With more than 100 fishing spots to choose from, Sydney is one of the best and most versatile places to fish in the entire country. Whether you're looking to get some bream in the bay, some bass in the dam or many other species, the diversity of fishing holes Sydney offers means there is always somewhere new to discover. These are the best fishing spots Sydney has.
Fishing Tips
Whether you are a complete beginner or just looking to get better, learning specific skills can take your experience out on the water to a whole new level at the best fishing spots Sydney. These tips are aimed at helping you catch more fish, reduce newbie mistakes, and ensure your time on the water is both enjoyable and productive.
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Know Your Tides: Tides are everything when it comes to surfing these breaks. Plenty of fish do more feeding when the tide is coming in, especially in estuarine and harbour settings.
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Match the Bait to the Fish: Use local baitfish or crustaceans that are naturally living in the water you are fishing. If you’re targeting different species, fresh prawns, pilchards or soft plastics can be very successful.
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Fish Near Structures: Fish love cover. Piers, bridge supports, boat hulls and rocky ledges also offer food and protection, which draw larger fish. Fishing close to these will produce good catches.
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Be Silent: Try to be as quiet and still as possible. Again, fish are easily spooked, especially in clear, shallow water. Use the slow and quite approach!
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See how the Weather is: Sometimes overcast days can create great fishing times. Stay out of high winds if you can, and always put safety first when fishing around rocks and open water.
Great fishing starts with great preparation. Using these tips for most fishing spots Sydney has will have a similar impact on your rate of success and perhaps even your appreciation of local fish habits.
Fishing Essentials for Beginners
One of the great things about lots of fishing spots Sydney is that where applicable, you can start modest with basic gear, then grow your collection as you improve your skills.
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Spinning Combo: A medium-light action spinning combo (about 6-7 feet) will handle all of your harbour, estuary & freshwater fishing.
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Monofilament/Braided Line: An 8–12lb line gets the job done for many fish and is strong enough yet not too thick.
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Hooks, Sinkers & Swivels: Bring a range of hooks (size 1 to 3/0), ball sinkers & swivels to suit the prevailing conditions and the species you are targeting.
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Bait & Lures: Soft plastics, live prawns, worms, and squid strips are best bait to catch local common species.
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Landing Net & Tackle Bag: A compact landing net and small tackle bag provide further convenience for catching and storing your fish.
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Polarised Sunglasses & Sunscreen reduce glare and help you see into the water, whilst sunscreen keeps you from being burnt after long sessions.
Fishing doesn’t have to be complicated. Lots of the great fishing spots Sydney are readily available and friendly for beginners. With just a few pieces of essential gear and a desire to learn, you can transition from a casual caster to a confident angler in no time.
When To Go Fishing In Sydney
Fishing in Sydney Sydney is a year round destination for fishing, but understanding the peak times and seasons can help to plan your fishing spots Sydney trips around the behavior of fish and changing environmental conditions. It’s convenient when you’re moving from one fishing spot Sydney has to another.
Spring (September–November)
Spring is a wonderful season to visit fishing spots Sydney. As water temperatures rise, many species are more active and move into shallower waters to feed and spawn. Flathead, bream and whiting are there in force, particularly in estuaries and bays. Offshore, kingfish and snapper are becoming more abundant. The climate for fishing spots Sydney is mild which makes it really comfortable if staying by the water, for several hours. Spring is also ideal for beginners, as the fish tend to be less wary and more willing to bite.
Summer (December–February)
In Sydney summer is one of the prime times for fishing. Fish life surfaces in the warm water, with fish species like Tailor, kingfish, and bonito even the odd marlin out wider. Beaches and rock platforms are heaving with fishermen aiming for whiting, bream and flathead. The best fishing spots Sydney times to escape the heat and find active fish are during the early hours and late evenings. Long days of summer can equate to more fishing time, but remember to take care of yourself and protect yourself from the sun. Fishing is popular in Sydney, so for the best spot, get there early.
Autumn (March–May)
Autumn is popular with the local fishing spots Sydney anglers. To do this, they first need a to stock up with fat, so during cool conditions, fish feed up for winter, allowing them to grow and get caught more frequently. Estuaries and bays have plenty of flathead, bream and tailor, and offshore you can fish for snapper and kingfish. The crowds disappear once summer is over so you will usually have the pick of the best fishing spots Sydney has on offer. And with autumn’s relatively predictable weather and mild temperatures, it’s a great time for anglers new and old to try their hand at the sport.
