Department of Primary Industries

and Regional Development

NSW Recreational
Saltwater
Fishing Guide

2024—2025
Report illegal fishing 1800 043 536
[Link]
Check out
the app: FishSmart
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from data
the on
Bur this sit
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of M is sou
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Welcome to FishSmart! See your location in Check the bag and Store all your Contact Fisheries –
relation to FADs,
See featured fishing Marine Park Zones, size limits for popular catches in your Report illegal
photos RFHs & more species very own Catch Log fishing & more
Contents i

NSW Recreational Fishing Fee 1

Where do my fishing fees go? 3

Fishing Education 7

Recreational Fishing Havens 8

Go Charter Fishing 10

Responsible fishing 12

Responsible fishing to minimise impact and reduce wildlife injuries 23

Fishing safely 29

Recreational Harvest of Seafood 34

Knots and rigs 39

Permitted methods and activities 43

How to measure finfish and invertebrates 51

Fish identification 52

Fin fish bag limits, size limits and closed seasons 54

Invertebrates bag and size limits 65

Threatened and protected species 69

Conserving our biodiversity 74

Tide tables 83

Local recreational fishing guides 89

Fisheries officers 90

Contact details 92

A diary for your catch records 94


 ii This NSW Recreational Saltwater Fishing Guide is produced by the NSW Department of
Primary Industries and Regional Development (NSW DPIRD) Locked Bay 1, Nelson Bay NSW
2316, for and on behalf of the state of New South Wales. It is funded from the Saltwater
Recreational Fishing Trust as part of our commitment to providing recreational fishers with
comprehensive, user‑friendly information.

A freshwater recreational fishing guide is also available.

NSW Recreational Saltwater Fishing Guide:
ISSN: 2982-1959 (Print)
ISSN: 2982-1967 (Online)
JTN 18436 SEPTEMBER 2024
© State of New South Wales through the Department of Primary Industries
and Regional Development New South Wales 2024.

Disclaimers
This publication may provide assistance or information but NSW DPIRD and its
employees do not guarantee the publication is without flaw or is wholly appropriate for
any particular purpose and therefore disclaims all liability for any error, loss or other
consequences which may arise from relying on any information in this publication.
This publication is a guide only, it does not replace the Fisheries Management Act 1994 or other
acts and statutory rules applying to or affecting recreational fishing. It is a summary of laws
and regulations at the time of publication and cannot be used as a defence in a court of law.
Recreational fishing regulations may change during the life of this publication. It is the
responsibility of fishers to ensure they are acting within the law at all times. Check regulations
with your local NSW DPIRD fisheries office or [Link]/fisheries.
No material matter in this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval
system, or transmitted in any form by electronic or mechanical means,
photocopying or recording without the written permission of NSW DPIRD.

Reproduction of Tide charts for Australia, East Coast—Sydney (Fort Denison)

© Copyright in the Tidal Predictions is owned by the Commonwealth of
Australia represented by the Bureau of Meteorology 2024
2024—2025

This product is based on Bureau of Meteorology information that has subsequently been modified.
The Bureau does not necessarily support or endorse, or have any connection with, the product.
In respect of that part of the information which is sourced from the Bureau, and to the maximum extent
permitted by law: (i) The Bureau makes no representation and gives no warranty of any kind whether
express, implied, statutory or otherwise in respect to the availability, accuracy, currency, completeness,
NSW Recreational Saltwater Fishing Guide

quality or reliability of the information or that the information will be fit for any particular purpose or
will not infringe any third party Intellectual Property rights; and (ii) the Bureau’s liability for any loss,
damage, cost or expense resulting from use of, or reliance on, the information is entirely excluded.
For tide predictions for Australia, visit [Link]/australia/tides/
Sign up for Newscast—an information bulletin for NSW recreational fishers at [Link]
Cover Image—Mulloway, Andrew Mayo Photography
A HEALTHY
iii

FISHING
FUTURE IS IN
YOUR HANDS
Help us build a positive future for recreational fishing in
NSW.

By fishing responsibly, you can safeguard fish stocks and

protect the places we love to fish. When you hold a current
recreational fishing licence, your fee contribution is used for
improving local facilities like fishing platforms and enhancing fishing
experiences with artificial reefs and FADs.

Live for Fishing. Fish for Life. Learn more at

[Link]/FISHFORLIFE

 1
NSW Recreational A fifty per cent concession applies to
people who only fish in the tidal waters of
Fishing Fee the Tweed River and prescribed adjacent
beach areas.

NSW Fishing Fee Receipt Where do I pay the fee?

This receipt must be carried while fishing
You can pay at many outlets throughout
ALL FEES ARE USED TO
IMPROVE RECREATIONAL FISHING NSW, such as most fishing tackle
shops, selected caravan parks, local
shops, service stations, NSW DPIRD
FishSmart app and via Service NSW
website [Link] or call
1300 660 436.

When do I need to pay? How much is the fee?

When you are fishing in NSW waters, both Î $7 for 3 days
fresh and saltwater, you are required by Î $14 for 1 month
law to carry a receipt showing the payment Î $35 for 1 year
of the NSW Recreational Fishing Fee. This Î $85 for 3 years
applies when line fishing (rod or hand
line); spear fishing; bait collecting or when Digital fee receipt on your phone
collecting invertebrates using methods
such as hand gathering, digging, pumping, If you own a smartphone you can now link
trapping and prawn netting. This also your NSW Fishing Fee Receipt with the
applies when in possession of fishing gear Service NSW smartphone app which will
in, on or adjacent to waters. enable you to hold a digital fishing fee
receipt on your smartphone.
If you go fishing aboard a charter vessel
or with a fishing guide, you may find that [Link]/transaction/get-
your skipper or guide holds an exemption started-digital-licences
certificate which covers you as well. Always
check whether you need to have paid the
fee before going fishing.
2024—2025
NSW Recreational Saltwater Fishing Guide
How do I obtain a plastic receipt? These exemptions only apply to the primary 2
card holder. Recreational fishers must
If you pay for a one year or three‑year
have these cards in their possession to be
period online, over the phone or if you
exempt. Please note that Senior’s Cards,
renew your licence using your renewal
Health Care Cards and Department of
letter, you will receive a plastic receipt in
Veterans’ Affairs Veteran White Cards will
the post. For all other payment methods you
not exempt you from paying the fishing fee.
will receive a paper receipt.
Please note that seniors cards, health
Interstate and overseas visitors care cards and repatriation health cards
do not exempt you from paying the NSW
Recreational fishing licences issued by
Recreational Fishing Fee.
other states, territories or countries are not
valid for fishing in NSW waters. All visitors This information is current at time of printing,
must pay the NSW Recreational Fishing Fee. but fisheries regulations may change. It is
the responsibility of fishers to ensure they
The general NSW Recreational Fishing Fee
are acting within the law at all times.
means those who receive direct benefits
from the resource are being asked to make If unsure whether you need to pay the NSW
a small contribution to its future. Recreational Fishing Fee, check our website
at [Link]/fisheries
Exemptions
Î Persons under the age of 18.
Î An adult assisting persons under the age
of 18 to take fish using a single rod per
child or to take prawns using a single dip
or scoop net per child.
Î A person fishing in a private dam with a
surface area of two hectares or less.
Î An Aboriginal Person.
The holder of:
Î A current Pensioner Concession Card
issued by Centrelink.
Î A current Pensioner Concession
Card issued by the Department of
Veterans’ Affairs.
Î Department of Veterans’ Affairs Veteran
Gold Card printed with ‘TPI’ (Totally and
Permanently Incapacitated).
Î Department of Veterans’ Affairs Veteran
Gold Card printed with ‘EDA’ (Extreme
Disablement Adjustment).
NSW Recreational Fishing Fee

Î Letter or statement from the Department

of Veterans’ Affairs stating the person
receives a Veterans’ Entitlement Act 1986
(VEA) Disability Compensation Payment Replacement fee receipt
(formerly known as a Disability Pension) Cost for a replacement fee receipt is $8.00.
at the 70% rate or higher, or is eligible for
Special Rate Disability Pension (SRDP) Call 1300 660 436 to obtain a replacement.
under the Military Rehabilitation And For digital fee replacement, no fee applies
Compensation Act 2004 (MRCA). for this option.
 3
Where do my fishing fees go? Fish Aggregating Devices (FADs)
More than 30 fish aggregating devices
Recreational fishing trusts (FADs) are placed in coastal waters each year
to attract pelagic fish for recreational fishing.
All funds raised from the NSW Recreational
Anglers can now receive email alerts for all
Fishing Fee are placed into recreational
FAD related news. Sign up on our website.
fishing trusts—one for saltwater and one
for freshwater—and can only be spent Locations of the reefs and FADs can
on improving recreational fishing. Expert be found on our website or on the
anglers provide advice on how funds in the FishSmart app.
trusts should be spent.
There is a lot more information on the website
at [Link]/fisheries Anyone can
apply for funding from the trusts to improve
recreational fishing. Details can be found at
the above website. Examples of some trust
funded projects are provided as follows.

Recreational fishing reefs

Estuarine and offshore artificial reefs have
been installed in a number of locations to Marine Fish Stocking
enhance recreational fishing. Eleven offshore Fish stocking aims to boost fish stocks and
artificial reefs have now been installed enhances recreational fishing opportunities
off the NSW coast located off Sydney, for fishers in NSW. Species recently
Shoalhaven Heads, Port Macquarie, Port stocked into selected estuarine waters
Hacking, Merimbula, Newcastle, Wollongong, along the NSW coast to date include
Eurobodalla, Tweed Heads, Forster and Mulloway, and Dusky Flathead.
Terrigal. Monitoring and angler reports have
This program builds on the well‑established
shown excellent catches around the reefs.
freshwater fish stocking program which
Planning is underway for future reefs.
supports some of our most important
inland fisheries.
2024—2025
NSW Recreational Saltwater Fishing Guide
Game Fish Tagging Program Frame donations from these species can 4
be made at any one over 34 drop‑off points
The program provides valuable scientific
along the length of the NSW coast.
information on the movement and
growth of Billfish, Tuna, Sharks and other From each frame we take the length, sex,
selected sportfish. To date, more than maturity stage, gonad weight and make an
515,000 fish have been tagged under age estimation from the otolith bones (also
the program. If you are lucky enough known as ear bones). Depending on the
to catch a tagged fish please use the research programs currently in progress,
online recapture form or send an email to we may also keep the stomach, gonads and
[Link]@[Link] tissue samples for further reproductive,
feeding ecology or genetic studies. This
data helps us to assess the health of fish
stocks and form a better understanding of
our favourite recreational fish species.
Please visit the program web page
([Link]/fisheries/
recreational/researchangler) or
contact the program coordinator at
[Link]@[Link] to
learn more.

Research Angler Program

Donate your frames and help ensure there’s
fish for the future. The NSW Research
Essential recreational research
Angler Program aims to improve our
understanding of important recreational Activities include:
fish populations by encouraging Î Recreational fishing surveys.
recreational fishers to donate the frames Î Biology and behaviour of popular
of fish they catch to research. The recreational species.
program includes:
Î Angler catch programs.
Î Mulloway
Î Snapper
Î Yellowtail Kingfish
Where do my fishing fees go?

Î Dusky Flathead (under 70cm)

Î Bluespotted Flathead (Sand Flathead)
Î Pearl Perch
Î Spanish Mackerel

Î Spotted Mackerel
Î Bass Grouper
Î Bar Cod
Î Hapuka
 5 Habitat Action Program
A range of activities are being funded to
enhance fisheries through the protection
and rehabilitation of important habitats.
Activities include removing barriers to fish
migration, revegetating and protecting
riverbanks, undertaking weed control and
restoring tidal regimes. “More habitat…
more fish”.

Did you know that over 300 projects

have been funded through licence fees
for fish habitat restoration so far?

More facilities for fishers

Funding grants are available for fishing
clubs, local councils and community groups
to improve recreational fishing facilities
including fish cleaning tables, fishing
platforms and other infrastructure.
Ensure your local group gets involved!
2024—2025
NSW Recreational Saltwater Fishing Guide
Fisheries Officers 6

Additional fisheries officers throughout

NSW continue to be supported using
funds from the Recreational Fishing Trusts
to maximise compliance with fishing
rules and provide advisory services to
recreational fishers.

Where do my fishing fees go?

 7
Fishing Education
Ever thought of becoming a
Fishcare Volunteer?
If you have a passion for fishing and you’d
like to get involved, why not think about
becoming a Fishcare Volunteer?
The Fishcare program has over 250
motivated volunteers and six dedicated
education officers across NSW who
teach the community all about fish and
sustainable fishing in NSW. Get Hooked: It’s Fun to Fish
schools program
Volunteers provide face to face and hands‑on
education to anglers on the ground through A FREE school education program is
fishing workshops and assisting with our teaching students in both primary and
schools program ‘Get Hooked… It’s Fun to high schools across NSW about safe,
Fish’, as well as providing advisory on the responsible and sustainable fishing. This
water, at boat ramps, field days and events! includes visiting schools and conducting in
class lessons as well as running fun fishing
workshops which enable students to put
into practice skills learned during their Get
Hooked class lessons.
Is your local school involved in this
free program? More information can
be found on our website or by emailing
[Link]@[Link]

Who can become a volunteer?

2024—2025

If you are over 18 years of age, have a

passion for fish or fishing and can assist
around one day per month, you can apply to
become a volunteer!
NSW Recreational Saltwater Fishing Guide

Our volunteers range in age from students

to retirees, and come from a great range
of backgrounds.
You’ll be involved in helping create better
awareness among anglers and the wider
community about fishing issues, but you
won’t have enforcement powers.
For more information, please visit
[Link]/fisheries or if
you think this sounds like you and you
would like to apply, send us an email at
[Link]@[Link]
Recreational Fishing Havens 8

Thirty Recreational Fishing Havens, areas largely free of commercial fishing, were created
along the NSW coast to provide better angling opportunities for recreational fishers. Money
raised from the NSW Recreational Fishing Fee enabled a $20 million buyout to create the
havens. The havens also promote tourism and create employment in the local areas.

Locations and areas

Tweed River Bellinger River (including Kalang River)

Downstream from Boyds Bay Bridge and from Deep Creek
south of Rocky Point east to Fingal Road. Hastings River
Wommin Lake, Wommin Lagoon and six canal
estates beyond that area are also recreational Manning River
fishing only (i.e. Seagulls Canal, Tweed West Lake Macquarie
Canals, Blue Water Canals, Crystal Waters Canal,
Endless Summer Canal Estate, Oxley Cove).
Richmond River St Georges Basin
Downstream from a line drawn east across the Burrill Lake
Richmond River from the south eastern corner of Lake Conjola
portion 21 which is the river end of Emigrant Point
Lane beside the flood gate. Commercial trapping Narrawallee Inlet
and eel trapping is permitted in the river and Meroo Lake
Emigrant Creek upstream from the Burns Point Lake Tabourie
Ferry. Commercial Sea Mullet hauling is allowed
within the Recreational Fishing Haven—adjacent Tomaga River
to Shaws Bay below the Missingham Bridge—
from 1 April to 31 July each year. Commercial
netting is not permitted from Tatham Bridge
upstream to ‘Norco Weir’ at Casino.
Clarence River Lake Brunderee
1. Middle Wall—a 2km stretch at the Clarence Tuross Lake (including Tuross River
River mouth near Yamba (commercial hauling and Borang Lake)
during the mullet travelling season—April to Little Lake (also known as Little Tilba Lake
August—will still be permitted in this area). and Hoyers Lake)
2. Romiaka Bridge—waters adjacent to Dalmeny Lake (also known as Mummaga
the Romiaka Channel Road Bridge, just Lake)
outside Yamba.
Bermagui River
3. Oyster Channel Bridge—waters adjacent to
Nelson Lake (Nelson Lagoon)
Oyster Channel Road Bridge, near Yamba.
Bega River
4. Entrance of Saltwater Inlet—a 300m stretch
of river on the eastern side of North Arm, Pambula River
between Arris Island and Saltwater Inlet, near Back Lake (Back Lagoon)
Iluka.
Recreational Fishing Havens

Camden Haven River Towamba River (also known as Kiah River)

Downstream from Dunbogan Bridge and North
Haven Bridge (including Gogleys Lagoon).
Botany Bay Yowaka River
Nullica River
Wonboyn Lake, River and Beach (to 500m
from mean high water level)
 9
Tweed River
4sq km from the mouth
Recreational Fishing of the Tweed River
Havens in NSW to Boyds Bay bridge
Richmond River and from Rocky Point
Refer to the website 8sq km from the mouth
[Link]/fisheries east to Fingal Road,
of the Richmond River including canal estates.
for local area maps. to Emigrant Creek.

Clarence River
North Coast Bellinger/Kalang Rivers Four locations within the river
Plenty of good fishing. – a 2km stretch at middle
Deep Creek
Richmond River around Ballina wall, around Romiaka bridge
for Whiting and Luderick; the and Oyster Channel bridge,
lower parts of the Tweed River and a spot at the entrance of
for Mulloway, Trevally and Tailor; Saltwater Inlet.
and the Hastings River at Port Hastings River
Macquarie for Bream.
Camden Haven River
Down from Dunbogan and
North Haven bridges including
Gogleys Lagoon.
Central Coast or Newcastle
Check out Lake Macquarie for Manning River
Flathead, Bream and Whiting. Downstream from Ghinni Ghinni
and Berady Creek, including
Lake Macquarie
Scotts Creek.

Sydney
Botany Bay Sydney
Try Botany Bay. It’s a top spot
for Bream, Luderick, Kingfish
and Tailor.
2024—2025

St Georges Basin, Lake Conjola

Narrawallee Inlet, Burrill Lake South Coast
Lake Tabourie, Meroo Lake Wide choice of lakes and
Tomaga River estuaries. St Georges Basin for
NSW Recreational Saltwater Fishing Guide

Tuross Lake/Tuross River, Flathead, Whiting and Blue

Lake Brunderee
swimmer crabs; Tuross Lake for
Dalmeny Little Lake (or Little Tilba Lake and
(or Mummaga Flathead, Tailor and Mulloway;
Hoyers Lake), Bermagui River Bermagui and Bega Rivers
Lake)
Nelson Lake, Bega River are renowned for Bass, Bream
Back Lake, Pambula River and Tailor.
Yowaka River, Nullica River
Towamba River (or Kiah River)
Wonboyn Lake, River and Beach
Go Charter Fishing Licensed Charter Fishing Businesses in 10
NSW are geared up to help you make your
The NSW Charter Fishing Boat Industry fishing dreams a reality.
is recognised as one of the State’s
most dynamic and successful fishing Only licenced Charter fishing boats can
sectors catering for tens of thousands take paying passengers in NSW and must
of recreational fishers annually, and display the letters CFB. The CFB number
providing significant contributions to many is a sure way to know that your Charter
regional economies. boat skipper is qualified and the vessel
is authorised to take paying passengers
Whether you’re an experienced angler or fishing. Don’t risk breaking the law and
new to fishing, accessing local knowledge compromising your safety on an illegal
and using the right bait and tackle can unlicenced fishing charter.
make all the difference. The best way to
do this is to book a charter fishing trip. For more information or to book your next
Charter fishing businesses authorised fishing charter, head to [Link].
by NSW DPIRD operate out of most NSW [Link]/fishing/recreational/charter/go-
coastal ports. charter-fishing-in-nsw

The NSW charter fishing sector provides all

types of fishing opportunities. So whether
you want to troll, jig or spin offshore for
pelagic fish like Kingfish, Tuna or Marlin,
throw lures for Bream, Flathead or Whiting
in the estuaries, or simply drop a bait for
species like Snapper, Mulloway and Trevally
on one of the many natural and artificial
reefs along the coast, there is a fishing
charter for you.

Go Charter Fishing

Photo: Justin Duggan Photography

 11

e r
te r

GoC
t
GoCharing

ha r Fish

Fishing

The NSW charter fishing sector provides a range of fishing

opportunities for anglers and their families looking to expand
their fishing horizons and have a fun day on the water.
The NSW coastline offers a diverse array of fishing options, from calm water
estuaries and rivers targeting bream, flathead, whiting and mulloway to offshore
sport, reef and game fishing in search of snapper, kingfish, tuna and marlin.
2024—2025

Operating out of most ports and in many estuaries along the entire coast,
NSW’s licenced charter fishing operators provide a great opportunity to fast
track your fishing skills plus access local fishing knowledge and explore new
waters and fisheries.
NSW Recreational Saltwater Fishing Guide

Only licenced charter fishing vessels can take paying passengers on recreational
fishing trips in NSW.
Whatever type of fishing you enjoy, or would like to learn more about, there’s
a fishing charter for you. For more info, visit the “Go
Charter Fishing” webpage under [Link]/
fisheries or search for ‘Go Charter Fishing in NSW’
in your internet browser.

[Link]/gocharterfishing

16835 APR21
Responsible fishing Î Minimise environmental impact 12
and reduce wildlife injuries, choose
NSW DPIRD promotes responsible fishing environmentally friendly options for
practices and awareness that we share the fishing and crabbing gear.
coast, rivers and ocean with everyone. The
Î Be respectful of other water users and
following guidelines can be applied whether
people in the local area. We all share
you take fish for the table or release
these areas so try not to obstruct others,
your fish.
interfere with their equipment or cause
Î Only catch sufficient fish for your excessive noise.
immediate needs. Release all others Î Be particularly careful not to put anyone’s
using best practice catch and release safety at risk by your actions. Give
techniques. Remember all fish, swimmers, surfers, or divers a wide berth.
including scavengers, are important to Î Mind your lines and keep hooks safely
the ecosystem. secured with all bait removed when not
Î Always keep a close eye on your lines fishing to protect kids, dogs, and wildlife.
and gear while fishing. Attending your Î Act responsibly when you have reached
lines means you can avoid unwanted your bag limit and you remain at the
interactions with wildlife and other water fishing grounds. Ensure any additional
users—and you won’t miss a bite! fish caught have the best chance
Î If you retain your catch, dispatch all fish of survival once released. If you are
and invertebrates swiftly and humanely. fishing deep water, consider moving to
To avoid wastage and the risk of food a different location to reduce potential
poisoning always chill your catch discard mortality.
immediately with ice. Î Protect fish habitat so there is more fish
Î Leave your fishing spot cleaner than you for the future—see page 78.
found it! Collect and dispose of all waste
and litter properly, even if it isn’t yours.
If a public bin is full, find another one or
take the litter home.

