Wooli Fishing Charters
Wooli fishing charters work the Wooli River, Solitary Islands Marine Park, and offshore shelf waters, where jewfish, snapper, mackerel, tuna, and marlin are all in reach of a single run.
Top Rated Charters in Wooli
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Wooli, NSW Fishing Guide
Wooli is a small coastal town with a serious fishery. The Wooli River itself is a productive estuary for flathead, bream, whiting, and school jewfish, with mangrove-lined creeks and sandflats fished on tides. The river mouth and rock walls are prime spots for mulloway, tailor, and trevally, especially at night. Just outside the bar, inshore reefs and bommies hold snapper, pearl perch, kingfish, and cobia. A short run further puts you into the Solitary Islands Marine Park, a mix of reef, current lines, and deepwater structure where Spanish mackerel, wahoo, mahi mahi, and tuna feed. Head wide, and you’re onto the shelf chasing striped, black, and blue marlin in season.
Charters here run from half-day estuary sessions to full-day offshore and bluewater trips. Half-days often focus on river and estuary species, while offshore runs cross the bar and fish reefs within 5–10 miles. Full-day trips push out 20–30 miles to the islands and current edges for pelagics. Launching is generally from the Wooli boat ramp, with quick access to both estuary and offshore grounds. The Wooli bar can be tricky, so offshore charters are run by skippers who know the tides and swells well.
Seasonality drives the action. Summer brings Spanish mackerel, wahoo, tuna, and mahi mahi offshore, while mangrove jack and whiting dominate the river. Autumn delivers jewfish and tuna, along with consistent reef fishing. Winter is snapper season, with reds thick on inshore reefs and bream stacked in the river. Spring produces a blend—mahi mahi offshore, flathead in the river, and snapper still strong on reefs.
Techniques depend on the target. Live-baiting mullet or herring is standard for jewfish and mangrove jack in the river. Offshore, bottom fishing with pilchards and squid produces snapper and pearl perch, while live-baiting yakkas tempts cobia and kingfish. Trolling garfish, lures, or skirted baits is the go-to for mackerel, tuna, and marlin. Light spinning gear with metals and stickbaits gets plenty of action when pelagics school up on the surface. Wooli is a small town, but its fishery punches well above its weight.
Fishing Seasons in Wooli
Spring (March–May)
Spring is a transition season in Wooli. Snapper remain strong on the reefs, taken on pilchards, squid, and soft plastics. Offshore, mahi mahi show up around FADs and traps, and early mackerel begin to appear if the current runs close. In the river, flathead move into the shallows to spawn, making them easy targets on soft plastics and vibes. Bream and whiting also bite harder with warming water, with surface lures effective on the flats. Spring charters often mix estuary mornings with light-tackle offshore sessions when the weather allows.
Summer (June–August)
Summer is peak pelagic season. Spanish mackerel, spotted mackerel, wahoo, longtail tuna, and mahi mahi dominate offshore, taken trolling garfish, lures, and live baits. Marlin—black, striped, and the occasional blue—are a real chance out wide, making summer the big-game window. Inshore reefs still produce snapper and pearl perch, while cobia and kingfish hang around bommies. In the Wooli River, mangrove jack bite hard around snags and rock bars, while whiting are thick across sandflats, best on worms, yabbies, or small surface lures. Night fishing in summer is popular for jewfish along the walls.
Fall (September–November)
Autumn brings tuna schools offshore, with yellowfin and longtail tuna taken trolling and cubing. Cobia become more common, feeding around reefs and wrecks. Snapper fishing stays consistent, while pearl perch and kingfish round out the reef catches. Inshore, jewfish remain strong around the river mouth and walls, with live mullet the top bait. Flathead stay active throughout autumn, while bream begin to school tighter around structure. Fall is one of the most versatile seasons, offering both pelagics offshore and reliable estuary options.
Winter (December–February)
Winter slows the pelagics but kicks the snapper bite into gear. Inshore reefs produce big reds, often taken on soft plastics, vibes, and pilchards. Pearl perch, morwong, and teraglin add to the catch. Offshore, southern bluefin tuna can appear in some years on the wider runs. In the estuary, bream school thick around the walls and bridges, with prawns and small lures producing well. Flathead stack in deeper holes, making them easy targets. Tailor and salmon also run the beaches, smashing metals and pilchards at dawn and dusk. Winter charters often focus on reef and estuary fishing, with less boat traffic and steady action.
Gamefish in Wooli
- Jewfish (Mulloway) – 10–50 lb. Found year-round in river holes and walls, best in autumn and summer nights on live mullet or squid.
- Snapper – 2–20 lb. Peak winter offshore reefs, taken on baits and soft plastics.
- Spanish Mackerel – 10–40 lb. Summer offshore target, best trolling garfish and lures.
- Mangrove Jack – 2–15 lb. Summer estuary specialist, taken on live herring and lures around structure.
- Flathead – 2–10 lb. Year-round in the estuary, peak in spring and autumn on plastics and bait.
- Whiting – 1–2 lb. Summer staple on sandflats, best with worms, yabbies, or poppers.
- Tuna (Yellowfin/Longtail) – 10–80 lb. Autumn offshore target, trolling and cubing.
- Mahi Mahi – 5–20 lb. Found spring and summer around FADs, taken on live baits and lures.
Wooli Fishing FAQs
Where do most Wooli charters depart from?
Most trips leave from the Wooli boat ramp, with quick access to the river and offshore reefs through the bar.
How long are typical trips?
Half-day charters focus on the river or nearby reefs. Full-day trips run further offshore for pelagics, marlin, and deepwater species.
Do charters provide tackle?
Yes, all bait, tackle, and rods are included. Offshore boats carry heavy gear for trolling, while estuary guides use light spin outfits.
Do I need a license to fish Wooli?
Yes, NSW requires a recreational fishing license, but most charters include this or help arrange one.
When is the best time to fish Wooli?
Summer is prime for mackerel, tuna, and marlin. Winter is best for snapper and bream. Spring and autumn offer a mix of estuary and offshore options.
What techniques are most common here?
Live-baiting mullet for jewfish, trolling gar for mackerel, cubing for tuna, soft plastics for snapper, and bait fishing for estuary species.
What species are best for beginners?
Flathead, bream, and whiting in the estuary are reliable. Offshore, snapper and pearl perch are forgiving and rewarding targets.
How many anglers can go on a charter?
Inshore boats usually carry 2–4 anglers. Offshore vessels handle 6–10 depending on size and target species.
Are night trips available?
Yes, night charters for jewfish in the river are popular, especially in summer and autumn.