Winter (June–August)
There is nothing quite like fishing Sydney in the winter, as it has it’s very own unique appeal. Though some species quiet down others, such as Australian salmon, trevally, luderick, and are in full swing. This cold water brings them in much closer to the shore, particularly near rock platforms and harbour entrances. Mornings can be chilly, but the air is crisp and the crowds are few. Winter is a good time of year to target fishing efforts on freshwater as well including at spots such as Manly Dam where Australian bass are in action. Don’t be put off by the cold, winter is a uniquely rewarding time to explore fishing spots Sydney, so long as you display the proper equipment.
Manly Dam
If you want a beautiful and productive freshwater spot, Manly Dam is one of the best fishing spots Sydney has to offer all anglers, with beginners and experts alike. Located in the centre of Manly-Warringah War Memorial Park, this big bushland reserve offers far more than just fishing. It's an ideal spot for picnicking, mountain biking, swimming and kayaking.
Manly Dam is particularly well known for its Australian Bass. The dam is frequently stocked, so you have a good chance at hooking a feisty bass, particularly in Section 4 near the wetlands. You may find other species such as silver perch, carp and redfin. With its laid-back vibe and convenient location, it is perfect for families, or anyone seeking a relaxing day by the water.
There’s a good number of reasons to fish at Manly Dam other than the decent array of fishing opportunities you have there. Though, with a NSW recreational fishing licence required to fish Manly Dam.
Beulah Street Wharf
Beulah Street Wharf is one of the Sydney secret fishing spots. Located in Kirribilli, this fishing spot in Sydney wharf has beautiful views of the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Opera House to accompany your fishing session. The wharf is accessible by public transport, particularly by ferry and train.
The best times to fish here are at dawn and dusk when bream, trevally and tailor are in the mood for biting. The wharf’s physical structure draws in baitfish, who in turn entice larger predators. Light tackle and small baits are best, particularly when the water is clear. Beulah Street Wharf is a nice place for a quick session after work, or a leisurely session on the weekend. Just be mindful of other people who are visiting, as the wharf is a public space.
Gordon’s Bay
Gordon’s Bay is one of a kind amongst fishing spots Sydney for many reasons. The sheltered bay is nestled between Clovelly and Coogee and features calm waters, thanks to an offshore reef, and a 500m underwater nature trail. While it is a known diving hotspot, the bay offers fantastic rock fishing opportunities on its south side.
The bay’s protected location allows for various fishing styles, from bait fishing to lure casting. It is home to a variety of species such as trevally, bream, rock cod, and even colourful parrotfish typically seen near rocky outcrops. In addition, the underwater trail can provide insight into where the fish are congregating, giving you an edge on choosing the perfect fishing spot Sydney.
Access to Gordon’s Bay is available through the coastal walk, and the rocky terrain and occasional swell should be anticipated. Always be sure to keep up with local regulations, especially as the bay is part of the Bronte-Coogee Aquatic Reserve regarding spearfishing. For an experience to remember, mix fishing with a swim or snorkel to uncover the bay’s vibrant marine life.
Brighton-Le-Sands
Brighton-Le-Sands is a popular area with both locals and visitors as a result of the diversity of fishing spots Sydney and vibrant atmosphere. The bayside suburb lies on the Botany Bay shore and offers beach and marina fishing in addition to access to the picturesque Cooks River. The Cooks River fishing spot is well-known for its relaxed atmosphere and a thrill of plane spotting as jets take off from the neighbourhood airport. The East and West arms of the significant marina, which provide entrance to deep waters and a wide range of fish, are popular fishing spots.
If you want a more guided experience, the Sydney suburb of Brighton-Le-Sands is home to some fishing charters – Sealord Fishing Charters run deep-sea trips that focus on species like Blue Eye Cod and Hapuka. The waters here are shallow so these peg an ideal size for beach fishing, you will need a longer rod (10ft or so) to reach deeper channels.
Parking can be tight, especially on weekends, so plan accordingly for this nice fishing spot Sydney. Be sure that you’re up to date on local regulations, and make sure you know licenses and catch limits. For bait, go with strips of yellowtail, pilchards, mullet, or slimy mackerel—these are all well-known favourites of Sydney fish. And if you strike out, the sailing clubs nearby have some of the freshest seafood in town.
Tom Uglys Bridge
Tom Uglys Bridge is an old favourite of the fishing spots Sydney, a location with numerous spots to drop a line and easy parking. The bridge crosses the Georges River, a popular watercourse for both recreational and commercial fishing.
The majority of anglers fish at Tom Uglys Point on the northern side, there is a purpose-built concrete fishing platform, perfect for the less mobile angler. The south side has a boat ramp and a small jetty so you have the option of fishing from shore or from your boat.