Responsible fishing
 13 – Remove hooks from mouth‑hooked fish.
– Ideally unhook fish while they are still
in the water.
Î If the fish is hooked deeply, cut the line
as close as possible to the fish’s mouth
rather than removing the hook.
– Compared to removing swallowed
hooks from Bream and Mulloway,
simply cutting the line increases
short‑term survival from 12 per cent to
more than 85 per cent.
– Up to 76 per cent of released line‑cut,
deep‑hooked Bream shed hooks within
around three weeks.
Maximising fish survival Î Use fish‑friendly landing nets with
To maximise fish survival when catching and knotless mesh.
releasing fish, it is important to follow a few – Avoid knotted landing nets which may
simple rules: damage the fish’s scales, skin, eyes,
and fins.
Î Use methods and rigs that reduce
deep hooking. Î If live wells are used, ensure they are of
– Target fish using artificial lures. sufficient size and maintain good water
quality by using a flow through, aerated
– Choose non‑offset circle hooks when
system. This is especially important
using bait.
during the summer months when water
Î Minimise the length of time the fish is out temperatures are high.
of the water and swiftly unhook. – Poorly designed live wells reduce fish
– Try to remove hooks and release fish survival—particularly species such as
as quickly as possible. The use of Silver Trevally where survival dropped
needle‑nosed pliers or hook retrieving from 98 per cent to 63 per cent.
devices can greatly reduce time
spent unhooking.
2024—2025
NSW Recreational Saltwater Fishing Guide
 14
Catch and release fish survival results

Per cent Main factors for

Species survival reduced survival

Australian Bass 92–100 Deep hooking

Dusky Flathead 91–96 Poor handling and sub‑optimal

live well water quality

Luderick 99 Poor handling

Mulloway 73–81 Deep hooking and poor

handling

Pearl Perch 91 Deep hooking

Sand Whiting 93 Deep hooking

Silver Trevally 68–98 Excessive time in poorly

designed live wells

Snapper 67–92 Deep hooking and poor

handling

Tailor 92 Deep hooking

Yellowfin Bream 72–97 Deep hooking

Responsible fishing

Yellowtail Kingfish 85 Deep hooking

 15

Other practices to help increase survival – A smooth, wet surface such as vinyl
covered foam is best to lay fish on if
Î Use suitable tackle for the species that
they are removed from the water.
you are targeting and minimise the time
spent to land the fish. Î Use barbless hooks or hooks with
Î Handle fish firmly and carefully. Avoid reduced barbs to make hook removal
dropping fish on to the bottom of boats easier and minimise hook damage.
and other hard surfaces. Remember many – This can be achieved by squeezing
surfaces, especially metal, can become barbs down with pliers, or filing down
very hot in the sun. larger barbs.
– Use wet hands or wet gloves when Î Carefully return fish to the water. Do not
handling a fish to minimise damage to throw them. Take care to revive any fish
its skin. upon release if they appear exhausted
(struggling to hold themselves upright
and/or unable to swim away).
– Gently hold or push the fish through the
water so that it obtains a good flow of
2024—2025

water over its gills. If there is any water

current, hold the fish upright facing
towards the current until it starts to
show signs of recovery.
NSW Recreational Saltwater Fishing Guide
How to use circle hooks 16

Circle hooks have been shown to increase

the survival of angler released fish. With
their success already proven for many
game fish species, the hooks are now
used increasingly for many other common
recreational species including Bream,
Flathead and Mulloway.
Circle hooks bring about many benefits for
anglers, but they do require a few minor
changes to your normal fishing techniques.
Î Do not bury your hook (particularly with
tough baits), lightly hook the bait so that
the point and barb are exposed or “bridle”
the bait.
Î When using soft baits like peeled prawn
or bread it is not so important to expose
the hook as fish will crush the bait during
the bite and become hooked.

Î Do not strike at the fish, allow the fish Î Non‑offset circle hooks are
time to take the bait into its mouth and recommended for the best
then apply slow and steady pressure to mouth‑hooking results.
Responsible fishing

set the hook in the mouth area. The fish Î Use a de‑hooker or needle‑nosed pliers
often hook themselves. to help with unhooking.
 17 Swim bladder Kidney

Heart Stomach

Barotrauma Making a release weight

When many fish species are caught from Release weights may be purchased
water deeper than 10 metres, they can from good tackle shops or you
display a range of injuries due to the may make your own using a
changes in pressure, known as barotrauma. large Snapper sinker and a
Barotrauma occurs as a result of the barbless hook.
expansion of gases in the swim bladder and
You will need:
other organs as the fish are not able to adjust
to the rapid decrease in water pressure when Î 1 large Snapper sinker—minimum of 16oz
they are pulled towards the surface. (450g) up to 30oz (850g) for larger fish.
Î 1 long shank 7/0 Stainless hook.
The effects and severity of barotrauma
injuries increase with depth of capture and Î 1 small stainless screw (must fit through
susceptibility varies between fish species. the eye of the hook).
Î 2 cable ties.
Physical symptoms of fish suffering from
barotrauma can include: Step 1. Remove the barb from the stainless
hook using a metal file.
Î An inflated abdomen.
Î Bulging eyes. Step 2. Lay the hook on the sinker, with the
hook shank finishing at the top of the sinker.
Î The stomach protruding from the mouth.
Î Intestines protruding from the anus. Step 3. Use a small screw and secure the
hook to the sinker (You may have to drill a
Returning the fish to capture depth is
small pilot hole).
crucial in maximising the post‑release
2024—2025

survival of barotrauma‑affected fish. Step 4. Use two cable ties to secure and
strengthen the hook position to the top of
Î Release your fish quickly with minimal
the sinker.
time out of water. This provides the fish
with a good chance to return to depth DIY release weight.
NSW Recreational Saltwater Fishing Guide

without any treatment. (Research shows Note barbless hook,

cable ties and small
that holding fish in live wells can increase screw to secure
the effects of barotrauma—this is why fish hook to sinker.
should be released as quickly as possible).
Î If the fish is displaying significant
barotrauma symptoms or is found to

be excessively buoyant and unable to
submerge by itself, a release weight should Attach heavy mono (~ 80–100lb), Venetian
be used to re‑pressurise the fish back to cord or similar to the bend of the hook.
depth. Due to the inherent risk of further Approx 25–30 metres of line should suffice.
(stabbing) injury caused by a venting tool, A hand spool will help keep the line tidy and
venting is not recommended as a response tangle free.
to barotrauma symptoms in fish.
 18

Online resources Converting fish lengths to weights

To find out more about catch and release Fish biologists have calculated length and
fishing, tackle tips, and how to protect weight relationships for some popular fish
our marine environment be sure to visit species which can be used to estimate
the NSW DPIRD Youtube channel at www. the weight of a fish by measuring its
[Link]/user/NSWFisheries/videos to length. Please note that these figures are
find more informative resources. estimates only and individual fish weight
can vary depending on age, sex, season and
Catch and release mats for recent feeding activity.
recreational fishers
Measuring length
A catch and release measuring mat has
been designed to help fishers accurately Fork length measurements have been
record their catch. The mat includes full used for Yellowfin Bream, Yellowtail
colour illustrations of the most popular Kingfish, Snapper, Sand Whiting, Tailor and
species of fish and conversion tables so Australian Salmon in the conversion tables
approximate weight can be estimated from and total length used for Australian Bass,
length measurement. Dusky Flathead and Mulloway. Fork length
is measured from the snout to the fork of
The catch and release mats are available for
the tail. Total length is measured from the
purchase online by visiting our website.
snout to the tip of the tail.

Remember: Legal length is the total length measurement of the fish. If you retain your
catch, dispatch all fish and invertebrates swiftly and humanely.
Responsible fishing
 19
Australian Bass

Total Total
length Weight length Weight
(cm) (kg) (cm) (kg)

35 0.8 48 2.2
36 0.9 49 2.4
37 1.0 50 2.5
38 1.1 51 2.7
Total length used for both legal length 39 1.1 52 2.9
measurement and weight calculation.
40 1.2 53 2.9
Total Total 41 1.3 54 3.0
length Weight length Weight
(cm) (kg) (cm) (kg) 42 1.4 55 3.2
43 1.5 56 3.4
25 0.3 30 0.5
44 1.6 57 3.7
26 0.3 31 0.6
45 1.8 58 3.9
27 0.4 32 0.6
46 1.9 59 4.1
28 0.4 33 0.7
47 2.1 60 4.3
29 0.4 34 0.8

Dusky Flathead

Total Total
length Weight length Weight
(cm) (kg) (cm) (kg)

46 0.8 68 2.2
47 0.9 70 2.5
48 1.0 72 2.7
Total length used for both legal length
measurement and weight calculation. 49 1.1 74 2.9
50 1.1 76 3.2
Total Total
2024—2025

52 1.2 78 3.5
length Weight length Weight
(cm) (kg) (cm) (kg) 54 1.3 80 3.8

36 0.3 41 0.5 56 1.4 85 4.6

37 0.3 42 0.6 58 1.4 90 5.5

NSW Recreational Saltwater Fishing Guide

38 0.4 43 0.6 60 1.5 95 6.6

39 0.4 44 0.7 62 1.7 100 7.8

40 0.4 45 0.8 64 1.8 105 9.1

66 2.0 110 10.6
 20
Snapper

Juvenile Snapper
Fork Fork
Length Weight Length Weight
(cm) (kg) (cm) (kg)

34 0.9 39 1.3
40 1.3 72 6.9
Total length for legal length calculation
42 1.5 74 7.4
Adult Snapper 44 1.7 76 8.0
46 2.0 78 8.6
48 2.2 80 9.2
50 2.5 82 9.8
52 2.8 84 10.5
54 3.1 86 11.2
56 3.4 88 12.0
Fork length for weight calculation
58 3.8 90 12.7
Fork Fork 60 4.1 92 13.5
Length Weight Length Weight 62 4.5 94 14.4
(cm) (kg) (cm) (kg)
64 4.9 96 15.2
30 0.6 35 0.9 66 5.4 98 16.1
31 0.7 36 1.0 68 5.8 100 17.1
32 0.7 37 1.1 70 6.3
33 0.8 38 1.2

Sand Whiting

Total length for legal length measurement Fork Fork

Length Weight Length Weight
(cm) (kg) (cm) (kg)

27 0.2 30 0.2
31 0.2 41 0.5
32 0.3 42 0.6
33 0.3 43 0.6

Fork length for weight calculation 34 0.3 44 0.7

35 0.3 45 0.7
Fork Fork 36 0.4 46 0.8
Length Weight Length Weight
(cm) (kg) (cm) (kg) 37 0.4 47 0.8
38 0.4 48 0.9
25 0.1 28 0.2
39 0.5 49 0.9
26 0.1 29 0.2
40 0.5 50 1.0
Responsible fishing
 21
Tailor

Total length for legal length measurement Fork Fork

Length Weight Length Weight
(cm) (kg) (cm) (kg)

38 0.7 60 3.0
40 0.7 62 3.4
42 1.0 64 3.8
44 1.2 66 4.2
Fork length for weight calculation 46 1.3 68 4.6
48 1.5 70 5.0
Fork Fork 50 1.7 72 5.5
Length Weight Length Weight 52 1.9 74 6.0
(cm) (kg) (cm) (kg)
54 2.2 76 6.5
30 0.3 34 0.5 56 2.5 78 7.1
32 0.4 36 0.6 58 2.8 80 7.7

Yellowtail Kingfish

Total length for legal length measurement Fork Fork

Length Weight Length Weight
(cm) (kg) (cm) (kg)

74 5.2 100 12.8

76 5.6 105 14.8
78 6.1 110 17.0

Fork length for weight calculation 80 6.5 115 19.4

82 7.0 120 22.0
Fork Fork 84 7.6 125 24.9
Length Weight Length Weight
(cm) (kg) (cm) (kg) 86 8.1 130 28.0
88 8.7 135 31.4
2024—2025

60 2.8 67 3.8
90 9.3 140 35.0
61 2.9 68 4.0
92 9.9 145 38.9
62 3.0 69 4.2
94 10.6 150 43.0
63 3.2 70 4.4
NSW Recreational Saltwater Fishing Guide

96 11.3 155 47.5

64 3.4 71 4.6
98 12.0 160 52.0
65 3.5 72 4.8
66 3.7 73 5.0
 22
Yellowfin Bream

Total length for legal length measurement Fork Fork

Length Weight Length Weight
(cm) (kg) (cm) (kg)

33 0.9 47 2.5
34 1.0 48 2.7
35 1.0 49 2.9
36 1.1 50 3.1
37 1.2 51 3.2
38 1.3 52 3.4
Fork length for weight calculation
39 1.5 53 3.6
Fork Fork 40 1.6 54 3.8
Length Weight Length Weight
41 1.7 55 4.1
(cm) (kg) (cm) (kg)
42 1.8 56 4.3
25 0.4 29 0.6
43 1.9 57 4.5
26 0.4 30 0.7
44 2.1 58 4.8
27 0.5 31 0.7
45 2.2 59 5.1
28 0.5 32 0.8
46 2.4 60 5.3

Australian Salmon Mulloway

Total length for legal length measurement

Total length used for both legal length

measurements and weight calculation

Fork length for weight calculation Total Total

length Weight length Weight
Fork Fork (cm) (kg) (cm) (kg)
Length Weight Length Weight
(cm) (kg) (cm) (kg) 45 1.0 84 6.2

30 0.4 54 2.5 48 1.2 88 7.1

33 0.6 57 3.0 49 1.3 92 8.1

36 0.7 60 3.5 52 1.5 100 10.3

40 0.9 63 4.1 56 1.9 108 12.9

42 1.2 66 4.7 60 2.3 112 14.4

45 1.5 69 5.4 64 2.8 120 17.6

68 3.3 130 22.3
Responsible fishing

48 1.8 72 6.1
51 2.1 75 6.9 72 3.9 140 27.7
76 4.6 150 34.0
80 5.4 160 41.1
23 Humane Harvesting of Fish Important tips
There are three main recognised ways All fish that are to be harvested should be
to humanely dispatch fish that are to be dispatched quickly after being caught and
harvested. All these methods identified will not retained in keeper nets or a bucket of
not only ensure ethical treatment of the fish water. This causes unnecessary stress to
you catch but also improves the quality of the fish, reduces the eating quality and also
your seafood. shortens the storage life of the flesh.
To maximise the eating qualities of your
Finfish harvested catch, place it on ice or in an ice
Percussive stunning—Fish should be hit slurry as quickly as you can after dispatch.
with a sharp blow to the head in the area Bleeding your fish immediately after
just above the eyes (the area adjacent to the dispatch will further improve flesh quality
brain) using a special tool such as a heavy and storage life, particularly if the fish is
wooden handle or a priest. This is a simple bled then immediately swiftly chilled.
and effective method of humane harvesting.
Iki‑Jime—This is a more advanced
procedure that involves spiking the brain Responsible fishing to
of the fish. This is best completed using
minimise impact and reduce
a specially designed iki jime tool or a
sharpened screwdriver, or similar, will wildlife injuries
suffice and involves accurately inserting Î Birds, turtles, platypus and other aquatic
the instrument into the brain cavity of the animals can be accidentally injured by
fish to swiftly destroy the brain. The iki discarded fishing tackle and unattended
jime process requires some precision but fishing gear such as crab traps and nets.
results in the lowest levels of stress to the Î Always attend your lines and check your
fish and can improve the eating quality. To crab traps and nets regularly. Reducing
complete this procedure successfully it is set time for any fishing gear reduces the
important to understand the location of chances of harm to accidentally caught
the brain cavity for the fish species as it is aquatic animals.
species specific.
Î Using crab traps and nets when fishing
For diagrams and more information on towards an estuary’s headwaters has a
this method see the Iki‑Jime website: higher risk of interacting with platypus.
2024—2025

[Link]. Please be extra vigilant, check traps and

Ice slurry—Small to medium‑bodied, nets regularly and consider moving gear
warm‑water fish species may be dispatched further downstream.
using an ice slurry. The slurry should Î Avoid using stainless steel hooks
contain equal volumes of crushed ice and which can take years to break down in
NSW Recreational Saltwater Fishing Guide

water. Leave the fish in the bath for 20 the environment.

minutes or for 10 minutes after breathing Î Avoid using break‑away fishing floats
has ceased. that are non‑biodegradable, or persist
as marine debris, such as balloons and
Crustaceans polystyrene blocks.
Î Leave no trace—Always leave your
Crustaceans should also be humanely killed
fishing spot cleaner than you found
when harvested for eating. Recognised
it. Collect and dispose of unused bait,
methods include the ice slurry method or
packaging, fish waste and litter properly,
rapid destruction of the nerve centres using
even if it isn’t yours.
a knife.
For more information on these methods go
to the DPIRD animal welfare webpages.
Î When disposing of fishing line, cut it into 24
small pieces and ensure that it is securely
contained within the bin to reduce the
risk of entangling scavenging birds
and wildlife.
Î When cleaning your catch, be mindful
where your fish waste ends up. You
should place it in the bins provided or A cable tie being used to reduce the size of the
take it home with you. It is particularly entrance of a crab trap.
important not to dispose of fish waste
into sheltered waters such as small
bays and estuaries, as it can have a
negative impact on water quality and the
local environment.
Î Rays play a valuable role in cleaning
up fish scraps at many boat ramp and
cleaning table areas. DPIRD discourages
fishers from deliberately targeting An entrance of a crab trap that has been reduced in
them in these areas due to their size. The entrance is still big enough for all size crabs
to enter.
local significance.
Î Choose crab traps and nets that reduce
your risk of bycatch or adapt your current
gear (see images below—or go to the
DPIRD website for more info):
– Lift nets and round crab traps with
small entrances are considered to have
a lower risk of wildlife bycatch.
– If using a crab trap with a flexible
opening (such as a rectangular crab
trap), install a barrier to help exclude

Responsible fishing to minimise impact and reduce wildlife injuries

turtles from entering the trap. This
can be as simple as using a cable tie to
reduce the opening size at the front of A ‘witches hat’—the An example of a hoop or
the trap. float keeps the netting lift net—the ring and net
– To reduce the probability of entangling material off the bottom lay on the bottom when
and the inverted set and crabs feeding on
non‑target animals; witches hats can
mesh operates as an the bait are caught when
be easily converted to a lift net by entanglement net. the net is lifted.
removing the float from above the
mesh and re‑attaching the float line Fishing techniques to minimise gear loss
with several lengths of lines directly to
the ring. Choose the correct float and secure it to
reduce marine litter
Some outdated methods of float fishing
for pelagic fish species can cause
marine pollution. This includes using
small cubes of polystyrene and balloons
that are designed to break away from
your line. Polystyrene is well recognised
as being persistent and contributes
to microplastics in the environment.
25 Balloons, despite most being made from Reduce snagging and lost gear by fishing
latex, are also a persistent form of litter. toward structure rather than over it
They are an issue to marine fauna as
A nice clean sandy beach will offer
they look like a natural food item and are
relatively snag‑free fishing and coastal
regularly ingested.
areas in NSW offer many beaches that
Ensure that your float is properly secured produce plenty of fish without risking
to your line. Also, consider other options losing tackle due to snags. However, rocky
for your floats, balsa or cork balls available reef areas are often very productive, and
from craft shops can be used effectively many species such as snapper, kingfish
with less environmental risk if they become and black drummer are highly associated
marine litter. with this habitat type. A good way to
approach this habitat type is to fish along
Reduce snag‑related gear loss the edges where the rougher, more complex
Many fish species are regularly found and snaggier reef structure meets flatter
close to shore and amongst snaggy habitat ground such as shingle or sand. This
including rocky reef and kelp. This can intersection of habitats is often a patrol
present some fantastic accessible fishing route used by fish and is a good place to
for both land‑based and boat‑based anglers intercept them while reducing your risk of
and often the closer you can cast towards snagging, remember to cast your bait over
the structure, the more likely you are to the flatter ground. Also, establish what the
get a bite. But with this comes the risk current and tide are doing to enable you to
of getting a snag, losing hooks, line, and fish the more snag free areas.
expensive lures. It also adds to the issue of Popular places such as jetties and break
marine litter. This can also be the case for walls also provide good fish habitat and
shallow and offshore reefs. are also often very snaggy by the nature of
the structure with marine growth covering
Fish smarter—there are different ways you areas of it. Use techniques that minimise
can reduce your snag risk and associated gear loss when fishing in these areas.
gear loss:
Think about the amount of weight you need
Choose your location on your line
When fishing over the top of a snaggy
environment it is often best to fish with
2024—2025

little or no weight on your line to maximise

the “hang time” of your bait before it gets
into the snaggy zone near to the seabed.
This is often the approach anglers use
when fishing directly over reef. You can
NSW Recreational Saltwater Fishing Guide

often encourage the fish to move up in

the water column by regularly applying
some berley. You can also use a float to
suspend your bait above the structure. If
you are fishing adjacent to a snaggy area,
another approach you can use is to attempt
to use enough weight to tether the bait in
the same location so that it doesn’t move
or drift into the snaggy environment. This
type of approach can work when you are
fishing in areas such as adjacent to piers or
from breakwalls.
Think about hook types Minimise interactions by avoiding feeding 26
and nesting seabird areas wherever
Wherever possible avoid the use of
possible and be alert of any seabird
stainless hooks. They are very persistent
attention. Be particularly cautious of
in the environment if lost. If you are using
seabirds when fishing near fish cleaning
soft plastic lures in snaggy environments,
tables and keep your distance so as not to
you can fish with a “worm hook” to reduce
disturb them.
snagging potential. If using hard body
lures, you can choose shallow diving bibs to
There are a number of actions you can take
keep you above the snags or choose deep
to minimise interactions when fishing
diving bibs that will (mostly) bounce off
any structure. Once you have prepared your berley
container or cast out your line, sink it deep
Use circle hooks—anecdotal evidence
in the water as fast as you can. Keeping
suggests the use of circle hooks can help
your rod tip low will help prevent birds from
reduce snagging events from occurring.
becoming entangled in your line.
There are also other benefits related to
injury reduction and improved catch and Using artificial baits or lures can be another
release survival. successful strategy as these are often less
attractive to the birds.
Tie your knots well
Making a quick feint or moving your rod in
This helps prevent losing your gear when the wrong direction before you drop your
snagged. Check out the knots and rigs line in can also help limit any interactions
section beginning on page 39. with feeding birds.
If nothing else is working, sometimes the
Practice techniques to free your
only thing left to do is stop fishing for a
snagged gear
while or move to a different area.
There are methods you can familiarise
You can also make your boat less attractive
yourself with to de‑snag your line. This
to seabirds when on the water or at the boat
includes re‑positioning yourself and
ramp by:
attempting to retrieve your gear from a
different direction, using a lure retriever, Î Keeping it clean.

