You’re going to have a great time when you’re fishing Sydney Harbour, where many species of fish can be found year round around the countless underwater structures. Sydney Harbour is the world's largest natural harbour, and even has a unit of measurement named after it – the Sydharb is equivalent to 500 gigalitres!
As well as fishing the protected and tranquil harbour itself, anglers can head out of the harbour to fish – a 20-minute ride will get you to the reefs and wrecks. Just 5 miles from shore and you can fish depths of 100 meters. Or you can head as much as 60-miles offshore for some excellent deep sea fishing.
The harbour is famous for its Crab population, as well as the varied species of fish you can catch here. You’ll also be able to target Prawns, Bream, Flounder, Kingfish, Luderick, Groper, Sand Whiting, Sea Mullet, Silver Biddle, Silver Trevally, Tailor, Trumpeter Whiting, Squid, Dusky Flathead, Fan-bellied Leatherjacket, and many more. At one point, over 600 species were estimated to be here. Each season offers anglers something new.
Sydney Fishing Spots
There are plenty of bays and islands to fish in Sydney Harbour, some with excellent views of the Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge as an added bonus. There are over 30 wharves as well as many marinas and bridges that provide habitats to many fish.
Blues Point Reserve
A short walk from the railway station, this is the spot to fish if you want to mix fishing with taking in the sites – you’ll have the best view of Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge. Fish here if you know you can cast a line a good distance out, to catch Kingfish, Salmon, Jewfish, and Silver Trevally. If you’re fishing from the bank, you can fish here in the afternoon instead of the early morning.
Beulah Street Wharf
Located on Kirribilli (translated from the old Aboriginal dialect as “good fishing spot”), this is another top spot to fish with an excellent view! More experienced anglers will enjoy the challenging currents found here, which are fast and strong. Find plenty of Sea Bream, Silver Trevally, and Squid here.
Rose Bay
Rose Bay might not have the views of the other spots, but it is an excellent fishery for Leatherjacket, Flathead, Whiting, Snapper, Tailor, Bream, Australian Salmon, and Squid. For Flathead and Whiting, head towards the southeast corner, to the area known as “the Blue Hole”. A lot of charters use this bay to depart from, so there is plenty of parking available.
Rushcutters Bay
This area is great for attracting Jewfish, Amberjack, Flathead, Whiting, and Bream, as well as huge numbers of baitfish. There are plenty of structures around the bay that the fish are attracted to. From the bay, you can easily access Clarke Island, where there are disused Navy moorings to fish around. Kingfish, Jewfish, and Snapper can be caught here.
Bradley’s Head
If you’re fishing with an experienced captain, you’ll have a lot of fun at Bradley’s Head. You’ll need a local who can navigate these congested waters. You’ll be able to target Australian Salmon, Tailor, Flathead, Luderick, and Bream. A short walk from the lighthouse, towards “white rock”, is another productive spot to fish. You’ll be able to fish Black Trevally and Leatherjacket here, as well.
Watsons Bay
Watsons Bay is at the furthest point of Sydney Harbour, before you reach the Tasman Sea.
At the mouth of the harbour is Sow and Pigs reef, a productive reef for Bream, Jewfish, Shark, Trevally, Tailor, and more. From May to November it’s likely you’ll fish up to 30 miles outside of the harbour for Yellowfin, Albacore, and Bluefin Tuna. During the warmer months (November to May) you’ll be able to target Striped, Black, and Blue Marlin.
Sydney Harbour Fishing Tips
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Head to the fishing grounds very early in the morning or very late in the evening. There are ferries and ships in the harbour later in the day which can adversely affect the currents. Early morning fishing also lets you get the best spots!
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Live bait will need to be bought before the trip, as you can’t use crab as bait here.
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To help you cast as far as possible, into the nooks and crannies of the structures, use the lightest line possible with lightweight lures to match. Have longer line than usual so you minimize spooking the fish.
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A top trick of fishing the harbour – let you lure sink naturally. The fish are more likely to come investigate if it looks natural, rather than immediately swinging back towards the boat.
Need to Know
Check the latest information on fish that are edible in the harbour. In the past, there have been high levels of dioxins, making some dangerous to eat.
The seasons in the southern hemisphere are different from those in the northern hemisphere. Better weather begins in December and lasts until May.
Some areas have restrictions. Your captain will know the high traffic areas, fish refuge zones, and restricted areas.
Regulations
Whatever type of fishing you choose to do in New South Wales, you’ll need to pay the NSW Recreational Fishing Fee. Carry the receipt with you at all times.
Only four rods can be in the water at once when fishing in Sydney. There are also limits of how many fish can be taken on any given trip. Your captain will advise which species can be kept.
Budget
Trips in the harbour are around seven hours and will cost AUD 1,100 for five people. If leaving from the harbour and heading offshore, the price of the trip can be over double that.
Getting There
Fly to Sydney Airport and travel around half an hour along the M1 to get to the southwestern part of the harbour. You can also take public transport from the airport, but this will take an hour. The cruise ship pier is located near the south side of the Sydney Harbour Bridge.
Grab your flip-flops (or thongs as they’re called here), suntan lotion, and head down under today for a great time fishing Sydney Harbour. The whole family will love the mix of excellent fishing with spectacular views. Take in the sights, visit the Sydney Heritage Fleet, and book an unforgettable trip today.