There are bream, flathead, tailor and mulloway on the Georges River which is a productive fishery all year long. The bridge’s form encourages the baitfish, which in turn attract bigger predators. Fish experiencing fresh water in rivers are fantastic fighters and taste great!Early mornings and late evenings are best, particularly during a run-out tide.
Tom Uglys Bridge Perfect for families or young martial artists, the Tom Uglys Bridge is reasonably easy. It’s easily accessible and contains facilities. Just don’t forget to pack your NSW fishing license and be sure to read the latest regulations first.
Gunnamatta Bay
Gunnamatta Bay is a quiet location, where you can have a laid-back fishing day. Situated in Port Hacking, near Cronulla, these waters are well known for calm waters and a family-friendly setting. It is around the Gunnamatta Bay Baths that they are particularly well loved where locals say the fish are attracted to the structure of the baths and the boats moored there.
You will catch bream, dusky flathead, and Australian salmon. The bay itself is protected, so it’s a good bet for beginners or anglers with kids. There’s easy access with Cronulla train station a short walk away and easy parking as well. This makes it one of the best fishing spots Sydney has for everyone.
Fishing is most successful at the baths (outside nets) or in the bay around it. The combination of natural structure and human-made features provides a haven for fish, so you’re likely to encounter something tasty.
Sydney Harbour
This legendary waterway provides endless angling possibilities, from quiet inlets and working wharves to deep channels and rocky points. There are a number of species in the harbour including bream, flathead, tailor, kingfish and the odd jewfish.
Absurdly popular locations are Clifton Gardens, Blues Point Reserve and the pylons of the Harbour Bridge. Every space comes with its own pros and cons, so take your time experimenting and find the spot that’s right for you. Sensitive tackle and fresh bait are generally the key, particularly when targeting wary harbour fish.
Sydney Harbour is pretty public-transport friendly and a good option if you don’t have a car. Only keep what you will eat and know that in some areas there are fishing regulations or that are part of a marine reserve so always check the most recent regulations before casting your line.
Browns Rock
Browns Rock has been a long known destination amongst the fishing spots Sydney, for those who enjoy it a bit adventurous. Situated near Kurnell in southern Sydney, this unusual rock formation protrudes into Botany Bay and is renowned for its deep water and powerful rips.
It is a popular spot for land-based game fishing, with anglers catching kingfish, tailor, salmon and even the odd shark. The deep water allows you to use heavier tackle and focus on bigger fish than in lots of other spots. Browns Rock is more for the advanced angler as there can be difficult conditions on the rock and strong currents.
You’ll reach it via a walking track from the end of Prince Charles Parade and you’ll need to lug your gear down onto the rocks. However, for all the frustration Browns Rock can also offer some of the most exciting fishing spots Sydney has.
Equip Your Sydney Fishing Trips With the Blueetti AC240 Portable Power Station
As fishermen craft their way across Sydney’s rich array of fishing locations, reliable power is at hand to help suit the job — be it charging a phone for tide updates, running a portable fridge for your catch, or lights for an early start or late finish. Use the BLUETTI AC240 Portable Power Station: Made for all of your outdoor escapes, the AC240 delivers a powerful 2,400W output and a massive 1,536Wh capacity so you never run out of juice for your must-have equipment.
And with IP65 water and dust resistance, you can take it to the beach, on the rocks or by the river without a worry, no matter the weather. With several AC and USB outlets, you can keep everything from bait aerators to cameras in working order.
The AC240 is also solar compatible, so you can charge it directly at your fishing spot with the sun—an ideal feature for long days off the grid. Compact, portable and silent, the BLUETTI AC240 is the perfect buddy for Sydney-siders who like to fish smarter, be connected, and stay jolly by the water’s edge without having to think twice about power.
FAQs
Do I require a license for all Sydney fishing spots?
Yes, you will need a NSW recreational fishing licence for most public waters (not in the harbour), such as dams and rivers. You can buy one online or from most tackle shops.
What is the best bait for fishing spots Sydney?
It varies with the species, but pilchards, prawns, worms, soft plastics all work well on most fish in this area. It isn’t part of the rules, but you want to match whatever bait you’re using to your target species and the conditions.
Are there any fishing bans in Sydney?
Some areas are made aquatic reserves or seasonally closed, yes. Always check the current NSW regulations before you go fishing to ensure you don’t get a fine and help protect our local fish stocks.
Where can beginners find easy fishing in Sydney?
Manly Dam, Gunnamatta Bay and Brighton-Le-Sands are ideal, they have flat waters, good access and lots of fish, so you can get into the swing of it.
When is the best time to fish in Sydney?
Early morning (sunrise) and late afternoon are the best times to fish as most fish are active at these times. Tides and weather are also major factors, so plan accordingly.