Responsible fishing to minimise impact and reduce wildlife injuries

or plucking sharply on the line (if you are Î Using a bait bucket or bait board with a lid
using braid). These methods are detailed on and keeping scraps covered.
the internet. Î Taking the bait off any unattended rods
and ensuring there is no bait/food on
Reducing seabird interactions the deck—seagulls in particular are
Hungry birds are attracted by the sight and notorious for attempting to take baits left
smell of food, so it makes sense to avoid unattended in rod holders.
actively feeding birds as much as possible
and to fish in ways that do not attract birds
to your bait. Seabirds are fast and many of
them can also dive to depths of six metres
or more.
 27

Help save our shorebirds! Fishing ethically and respectfully

In NSW, threatened beach‑nesting birds, Fishing spots can sometimes become
such as the pied oystercatcher, hooded crowded, especially during holidays, long
plover and beach stone‑curlew return to weekends and good weather days. Being
preferred nesting sites to breed over spring a responsible fisher means being mindful
and summer These birds are at risk, and of your surroundings and how you interact
collectively the presence of people and with other water users, particularly during
what people do on the beach can impact busy times when many people are on
them during this sensitive period. or around the water. This includes when
you are out fishing but also when you
There are a few simple steps you can take
are travelling to and from your fishing
to help keep beach‑nesting birds safe:
location. It’s always good to promote our
Î Look out for bird nesting signs or social licence of fishing through positive
roped‑off nesting areas on the beach and responsible actions as well as good
and follow the advice, especially when stewardship of the environment and our
pumping for bait such as nippers or fisheries resources.
squirt worms.
Positive actions include:
Î Walk your dogs on dog‑friendly
beaches only and always keep them on Î Respect other water users and do your
2024—2025

a leash, unless you’re on a designated best to limit your impact on them whilst
off‑leash beach. they are also enjoying the environment.
Î Drive only on designated beaches and For example, be conscious of beach
keep below the high‑tide mark. goers, swimmers and surfers when
fishing and do what you can to make
Î When you’re near a nesting area, stick to
NSW Recreational Saltwater Fishing Guide

sure your activity doesn’t negatively

the wet sand and give the birds plenty
impact their experience or safety. Keep
of space.
your distance and monitor other people’s
activity at all times.
Î Always fish responsibly and be mindful
of anyone watching your actions—from
casting safely, to carefully unhooking,
handling, releasing or dispatching fish.
Î Be aware of people walking dogs and be Responsible fishing around 28
conscious that dogs will likely be drawn oyster leases
to the smell of bait, fish or fish waste.
The NSW Oyster industry supports valuable
Take precautions to minimise the chance
regional employment and investment.
of having your bait taken or the dog
Please ensure that your vessel, your
getting caught on a hook by removing
vessel’s wash and your fishing tackle does
your bait and securing your hooks when
not interfere with any part of an oyster
you’re not fishing.
lease, including the Oysters. Hooks and
Î Report illegal activity (if safe to do so). lures abandoned on Oyster sticks, baskets
See page 90. and trays may cause serious injury to oyster
industry workers so please fish responsibly
Boating Respectfully around oyster leases. Boat wash may wash
When taking the boat out to fish follow over Oyster crops from lease infrastructure
these tips to ensure a safe trip: and may pose significant risk of injury to
industry workers on the lease. Do not tie up
Î Follow NSW maritime rules
to lease marker posts. For more information,
and regulations.
please watch the video on responsible
Î Be ready to launch when arriving at the fishing around oyster leases on the DPIRD
boat ramp. Long queues can lead to Fisheries YouTube channel.
frustration. Make sure you are familiar
with how to back up a boat trailer into the
water before arriving at the boat ramp.
Practicing on dry land in a safe way can
save time and stress.
Î Be aware of your wake—not only in ‘slow
zones’ if you’re passing other fishers,
kayaks, swimmers or anyone out on the
water you need to slow down. For fishers,
in particular, the sound could scare
off fish.

Responsible fishing to minimise impact and reduce wildlife injuries

Î Give space to others fishing.
Î Boat rage can cause people to act
uncharacteristically, highlighting the
importance of being considerate of other
people and treating others with respect.
29
Fishing safely worse as the tide changes—you should
know whether the tides are high or low
and coming in or going out.
Going rock fishing
Î Plan an escape route in case you are
The Rock Fishing Safety Act 2016 (NSW) washed in—Stay calm, if you are washed
requires people who are rock fishing in in, swim away from the rocks and look for
the Ballina Shire, Richmond Valley, Port a safe place to come ashore or stay afloat
Stephens, Lake Macquarie, Central Coast, and wait for help to arrive.
Northern Beaches, Randwick and Sutherland
Î Stay alert—Never ever turn your back
Shire local government areas to wear an
on the sea, if the waves, weather or
appropriate AS4758 approved lifejacket.
swell threaten your fishing spot then
Check [Link]/ leave immediately.
Pages/Rock-fishing/lifejacket-law for Î Ask for advice from locals who know the
updates on lifejacket regulations in other area—They will always tell you when an
areas of NSW before you go rock fishing. area is dangerous.
Fishing, especially rock fishing, can be Î Do not jump in if someone is washed into
dangerous. Follow these basic safety tips at the water—Use your rope or something
all times when rock fishing: that floats to rescue the person. If there
is an angel ring nearby know how to use
Î Never fish by yourself—Fish in a group of
it. Dial 000 to alert emergency services to
at least three people and within sight of
get help.
each other. If someone is washed in, one
person can stay and help while the other A rock fishing safety video is available at
alerts emergency services (dial 000). [Link]
Î Inform others of your plans—Always
let friends or family know where you are These two images were taken
going and when you wilI be back. eight minutes apart on a rock platform
Î Wear light clothing—Light clothing such at Coogee
as shorts and a spray jacket will let you
swim easily if you are washed in. Jumpers
may be heavy and difficult to take off.
Î Wear appropriate footwear—Cleats,
sandals and sandshoes with non slip
soles suit different surfaces. Use the
2024—2025

appropriate shoes for the conditions.

Î Wear a life lifejacket—Carry safety gear.
Also bring something buoyant that can be
easily thrown and held to help you stay
NSW Recreational Saltwater Fishing Guide

afloat. Carry ropes, a float and torches.

Î Fish only in places you know are safe
and never fish in exposed areas during
rough or large seas—Make sure you are
aware of local weather, swell and tidal
conditions before going fishing. Be aware
that conditions may change dramatically
in a short period of time.
Î Observe first, fish later—Spend some
time (at least 30 minutes) watching your
intended spot before fishing to get an
idea of the conditions over a full swell/
wave cycle. Wave conditions can get
Marine animals that can cause injury Coneshells 30

There are a wide range of animals that Î Apply pressure bandage and immobilise.
recreational fishers may come into Î Contact emergency services 000 (or 112
contact with that are capable of causing mobile).
injury. Always exercise extreme caution
when interacting with marine organisms,
particularly if you are unsure what the
organism is. When wading, it is a good idea
to wear shoes or similar protective footwear.
These safety tips will help to reduce
pain/injury:

Stings
Î Example organisms; Blue‑bottle Jellyfish,
Bullrout, Catfish, Stingray, Old Wife,
Scat, Eastern Red Scorpionfish and Venomous bites
non‑tropical minor Jellyfish. Î Example organisms; Blue‑ringed Octopus,
Î Place the sting area in hot water (as hot Sea Snakes.
as can be tolerated on unaffected skin). Î Apply pressure bandage and immobilise.
Î Contact emergency services 000 Î Contact emergency services 000
(or 112 mobile). (or 112 mobile).

Pufferfish or Toadfish
Pufferfish or Toadfish from the Tetractenos
family are commonly found in NSW estuaries
and shallow coastal waters. Toadfish species
are highly poisonous due to the presence of a
toxin called tetrodotoxin. The toxin is present
in the flesh and organs of the fish. Under no
circumstances should Toadfish be consumed.
If consumed seek urgent medical attention.
Fishing safely

For more information see

[Link]
 31

Safe spearfishing Î A person who is under the age of 14 must

not acquire, use or possess a spear gun.
Spearfishing can be a particularly
dangerous form of recreational fishing. Î It is an offence to supply a speargun to a
A few key safety tips include: person under the age of 14.

Î Never hyperventilate. Shallow water

Divers in the water‑keep a
blackout is a real danger.
proper lookout
Î Never spearfish alone and always inform
others of your fishing plans. Spearfishing, snorkelling and SCUBA diving
are popular activities on the state’s coastal
Î Always dive with a buddy in sight of you
waterways. However, participants in these
at all times and practice the “one diver up,
activities can be at risk of being hit by a
one diver down” rule.
boat whilst on or near the surface. Both
Î Never point your speargun at anyone
skippers and divers must maintain personal
(including yourself) for any reason.
responsibilities and keep a proper lookout
Î Avoid carrying spearguns through at all times.
crowded areas.
Î Always handle your speargun as if it Boat or buoy/float flag
2024—2025

is loaded.
Î Never load your speargun while out of As required by maritime regulations, when
the water. Always load and unload your spearfishers, snorkelers or SCUBA divers
speargun while in the water. are diving from a vessel, the blue and
white ‘Alpha Diver in the Water’ flag should
NSW Recreational Saltwater Fishing Guide

Î Avoid propeller strike. To alert other

always be displayed from your vessel or
vessels in the vicinity that there are
from a buoy nearby the boat. It is also
divers on the surface ensure your safety
strongly recommended that an additional
vessel clearly displays the international
high visibility yellow/green flag is flown
diver‑down flag “A” and that all divers in
under the Alpha flag if divers, such as
the water are towing a highly visible float
spearfishers, are at risk, on or near the
with a safety flag attached.
surface whilst separated from their vessel
Î Be considerate of other water users. for extended periods of time.
Î Avoid spearfishing in popular
swimming locations.
Alpha flag Watch out, slow down and keep clear 32

The Alpha Diver in the Water flag on the Î Always keep an eye out for divers’ floats
boat (or buoy) must be at least 40cm by and flags whenever in areas where diving
40cm. It is recommended the flags are activity is likely.
flown as high as possible. Boat flags must Î Keep well clear from any flags and floats
be at least 1m vertically above the boat‘s and watch out for divers in the water.
superstructure or if flown from a buoy, at Remember, all vessels must slow down to
least 2m above the water surface. less than 10 knots whenever within 60m
of a person in the water.
Î Remember, spearfishers may be up to
40m or more from their float and flag.
Î Maintain a slow safe speed of less than
10 knots until well clear of any divers,
their vessels or their floats and flags.
Î Navigate with caution at all times within
200m of the shore where divers may be
present. Be particularly careful when
visibility is poor, such as in fog, glare, low
light and surface chop.
Personal float and flags
Î Avoid passing between a diving vessel
When spearfishers and snorkelers are diving and the shore. Pass well clear on the
away from their vessel, boat buoy or the seaward side.
shore, it is strongly advised as a minimum,
that the Alpha flag be flown from a brightly Take Care—Be Prop Aware
coloured personal float and towed no more
Î When picking up divers, or when within
than 40m away from the diver. Additionally,
60m of a float/flag, locate all divers first
it is also recommended that by adding a
and then progress slowly. Select neutral
high visibility yellow/green second flag &
if in doubt or before allowing anyone
upgrading to a similar high visibility coloured
alongside or to board. Consider switching
float you will maximise the chance of being
off the engine; particularly if people are
seen by passing or approaching boats.
boarding over the stern.
Make sure the Alpha flag is in good Î Avoid pick‑ups that might place your boat
condition and of right size and height to in danger from a sudden wave. A person
comply with regulations. in the water could easily be hurt if you
It is recommended that flags on personal suddenly have to move your vessel. It is
floats be at least 15cm high and 25cm wide better to have all the divers swim out to
and that they be flown above the float. It is deeper water so the pick‑up doesn’t have
also recommended your personal float has to be rushed. Be careful of float ropes
a minimum volume of 5 litres. fouling your propeller.
Î Always keep an eye on the prop area and
Know where divers go make sure it is clear while the engine is
running. Neutral is good, engine off is
Î Consider areas where divers may be
best when people are in the water near
present—headlands, rocky reefs,
the stern. Never reverse without looking.
bomboras and sheltered coves.
Î Check your local boating maps for likely
Fishing safely

areas before going out.

Î Spearfishing and snorkelling vessels
are not always at anchor and often move
about picking up and dropping off divers.
33 Î Make sure you tow a float and flag Safe boating
whenever you are operating away from
Any person who drives a recreational
your vessel. You should also tow a float
powered vessel on NSW waterways at
and flag when diving from the shore.
a speed of 10 knots or more must hold a
Î Use a large brightly coloured float for current Roads and Maritime Services Boat
maximum visibility. Drivers Licence. It is important to stay safe
Î Maintain awareness of boat traffic around when out on the water. Detailed advice
you. Listen and look as you ascend. If on safe boating is available at [Link].
concerned, raise your speargun vertically [Link]/driving-boating-and-transport/
above you to be more visible to others. waterways-safety-and-rules/staying-safe.
Î Consider carefully where you dive—
don’t rely solely on your float and flag Key safe boating tips include:
to protect you—use common sense and
Î If you are the skipper, you are responsible
avoid busy channels and other areas
under law for the safety of your vessel
of high boating traffic. Raise your head
and all on board.
often and look about.
Î Don’t go overboard with alcohol. The
Î Shorten up your float cord to suit
blood alcohol limit on the water is the
shallower depths and thereby keep your
same as on the roads—0.05% but be
float/flag closer to you.
careful. The wind, waves and the sun
Î Move the flag when you move.
combine to multiply the effects of
alcohol. Your chances of disorientation
Alpha flag with additional high and drowning are increased.
visibility flags Î Ensure the vessel is seaworthy and fuel
tanks full. Check batteries beforehand
and run the auxiliary motor periodically.
Î Ensure the vessel is fully equipped
for emergencies.
Î Know how the safety gear works. Make
sure everyone knows where it is stowed
and how to use it.
Î Let someone know your expected time of
return. If going out to sea, advise the local
coastal patrol as you leave port.
2024—2025

Î Take plenty of food and water.

Î Wear non‑slip shoes and take waterproof
jackets and warm clothing.
Î Make it a habit of wearing a lifejacket.
NSW Recreational Saltwater Fishing Guide

Know when you and your passengers

are required by law to wear a
lifejacket including:
– When crossing a bar.
– When on a vessel less than 4.8m in
open water, at night or when alone.
– At other times of heightened risk.
– Children under 12 must wear a
lifejacket at most times.
Î If possible, fish with another vessel. In an
emergency the other can help or radio
for help.
Î If a front approaches or the weather Recreational Harvest 34
changes suddenly head back to shore.
Î Avoid navigating close to commercial
of Seafood
oyster leases which are marked by Many people enjoy recreational catching
vertical white posts and signs. The or collecting shellfish including molluscs
location of oyster lease areas can be such as mussels, oysters, pipis, and cockles;
found on Transport for NSW Boating and crustaceans such as yabbies, prawns
Maps and on Australian Navigation and crayfish.
Charts. For personal safety, recreational Like all fresh food from animals, seafood
boaters, fishers and spearfishers needs to be handled well to minimise the
are advised to remain outside oyster risk of food poisoning.
lease areas.
Î Watch out for divers in the water and
Never eat raw shellfish which has
their floats and flags, especially when
been collected recreationally as they
near rocky shores and headlands. Slow
are not subject to the same strict
down and keep well clear of any divers,
food safety controls as commercially
snorkelers or spearfishers.
harvested shellfish.

Bar crossings
Bar crossings can be dangerous and require There are some important tips to follow to
utmost care. enjoy your harvest and avoid causing illness.

Î Use a tide chart and check the weather.

Safety Tips
Î Avoid crossing a bar on an ebb or a
run‑out tide when the most dangerous Î Only catch or collect seafood when
wave conditions usually occur. water quality is good. Remember that
water quality changes (especially after
Î Wear a lifejacket each time crossing
rainfall events due to potential run‑off
the bar.
and sewage overflows), and not all
Î On approaching the bar, stop and watch
harmful things can be seen with the
the wave pattern. Look for a flat period
naked eye. Check the current waterway
and proceed when safe.
status for known algal ‘red alerts’ via
Î Do not go if in doubt or if you lack signs, local media and NSW Office of
experience. It is not worth your life and Water website (includes alert definitions)
perhaps the lives of others just for a day or telephone 1800 999 457. To report a
of fishing. new algal bloom, phone the Environment
Î Try to take any waves as close to head on Hotline 131 555
as possible. Î Do not eat fish which have washed up on
Î When coming back in over a bar, try to beaches and shorelines. Mass fish kills
remain on the back of a larger wave and can sometimes see numbers of dead or
avoid surfing down any wave face. dying fish appear along the coastline.
The cause of death is often unknown,
Recreational Harvest of Seafood

Heading offshore and consumption of these fish can be a

health risk.
Î If you’re the skipper, you’re responsible.
Î Always keep fresh seafood cold
Î Know how to use your marine radio and
and covered. Put on ice or in a
when to use it.
refrigerator quickly
Î Use the log on/off coastal service every
Î keep equipment clean using
time you go on open waters.
uncontaminated water
Î Keep a close eye on the weather (both
Î don’t let recreational seafood or bait drip
forecast and actual).
onto other food
Î Know your boat and its limits.
35 Î always thoroughly cook recreational Algal blooms can appear as water
seafood. Never eat it raw. Remember discolouration including red, green, yellow,
that cooking will not destroy or remove brownish or an oily or milky appearance.
toxins which might be present in seafood Scum may form on the water surface. The
from poor quality waters. Eating seafood water may have a musty, earthy or pungent
contaminated with toxins can result in smell. Other blooms are not visible but are
serious illness or death. highly toxic even at low levels.
See: Bluegreen algae blooms: risks to fishers
Things to avoid ([Link]/__data/assets/pdf_
file/0019/631405/Factsheet-Blue-green-
Raw Shellfish
[Link])
Shellfish collected by recreational
fishers should never be eaten raw. Pipis, cockles
They are not subject to the same strict
At any time, do not collect pipis in NSW
food safety controls as commercially
for human consumption because it is
harvested shellfish.
prohibited. Collection of cockles for food
The NSW Food Authority recommends consumption is also not recommended.
eating shellfish harvested only under a
Pipis and cockles may contain toxins unless
recognised commercial program.
specially purified.
Pufferfish or Toadfish
Pollution
Pufferfish or Toadfish from the Tetractenos
family are commonly found in NSW Some waterways have been contaminated
estuaries and shallow coastal waters. by industrial pollution and are not suitable
Toadfish species are highly poisonous for catching or collecting seafood. Look
due to the presence of a toxin called out for any advisory signage that may
tetrodotoxin. The toxin is present in the be present.
flesh and organs of the fish. Under no Sydney Harbour seafood (www.
circumstances should Toadfish ever be [Link]/consumer/
consumed. If consumed seek urgent special-care-foods/sydney-harbour-
medical attention. seafood)
Sewage spills are especially high risk
Algal alerts, warnings and
for shellfish. Sewage spills sometimes
2024—2025

visible blooms
contaminate waters with harmful bacteria
Some algae produce harmful toxins that and viruses.
can build up in marine and freshwater
shellfish, brackish and freshwater Commercial Harvest Safety Programs
NSW Recreational Saltwater Fishing Guide

crustacea, the gut and, to a lesser extent,

the flesh of freshwater finfish. In NSW, commercially harvested shellfish
produced by oyster and mussel farmers and
Do not collect shellfish, including molluscs fishers collecting shellfish, such as pipis,
and crustaceans for consumption when must comply with a comprehensive food
there is an algal bloom. safety program.
Clean and rinse freshwater finfish The industry closely monitors algal levels,
thoroughly in uncontaminated water tests water and shellfish product and does
and dispose of internal organs before not harvest when levels reach alert levels.
consumption as they are likely to contain
toxin. The toxin could also be present in
the flesh.
This program is controlled through the NSW Fish ciguatera poisoning 36
Shellfish Program administered by the
Ciguatera poisoning is a form of food
NSW Food Authority. This program assists
poisoning caused by eating warm water
commercial shellfish harvesters to control
finfish that carry ciguatera poison (toxin).
risks associated with harmful substances
Small plant‑eating fish eat toxic algae and
in shellfish.
in turn are eaten by larger, predatory fish,
Commercial harvest of shellfish may only like Spanish Mackerel.
occur when the harvest area has an ‘open’
Symptoms usually start 1 to 24 hours after
status. Harvest areas may temporarily close
eating a toxic fish and can include:
due to localised rainfall causing sewer
overflows or pollution events. The Food Î sensation of hot‑cold
Authority works with the shellfish industry temperature reversal.
to close harvest areas when necessary, and Î tingling and numbness in fingers, toes,
re-open them when microbiological testing around lips, tongue, mouth and throat.
indicates the estuaries are clean again Î burning sensation or skin pain on contact
and the shellfish have had time to purge with cold water.
themselves of all contaminants. Î nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea and/or
The status of commercial NSW shellfish abdominal cramps.
harvest areas is available here: www. Î joint and muscle pains with
[Link]/industry/ muscular weakness.
shellfish/status. Î headache, fatigue and fainting.
Î extreme itchiness, often worsened by
PFAS drinking alcohol and more.
PFAS are a group of chemicals that include
perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) and How can you minimise the risk of
perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA). PFAS are ciguatera fish poisoning?
an emerging contaminant, which means We know that ciguatera toxin does not
that their ecological and/or human health affect the appearance, odour or taste of
effects are unclear. NSW Environmental fish and that processes like cooking or
Protection Authority (EPA) is leading freezing will not destroy the toxin and there
the NSW Government response and is no method for removing it from the fish.
investigations into PFAS contamination
at a range of sites. There are a number of There are some simple rules that can be
waterways in NSW affected by PFAS. Check followed to reduce the risk of exposure to
updated fishing and dietary advice available ciguatera toxins:
on the NSW DPIRD or NSW Environment Î avoid eating large warm water fish such
Protection Authority (EPA) websites. as Spanish Mackerel as poisoning occurs
[Link]/biosecurity/pfas- more when larger fish are eaten. Cases of
response poisoning from Spanish Mackerel caught
in NSW waters have generally been linked
Recreational Harvest of Seafood

to fish over 10kgs.

Î avoid cooking and eating the head, roe,
liver or other viscera of warm water ocean
fish as toxins can be concentrated in
these parts and may increase exposure.
Î if ciguatera‑like symptoms develop when
eating a warm water ocean fish, do not
eat further portions of that fish and see
your doctor
37 Î do not catch fish from known or high‑risk Be mercury aware
ciguatera areas.
Mercury in fish
For more information head to
[Link] Australian Dietary Guidelines advise eating
one or two fish meals per week for good
health. Most fish caught in Australia are
low in mercury, but some fish have higher
mercury levels so it’s best to know the
mercury levels of different types of fish and
how often to eat each type.
In Australia, Spanish Mackerel has caused the Food Standards Australia and New Zealand
highest number of cases of ciguatera poisoning
has found it is safe for all population groups
to eat 2–3 serves per week of most types
Sydney Harbour and Parramatta River of fish. However, consumption of billfish
Due to elevated levels of dioxins detected in (Swordfish and Marlin), Shark (flake),
some fish and seafood in Sydney Harbour/ Orange Roughy and Catfish should be
Port Jackson and the Parramatta River: limited to the amounts in the table below.

