Fishing

Fishing is a special attraction for many visitors to the Eurobodalla Nature Coast.

The region boasts some of Australia's finest estuary, beach, rock and offshore fishing.

There are numerous launching ramps for trailer boat fishermen in Batemans Bay and Narooma, or marked in freely available Eurobodalla Coast tourist maps and holiday books.

There are many charter boat operators offering reef fishing for species such as snapper, morwong, trevally and kingfish.

In summer to early winter, game charters chase marlin, various tuna species (particularly "the big yellow train" - the yellowfin tuna), and other more tropical species which can frequent the northerly currents.

Estuary Fishing

This is a particularly popular form of fishing suitable for family groups in generally sheltered inlets and rivers.

There are numerous opportunities to pursue this fun activity on the Eurobodalla Coast - Durras Lake, the Clyde River, Moruya River, Tuross lakes, Wagonga Inlet and Lake Corunna being just some of the options available. Most places have hire boats available, or take your own boat or canoe. Please note, many of the estuaries are more suited to small aluminium craft (known locally as "tinnies"), than larger cruising boats. Many of the estuaries can successfully be fished from the shore but undoubtedly a boat is an asset.

Some of the estuaries may close to the sea from time to time, depending on prevailing weather conditions. Fishing in closed waters can, however, still be productive although it may take longer to locate fish than in tidal waters.

Main species available at various times of the year include bream, flathead, flounder, whiting, luderick, garfish, mulloway and tailor. Some species are available all the year, while others are more predominantly a summer/autumn proposition.

Visitors will find simply no substitute for reliable and up to date LOCAL KNOWLEDGE until they start to understand a new location themselves. Numerous tackle and bait shops will be keen to assist - they seek your custom and want you to return a happy visitor.

Some Hints

* Use fresh bait if at all possible. A bait pump on the sandbanks will provide nippers (yabbies) and in some places worms. A fine net run through the weedbeds will yield prawns and shrimps. Fresh frozen is next best.

* Don't just anchor in the deeper water and throw a line over. Fish near structures - oyster leases, wharves, reefs and weedbeds. All places where there is shelter for the fish.

* Fish as light as possible. Use only as much lead to get your bait down into the feeding zone and don't use lines of a breaking strain heavier than necessary.

* Lures, and in some cases, saltwater flies, are becoming increasingly popular.

* Fishing in the early morning and late afternoon or evening (often especially at night), is better than in the middle of the day when the sun is high overhead. Dull days are often better than bright and drizzly days can be dynamite.

* Only keep what you need and carefully return undersized fish to the water. There are size and bag limits on most species. Adults require a fishing license and these are available from local marine dealers and tackle outlets.

* A few fish can have dangerous spikes which can give you a nasty gash - handle carefully and seek local advice. Also a few fish (mainly puffer fish or "toadies") are extremely poisonous to eat. Avoid them!

* Keep your fish cool and moist - most of our estuary fish are delicious to eat.

Rock Fishing

Rock fishing for a variety of different species can be extremely productive, but please take care and never underestimate the power of the sea. Don't fish alone.

Main species include salmon and tailor, snapper, drummer, blackfish and bream. Fresh bait is important or use lures for the pelagic species.

Beach Fishing

This is a form of fishing which has it's own special breed of devotee. An evening on a long stretch of beach gives the awesome power and beauty of Mother Nature new meaning. Main varieties include salmon, tailor, bream, whiting and gummy sharks. Many of the beaches hold populations of beach worms (great bait!) and pippies.

Again, early morning and evening are the pick and often a rising tide is best. The Eurobodalla Coast has so many different beaches you can usually find shelter from prevailing winds. Fish the deeper holes and gutters where discernible.

Offshore

"Bottom bashing" or fishing baits, either on the sand or reefs, is extremely popular, with snapper the much sought after prize. There are numerous other species including morwong, nannygai, pigfish, trevally and many more. On the sand, flathead are very popular and fine eating.

Please, if you are crossing a bar or river mouth to gain ocean access, seek local knowledge AND WEAR A LIFEJACKET.

They can be dangerous in certain conditions; and always radio your details and time of return to the local volunteer coastal patrol.

Out further, the Eurobodalla Coast has excellent game fishing. An Australian record is currently pending for a blue marlin caught off Batemans Bay in January, 1998 (over 400 kg).

The waters off Montague Island near Narooma are famous with the close proximity of the continental shelf. Marlin (mainly blacks), yellowfin tuna, yellowtail kingfish and sharks are all on the menu with numerous other species available at various time of the year. Compared with more exotic locations the costs of chartering a boat are very reasonable and the fishing can be excellent.

Prawning

One of the great delights of the Eurobodalla Coast is the fun of chasing the summer prawn run.

This can vary from year to year depending on the state of the estuaries and whether they have been open to the sea during the winter. Scoop nets or haul nets can be used. Haul nets must be licensed.

Freshly cooked prawns are just delicious.

Beware, however, of a small prickly fish called a fortescue which might tangle in your net and give a very painful sting.

Some of our estuaries also provide blue swimmer crabs which can be caught in special nets and are simply delicious. Restrictions apply on the number of nets allowed per person. And please, don’t interfere with other people’s nets.

Summary

The Eurobodalla Coast is a fisherman's dream world. You could spend a lifetime and still not experience it all. However, use common sense, take care and seek lots of local advice.

Tight lines!