics for snapper on the reefs.
What species are best for beginners?
Flathead, bream, and whiting in the river are steady for newcomers. Offshore, snapper and pearl perch are reliable for first-timers.
How many anglers can go on a charter
Inshore estuary boats usually carry 2–4 anglers, while offshore vessels run 6–10 depending on size.
Are night trips available?
Yes, night sessions are popular for jewfish in the Macleay River and tailor or mulloway along the beaches.