Î No fish or seafood caught recreationally Pregnant women, women planning

west of Sydney Harbour Bridge should be pregnancy and young children can continue
eaten; catches should be released. to consume a variety of fish as part of a
Î Fish or seafood caught recreationally healthy diet. However they should limit
east of Sydney Harbour Bridge should be their consumption of certain species
limited generally to no more than 150gms which are higher in mercury because
per month, or to the amounts in the dietary too much mercury can harm developing
advice for each species. For further nervous systems.
information go to [Link]. Check the table below to select fish safely.
[Link]/consumer/special-care-foods/
sydney-harbour-seafood. More information
Î It is prohibited to collect shellfish such as
For more information from the NSW Food
Mussels, Oysters, Pipis and Cockles from
Authority phone 1300 552 406 or check the
Sydney Harbour.
websites at [Link]
All commercial fishing in Sydney Harbour/ or [Link]
2024—2025

Port Jackson has been halted.

Pregnant women and women Children

planning pregnancy (up to 6 years) Rest of the population
NSW Recreational Saltwater Fishing Guide

1 serve equals 150 grams 1 serve equals 75 grams 1 serve equals 150 grams
2–3 serves per week of any fish and seafood not 2–3 serves per week of any fish and
listed below seafood not listed in the column
below
OR OR
1 serve per week of Orange Roughy (Sea Perch) or 1 serve per week of Shark (Flake)
Catfish and no other fish that week or Billfish (Swordfish/Broadbill and
Marlin) and no other fish that week
OR
1 serve per fortnight of Shark (Flake) or Billfish
(Swordfish/Broadbill and Marlin) and no other fish
that fortnight
 38

Protect NSW Prawns from

WHITE SPOT
Every fisher can help protect our prawns

Never use prawns

intended for human
consumption as bait.
When fishing, always source
your bait from a trusted Consumers are
supplier local to the area you
intend to fish.
assured that White
Spot does not
If you catch your own bait, pose a threat to
use it only in the water from human health or
where it came.
food safety. NSW
Dispose of your prawn seafood, including
waste (heads or shells) in prawns, remains
general waste, never to our safe to eat.
waterways.
Make ‘clean’ part of your
routine, wash your vehicles
and gear between waterways.
Recreational Harvest of Seafood

More information
24 hour Emergency Animal Disease Hotline 1800 675 888
Email: [Link]@[Link]
Web: [Link]
39
Knots and rigs
Palomar knot. The Palomar knot is quick to tie and forms a strong knot. It is a general-
purpose connection used in joining fishing lines to swivels, snaps, hooks and artificial lures.
The double wrap provides a protective cushion for added strength.

1 Double the line 2 Form an 3 Extend the loop 4 Moisten the knot
and form a loop overhand knot and pass it over before pulling
about 10cms on the eye of the the hook. tight. Trim the tag
long. Pass it hook. when complete.
through the eye
of the hook.

Uni knot or Grinner knot. This is an excellent knot for connecting hooks and swivels to the
end of fishing lines. A very dependable knot even for deep sea fishing. Use more wraps with
lighter line, less with heavier line. It can also be used to attach your fishing line to your reel
by passing the line around the back of the spool rather than through the eye of the hook.
2024—2025

1 Thread line 2 Make this 3 Begin wrapping 4 Continue

through eye. configuration. loop C with tag A. wrapping four to
six times.
NSW Recreational Saltwater Fishing Guide

5 Moisten the line 6 As you continue 7 This forms a 8 The loop C

and form a knot to pull on the tag slipping knot and disappears as the
by pulling tag A all of the spirals loop. knot slides down
against loop C. in the tag are on to the eye.
transferred to the
loop D.
 40
Perfection loop. Of many loops used to attach flies and lures, the Perfection loop is favoured
because it lays relatively straight and does not point out to the side. It is tricky to tie so
follow the instructions carefully.

1 Make a simple overhand knot in the 2 Pass the tag back through the overhand
leader and thread the tag through the eye knot alongside the other strand.
of the lure or fly.

3 Now bend the tag back so it goes back up 4 Moisten the knot before pulling tight. Trim
through the knot as shown. The sequence the tag.
is over, over, under, over, under.

Double uni knot. This is a useful knot for joining two lines.

1 Overlap the lines to be 2 Wrap the double strand 3 Make four wraps in all.
joined then encircle inside the formed loop.
one line with the tag of
the other.

4 Do the same with the 5 Moisten the line and 6 Draw the knots together,
Knots and rigs

other line so the knot in tighten each knot in turn. tighten once more, then
each line is tied around trim the tags.
the other.
 41
Running sinker rigs. A running sinker is not fixed but slides along the line until it reaches
a stop or the hook. They are used where it is an advantage to let fish pick up bait without
feeling the weight of a sinker.

1 The simplest rig features a small ball sinker

running to the hook but there is no provision for a
heavier leader.
2 A conventional running sinker features a swivel or
ring as a sinker stop above the hook and allows a
leader to be tied on below the swivel or ring.
3 The EzyRig illustrated is threaded on to line just
like a sinker but the clip allows light sinkers to be
swapped for heavier and vice versa.

Fixed sinker rigs

A simple bottom fishing rig is

the basic fixed Paternoster rig. It
consists of a sinker tied or looped
on to the very end of the line
with one or more hooks attached
above the sinker at various
2024—2025

intervals using twisted dropper

loops so they stand away from
the main line and don’t tangle.
The use of a dropper loop to
NSW Recreational Saltwater Fishing Guide

attach hooks is an easy rig to

prepare and strong enough for
most fishing situations.
Using a swivel or ring as a tie
off point results in the strongest
possible rig of this type and is
preferred by many fishers.
 42
Running floats—bobby cork rig

Running floats such as a bobby cork rig

have a hole through their centres just like
a running sinker. In effect, they are used
to present bait at a deeper depth than the
length of drop which can be cast using a
fixed float.
When casting out the baited hooks sink to
the depth pre‑determined by the position
of the lower ball or bean sinker on the line,
whether that is 2m or 10m and below the
top stopper after casting.

The waggler float

Waggler floats are by far the most diverse

float design and can be used for almost
all forms of fishing. The straight design
of wagglers provides good buoyancy and
excellent visibility at their tip.
Depending on the situation a waggler can
be fixed in one spot or left free to slide up
and down the line. Straight wagglers as
shown here are fixed to the line with two
locking shot. Extra shot is added down the
line for balance so that only the tip will
appear above the surface.

Fixed stem floats

Stem floats consist of a thin stem with a

bulbous body for added buoyancy. Most
have a plastic or rubber sleeve which
positions over the top of the stem to fix the
float in position on the line. Steps to follow
in rigging a fixed stem float are:
Remove the sleeve from the stem and pass
the line through it and then through the line
guide at the stem base.
When the required length of line has been
passed through the guides, slide the sleeve
back into position to fix the float on the line.
With the float in position, tie on the hook
and weight the line with enough split shot to
keep it in an upright position in the water.
Knots and rigs
43
Permitted methods Line fishing
and activities
Fishing rules apply to help ensure healthy
and sustainable fisheries for future
generations. Abiding by the rules will
help preserve our saltwater recreational
fisheries. Plan your activity well in advance
and ask about restrictions or closed areas
at your local NSW DPIRD fisheries office. Î A maximum of four rods or lines can be
Different rules apply for freshwater fishing used by any one person at any one time.
and you should refer to the NSW DPIRD Spare lines should not be capable of
Recreational Freshwater Fishing Guide. taking fish e.g. should not be rigged with
hooks or lures attached and should be
All finfish and invertebrates such as Crabs,
properly stowed.
Prawns, Worms, Nippers and Squid are
subject to bag limits and many are also Î If any rods or lines are left unattended,
subject to size limits (see bag and size limit they must be clearly marked with the
section on page 54 for details). fisher’s name and address or name and
boat registration number.
Recreational equipment and maximum Î A maximum of three hooks or three gangs
of hooks can be attached per line. A
permitted number per person
gang of hooks should have no more than
Rods or lines: 4 rods or handlines in total. five hooks.
Hooks per line: 3 hooks or three gangs Î One line may have up to six single hooks
of hooks.* with a lure attached to each. This line is
to be used for jigging only and cannot be
Rod/hand jigging line: 1 rod or handline left unattended.
with up to 6 single hooks with lures
Î A maximum of three treble hooks can be
attached.#
attached to a lure.
Bait trap: 1 trap.
Hoop net or witches hat: 4 nets. Bait trap
Crab trap: 2 traps.
Lobster trap: 1 trap.
2024—2025

Spanner Crab net: 1 net.

Hand hauled Prawn net: 1 net.
Scissors (push) net: 1 net.
NSW Recreational Saltwater Fishing Guide

Dip or scoop net: 1 net.

Spear/spear gun: –
Î You can only use or have in your
Note: The table provides a maximum of each gear type
permitted per person in use or in possession at any time.
possession one trap at any time.
All the specified recreational fishing equipment has Î The maximum dimensions of a bait trap
additional restrictions and requirements that must be
are 450mm length x 350mm diameter
adhered to. Specific gear requirements are also provided
in this section. with entrance funnel no larger than
* A gang of hooks should have no more than 5 hooks. 60mm in diameter.
No more than 3 trebles attached to a lure.
#
This gear must be used by the method of hand jigging
only. This line is included in the total number of lines
permitted as given above.
Î The trap must have a tag attached to a Hand (Nipper) pump 44
part of the trap which is at or above water
Î Hand (Nipper) pumps are commonly used
level with dimensions not less than 80mm
to collect Saltwater Nippers.
x 45mm, labelled with the letters BT, initial
Î Barrel diameter not more than 85mm.
and surname, year of birth and postcode
of the person who sets, uses or lifts the
trap, 15mm in height, clearly visible and in
a contrasting colour to the tag.

Hand
Landing net
Î Hand picking may be used to take fish.
Gloves are permitted. Î May only be used
as an ancillary
aid for retrieval of
fish caught when
line fishing.

Hoop nets and

witches hats
Î Not more than four nets are to be used
(or in possession) by any one person at
Knife any one time.
Î A single blade knife with a blade longer Î No more than two hoops per net (no rigid
than it is wide may be used to help frame between them).
gather invertebrates. Î Diameter of hoops should be no greater
than 1.25m.
Î Mesh size cannot be less than 13mm
measured on the diagonal.

,
HN nd
alNa
iH .B
init me, [Link]
na d
Pliers sur d p/co
an

Î Pliers may be used to help gather

invertebrates except on rock platforms.

13mm
Permitted methods and activities

1.25m
45 Î Drop (length of net) cannot be more Spanner crab net
than 1m.
Î Not more than one spanner crab net can
Î A float/buoy to be labelled with the be used (or in possession) by any person
letters HN, initial and surname, year of at any one time.
birth and postcode of the person who
Î Net must be attached to a rigid frame not
sets, uses or lifts the fishing gear. The
exceeding 1.6m in length and 1m width.
float being at least 100mm in diameter
Î Net must not be capable of extending
and 50mm above the water with all
more than 0.1m beneath the frame
letters to be a minimum of 15mm in
when the frame is suspended in a
height, clearly visible and in a contrasting
horizontal position.
colour to the buoy.
Î Hoop nets or lift nets must not have any
rope floating on the surface of the water.
Î The net must be dropped and raised
vertically through the water by hand.
Î The net must not be used in ocean waters.
Î Any Rocklobsters or finfish which
are subject to a size limit must be
immediately returned to the water
unharmed if caught.
Î The same rules apply for witches hats as
for hoop nets.
Î Do not set gear in areas of high boat 1m
traffic or navigation channels.
Î Check your hoop nets/witches hats
regularly. Reducing set time for any
fishing gear reduces the chances of harm 1.6m
to accidentally caught aquatic animals
such as platypus and turtles. 0.1m
Î When fishing with nets towards the
Î The net must be lowered and raised
upper reaches of an estuary there is a
through the water only by hand.
higher risk of interacting with platypus.
Please be extra vigilant, check nets Î The net can only be used for taking of
2024—2025

regularly and consider moving gear Spanner Crabs.

further downstream. Î May only be used in ocean waters north
Î Recreational fishers can make some of Korogoro Point (Hat Head).
simple modifications to their crab Î A float/buoy to be labelled with the
apparatus to reduce the probability of letters SN, initial and surname, year of
NSW Recreational Saltwater Fishing Guide

entangling non‑target species. Witches birth and postcode of the person who
hats can easily be converted to a lift net sets, uses or lifts the fishing gear. The
by removing the float from above the float being at least 100mm in diameter
mesh and re‑attaching the float line with and 50mm above the water with all
several lengths of lines directly to the letters to be a minimum of 15mm, clearly
ring. When set, the mesh will now lay visible and in a contrasting colour to
flat on the bottom underneath the bait the buoy. There must also be a 50 gram
line and be effective in catching crabs weight attached no less than one metre
feeding on the bait when the net is lifted. below the buoy so that no rope/line is
floating on the surface of the water.
Crab trap Î Check your crab trap regularly. Reducing 46
set time for any fishing gear reduces
Î Not more than two traps to be used
the chances of harm to accidentally
(or in possession) by any person at any
caught aquatic animals such as platypus
one time.
and turtles.
Î Maximum dimensions—1.2m length x 1m
Î To minimise the incidental capture of
width x 0.5m depth or has a diameter not
non‑target species, including turtles,
exceeding 1.6m at the top or bottom.
it is recommended you make simple
Î Minimum mesh size 50mm.
modifications to your crab trap:
Î No more than 4 entrances (none of which
– Trap opening size: Your trap should
are on the top of the trap).
have a maximum opening of
Î A float/buoy to be labelled with the approximately 60cm circumference
letters CT, initial and surname, year of or smaller. This is a measurement of
birth and postcode of the person who the opening/s where the crab actually
sets, uses or lifts the fishing gear. The enters the trap (i.e. if the trap has a
float being at least 100mm in diameter funnel‑type entrance/s then it is the
and 50mm above the water with all smaller measurement of the funnel).
letters to be a minimum of 15mm, clearly
– If the trap opening is flexible, then a
visible and in a contrasting colour to
barrier should be installed that will
the buoy. There must also be a 50 gram
be effective in excluding turtles (e.g.
weight attached no less than one metre
cable tie or cord at the front of the trap
below the buoy so that no rope/line is
entrance).
floating on the surface of the water.
Î When fishing crab gear towards the upper
reaches of an estuary, there is a higher
risk of your traps catching and drowning
air‑breathing wildlife species such as
the platypus. It is recommended that
traps are deployed further down into the
No more more saline part of the estuary to reduce
than four
entrances this likelihood.
Î Only Crabs can be taken with this trap.
Î Crab traps must not be used in inland or
ocean waters.

Lobster trap
0.5m
Î Not more than one trap is to be used (or in
possession) by any person at any time.
1.2m Î The base or floor of the trap may be either
rectangular or circular. Rectangular not
1m
exceeding 1.2m by 1.2m. Circular not
Permitted methods and activities

exceeding 1.2m in diameter.

Î Must not be made of – A float/buoy to be labelled with the
entanglement material. letters LT, initial and surname, year
Î Must not be set to impede the free of birth and postcode of the person
passage of fish (2 traps cannot be set who sets, uses or lifts the fishing gear.
closer than 3m apart). The float being at least 100mm in
Î Do not set gear in areas of high boat diameter and 50mm above the water
traffic or navigation channels. with all letters to be a minimum of
15mm in height, clearly visible and
in a contrasting colour to the buoy.
 47 There must also be a 50 gram weight
6m
attached no less than one metre below
the buoy so that no rope/line is floating
on the surface of the water.
– Escape gaps are required. Either: One
gap not less than 57mm high x 500mm 30-36mm
wide; or two gaps not less than 57mm
wide x 250mm wide; or three gaps not
less than 57mm high x 200mm wide so
that no part of any escape gap is more
than 12cm above the floor of the trap.
Î Any fish caught which are subject to a
size limit must be immediately returned to
the water unharmed.
Î Hand hauled prawn nets must not be
used in inland waters.

Scissors (push net)—Prawns

30-36mm
2.75m

1.2m

Î Lobster traps must not be used in inland Î Must be attached to a scissor‑type frame.
waters or any waters more than 10m Î Length of the lead or bottom line between
deep (contour). the ends of poles must be no longer than
Î Only Rocklobsters can be taken with 2.75m.
2024—2025

this trap. Î Mesh size between 30mm–36mm

Î Do not set gear in areas of high boat measured across the diagonal.
traffic or navigation channels. Î Must not be staked or set, or joined or
placed with any other net.
NSW Recreational Saltwater Fishing Guide

Prawn nets Î Must be continuously and manually

pulled through the water and not used as
Hand hauled net a stationary net.
Î Maximum length 6m. Î Must be operated by one person only.
Î Mesh size between 30mm–36mm Î Only one net per person is permitted at
measured across the diagonal. any time.
Î Must not be staked or set, or joined or Î Any fish caught which are subject to a
placed with any other net. size limit must be immediately returned to
Î The net may be attached to up to 2 the water unharmed.
hauling lines that are not more than 2m in Î Scissors (push) nets must not be used in
length each. inland waters.
Dip or scoop net—Prawns Prohibited methods and 48

Î Maximum diameter of hoop or ring 0.6m. activities general

Î Minimum mesh size 20mm measured You are not permitted to:
across the diagonal. Î Fish in waters that are closed to fishing.
Î Drop (length of net) no more than 1.25m. Check website [Link]/
Î Must be used by hand and not staked fisheries for details.
or set. Î Use any methods/gear to take fish or
Î Must not be joined or placed with any invertebrates that are not specified
other net. in legislation.
Î Any fish caught while fishing for Prawns Î Take or be in possession of fish or
may be kept, however bag and size invertebrates in excess of bag limit or
limits apply. of a size outside the legal size limits. All
Î Dip or scoop nets must not be used in prohibited size fish must be released
inland waters. immediately and unharmed.
Î Hold prohibited size fish or fish in excess
of the legal bag limit in a live well or use
them for bait even if they are injured or
dead on capture (e.g. undersize fish such
as Tailor). If you have purchased fish or
20mm
bait from a commercial vendor, retain
the receipt to present to a NSW DPIRD
fisheries officer.
Î Take, attempt to take, harm or be
in possession of threatened or
0.6m protected species.
Î Use any part of an abalone for bait
or berley.
Î Use a chemical or explosive device to
Diving and spearfishing
take or assist to take fish.
Î You may only use a hand or gloved hand Î Use, or be in possession of, a cast net in,
to take Lobster when snorkelling (ie no on or adjacent to NSW waters.
tools—implements).
Î You may use spear/spear gun with snorkel
equipment to take fish in NSW waters.
Î You may use SCUBA or hookah apparatus
to take scallops and sea urchins only.
Î You may use a torch when hand gathering
for Lobster.
Î For more information on spearfishing in
NSW including closed areas, download
Permitted methods and activities

the factsheet at [Link].

au/fishing/recreational/resources/ Î Possess prohibited or excess fishing gear
spearfishing in, on or adjacent to waters.
Note: Speargun includes spear, bow and arrow or other Î Alter a fish (e.g. by filleting, removing
similar devices. the head or tail) until well away from the
water. You may clean fish by gilling and
gutting only. This rule does not apply at
areas normally used for cleaning fish
such as boat ramp cleaning tables; if
the fish are for immediate consumption
49 or immediate use as bait; or for fish Invertebrates
that do not have a legal length. See
You are not permitted to:
invertebrates section for additional
invertebrate restrictions. Î Retain Rocklobsters, Bugs or Crabs
Note: Any fish altered for any reason at any location
carrying eggs. They must be returned
must comply with the listed legal size. to the water. It is an offence to remove
any eggs.
Î Remove the fins of sharks while at sea. Î Retain any Rocklobsters caught whilst
Î Sell, barter, exchange or supply for profit line fishing.
any recreational catch. Î Collect invertebrates within intertidal
Î Interfere with commercial fishers or protected areas such as Sydney Harbour
fishing gear. and some zones within aquatic reserves
Î Tranship fish from one boat to another and marine parks.
(except specified bait species, Squid and Î Use hammers, mattocks, chisels,
Cuttlefish for use as bait only). crowbars, dredges or other instruments
not specified in legislation.
Line fishing
You are not permitted to:
Î Carry excess fishing lines in, on or
adjacent to waters. Spare lines should not
be rigged and should be properly stowed.
Î Jag fish (hooking or attempting to hook
fish other than through the mouth).
Î Use drift lines. Lines must be held in the
hand or fixed to a boat or the shore.
Î Use abalone as bait. This is due to the
AVG virus (see page 80).
2024—2025
NSW Recreational Saltwater Fishing Guide
Î Alter or shuck an Abalone, Rocklobster Spearfishing 50
or Turban Snail (e.g. removing the head,
You are not permitted to:
shell, tail or meat), until well away from
the water. Î Use a spear/spear gun to take Eastern
Î Shuck any intertidal invertebrate Blue Groper (also known as Blue, Brown
(e.g. removing the head, shell, tail, or Red Groper).
claws or meat), until well away from Î Use a spear/spear gun to
the water. This rule does not apply to take Rocklobster.
intertidal invertebrates (other than Î Take fish with a spear/spear gun whilst
abalone, Rocklobster or Turban Snail) using a light.
for immediate use as bait. e.g. Cunjevoi, Î Spearfish on ocean beaches (except the
Limpets, Pipis and Cockles. last 20m at each end of the beach).
Note: Invertebrates used for immediate consumption Î Spearfish using SCUBA apparatus.
or for immediate use as bait must comply with the
listed legal size. Please note: All inland waters and many entrances,
coastal lagoons and other tidal waters are
closed to spearfishing. For more information on
Î Use a spear/speargun to take Crabs from spearfishing in NSW visit our website or checkout our
intertidal rock platforms. spearfishing guide.

Î Take Pipis, except for use as bait. Pipis

can not be taken more than 50m from the Collection of wrack from beaches
high tide water mark.
You may remove up to 20kg/day of dead
or dislodged seagrass or macroalgae
(wrack) from some beaches or the
intertidal zone for personal use (e.g. as
mulch, fertiliser). Ensure you check other
rules that might apply to an area such as
marine protected areas e.g. marine parks or
aquatic reserves where taking of wrack may
be prohibited.

Oyster leases
You are not permitted to:
Î Interfere with any oyster
lease infrastructure.
Î Take any stock from an oyster lease.
Î Tie up to oyster lease marker posts
or infrastructure.
Permitted methods and activities
 51
How to measure finfish
and invertebrates
Fin fish
To determine the legal length of a fish, the
fish is measured from the tip of the snout to carapace
the tip of the tail—this is also known as the measurement

total length.
legal length/total length

Spanner Crab
Spanner Crabs are measured along the
body from the base of the orbital notch
(eye socket) to the centre of the posterior
margin of the carapace.
carapace
Spanner
Crab
Abalone
Abalone are measured along a straight line
at the widest point of the shell. measurement

Rocklobster
Rocklobsters are measured along the
length of the carapace or head, along a
straight line from the point of the union of
the second antennae or large feelers to the
2024—2025

centre of the back edge of the carapace,

ignoring any attached hairs.
Crab
Measuring devices for abalone, Rocklobster
Crabs, except Spanner Crabs, are measured and crabs are available from NSW DPIRD
along the body from the notch between
NSW Recreational Saltwater Fishing Guide

fisheries offices.
the two most protruding frontal teeth to
the centre of the posterior margin of the
carapace or shell.
measurement
measurement carapace
Fish identification 52

Some families of fish have a number of different species which can make identification
difficult. It is important to know exactly what fish you catch as different regulations may
apply to different species. Various reference books are available which clearly outline the
defining characteristics of fishes.
Some species look quite similar. The following tips have been prepared to help identify
characteristics of various fish species.

Australian Bass Estuary Perch

Snout length shorter Snout profile—slightly Snout profile— Dark grey and silvery on
than Estuary Perch. concave to straight. concave. back, paler below.

Dark olive/grey/green Snout tapered

Pelvic fin white at on back fading to off-white and elongated All fins dark.
leading margin. or yellowish white below. (longer than bass).

Dusky Flathead Tiger Flathead

Tail—distinctive black spot at Light brown to orange/brown with spots on

caudal end over a brown/grey upper body. Particularly large teeth on the
speckled background. roof of the mouth.

Dark bars often visible Tail—lines of orange/brown

across rear of body. spots on upper half.

Bluespotted Flathead (Sand Flathead) Sand Whiting

High first dorsal fin. Uniform body

Mottled brown with colour, no bars or
small, widely spaced blotches.
blue spots.
Fish identification

Tail—lower half has 3–5

irregular dark blotches. Black spot at base Yellow ventral
of pectoral fin. and anal fins.
53 Yellowfin Bream Tarwhine

Body colour varies from silver to bronzy green.

Underside profile of head Ventral and anal fins Head more rounded and Prominent golden lines
continued as almost canary yellow, particularly snout not as pointed as on head and body with
straight line to the anus. the spines. that of Bream. background colour silver.

Longfin Eel Southern Shortfin Eel

Dorsal fin extends markedly forward of anal fin. Dorsal fin extends a little forward of anal fin.

Uniform olive/green to Uniform olive/green

brown colour, distinctly to brown colour, no
blotched or mottled. distinctive markings.

Mulloway

Tail profile—
rounded (convex).

Dark spot above

pectoral fin.
2024—2025
NSW Recreational Saltwater Fishing Guide

Teraglin

Tail profile—rounded
(concave).

Check the bag and size limits which apply to these species in the following Fin fish bag and
size limits section (see page 55).
Fin fish bag limits, size limits and closed seasons 54

The following information is current at time of printing but some bag and size limits may
change over time. It is the responsibility of fishers to ensure they are acting within the law at
all times.
A maximum daily bag limit of 20 applies to any species not listed below.

Explanation of terms
Bag limit: The maximum number of fish or invertebrates per person per day. A maximum
daily bag limit of 20 applies to any fish or invertebrate not included in the tables below.
Protected and threatened species cannot be taken.
*Bag limit comprised of any single species or a combination of listed grouped species.
Legal length: The minimum length of a fish unless otherwise stated. A fish which does not
reach this minimum length must be immediately returned to the water (see responsible
fishing section page 12 for more information). Some species have maximum length
restrictions to protect larger breeding females (see page 51 for how to measure fish).
Possession limit: The maximum number of fish a person is allowed to have in their
possession at any one time. This includes fish that are also stored elsewhere e.g. in fridge/
freezer. For the following species or species groupings; Australian Bass and Estuary Perch,
Bream and Tarwhine, Flathead species, Tailor, Luderick, Trevallies and Blue Swimmer
Crab, the possession limit is twice the daily bag limit. For all other saltwater species, the
possession limit is the bag limit.
Retained fish: All retained fish should be dispatched swiftly and humanely.
Note: You must not alter the length of a fish with a legal size limit by filleting or removing the head or tail until well away
from the water or at a fish cleaning facility. You may only gill, gut and scale fish. Undersize fish cannot be used as bait, they
must be returned to the water immediately, even if they are injured or dead.

Why have bag and size limits?

Regulations apply to help ensure healthy and sustainable fisheries for future generations.
Size limits aim to allow fish to reach maturity and complete their breeding cycle, while
bag limits help make sure everyone gets a fair share of the resource and species are not
overfished. Abiding by the regulations will help maintain our saltwater recreational fisheries.

Australian Bass and Estuary Perch

Legal length: Only 1 over 35cm (in rivers and

Fin fish bag limits, size limits and closed seasons

tributaries).
Bag limit: 2 in total*, 4 in possession.
Closure: Zero bag limit for Australian Bass and
Estuary Perch in rivers and estuaries from 1 May to Australian Bass

31 August each year. Any Australian Bass or Estuary

Perch caught during this period must be immediately
returned to the water unharmed.
Habitat: Bass migrate to saltwater to breed during
the winter months. Estuary Perch live in estuaries
and inlets and are most prevalent in waters south
of Sydney. Estuary Perch
Good baits: Bass and Perch feed aggressively on
insects, small fish, crustaceans and worms. Both species
respond well to artificial flies and lures.
55
Australian Bonito

Legal length: None.

Bag limit: 10.
Habitat: Coastal waters, bays and lower estuaries.
Good baits: Pilchards, Squid, small fish or artificial lures.

Australian Salmon

Legal length: None.

Bag limit: 5.
Habitat: Beaches, rocky headlands, inshore reefs, bays, inlets.
Good baits: Baitfish, Beach Worms, Pipis. An aggressive, schooling fish known for its
sporting prowess. Salmon are a regular catch by beach fishermen using Pilchards and lures.

Australian Sawtail (Surgeonfish)

Legal length: None.

Bag limit: 5.
Habitat: Favours rocky reefs and areas of structure
inside bays and harbours.
Good baits: Often caught as a by‑catch by fishers
targeting Luderick on Marine Weeds.

Blue Drummer

Legal length: None.

Bag limit: 0—Release only.. Prohibited catch in all
NSW waters other than Lord Howe Island Marine Park.
Lord Howe Island Marine Park: 5.
Habitat: Coastal and offshore rocky reefs.
2024—2025

Bream and Tarwhine

Legal length: Black, Yellowfin Bream 25cm.

Tarwhine 20cm.
NSW Recreational Saltwater Fishing Guide

Bag limit: 10 in total.* 20 in possession.

Habitat: Black or Southern Bream: Creeks and Yellowfin Bream

estuary systems, especially in the southern half of

NSW. Will tolerate brackish or even fresh water.
Yellowfin or Silver Bream: Rivers, estuaries, beaches,
rocky headlands, inshore reefs.
Tarwhine: Favours estuaries, rocky reefs and Black Bream
beaches. Often found with Yellowfin Bream.
Good baits: Crustaceans, Molluscs, Marine Worms,
small baitfish. Will also respond to small minnow
lures and soft plastics.

Tarwhine
 56
Cobia

Legal length: None.

Bag limit: 5.
Habitat: Usually found on offshore reefs but is known
to frequent inshore reefs, headlands and bays.
Good baits: Yellowtail or Slimy Mackerel, Squid or fish strips.

Deep‑Sea Fish: Hapuku (Hapuka), Banded Rockcod (Bar Cod),

Bass Groper, Blue‑Eye Trevalla (Cod), Gemfish

Legal length: None.

Bag limit: 5 in total* including a maximum of 2 Gemfish. Within the
Hapuku
combined bag limit (above) is a limit of 2 Gemfish per person.
Boat limit: 10 Gemfish per boat.
Habitat: Deep offshore waters, usually on or over the
continental shelf.
Banded Rockcod
Good baits: Squid, oily fish such as Tuna or Mackerel.
Bass Groper

Gemfish Blue-Eye Trevalla

* Bag limit comprised of any single species or a combination of listed grouped species.

Dogfish

Legal length: None.

Bag limit: Harrisson’s and Southern—0.
All other dogfish species 2 in total.*
Habitat: Deep offshore waters.
Good baits: Squid, oily fish such as Tuna or Mackerel.

Eastern Red Scorpionfish (Red Rock Cod)

Fin fish bag limits, size limits and closed seasons

Legal length: None.

Bag limit: 5.
Habitat: Inshore and offshore reefs.
Good baits: Pilchards, Prawns, Squid or fish strips.

Eel: Southern Shortfin and Longfin

Legal length: Southern Shortfin Eel 30cm. Longfin

Eel 58cm.
Bag limit: 10 of each species. Longfin Eel

Habitat: Estuaries, rivers and brackish water zones.

Good baits: Molluscs, Marine Worms.

Southern
Shortfin Eel
57
Flathead

Legal length: Dusky (Common) Flathead 36cm—70cm.

Bluespotted and Tiger Flathead 33cm. Dusky Flathead

Bag limit: Dusky (Common) Flathead 5. 10 in possession.

All other Flathead species 10 in total.* 20 in possession.
Habitat: Coastal rivers, estuaries, lakes, inlets, beaches
and offshore areas. Bluespotted Flathead

Good baits: Baitfish (poddy mullet are a great bait),

Crustaceans, Marine Worms and fish strips. A common
catch on diving lures, flies and soft plastics.
Tiger Flathead

Flounders and Soles

Legal length: Flounder 25cm. Sole none.

Bag limit: 20 in total.*
Habitat: Inshore coastal and estuarine waters.
Good baits: Worms, Pipis, Prawns, Pilchards or fish strips.
Note: Flounder have a distinct tail. Sole have a single fin around their body. Flounder

Garfish: Eastern Sea

Legal length: None.

Bag limit: 20.
Habitat: Found in shallow coastal areas, large bays and estuaries.
Good baits: Bread, Pipis and worms.

Eastern Blue Groper (also known as Blue, Red or Brown Groper)

Legal length: None.

Bag limit: 0—Release only.
Habitat: Rocky headlands and
2024—2025

inshore reefs.

Blue Groper, (male)

NSW Recreational Saltwater Fishing Guide

Red/Brown Groper,
(female)

Hairtail

Legal length: None.

Bag limit: 10.
Habitat: Deep water regions in estuaries, especially in
the Hawkesbury River north of Sydney.
Good baits: Yellowtail or Slimy Mackerel, ganged Pilchards. Hairtail tend to fish best at night.
 58
Leatherjackets

Legal length: None.

Bag limit: 20 in total.*
Habitat: Tidal rivers, bays, inlets and over reefs
extending offshore.
Good baits: Prawns, Squid, Pilchards and fish strips.

Luderick (Blackfish)

Legal length: 27cm.

Bag limit: 10. 20 in possession.
Habitat: Rocky headlands, coastal rivers and
estuary systems.
Good baits: Marine weeds (green weed and cabbage), bread, Cunjevoi and Marine Worms.

Mackerel: Spanish and Spotted

Legal length: Spanish 75cm, Spotted 60cm.

Bag limit: 5 in total.*
Spanish Mackerel
Habitat: Offshore reef systems, bays, rocky
headlands. Largely restricted to northern NSW
waters during the summer season.
Good baits: Slimy Mackerel, Yellowtail and Tuna,
Pilchards and other oily fish. Also respond well to
cast and trolled minnow and skirted lures. Sharp
Spotted Mackerel
teeth require the use of wire leaders.

Mahi Mahi (Dolphinfish)

Legal length: 60cm. Only 1 over 110cm.

Bag limit: 10.
Habitat: Oceanic waters. Commonly found around
floating objects such as buoys, driftwood and seaweed. Fin fish bag limits, size limits and closed seasons
Good baits: Pilchards, fish strips, fish or artificial lures.

Mangrove Jack

Legal length: None.

Bag limit: 5.
Habitat: Mangroves and rocky structure in estuaries
and rivers. Migrate to offshore reefs when mature.
Largely restricted to northern NSW waters although
an occasional capture around Sydney.
Good baits: Mullet, Yellowtail or Prawns. Oily fish such as Tuna and Mullet. Also takes cast
and trolled deep‑diving lures.
59
Marlin: Striped, Black and Blue

Legal length: None.

Bag limit: 1 of each species.
Habitat: Offshore, usually around or over
the continental shelf although Black Black Marlin

Marlin will come much closer inshore.

Good baits: Slimy Mackerel, Yellowtail or
Blue Marlin
Tuna. All species will also respond well to
trolled skirted lures.

Striped Marlin

Morwong: Jackass and Grey (Rubberlip)

Legal length: 30cm.

Bag limit: 10 of each species.
Habitat: Inshore/offshore reef systems.
Common over areas where rock and Jackass Morwong

sand mix.
Good baits: Prawns, Squid and fish strips.
Grey
Morwong

Morwong: Red
2024—2025

Legal length: 30cm.

Bag limit: 5.
Habitat: Inshore reef systems.
NSW Recreational Saltwater Fishing Guide

Good baits: Prawns, Squid and fish strips.

Morwong: Banded

Legal length: None.

Bag limit: 5.
Habitat: Inshore/offshore reef systems.
Good baits: Prawns, Squid.
 60
Moses Snapper (Moses Perch)

Legal length: None.

Bag limit: 5.
Habitat: Around rocks, mangroves, piers and wharves
in estuary systems, generally restricted to northern
NSW waters.
Good baits: Crustaceans, oily fish such as Tuna or Mullet. Also responds aggressively to
small minnow lures and soft plastics.

Mullet

Legal length: 30cm Sea (Bully) only.

Bag limit: 20 in total.*
Habitat: Rivers and estuary systems. Migrates annually
along coastline.
Good baits: Bread, peeled Prawns, Marine Worms.

Mullet: Juvenile (for live bait only)

Legal length: Under 15cm Sea (Bully) only.

Bag limit: 20 in total* for live bait only.
Habitat: Sand flats and weed beds in rivers and estuary systems.
Good baits: Bread with fine line and small hooks, although can be caught in bait traps.

Mulloway (Jewfish)

Legal length: 70cm.

Bag limit: 1. Boat limit: 2 Mulloway (if 2 or more fishers are
onboard). Charter boat limit of 3 per boat per day.
Habitat: Rivers/estuary systems, beaches, rocky headlands, inshore reefs.
Good baits: Squid, Beach Worms, Mullet, baitfish and oily fish such as Tuna.

Pearl Perch Fin fish bag limits, size limits and closed seasons

Legal length: 30cm.

Bag limit: 5.
Habitat: Frequents deep offshore waters around reefs.
Most common in northern NSW waters.
Good baits: Squid, Prawns, baitfish.

Rock Blackfish (Black Drummer)

Legal length: 30cm.

Bag limit: 10.
Habitat: Reefy areas, rocky points and headlands.
Good baits: Cunjevoi, Prawns, marine weeds, bread.
 61
Sailfish

Legal length: None.

Bag limit: 1.
Habitat: Offshore waters, often around some sort of
reef or structure. Prefers warm sub‑tropical waters.
Good baits: Garfish, small Tuna. Often taken on rigged baits or artificial lures.

Samsonfish and Amberjack

Legal length: None.

Bag limit: 5 in total.*
Habitat: Inshore and offshore reefs.
Samsonfish
Good baits: Squid, fish, fish strips and artificial lures.

Amberjack

Sharks and Rays

Legal length: None (91cm for School Shark only).

Bag limit: 5 comprised wholly of any single shark or
ray species or a combination of species but with no
School Shark
more than 1 of each of the sharks listed below.
Only 1 Whaler or other requiem shark (including Bull Shark, Blacktip Shark, Dusky Whaler,
Bronze Whaler and Blue Shark.)
Only 1 Tiger Shark, Shortfin Mako, or Smooth Hammerhead#
# Note: Great and Scalloped Hammerheads are threatened species—release only.

Habitat: Various species occupy a diverse range of habitats including estuaries, beaches,
rocky reefs and open ocean.
2024—2025

Good baits: Most sharks and rays will respond to oily fish such as Tuna.

Snapper

Legal length: 30cm.

NSW Recreational Saltwater Fishing Guide

Bag limit: 10.

Habitat: Inshore and offshore reef systems. Rocky
headlands and points. Smaller fish common in
estuary systems and protected bays. Adult
Good baits: Squid, Prawns, Octopus, fish.

Juvenile
 62
Spearfish

Legal length: None.

Bag limit: 1.
Habitat: Open ocean.
Good baits: A pelagic predator favouring similar
foods as Marlin and Sailfish. Not common in NSW waters.

Swordfish

Legal length: None.

Bag limit: 1.
Habitat: Deep offshore waters.
Good baits: Most Swordfish are caught on Squid and fish strips, fished near the surface on
heavy tackle at night or day time deep dropping. An occasional capture on artificial lures.

Tailor

Legal length: 30cm.

Bag limit: 10. 20 in possession.
Habitat: Beaches, rocky headlands, estuaries, inshore reefs.
Good baits: Small baitfish such as Pilchards and Whitebait or oily fish such as Tuna.
Responds aggressively to metal lures and diving minnows.
Please note: Undersize fish cannot be used as bait, they must be returned to the water immediately, even if they are
injured or dead.

Teraglin

Legal length: 38cm.

Bag limit: 5.
Habitat: Inshore/offshore reefs.
Good baits: Squid, oily fish such as Tuna, Slimy Mackerel or Yellowtail.

Trevallies Fin fish bag limits, size limits and closed seasons

Legal length: 30cm for Silver Trevally only.

Bag limit: 10 in total.* 20 in possession.
Habitat: The most common Trevally in NSW waters is the
Silver Trevally, which favours inshore reefs, rocky areas Silver Trevally
and bays.
Good baits: Marine Worms, Prawns, Squid and Fish strips.
63
Tuna: Albacore, Big‑Eye, Longtail, Yellowfin

Bag limit: 90cm or above—2 in total.*

Less than 90cm—5 in total.*
Habitat: Open ocean, sometimes found close inshore following schools of baitfish.
Good baits: Pilchards, Slimy Mackerel, Yellowtail. Tuna also respond well to trolled skirted
and diving lures.
Albacore Big-Eye

Yellowfin
Longtail

* Bag limit comprised of any single species or a combination of listed grouped species.

Tuna: Southern Bluefin

Legal length: None.

Bag limit: 1
Habitat: Open ocean.
Good baits: Pilchards, Slimy Mackerel, Yellowtail. Tuna also respond well to trolled skirted
and diving lures.

Wahoo

Legal length: None.

Bag limit: 5
2024—2025

Habitat: Open ocean.

Good baits: Slimy Mackerel, small Tuna. Wahoo also respond aggressively towards skirted or
diving lures.
NSW Recreational Saltwater Fishing Guide

Whiting

Legal length: 27cm for Sand Whiting only.

Bag limit: 20 in total.*
Habitat: Beaches, estuaries, sandflats. Sand Whiting
Good baits: Saltwater Nippers, Marine Worms,
crustaceans.
 64
Wobbegong Shark (Orectolobus spp)

Legal length: None

Bag limit: 0—Release Only
Habitat: Rocky headlands and inshore reefs. Wobbegong

Yellowtail Kingfish

Legal length: 65cm.

Bag limit: 5.
Habitat: Inshore and offshore reefs, rocky headlands.
Good baits: Squid/Slimy Mackerel/Yellowtail, oily fish such as Tuna. Kingfish respond well to
cast and trolled lures and jigs.

Baitfish bag limits (excluding charter boat operators)

Bag limit of 100 for each of the following: Australian Anchovy; Blue Sprat (Bluebait); Maray
(Round Herring); Australian Sardine (Pilchard); Sandy Sprat (Whitebait); Southern Herring.
A bag limit of 50 for each species or species grouping: Blue Mackerel (Slimy Mackerel);
Jack Mackerel and Yellowtail Scad; Garfish (other than Eastern Sea Garfish); Hardyhead
and Silverfish.

Blue Mackerel Yellowtail Scad

Fin fish bag limits, size limits and closed seasons

65
Invertebrates bag and size limits
Invertebrates are creatures without a backbone and include crustaceans, molluscs and
worms. Please note that you must pay the NSW Recreational Fishing Fee to catch or collect
invertebrates. A maximum daily bag limit of 20 applies to any invertebrate not listed below
(excluding unlisted molluscs which have a combined bag limit of 20 in total*).
*Bag limit comprised of any single species or a combination of listed grouped species.
Note: You must not alter the length of an invertebrate with a legal size by shucking and/or removing the head/shell/tail
until well away from the water. Special rules apply for abalone, Rocklobster, turban snails and intertidal invertebrates
(see page 51 for more information).

Never eat raw shellfish which has been collected recreationally as they are not
subject to the same strict food safety controls as commercially harvested shellfish.
Please see pages 34 and 35 for more information.

Abalone

Legal length: 11.7cm.

Bag limit: 2.
Abalone should be measured as soon as collected, before being
put in a catch bag and before leaving the water. You must not
shuck (remove the meat from the shell) in, on or adjacent to the
water so your catch may be measured if necessary.

Balmain Bug

Legal length: 10cm. Carapace measured from spike to spike

at its widest point.
Bag limit: 20.
2024—2025

measurement

Beach Worms

Legal length: None.

NSW Recreational Saltwater Fishing Guide

Bag limit: 20 in whole or part.*

Other worm species

Legal length: None.

Bag limit: 100 in total.*
 66
Cockles, Mussels and Pipis (Pipis for bait only)

Legal length: None.

Bag limit: 50 in total*,
including a maximum of
20 cockles
Note: You cannot take Pipis to eat
or remove them more than 50m
from the high tide mark. Mussel Cockle
Pipi

Crabs

Blue Swimmer Crabs Spanner Crabs All other crabs

Legal length: 6.5cm. Legal length: 9.3cm. Legal length: None.
Bag limit: 10. Bag limit: 10. Bag limit: 10 in total*.
20 in possession.

Mud (Black/Mangrove) Soldier Crabs

Crabs Legal length: None.
Legal length: 8.5cm. Bag limit: 100 in total*.
Bag limit: 5.

Note: Crabs carrying eggs must be returned immediately to the water. It is an offence to remove any eggs.

Cunjevoi

Legal length: None.

Invertebrates bag and size limits

Bag limit: 20 in total.*

* Bag limit comprised of any single species or a combination of listed grouped species.
67
Lobsters

Eastern Rocklobster
Legal length: Min 10.4cm, Max 18cm.
Bag limit: 3 in total (with Southern Rocklobster).
In any combination.
Colour: Green. Eastern
Rocklobster
Southern Rocklobster
Legal length: Male 11cm,
Female 10.5cm.
Bag limit: 3 in total (with Eastern
Rocklobster). In any combination.
Colour: Red.
Note: You must not shuck (remove the head/ Southern
shell/tail/meat) a Rocklobster in, on or adjacent Rocklobster

to the water.

Tropical Rocklobster (Ornate and Painted)

Legal length: None.
Bag limit: 2 in total.*
Colour: Legs and antennae:
Mottled black and white.
Body: Various bright multiple combinations.
Note: Lobsters may be taken by hand or in a lobster trap (1 trap per person),
but not with a hook, spear or snare. Lobsters or Crabs carrying eggs must
be returned immediately to the water. It is an offence to remove any eggs.

Slipper Lobster (Flat)

2024—2025

Legal length: None.

Bag limit: 2.
Colour: Beige/grey.
NSW Recreational Saltwater Fishing Guide

Octopus

Legal length: None.

Bag limit: 10 in total.*
Note: Octopus cannot be taken from ocean rock platforms in
NSW or from rock platforms in Sydney Harbour.
 68
Oysters: Sydney Rock, Pacific, Native

Legal length: None.

Bag limit: 50 in total.*
Note: Removal of oysters from an oyster lease is theft and attracts heavy fines. Warning:
Oysters, mussels and other shellfish may be contaminated through either pollution or
naturally occurring algae. Eating contaminated shellfish can cause serious illness or death.
Commercially grown oysters are harvested under strict guidelines to safeguard public
health. See [Link]/industry/shellfish

Prawns

Legal length: None.

Bag limit: 10 litres in total.*

Saltwater Nippers

Legal length: None.

Bag limit: 100 in total.*

Scallops

Legal length: None.

Bag limit: 50 in total.*

Sea Urchins

Legal length: None.

Bag limit: 10 in total.*

Squid and Cuttlefish

Legal length: None.

Bag limit: 20 in total.*
Invertebrates bag and size limits

Turban Snails and other molluscs

Legal length: Sydney, Military 7.5cm.

Diameter measured Turban
Snail
along its longest axis. All other molluscs none.
Bag limit: Combined limit of 20 in total* for unlisted
molluscs (including Turban Snails, Sea Snails, measurement
Whelks, Periwinkles, Limpets etc).
Note: You must not shuck (remove the meat from the shell) a Turban Snail in, on or adjacent to the water.
69
Threatened and protected species
A threatened species is rare with numbers declining to a point where it is at risk of becoming
extinct in NSW. Other rare species with stable numbers are protected. It is illegal to take, harm or
possess threatened or protected species. If caught they must be returned carefully to the water.
It is also illegal to damage the habitat of a threatened species.
You can keep up to date with threatened or protected species listings on the website
[Link]/fisheries. Help increase knowledge of these species by reporting
sightings by e‑mail to [Link]@[Link] or online at
[Link]/fisheries/species-protection/report-it

Threatened species

Black Rockcod Epinephelus daemelii

Conservation Status: Vulnerable species.

This magnificent but timid creature is territorial, Caudal peduncle
living for years in the same deep cave or ledge.
Black Rockcod are found along the entire NSW
coast and also occur in estuaries. Growing to
1.5m and weighing over 80 kg, it has a distinctive
black blotch on the upper caudal peduncle.

Colour Variations of Black Rockcod

Great Hammerhead Sphyrna mokarran

Conservation Status: Vulnerable species.

Largest species of hammerhead in the world. Tall sickle shaped dorsal fin. Occurs in NSW
waters south to about Sydney during the warmer months.

Tall sickle shaped first dorsal fin

Height of second dorsal fin equal to

or greater than anal fin
2024—2025

Rectangular and relatively

straight head profile
NSW Recreational Saltwater Fishing Guide

Teeth with clear serrations

Anal fin

Green Sawfish Pristis zijsron

Conservation Status: Presumed extinct.

A large ray with a long studded snout or ‘saw’. Lives in
estuaries and shallow coastal waters around south‑east
Asia and northern Australia. Numbers reduced by fishing and accidental capture by prawn
trawlers. Grows to at least 5m. Now extremely rare and presumed extinct in NSW.
 70
Greynurse Shark Carcharias taurus

Conservation Status: Critically

endangered species.
Greynurse Sharks have been recorded roaming over large areas of the NSW and Queensland
coasts, but are known to gather to feed, mate and pup at a small number of locations. Marine
scientists have identified a number of sites along the NSW coast, called aggregation sites
and critical habitats, which are vital to the survival of the Greynurse Shark. Some of these
sites are located in marine parks, and recreational fishers should consult the relevant marine
park zoning map and management plan to check the fishing rules and regulations. Additional
information and maps of aggregation sites and critical habitats is available from the NSW
DPIRD website at: [Link]/fisheries/species-protection

Scalloped Hammerhead Sphyrna lewini

Conservation Status: Endangered Species.

Prominent ‘scallop’ or indentation in the centre of the front edge of the head. Serious decline
in many geographic regions around the world. Occurs in NSW waters south to about Sydney
during the warmer months.

Strongly arched head profile Height of 2nd dorsal fin

smaller than anal fin

Distinctive
“scallop”

Anal fin
Teeth smooth edged

Southern Bluefin Tuna Thunnus maccoyii

Conservation Status: Endangered species.

Pelagic species found in deep offshore waters.
Grows to 2.4m . Limited recreational fishing is allowed.
The bag limit for Southern Bluefin Tuna is 1 per person.
A possession limit of 1 is also in place.

White Shark Carcharodon carcharias

Threatened and protected species

Conservation Status: Vulnerable species.

Found throughout the world in temperate and subtropical
oceans. White Sharks can grow to an estimated 6m.

Other saltwater species

A number of other marine species are listed as threatened in NSW. However, fishers are
unlikely to encounter these species when carrying out normal fishing activities. Examples
include White’s Seahorse (Hippocampus whitei) and the marine slug (Smeagol hilaris).
 71 Protected species

Ballina Angelfish Haetodontoplus ballinae

Found in very deep water in the north and around

Lord Howe Island.
Grows to 20cm.

Blue Drummer Girella cyanea

This fish inhabits coastal and offshore rocky reefs. It is bright

blue with small yellow dots and grows to about 75cm length.
The taking or possessing of Blue Drummer from NSW waters
other than the waters of the Lord Howe Island Marine Park is
prohibited and heavy penalties apply.

Eastern Blue Devil Fish Paraplesiops bleekeri

Inhabiting caves and ledges in about 15–20m of water along

the southern NSW coast (has been seen as far north as the
Solitary Islands Marine Park). Grows to 40cm.

Elegant Wrasse Anampses elegans

Found around Lord Howe Island, occasionally along the NSW coast south to Montague
Island. Grows to 30cm.

Male Female

Goldspotted Rockcod (Estuary Cod) Epinephelus coioides

2024—2025

Found mainly in the reefy inshore waters and estuaries of

northern NSW. Growing to 2m and weighing over 225kg.
NSW Recreational Saltwater Fishing Guide

Queensland Groper Epinephelus lanceolatus

Bold and curious, they can be hand‑fed by divers.

Found in northern NSW waters. Growing to 2m and
weighing over 250kg. Adult

Juvenile
 72
Sandtiger Shark (Herbsts Nurse) Odontaspis ferox

Related to the Greynurse Shark. It inhabits

deeper waters, up to 420m and is found along
the entire coast. Grows to 3.6m.

Syngnathiformes Syngnathids, Solenostomids and Pegasids

Seahorses, Pipefish, Pipehorses and Seadragons belong to

the Syngnathidae family and together with their close relatives,
the Ghost Pipefish and Seamoths, are called Syngnathiformes.
All Syngnathiformes are protected.

Help protect these species by reporting

sightings by e‑mail to fisheries. Identifying a Greynurse Shark
threatenedspecies@[Link] It is illegal to harm a Greynurse
or online at [Link]/fishing/ Shark—so it is important fishers and
threatened-species/report-it divers can distinguish Greynurse
Sharks from other sharks. The
Fishing and diving rules to help protect Greynurse Shark’s most distinctive
the Greynurse Shark feature is the similarity in size of the
two upper dorsal fins.
Greynurse Sharks roam over very large
areas along the NSW and Queensland
coasts, but are known to consistently
1st dorsal Two upper 2nd dorsal
occupy a small number of locations to feed, fin set well dorsal fins fin set well
mate and pup. These locations are termed back from the of almost forward of
pectoral fin. equal size. the anal fin.
‘aggregation sites’, and the largest and
most significant of these sites are termed
‘critical habitats’. Some of these locations
are also popular fishing and diving locations,
therefore fishers and divers are encouraged
to be able to correctly distinguish
Threatened and protected species

Greynurse Sharks from other species.

Fishers are also encouraged to release 5 Gill slits
Pelvic fin
all sharks unless they are certain they are
Pectoral fin Top lobe
not a protected species. Fishing rules and
Bronze colour. larger than
regulations vary between aggregation sites bottom.
Paler undersurface.
and critical habitats, and fishers should Brownish spots
consult the relevant rules and regulations on the upper body
and tail fin.
prior to fishing (see map on the following Anal fin similar in size
to both dorsal fins.
page). More details are available at
[Link]/fisheries
73
Julian Rocks
BYRON BAY
Cape Byron Marine Park

North Solitary Island

Solitary Islands Marine Park
South Solitary Island
COFFS HARBOUR

SOUTH WEST ROCKS Green Island & Fish Rock

LAURIETON Mermaid Reef

FORSTER The Pinnacle

Port Stephens- Great Lakes Marine Park Sawtooth Rocks & Big/Little Seal Rocks
NELSON BAY Little Broughton Island

NEWCASTLE

SYDNEY
Greynurse Shark
Magic Point critical habitat
2024—2025

SHELLHARBOUR and aggregation

sites in NSW
NSW Recreational Saltwater Fishing Guide

Critical habitat site

Jervis Bay Marine Park
Aggregation site
BATEMANS
BAY Marine park
Tollgate Islands
Batemans Marine Park
NAROOMA
Montague Island
Conserving our biodiversity 74

Looking after the NSW marine estate For more information visit
[Link].
The rivers, lakes, wetlands, beaches,
ocean and islands along the NSW coast
are all part of the marine estate—our
blue backyard! We all enjoy these special
places—whether catching a fish, relaxing
or swimming at a beach or exploring our
coastal waterways on land or by boat.
So it is critical that we work together to
look after our marine estate.
The Marine Estate Management Authority
helps to improve coordination across
government agencies to manage our
marine estate.
The Authority has a vision for a healthy
coast and sea, managed for the greatest
wellbeing of the community, now and into
the future.
To achieve this vision the Authority has put
the Marine Estate Management Strategy
into action and is working closely with a
range of partners and stakeholder groups
to deliver its outcomes.

Marine Estate Management Strategy Funding for the Marine Estate Management
Strategy is separate to the recreational
Conserving our biodiversity

Keeping our coast healthy fishing fee paid by recreational fishers in

The Marine Estate Management Strategy NSW and complements projects supported
is a 10‑year strategy to help protect and by the Recreational Fishing Trusts.
improve the health of the NSW marine For more information visit
estate. It brings together government, [Link].
industry, interest groups and individuals
to work together on actions to improve our
coast for everyone’s benefit.
75 A snapshot of Strategy actions that will improve your fishing

Reducing water pollution

Working with farmers, fishers, councils,
industry and building developers to
reduce pollution and sediments entering
coastal waterways.

Reducing marine litter

Implementing a marine litter campaign to
reduce litter entering coastal waterways.

Improving fish habitat

Protecting and rehabilitating foreshore
vegetation, seagrasses, mangroves,
saltmarsh, wetlands and natural oyster
reefs that are important fish habitat and
help improve water quality.

Developing fish‑friendly breakwaters

Making breakwaters and training walls
friendlier to fish and fishers.

Restoring fish passage

Restoring fish passage at coastal weirs and
road crossings to reconnect fish habitats.

Managing estuaries to enhance habitat

Ensuring private and public structures and
works on foreshores, such as seawalls,
2024—2025

jetties, pontoons and boat ramps, protect

and, where possible, enhance fish habitats,
water quality and marine biodiversity.
NSW Recreational Saltwater Fishing Guide

Research and monitoring

Improving knowledge of fish and fish
habitats and determining how effective
management actions under the Strategy
have been.

Planning for climate change

Determining adaption strategies for fish
and fish habitats vulnerable to the effects
of climate change.
Conserving our marine biodiversity Î education 76

NSW marine protected areas, including 6 Î scientific research

marine parks and 12 aquatic reserves (see Î cultural heritage practices
map below), help conserve the variety of Î nature tourism
marine life for all of us, our kids and our Î a wide variety of recreational activities
grandkids. They are great places to visit such as fishing, diving, boating
and enjoy a range or recreational activities, and snorkelling.
including fishing.
Management of these areas links with other
Marine parks and aquatic reserves have programs, for example, planning for coastal
special fishing rules, so you need to check development, improving water quality
the rules before you go fishing. Standard and fish habitat, and managing fisheries
recreational fishing rules such as bag and and boating.
size limits also apply.
For up‑to‑date information please use the Marine parks
DPIRD FishSmart app or contact your local You can enjoy recreational fishing in every
NSW DPIRD Fisheries office, or visit the NSW marine park (see map below). Zoning
marine protected areas webpages www. maps are available for each marine park and
[Link]/fishing/habitat/protecting- show you where you can go fishing. Over
habitats/mpa 80 per cent of marine parks are open to
Marine protected areas help manage how recreational fishing.
we enjoy and benefit from our marine
biodiversity. They also seek to balance and
enhance a range of uses including:

Cook Island
Marine Parks, Aquatic Byron
Cape Byron
Bay
Reserves and Intertidal Marine Park
Protected Area Locations Tweed-Moreton
Coffs Bioregion
Harbour
Solitary Islands Lord Howe Island
Marine Park Marine Park
Aquatic Reserves
Manning Shelf Bioregion
Intertidal Protected Areas
Port Stephens
-Great Lakes
Marine Park
Barrenjoey Head
d

Bungan Head
Hawkesbury Mona Vale Headland
Narrabeen Head
Sydney Shelf Bioregion
Long Reef
Dee Why Headland
Manly
Cabbage Tree Bayy Shelly Beach Headland
Conserving our biodiversity

Bushrangers Bay Jevis Bay North Sydney Harbour

(Sydney)
Marine Park Harbour
Bondi
Bronte - Coogee
Batemans Shelf Bioregion
Batemans Long Bay
Cape Banks
Marine Park Towra Point Inscription Point
Boat Harbourr
Shiprock
Cabbage Tree Point

Eden Twofold
Shelf Bioregion
 77 Aquatic reserves You can spearfish in:
There are 12 aquatic reserves in NSW, 10 Î Cook Island Aquatic Reserve outside the
of these are in the Sydney region (see map closed area.
on page 76). Several aquatic reserves Î Barrenjoey Head, Narrabeen Head, Cape
are more than 35 years old and the newest Banks and Boat Harbour aquatic reserves.
reserves have been in place for over Î Bronte‑Coogee Aquatic Reserve except
15 years. in Clovelly Bay and Gordons Bay and
Fishing activities that are permitted depend between Shark Point and the southern
on the individual reserve. headland of Gordons Bay.
Î Long Reef Aquatic Reserve for finfish
All fishing and collecting is prohibited in:
(bony fish and cartilaginous fish) only.
Î Part of Cook Island Aquatic Reserve (near
Fishing in any aquatic reserve must also
Tweed Heads).
comply with other fishing restrictions such
Î Cabbage Tree Bay Aquatic Reserve
as closures, bag limits and size limits.
(Shelly Beach, Manly).
Î The sanctuary zone of Towra Point Intertidal protected areas
Aquatic Reserve (Botany Bay).
There are eight intertidal protected areas
Î Shiprock Aquatic Reserve (Port Hacking). around Sydney that allow fishing but
Î Bushrangers Bay Aquatic Reserve (Bass protect seashore animals and seaweeds
Point, Shellharbour). from hand gathering and collection
Collecting cunjevoi or any invertebrates, activities (see map on page 68).
unless specifically listed as exempt, is These extend from mean high water to
prohibited in all aquatic reserves. For 10m seaward of mean low water. You can
example, you cannot collect anemones, fish in these areas but you cannot gather
barnacles, chitons, cockles, crabs, mussels, or collect seashore animals such as crabs,
octopus, oysters, pipis, sea urchins, starfish, snails, cunjevoi, octopus, sea urchins,
snails and worms, whether they are dead or anemones, pipis, cockles, mussels, oysters
alive. Collecting or killing these animals for and saltwater nippers.
berley or to feed fish is prohibited.
For more information check the website
You can collect rocklobster, abalone, sea [Link]/fisheries or the DPIRD
lettuce (Ulva) and bait weed (Enteromorpha) FishSmart app.
from Barrenjoey Head, Narrabeen Head,
2024—2025

Bronte‑Coogee, Cape Banks and Boat

Harbour aquatic reserves.
You can go line fishing in:
Î Part of Cook Island Aquatic Reserve.
NSW Recreational Saltwater Fishing Guide

Î The refuge zone of Towra Point

Aquatic Reserve.
Î All areas of Barrenjoey Head, Narrabeen
Head, Bronte‑Coogee, Cape Banks and
Boat Harbour aquatic reserves as long as
bait is not collected.
Î Long Reef and North (Sydney) Harbour
aquatic reserves for finfish (bony fish and
cartilaginous fish) only. Fishing by any
method for any invertebrates, such as
cuttlefish and squid, is not permitted in
these reserves.
Good fish habitat means more fish NSW DPIRD also regulates activities that can 78
degrade fish habitat. If you see or suspect
Habitats are where fish live, feed and
any illegal activities affecting fish habitat,
breed. A wide variety of healthy fish
contact your local NSW fisheries office or the
habitats means more fish, healthy fish
Fishers Watch Phoneline on 1800 043 536.
and a variety of different species. This is
essential for better fishing and a variety of Watch out for:
fishing experiences. Î Saltmarsh, mangroves or seagrasses
Large areas of fish habitat have been lost or being damaged or destroyed.
degraded. So it is critical that NSW DPIRD Î Drains being dug or other works taking
works to protect and repair fish habitats for place in wetlands.
better fish stocks and better diversity of Î Machinery working in waterways.
marine flora and fauna. Î New bed or bank stabilisation works
The Recreational Fishing Trust helps within a waterway.
support the protection and repair of fish Î New waterfront structures such as jetties
habitat and now additional funding from and boat ramps.
the Marine Estate Management Strategy is Î Removal of in‑stream native aquatic
supporting this work as well. vegetation or snags (large woody debris).
Î Dredging or removal of in‑stream
Things you can do to help
sediment, boulders, gravel beds, cobbles.
Protect fish habitats and marine Î Materials being placed into a waterway
biodiversity—tips to remember: (e.g. tyres, concrete, sediment etc.).
Î Use established access points to launch Î Any works next to a waterway
and retrieve your boat. causing sediments to run directly into
Î Do not anchor over seagrass. the waterway.
Î Avoid motoring over shallow seagrass Î Placing of permanent or temporary
beds. If this is unavoidable, trim your barriers to fish passage across a
motor up high and travel slowly. waterway (e.g. new waterway crossings,
Î Travel at low speed near riverbanks to nets, silt fences, fill).
prevent boat wake eroding them. Î Discharge of pollutants into waterways.
Î Put rocks back the way you found them Î Poisoning or removing bankside vegetation.
when collecting bait. Î Cattle or other domestic stock grazing
Î Tread carefully around shoreline on mangroves or saltmarsh adjacent to
vegetation such as mangroves, saltmarsh the estuary.
plants and river oaks. Newstreams is a free electronic newsletter,
Î Take your litter home and encourage your to keep people up to date with information
friends to take their litter home too. on aquatic habitat repair. To subscribe,
Î Where you can, pick up litter that is e‑mail newstreams@[Link] and
spoiling your local fishing spot. register your contact details.
Î Use approved pump out facilities.
Î Use environmentally friendly fishing
Conserving our biodiversity

tackle such as lead‑alternative sinkers,

non‑stainless hooks and biodegradable
fishing lures.
Î Get your friends or local fishing
club involved in restoring fish
habitat. For more info check out
[Link].
79 Report fish kills Do your part to reduce the risks
A fish kill is any sudden and unexpected Î ‘Use the right bait mate’—collect your
large number of deaths of wild or cultured bait and berley in the area you plan to
fish. Fish kills are often very obvious and fish or buy from a reputable local bait
cause a lot of public concern as many supplier. Never use prohibited baits, such
people think they are caused by pollution. as abalone (see section on AVG below)
There are many different reasons for fish and never use imported prawns or other
kills and in fact many are caused by natural seafood meant for human consumption—
events. For information on how to report (see section on White spot disease on
fish kills please see page 93 of this guide. page 80) as bait or berley.
Î Make ‘clean’ part of your routine—before
Aquatic Pests and diseases leaving a location (and prior to use) check,
NSW DPIRD works together with fishers thoroughly clean (see the following
and other water users to help prevent the diagram for areas to pay particular
spread of pests and diseases in our marine, attention to), drain and dry your boat,
estuarine and freshwater environments. trailer, motor and gear away from the
NSW DPIRD does this through: raising water’s edge to prevent potential transfer
awareness of aquatic pest and disease of pests and diseases. Dispose of any
issues and what we can all do to reduce weeds and other organic matter in the
the risks; responding to suspect aquatic garbage, not allowing them to return to
animal health issues; assisting stakeholders any waterway.
to improve aquatic animal health Î Slip and clean moored boats regularly,
management; conducting surveillance for disposing of any organic material
key diseases including white spot disease removed to general waste (and ensuring
in crustaceans; control measures to help that it does not enter any waterways).
manage aquatic animals and their products Î Dispose of all seafood waste in a bin.
and equipment that could be carrying pests Î Dispose of sewerage and bilge water at
and diseases; and supporting research an approved pump‑out facility.
and investigation of aquatic animal health
Î Don’t dump that fish! Give unwanted
issues. Doing your part is not only good
aquarium fish to friends or a pet shop
for our fish stocks and environment
rather than letting them go in the wild.
it also helps you to fulfil your general
Note: It is illegal to release live fish into
biosecurity duty under the Biosecurity Act
NSW waterways without a permit and
2015, to help reduce the risks associated
2024—2025

heavy fines apply.

with aquatic pests and diseases (see
section on General Biosecurity Duty at
[Link]/biosecurity).
NSW Recreational Saltwater Fishing Guide

Make ‘clean’ part of your routine

Sonar tubes/echosounder
Anchor well & anchor
booths & transducer
Deck fittings Propeller

Propeller

Hull surface Water inlets outlets

Trailer
Î Abide by biosecurity restrictions in wild and farmed abalone in Tasmania. 80
and fishing closures—including the AVG affects the nervous system of abalone
Biosecurity Act 2015 and its associated and symptoms include swollen mouthparts,
regulations and control orders and other curling of the foot, difficulty adhering to
instruments that are specifically in place surfaces, lethargy and often death. There
to protect against the spread of pests is no evidence of AVG in NSW wild abalone
and diseases (see [Link]/ stocks. However AVG was detected (and
dpi/bfs/aquatic-biosecurity/aquatic- subsequently eradicated) in retail outlets in
biosecurity-legislation). 2011 through importation of live abalone for
Î Learn about aquatic pests and diseases human consumption. To reduce the risk of
that could impact our fish, industries and transfer of AVG to NSW abalone stocks, the
environment ([Link]/dpi/ recreational or commercial use of abalone
bfs/aquatic-biosecurity). as bait or berley in NSW is prohibited under
Î Take photographs and report suspected the NSW Biosecurity Act 2015.
aquatic pests or diseases to NSW DPI.
White spot disease of crustaceans
If you collect samples, keep them cool
(if you suspect disease, do not freeze). White Spot Disease (WSD), also known
as infection with White Spot Syndrome
Virus (WSSV), is a highly contagious
Reporting
viral disease of prawns that causes high
You can help protect our waterways rates of mortality in affected stock. Other
and native fish by helping to stop the crustaceans (both saltwater and freshwater
introduction and spread of aquatic species) can be carriers of the virus, but
pests and diseases into new areas by: they are rarely impacted by the disease.
WSD poses no threat to human health or
Î Reporting any suspect aquatic pest
food safety. There are also several reasons
or disease to NSW DPIRD Aquatic
why prawns can have white spots on
Biosecurity as soon as possible
them, including those formed during the
on the 24 hour biosecurity hotline
freezing process.
1800 675 888 or email aquatic.
biosecurity@[Link] or Diseases can be inadvertently introduced
online at [Link]/biosecurity. when fresh or frozen seafood products
Î Take a photograph and send to imported for human consumption are used
NSW DPIRD. as bait. Using the right bait and other good
Î If you are able to collect samples, biosecurity practices, as described under
keep them cool (if you suspect the heading “Do your part to reduce the
disease, do not freeze). risks” are important in helping reduce
the risks associated with this and other
Î Check out the NSW DPIRD website
aquatic diseases.
for further information or for
general enquiries call 02 4916 3900 White spot detections have occurred in the
during business hours. Clarence, Evans Head and Ballina regions.
Control Orders are currently in place to
restrict the movement of green (uncooked)
AVG: Ban of Abalone as bait or berley school and king prawns and other decapod
Conserving our biodiversity

Abalone Viral Ganglioneuritis crustaceans (excluding mud, blue swimmer,

Abalone Viral Ganglioneuritis (AVG) is three spot and spanner crabs, lobsters, and
caused by a virus first detected in wild bugs), and beach and other polychaete
and farmed abalone in Victoria in 2005 worms out of the area to minimise risks
where it has resulted in extensive abalone of spread to other areas in NSW and
mortalities (Note: AVG has no impact on Australia during ongoing investigations.
human health). AVG has also been identified
 81 For more information, please visit [Link]. the environment. We must then take all
[Link]/dpi/bfs/aquatic-biosecurity/ reasonable and practical measures to
aquaculture/prawns/white-spot. prevent or minimise the potential impact.
Be aware of importation restrictions
Other prohibited or notifiable pests
(interstate, not just overseas) on some
and diseases
products as you move from State to
State (including control orders at www. Prohibited matter pests and diseases are
[Link]/about-us/legislation/ not currently known to be present in NSW
list/biosecurity-act-2015) put in place and have been assessed as posing very high
to reduce the risk of spread of aquatic risks to our native species, industries and
diseases within Australia. the environment.

See [Link]/dpi/bfs/aquatic- Prohibited marine pests include: Northern

biosecurity for further information or Pacific Seastar, Japanese Seaweed, Asian
check for the latest National information at Date Mussel, Asian Green Mussel and
[Link]. Black Striped Mussel. Abalone Viral
Ganglioneuritis (AVG) is an example of a
Tilapia prohibited marine disease. Any suspect
occurrences of these pests and diseases
Tilapia are listed in the top 100 of the world’s
in NSW must be reported immediately on
worst introduced species. Under NSW
1800 675 888.
legislation Tilapia are classed as a notifiable
species which means it’s illegal to possess, sell Other notifiable aquatic pests known to be
or move live Tilapia. Due to the significant risk present in NSW marine waters include: the
posed by this species it is also illegal to return alga Caulerpa taxifolia, European Green
any Tilapia to NSW waters. If you catch one it is Crab, European Fan Worm, the New Zealand
mandatory to humanely dispatch the fish and Screw Shell and Tilapia (only known to
utilise or dispose of it away from the water. If be present in NSW in a northern coastal
you suspect the presence of a Tilapia in a NSW catchment).
waterway report it to Aquatic Biosecurity via
Notifiable diseases to be on the lookout
the biosecurity hotline 1800 675 888, or email
for include: Red Spot Disease (Epizootic
[Link]@[Link]
ulcerative syndrome, EUS) of fish, and
Abalone Viral Ganglioneuritis (AVG) and
Perkinsus, affecting abalone. Red Spot
disease is known to occur in some areas
2024—2025

of NSW, particularly coastal waterways of

northern NSW after heavy rain and results
in red ulcerations in affected fish. AVG is
prohibited matter that is considered exotic
NSW Recreational Saltwater Fishing Guide

to NSW and can result in abalone that

appear weak, while Perkinsus is known to
General biosecurity duty occur in some NSW abalone populations
and can cause blisters and other lesions,
Under the NSW Biosecurity legislation particularly on the foot of the abalone.
people in NSW are expected to have
a basic level of knowledge about the
biosecurity risks they might encounter
in their normal work and recreational
activities. All community members have a
general biosecurity duty to consider how
actions, or in some cases lack of action
could have a negative impact on another
person, business enterprise, animal or
 82

CHOOSE TO WEAR
A LIFEJACKET

OR CHOOSE
TO RISK IT ALL

VISIT [Link]

Conserving our biodiversity

83
Tide tables
SYDNEY (FORT DENISON) – NEW SOUTH WALES
LAT 33° 51ʼ S LONG 151° 14ʼ E 2024
Times and Heights of High and Low Waters Local Time
SEPTEMBER OCTOBER NOVEMBER DECEMBER
Time m Time m Time m Time m Time m Time m Time m Time m

1 0125
0720
0.39
1.31 16 0039
0637
0.27
1.40 1 0117
0724
0.40
1.45 16 0144
0754
0.19
1.67 1 0226
0850
0.45
1.67 16 0233
0901
0.34
1.98 1 0220
0856
0.54
1.78 16 0259
0935
0.48
1.99
SU 1256 0.52 MO 1218 0.41 TU 1317 0.48 WE 1358 0.28 FR 1514 0.43 SA 1539 0.19 SU 1538 0.40 MO 1624 0.24
1921 1.72 1845 1.88 1927 1.59 2010 1.79 2108 1.41 2138 1.47 2129 1.31 2221 1.33
0157 0.37
2 0755 1.37 17 0120
0722
0.17
1.53 2 0145
0754
0.38
1.51 17 0225
0839
0.18
1.80 2 0255
0922
0.48
1.71 17 0318
0949
0.40
2.00 2 0257
0933
0.56
1.81 17 0347
1023
0.52
1.96
MO 1335 0.48 TU 1310 0.30 WE 1354 0.44 TH 1451 0.20 SA 1551 0.41 SU 1633 0.20 MO 1617 0.38 TU 1713 0.28
1957 1.71 1932 1.93 2000 1.57 2100 1.74 2145 1.37 2233 1.39 2210 1.30 2311 1.31
0227 0.36
3 0827 1.41 18 0201
0806
0.12
1.64 3 0211
0824
0.39
1.56 18 0306
0924
0.21
1.89 3 0325
0955
0.51
1.73 18 0405
1038
0.48
1.97 3 0336
1013
0.57
1.82 18 0435
1109
0.55
1.89
TU 1412 0.46 WE 1401 0.23 TH 1430 0.43 FR 1545 0.17 SU 1630 0.41 MO 1727 0.25 TU 1700 0.38 WE 1759 0.34
2030 1.69 2020 1.91 2033 1.53 2151 1.64 2225 1.33 2328 1.31 2254 1.28 2358 1.29
0254 0.36
4 0859 1.44 19 0243
0851
0.12
1.73 4 0236
0854
0.41
1.60 19 0348
1011
0.28
1.94 4 0358
1030
0.55
1.74 19 0453
1128
0.55
1.90 4 0417
1055
0.59
1.81 19 0523
1153
0.60
1.80
WE 1447 0.46 TH 1455 0.19 FR 1506 0.42 SA 1641 0.18 MO 1711 0.42 TU 1821 0.32 WE 1744 0.39 TH 1843 0.41
2101 1.65 2109 1.83 2107 1.47 2245 1.51 2306 1.28 2340 1.27
0321 0.38
5 0930 1.47 20 0323
0937
0.17
1.80 5 0303
0925
0.44
1.62 20 0431
1059
0.37
1.93 5 0434
1109
0.59
1.72 20 0022
0544
1.25
0.63 5 0503 0.61
1139 1.79 20 0045
0611
1.27
0.65
TH 1524 0.47 FR 1549 0.21 SA 1545 0.44 SU 1737 0.23 TU 1755 0.46 WE 1217 1.80 TH 1831 0.40 FR 1236 1.69
2133 1.58 2159 1.69 2143 1.40 2339 1.38 2351 1.23 1917 0.41 1926 0.48
0347 0.41
6 1001 1.50 21 0404
1024
0.26
1.81 6 0431
1058
0.49
1.63 21 0516
1148
0.48
1.87 6 0515 0.64
1152 1.68 21 0119
0638
1.21
0.70 6 0030
0554
1.26
0.64 21 0132
0700
1.26
0.71
FR 1601 0.50 SA 1645 0.26 SU 1725 0.47 MO 1837 0.32 WE 1845 0.49 TH 1308 1.68 FR 1227 1.75 SA 1318 1.57
2207 1.50 2251 1.52 2321 1.32 2013 0.49 1922 0.42 2007 0.53
0415 0.45
7 1034 1.51 22 0447
1114
0.38
1.79 7 0502 0.55
1133 1.61 22 0037
0606
1.26
0.59 7 0043
0602
1.19
0.69 22 0218
0737
1.19
0.75 7 0125
0650
1.27
0.66 22 0221
0755
1.28
0.76
SA 1643 0.53 SU 1747 0.35 MO 1808 0.51 TU 1241 1.77 TH 1241 1.64 FR 1402 1.56 SA 1318 1.70 SU 1403 1.46
2243 1.40 2347 1.34 1941 0.41 1943 0.52 2107 0.54 2015 0.42 2049 0.57
0444 0.50
8 1110 1.51 23 0532
1206
0.51
1.73 8 0003
0537
1.24
0.61 23 0141
0701
1.17
0.69 8 0141
0700
1.17
0.72 23 0319
0842
1.21
0.78 8 0224
0754
1.30
0.68 23 0313
0857
1.31
0.79
SU 1727 0.58 MO 1856 0.44 TU 1214 1.58 WE 1338 1.66 FR 1337 1.60 SA 1500 1.47 SU 1415 1.63 MO 1455 1.36
2321 1.30 1859 0.56 2050 0.49 2045 0.51 2157 0.57 2109 0.42 2132 0.59
0515 0.57
9 1150 1.49 24 0051
0625
1.20
0.62 9 0051
0619
1.17
0.67 24 0254
0808
1.13
0.75 9 0249
0810
1.19
0.73 24 0416
0950
1.26
0.79 9 0325
0904
1.37
0.67 24 0406
1006
1.36
0.79
MO 1818 0.63 TU 1305 1.64 WE 1301 1.54 TH 1444 1.56 SA 1443 1.58 SU 1600 1.40 MO 1520 1.57 TU 1554 1.28
2013 0.51 2000 0.60 2158 0.53 2148 0.47 2243 0.57 2201 0.41 2217 0.61

10 0007
0554
1.20
0.63 25 0209
0730
1.11
0.71 10 0152
0715
1.12
0.73 25 0408
0923
1.15
0.77 10 0358
0926
1.25
0.71 25 0507
1057
1.33
0.76 10 0424
1019
1.48
0.63 25 0458
1117
1.43
0.76
TU 1237 1.47 WE 1415 1.57 TH 1400 1.50 FR 1555 1.49 SU 1553 1.59 MO 1658 1.37 TU 1628 1.51 WE 1658 1.24
1921 0.67 2132 0.53 2112 0.60 2257 0.55 2245 0.41 2324 0.56 2252 0.41 2303 0.61

11 0106
0644
1.12
0.70 26 0336
0849
1.10
0.74 11 0307
0827
1.10
0.75 26 0510
1036
1.21
0.75 11 0459
1040
1.36
0.63 26 0552
1159
1.41
0.71 11 0519
1133
1.60
0.56 26 0545
1222
1.50
0.69
WE 1335 1.45 TH 1532 1.54 FR 1512 1.51 SA 1700 1.47 MO 1659 1.61 TU 1750 1.35 WE 1733 1.46 TH 1800 1.22
2040 0.67 2242 0.52 2225 0.54 2345 0.53 2334 0.35 2343 0.41 2348 0.62
2024—2025

12 0223
0752
1.08
0.73 27 0446
1004
1.15
0.71 12 0427
0948
1.15
0.72 27 0559
1139
1.28
0.70 12 0551
1147
1.50
0.53 27 0001
0632
0.54
1.50 12 0613
1242
1.72
0.46 27 0630
1316
1.58
0.61
TH 1446 1.47 FR 1640 1.54 SA 1627 1.56 SU 1753 1.47 TU 1759 1.63 WE 1251 0.64 TH 1837 1.43 FR 1856 1.22
2200 0.61 2333 0.49 2326 0.45 1838 1.34

13 0349
0912
1.09
0.71 28 0536
1107
1.23
0.65 13 0531
1102
1.25
0.63 28 0025
0639
0.50
1.37 13 0021
0640
0.31
1.65 28 0038
0710
0.53
1.59 13 0031
0704
0.42
1.84 28 0032
0714
0.61
1.66
FR 1600 1.54 SA 1732 1.57 SU 1732 1.65 MO 1232 0.63 WE 1249 0.41 TH 1338 0.56 FR 1345 0.36 SA 1402 0.53
2303 0.51 1838 1.47 1855 1.63 1923 1.34 1938 1.40 1945 1.24
NSW Recreational Saltwater Fishing Guide

14 0459
1024
1.17
0.64 29 0014
0616
0.45
1.31 14 0016
0623
0.35
1.38 29 0059
0715
0.48
1.46 14 0105
0727
0.29
1.79 29 0112
0745
0.53
1.66 14 0121
0755
0.44
1.93 29 0115
0755
0.60
1.73
SA 1702 1.66 SU 1158 0.58 MO 1206 0.51 TU 1317 0.57 TH 1348 0.31 FR 1419 0.50 SA 1442 0.28 SU 1444 0.45
2354 0.39 1815 1.59 1828 1.73 1917 1.47 1950 1.60 2006 1.33 2035 1.38 2030 1.27

15 0551
1124
1.28
0.53 30 0047
0651
0.42
1.38 15 0101
0709
0.26
1.53 30 0130
0747
0.45
1.53 15 0149
0814
0.30
1.91 30 0145
0820
0.53
1.73 15 0210
0845
0.46
1.98 30 0157
0835
0.58
1.80
SU 1756 1.78 MO 1240 0.52 TU 1302 0.39 WE 1359 0.51 FR 1445 0.23 SA 1459 0.44 SU 1534 0.24 MO 1524 0.39
1853 1.60 1919 1.79 1955 1.46 2044 1.54 2047 1.32 2130 1.35 2113 1.29

31 0158
0819
0.45
1.61 31 0239
0916
0.55
1.85
TH 1436 0.46 TU 1603 0.34
2031 1.45 2155 1.31

© Copyright Commonwealth of Australia 2023, Bureau of Meteorology

Datum of Predictions is Lowest Astronomical Tide
Times are in local standard time (UTC +10:00) or daylight savings time (UTC +11:00) when in effect
Moon Phase Symbols New Moon First Quarter Full Moon Last Quarter
 84

SYDNEY (FORT DENISON) – NEW SOUTH WALES

LAT 33° 51ʼ S LONG 151° 14ʼ E 2025
Times and Heights of High and Low Waters Local Time
JANUARY FEBRUARY MARCH APRIL
Time m Time m Time m Time m Time m Time m Time m Time m

1 0322
0959
0.54
1.90 16 0419
1048
0.52
1.86 1 0445
1110
0.40
1.93 16 0517
1130
0.54
1.61 1 0344
1005
0.33
1.94 16 0419
1027
0.50
1.60 1 0521
1127
0.29
1.60 16 0417
1014
0.55
1.38
WE 1645 0.32 TH 1728 0.36 SA 1743 0.24 SU 1745 0.47 SA 1630 0.20 SU 1632 0.48 TU 1718 0.44 WE 1547 0.66
2239 1.34 2327 1.36 2347 1.55 2236 1.70 2248 1.61 2344 1.93 2219 1.73
0407 0.52
2 1042 1.91 17 0501
1126
0.55
1.77 2 0536 0.42
1155 1.83 17 0000
0558
1.49
0.59 2 0434
1052
0.31
1.87 17 0457
1100
0.52
1.52 2 0619 0.35
1222 1.45 17 0500
1054
0.58
1.31
TH 1727 0.31 FR 1802 0.41 SU 1823 0.29 MO 1202 1.51 SU 1710 0.25 MO 1659 0.52 WE 1803 0.56 TH 1620 0.71
2324 1.36 1813 0.52 2321 1.75 2319 1.63 2256 1.69
0454 0.52
3 1126 1.89 18 0006
0543
1.36
0.60 3 0034
0630
1.58
0.46 18 0035
0641
1.49
0.64 3 0528 0.33
1140 1.74 18 0535
1135
0.56
1.44 3 0034
0724
1.88
0.44 18 0545
1139
0.63
1.26
FR 1810 0.31 SA 1201 1.67 MO 1243 1.69 TU 1238 1.40 MO 1750 0.33 TU 1725 0.58 TH 1323 1.32 FR 1659 0.77
1835 0.47 1905 0.37 1843 0.59 2352 1.62 1854 0.67 2340 1.64
0011 1.38
4 0545 0.54 19 0045
0626
1.36
0.65 4 0125
0731
1.60
0.52 19 0114
0731
1.48
0.70 4 0008
0625
1.77
0.39 19 0617
1213
0.60
1.35 4 0131
0836
1.79
0.51 19 0640
1231
0.67
1.21
SA 1212 1.83 SU 1237 1.56 TU 1335 1.52 WE 1320 1.29 TU 1230 1.57 WE 1755 0.65 FR 1434 1.22 SA 1747 0.82
1855 0.33 1907 0.52 1950 0.46 1917 0.65 1831 0.44 1956 0.77
0101 1.41
5 0640 0.57 20 0126
0713
1.37
0.71 5 0219
0841
1.61
0.58 20 0159
0831
1.47
0.74 5 0058
0727
1.76
0.46 20 0029
0704
1.59
0.65 5 0238
0954
1.70
0.57 20 0032
0743
1.60
0.68
SU 1300 1.74 MO 1315 1.44 WE 1436 1.35 TH 1413 1.19 WE 1326 1.40 TH 1255 1.26 SA 1559 1.20 SU 1336 1.19
1941 0.37 1941 0.57 2041 0.56 2001 0.72 1917 0.56 1830 0.71 2113 0.82 1850 0.86
0155 1.45
6 0741 0.60 21 0210
0808
1.39
0.76 6 0320
1002
1.62
0.61 21 0254
0946
1.45
0.76 6 0152
0839
1.71
0.54 21 0111
0800
1.55
0.70 6 0255
1005
1.63
0.58 21 0136
0850
1.58
0.66
MO 1352 1.62 TU 1359 1.33 TH 1552 1.22 FR 1523 1.12 TH 1432 1.25 FR 1346 1.18 SU 1616 1.23 MO 1451 1.21
2029 0.41 2019 0.62 2142 0.63 2101 0.78 2013 0.67 1914 0.78 2134 0.81 2008 0.85
0251 1.50
7 0848 0.63 22 0300
0915
1.41
0.78 7 0429
1129
1.64
0.58 22 0401
1111
1.46
0.73 7 0258
1002
1.66
0.58 22 0204
0911
1.51
0.73 7 0408
1104
1.61
0.57 22 0248
0952
1.59
0.60
TU 1452 1.48 WE 1455 1.23 FR 1721 1.17 SA 1652 1.10 FR 1558 1.16 SA 1455 1.13 MO 1715 1.31 TU 1600 1.29
2118 0.47 2106 0.67 2252 0.67 2217 0.79 2124 0.75 2016 0.83 2245 0.76 2127 0.80
0350 1.57
8 1006 0.63 23 0357
1031
1.43
0.78 8 0539 1.68
1245 0.52 23 0512
1220
1.51
0.65 8 0413
1126
1.63
0.57 23 0313
1030
1.49
0.71 8 0508
1151
1.62
0.54 23 0356
1044
1.65
0.51
WE 1602 1.37 TH 1606 1.16 SA 1840 1.20 SU 1810 1.15 SA 1730 1.17 SU 1622 1.13 TU 1800 1.39 WE 1654 1.42
2213 0.51 2201 0.70 2330 0.75 2246 0.76 2139 0.84 2343 0.69 2235 0.70
0451 1.65
9 1128 0.58 24 0455
1149
1.48
0.73 9 0002
0643
0.65
1.74 24 0613
1313
1.59
0.55 9 0529 1.64
1234 0.53 24 0429
1138
1.52
0.64 9 0557 1.63
1228 0.52 24 0454
1129
1.71
0.43
TH 1719 1.29 FR 1725 1.14 SU 1344 0.44 MO 1905 1.23 SU 1838 1.23 MO 1738 1.20 WE 1838 1.47 TH 1742 1.56
2311 0.54 2301 0.71 1938 1.26 2300 0.79 2335 0.58

10 0551
1243
1.73
0.50 25 0552
1252
1.54
0.64 10 0103
0739
0.60
1.80 25 0030
0705
0.67
1.71 10 0000
0632
0.71
1.68 25 0536
1231
1.61
0.53 10 0030
0637
0.63
1.62 25 0547
1212
1.76
0.37
FR 1832 1.27 SA 1833 1.16 MO 1430 0.38 TU 1356 0.44 MO 1327 0.48 TU 1833 1.30 TH 1300 0.51 FR 1827 1.72
2026 1.32 1949 1.32 1927 1.31 1912 1.55

11 0009
0650
0.55
1.81 26 0000
0644
0.69
1.62 11 0155
0827
0.55
1.83 26 0121
0751
0.57
1.82 11 0059
0725
0.64
1.72 26 0003
0631
0.68
1.72 11 0110
0715
0.58
1.61 26 0031
0639
0.46
1.78
SA 1346 0.41 SU 1342 0.55 TU 1512 0.35 WE 1435 0.34 TU 1408 0.44 WE 1315 0.43 FR 1329 0.50 SA 1254 0.34
1937 1.28 1928 1.21 2106 1.37 2030 1.42 2007 1.39 1918 1.43 1944 1.61 1912 1.86

12 0106
0745
0.55
1.88 27 0051
0731
0.64
1.72 12 0241
0910
0.50
1.84 27 0208
0836
0.47
1.91 12 0146
0808
0.57
1.74 27 0059
0721
0.56
1.82 12 0148
0749
0.55
1.58 27 0126
0731
0.36
1.75
SU 1440 0.34 MO 1425 0.46 WE 1547 0.34 TH 1514 0.25 WE 1443 0.42 TH 1356 0.33 SA 1356 0.51 SU 1336 0.34
2032 1.31 2013 1.27 2144 1.41 2112 1.52 2043 1.45 2000 1.56 2014 1.67 1958 1.98

13 0200
0836
0.53
1.92 28 0139
0816
0.58
1.81 13 0323
0948
0.48
1.82 28 0255
0920
0.38
1.96 13 0229
0846
0.52
1.73 28 0149
0808
0.45
1.88 13 0225
0824
0.53
1.54 28 0221
0825
0.29
1.68
MO 1528 0.30 TU 1504 0.37 TH 1620 0.35 FR 1552 0.21 TH 1514 0.41 FR 1435 0.27 SU 1422 0.53 MO 1419 0.39
2121 1.33 2055 1.33 2219 1.44 2153 1.62 2116 1.51 2043 1.70 2043 1.71 2045 2.05

14 0249
0924
0.51
1.93 29 0224
0900
0.51
1.90 14 0401
1023
0.49
1.77 14 0307
0921
0.50
1.71 29 0240
0856
0.35
1.89 14 0300
0859
0.52
1.49 29 0316
0920
0.27
1.59
TU 1611 0.29 WE 1544 0.30 FR 1650 0.38 FR 1542 0.42 SA 1515 0.25 MO 1448 0.56 TU 1504 0.46
2205 1.35 2136 1.39 2253 1.46 2147 1.55 2125 1.81 2114 1.74 2132 2.07

15 0335
1008
0.51
1.91 30 0310
0943
0.45
1.95 15 0439
1057
0.51
1.70 15 0343
0954
0.49
1.66 30 0331
0944
0.29
1.84 15 0338
0936
0.52
1.44 30 0414
1016
0.29
1.48
WE 1651 0.32 TH 1622 0.25 SA 1718 0.42 SA 1608 0.44 SU 1555 0.27 TU 1516 0.61 WE 1552 0.55
2247 1.36 2218 1.45 2326 1.48 2218 1.59 2210 1.90 2145 1.75 2223 2.03

31 0356
1026
0.41
1.97 31 0425
1034
0.27
1.74
FR 1702 0.22 MO 1636 0.34
2302 1.50 2255 1.94

© Copyright Commonwealth of Australia 2024, Bureau of Meteorology

Datum of Predictions is Lowest Astronomical Tide
Times are in local standard time (UTC +10:00) or daylight savings time (UTC +11:00) when in effect
Tide tables

Moon Phase Symbols New Moon First Quarter Full Moon Last Quarter
85
SYDNEY (FORT DENISON) – NEW SOUTH WALES
LAT 33° 51ʼ S LONG 151° 14ʼ E 2025
Times and Heights of High and Low Waters Local Time
MAY JUNE JULY AUGUST
Time m Time m Time m Time m Time m Time m Time m Time m
0514 0.35 0444 0.56 0653 0.50 0557 0.50 0005 1.67 0609 0.40 0045 1.32 0100 1.35
1 1115 1.39 16 1039 1.31 1 1256 1.32 16 1157 1.34 1 0651 0.55 16 1221 1.49 1 0700 0.62 16 0704 0.53
TH 1643 0.65 FR 1559 0.74 SU 1819 0.78 MO 1721 0.72 TU 1303 1.38 WE 1807 0.63 FR 1342 1.45 SA 1343 1.63
2316 1.95 2236 1.78 2349 1.77 1842 0.78 2002 0.78 2022 0.58
0616 0.43
2 1217 1.31 17 0530
1125
0.59
1.28 2 0045
0745
1.72
0.57 17 0644
1250
0.50
1.37 2 0049
0730
1.53
0.60 17 0018
0652
1.65
0.44 2 0141
0745
1.22
0.67 17 0213
0803
1.23
0.60
FR 1738 0.73 SA 1642 0.77 MO 1354 1.33 TU 1819 0.74 WE 1353 1.40 TH 1314 1.54 SA 1436 1.46 SU 1450 1.65
2320 1.74 1920 0.82 1941 0.82 1911 0.65 2119 0.78 2149 0.56
0013 1.84
3 0723 0.51 18 0621
1216
0.61
1.26 3 0140
0833
1.60
0.61 18 0041
0732
1.70
0.50 3 0138
0810
1.41
0.63 18 0114
0740
1.51
0.49 3 0251
0840
1.15
0.71 18 0340
0914
1.17
0.64
SA 1325 1.27 SU 1733 0.80 TU 1449 1.36 WE 1345 1.43 TH 1443 1.44 FR 1410 1.59 SU 1536 1.49 MO 1602 1.68
1842 0.80 2026 0.85 1924 0.75 2048 0.84 2024 0.66 2235 0.73 2308 0.50
0116 1.72
4 0828 0.57 19 0010
0716
1.70
0.61 4 0237
0916
1.50
0.64 19 0139
0821
1.63
0.50 4 0234
0851
1.32
0.66 19 0220
0831
1.39
0.53 4 0409
0942
1.13
0.72 19 0501
1026
1.18
0.62
SU 1435 1.27 MO 1315 1.27 WE 1542 1.42 TH 1443 1.52 FR 1534 1.49 SA 1511 1.66 MO 1635 1.54 TU 1710 1.74
1953 0.84 1833 0.82 2134 0.85 2036 0.73 2200 0.81 2145 0.63 2338 0.65
0224 1.63
5 0927 0.60 20 0107
0812
1.67
0.58 5 0333
0957
1.44
0.64 20 0243
0911
1.56
0.50 5 0337
0937
1.26
0.68 20 0336
0930
1.31
0.57 5 0517 1.15
1041 0.70 20 0010
0605
0.41
1.24
MO 1540 1.31 TU 1419 1.32 TH 1630 1.50 FR 1540 1.63 SA 1625 1.55 SU 1614 1.73 TU 1729 1.61 WE 1130 0.57
2107 0.84 1944 0.82 2239 0.81 2151 0.67 2307 0.76 2305 0.55 1809 1.81
0330 1.57
6 1016 0.61 21 0211
0906
1.65
0.54 6 0427
1036
1.39
0.64 21 0351
1001
1.50
0.50 6 0440 1.23
1024 0.69 21 0453
1031
1.28
0.58 6 0027
0611
0.56
1.20 21 0100
0656
0.34
1.31
TU 1634 1.38 WE 1520 1.41 FR 1713 1.57 SA 1635 1.75 SU 1713 1.61 MO 1715 1.82 WE 1134 0.66 TH 1227 0.50
2215 0.81 2058 0.78 2336 0.75 2305 0.58 1816 1.69 1900 1.86
0427 1.54
7 1059 0.61 22 0316
0956
1.65
0.49 7 0517 1.37
1114 0.64 22 0458
1053
1.45
0.51 7 0002
0538
0.68
1.24 22 0013
0602
0.45
1.29 7 0108
0655
0.48
1.25 22 0144
0740
0.30
1.38
WE 1719 1.46 TH 1615 1.54 SA 1753 1.65 SU 1730 1.86 MO 1111 0.68 TU 1132 0.57 TH 1221 0.60 FR 1316 0.45
2315 0.76 2209 0.70 1758 1.68 1815 1.90 1859 1.77 1945 1.87
0515 1.52
8 1135 0.60 23 0419
1043
1.65
0.45 8 0026
0605
0.68
1.35 23 0012
0602
0.48
1.43 8 0049
0630
0.60
1.25 23 0110
0702
0.36
1.32 8 0145
0734
0.40
1.31 23 0222
0820
0.28
1.43
TH 1759 1.54 FR 1706 1.68 SU 1150 0.65 MO 1146 0.52 TU 1157 0.67 WE 1230 0.53 FR 1304 0.53 SA 1401 0.42
2315 0.59 1830 1.72 1825 1.96 1840 1.74 1909 1.96 1939 1.85 2025 1.84
0005 0.70
9 0559 1.50 24 0518
1129
1.64
0.43 9 0108
0650
0.62
1.35 24 0113
0704
0.38
1.41 9 0130
0715
0.53
1.28 24 0200
0754
0.30
1.36 9 0221
0814
0.33
1.37 24 0257
0858
0.29
1.46
FR 1208 0.59 SA 1755 1.83 MO 1227 0.65 TU 1239 0.53 WE 1240 0.65 TH 1324 0.50 SA 1347 0.47 SU 1444 0.43
1834 1.62 1907 1.77 1918 2.04 1921 1.80 2000 1.99 2019 1.90 2103 1.77

10 0048
0638
0.65
1.48 25 0017
0615
0.48
1.61 10 0148
0733
0.56
1.35 25 0208
0802
0.31
1.41 10 0209
0757
0.48
1.30 25 0246
0842
0.28
1.39 10 0258
0854
0.28
1.43 25 0329
0934
0.33
1.49
SA 1238 0.59 SU 1215 0.43 TU 1303 0.66 WE 1332 0.53 TH 1322 0.62 FR 1414 0.48 SU 1431 0.43 MO 1524 0.46
1907 1.69 1845 1.96 1944 1.82 2011 2.08 2001 1.85 2046 1.98 2100 1.91 2139 1.68

11 0129
0717
0.60
1.46 26 0116
0714
0.38
1.57 11 0227
0815
0.52
1.34 26 0300
0858
0.29
1.40 11 0247
0837
0.43
1.33 26 0329
0926
0.29
1.41 11 0334
0935
0.25
1.49 26 0359
1010
0.38
1.50
SU 1308 0.60 MO 1302 0.46 WE 1342 0.66 TH 1425 0.54 FR 1403 0.59 SA 1500 0.49 MO 1518 0.41 TU 1604 0.50
1939 1.75 1934 2.05 2020 1.85 2101 2.07 2041 1.89 2130 1.92 2142 1.88 2213 1.57

12 0206
0756
0.56
1.43 27 0214
0811
0.31
1.52 12 0306
0857
0.50
1.34 27 0351
0949
0.30
1.39 12 0326
0918
0.40
1.35 27 0408
1009
0.33
1.42 12 0413
1018
0.26
1.54 27 0427
1045
0.43
1.51
MO 1338 0.61 TU 1350 0.50 TH 1420 0.67 FR 1517 0.57 SA 1446 0.57 SU 1546 0.52 TU 1607 0.42 WE 1646 0.55
2011 1.80 2024 2.11 2059 1.86 2150 2.02 2121 1.91 2210 1.82 2225 1.80 2247 1.46
2024—2025

13 0244
0835
0.53
1.41 28 0310
0909
0.29
1.47 13 0345
0938
0.49
1.33 28 0440
1039
0.35
1.38 13 0404
1000
0.38
1.38 28 0445
1050
0.38
1.42 13 0451
1103
0.29
1.59 28 0454
1120
0.50
1.50
TU 1410 0.64 WE 1441 0.54 FR 1500 0.67 SA 1608 0.60 SU 1531 0.56 MO 1630 0.57 WE 1700 0.45 TH 1730 0.61
2044 1.82 2115 2.11 2139 1.86 2237 1.92 2202 1.89 2247 1.70 2311 1.67 2325 1.34

14 0322
0915
0.53
1.37 29 0405
1005
0.30
1.41 14 0428
1022
0.50
1.32 29 0526
1128
0.41
1.37 14 0445
1045
0.37
1.41 29 0519
1130
0.45
1.42 14 0531
1152
0.35
1.62 29 0524
1200
0.56
1.49
WE 1444 0.67 TH 1532 0.60 SA 1544 0.68 SU 1658 0.65 MO 1618 0.57 TU 1715 0.63 TH 1758 0.50 FR 1821 0.66
NSW Recreational Saltwater Fishing Guide

2118 1.82 2207 2.06 2220 1.85 2322 1.80 2245 1.84 2324 1.57

15 0401
0956
0.54
1.34 30 0501
1102
0.35
1.37 15 0511
1108
0.50
1.32 30 0610
1215
0.48
1.37 15 0526
1132
0.38
1.44 30 0551
1211
0.51
1.43 15 0001
0615
1.51
0.44 30 0007
0600
1.24
0.63
TH 1519 0.70 FR 1626 0.66 SU 1630 0.70 MO 1748 0.72 TU 1710 0.59 WE 1803 0.70 FR 1244 1.63 SA 1245 1.47
2156 1.81 2259 1.97 2303 1.81 2330 1.76 1904 0.56 1921 0.71

31 0558
1159
0.43
1.34 31 0002
0624
1.44
0.57 31 0101
0645
1.14
0.70
SA 1721 0.72 TH 1254 1.44 SU 1339 1.44
2351 1.85 1858 0.75 2037 0.72

© Copyright Commonwealth of Australia 2024, Bureau of Meteorology

Datum of Predictions is Lowest Astronomical Tide
Times are in local standard time (UTC +10:00) or daylight savings time (UTC +11:00) when in effect
Moon Phase Symbols New Moon First Quarter Full Moon Last Quarter
 86
SYDNEY (FORT DENISON) – NEW SOUTH WALES
LAT 33° 51ʼ S LONG 151° 14ʼ E 2025
Times and Heights of High and Low Waters Local Time
SEPTEMBER OCTOBER NOVEMBER DECEMBER
Time m Time m Time m Time m Time m Time m Time m Time m
0214 1.08 0350 1.14 0307 1.09 0541 1.27 0528 1.34 0011 0.51 0535 1.58 0636 1.59
1 0747 0.74 16 0910 0.68 1 0825 0.78 16 1115 0.66 1 1109 0.66 16 0635 1.51 1 1146 0.57 16 1316 0.62
MO 1445 1.44 TU 1554 1.63 WE 1510 1.46 TH 1739 1.58 SA 1727 1.57 SU 1248 0.61 MO 1747 1.49 TU 1856 1.24
2158 0.69 2259 0.46 2219 0.59 1841 1.40 2357 0.40
0340 1.07
2 0902 0.75 17 0501
1026
1.20
0.64 2 0418
0940
1.15
0.73 17 0020
0629
0.44
1.36 2 0000
0615
0.39
1.48 17 0045
0713
0.51
1.59 2 0625 1.73
1250 0.45 17 0035
0716
0.60
1.65
TU 1556 1.47 WE 1701 1.67 TH 1616 1.52 FR 1215 0.59 SU 1210 0.55 MO 1335 0.56 TU 1847 1.48 WE 1401 0.55
2304 0.62 2354 0.40 2309 0.49 1831 1.58 1820 1.62 1924 1.38 1944 1.25
0453 1.12
3 1013 0.72 18 0554
1128
1.28
0.56 3 0510
1043
1.24
0.64 18 0100
0711
0.42
1.45 3 0042
0659
0.33
1.63 18 0117
0748
0.51
1.65 3 0045
0715
0.39
1.87 18 0115
0755
0.60
1.71
WE 1657 1.55 TH 1756 1.71 FR 1710 1.61 SA 1307 0.53 MO 1306 0.42 TU 1416 0.51 WE 1350 0.33 TH 1441 0.49
2354 0.53 2351 0.40 1915 1.57 1912 1.64 2004 1.36 1946 1.47 2027 1.27
0545 1.19
4 1111 0.64 19 0037
0638
0.36
1.37 4 0553 1.36
1136 0.53 19 0134
0747
0.41
1.53 4 0123
0742
0.29
1.78 19 0149
0821
0.52
1.71 4 0132
0805
0.39
1.98 19 0153
0832
0.60
1.75
TH 1747 1.65 FR 1220 0.49 SA 1757 1.70 SU 1351 0.49 TU 1400 0.31 WE 1455 0.46 TH 1447 0.24 FR 1519 0.45
1842 1.72 1954 1.54 2002 1.63 2044 1.34 2045 1.45 2107 1.28
0035 0.43
5 0628 1.28 20 0115
0716
0.33
1.44 5 0029
0733
0.31
1.49 20 0204
0821
0.41
1.59 5 0204
0828
0.29
1.90 20 0221
0855
0.54
1.74 5 0223
0857
0.41
2.05 20 0231
0910
0.60
1.78
FR 1200 0.55 SA 1305 0.44 SU 1325 0.42 MO 1432 0.45 WE 1454 0.22 TH 1532 0.43 FR 1544 0.18 SA 1556 0.42
1830 1.74 1922 1.71 1942 1.76 2030 1.50 2056 1.59 2123 1.32 2142 1.42 2146 1.29
0112 0.33
6 0707 1.37 21 0147
0753
0.33
1.51 6 0205
0814
0.24
1.63 21 0232
0853
0.43
1.65 6 0247
0915
0.32
1.99 21 0253
0929
0.56
1.76 6 0314
0949
0.44
2.08 21 0310
0947
0.59
1.80
SA 1245 0.45 SU 1347 0.42 MO 1414 0.32 TU 1510 0.43 TH 1548 0.18 FR 1610 0.42 SA 1638 0.17 SU 1632 0.41
1912 1.82 2000 1.67 2027 1.77 2107 1.46 2150 1.52 2202 1.30 2238 1.39 2225 1.29
0146 0.26
7 0745 1.47 22 0217
0827
0.34
1.55 7 0243
0855
0.21
1.75 22 0300
0924
0.45
1.68 7 0333
1003
0.37
2.03 22 0328
1004
0.59
1.77 7 0407
1042
0.47
2.06 22 0349
1025
0.59
1.81
SU 1330 0.37 MO 1426 0.41 TU 1504 0.25 WE 1547 0.42 FR 1645 0.17 SA 1647 0.43 SU 1732 0.20 MO 1711 0.41
1953 1.87 2034 1.61 2114 1.74 2143 1.41 2246 1.44 2242 1.28 2333 1.36 2304 1.29
0222 0.21
8 0825 1.57 23 0245
0859
0.37
1.58 8 0322
0939
0.22
1.85 23 0328
0956
0.49
1.70 8 0422
1054
0.44
2.01 23 0404
1041
0.62
1.75 8 0502 0.52
1134 1.98 23 0430
1103
0.60
1.79
MO 1417 0.31 TU 1504 0.42 WE 1556 0.21 TH 1624 0.43 SA 1742 0.21 SU 1728 0.45 MO 1827 0.27 TU 1749 0.42
2036 1.86 2108 1.53 2202 1.66 2219 1.36 2345 1.35 2323 1.25 2345 1.29
0259 0.19
9 0907 1.66 24 0311
0930
0.42
1.61 9 0402
1024
0.27
1.90 24 0357
1029
0.54
1.70 9 0515 0.52
1148 1.95 24 0444
1120
0.65
1.72 9 0029
0559
1.33
0.57 24 0512
1143
0.61
1.76
TU 1506 0.29 WE 1543 0.45 TH 1650 0.21 FR 1702 0.45 SU 1844 0.28 MO 1810 0.49 TU 1227 1.87 WE 1830 0.43
2120 1.79 2143 1.45 2255 1.54 2258 1.30 1920 0.35

10 0337
0950
0.22
1.72 25 0337
1002
0.47
1.61 10 0445
1113
0.36
1.91 25 0429
1103
0.59
1.68 10 0045
0612
1.28
0.60 25 0006
0526
1.23
0.68 10 0126
0656
1.32
0.63 25 0030
0558
1.31
0.64
WE 1558 0.29 TH 1622 0.49 FR 1747 0.25 SA 1744 0.49 MO 1245 1.84 TU 1201 1.68 WE 1319 1.73 TH 1224 1.71
2207 1.68 2219 1.36 2350 1.41 2339 1.25 1947 0.36 1856 0.51 2013 0.43 1911 0.44

11 0416
1036
0.29
1.75 26 0405
1036
0.53
1.59 11 0532
1203
0.46
1.86 26 0504
1141
0.64
1.64 11 0151
0715
1.24
0.67 26 0055
0614
1.21
0.71 11 0223
0757
1.32
0.69 26 0118
0650
1.33
0.66
TH 1653 0.33 FR 1704 0.53 SA 1850 0.33 SU 1829 0.53 TU 1345 1.73 WE 1247 1.63 TH 1413 1.59 FR 1309 1.64
2258 1.53 2258 1.28 2052 0.43 1946 0.53 2101 0.50 1955 0.45

12 0459
1125
0.38
1.75 27 0437
1114
0.59
1.56 12 0051
0625
1.29
0.57 27 0024
0545
1.19
0.69 12 0300
0825
1.24
0.71 27 0148
0710
1.22
0.74 12 0319
0901
1.34
0.74 27 0210
0748
1.37
0.69
FR 1754 0.40 SA 1751 0.59 SU 1300 1.78 MO 1224 1.59 WE 1452 1.62 TH 1338 1.58 FR 1509 1.46 SA 1400 1.55
2353 1.37 2342 1.19 2000 0.40 1920 0.58 2153 0.48 2038 0.52 2147 0.55 2041 0.46

13 0545
1219
0.49
1.71 28 0515
1157
0.66
1.51 13 0200
0728
1.20
0.66 28 0115
0633
1.15
0.74 13 0406
0938
1.28
0.72 28 0248
0815
1.25
0.75 13 0415
1012
1.39
0.75 28 0305
0856
1.44
0.69
SA 1903 0.47 SU 1847 0.64 MO 1405 1.69 TU 1314 1.53 TH 1559 1.53 FR 1435 1.54 SA 1608 1.35 SU 1500 1.46
2117 0.46 2020 0.60 2246 0.50 2130 0.50 2231 0.58 2130 0.48

14 0059
0640
1.23
0.60 29 0035
0601
1.12
0.73 14 0322
0842
1.16
0.71 29 0217
0734
1.13
0.78 14 0503
1049
1.34
0.71 29 0348
0925
1.33
0.73 14 0506
1120
1.46
0.74 29 0402
1012
1.53
0.66
SU 1322 1.66 MO 1249 1.46 TU 1519 1.62 WE 1413 1.50 FR 1700 1.47 SA 1539 1.51 SU 1707 1.28 MO 1609 1.39
2025 0.51 1957 0.67 2230 0.47 2126 0.59 2331 0.51 2221 0.46 2314 0.59 2224 0.49

15 0220
0749
1.14
0.67 30 0144
0705
1.08
0.77 15 0439
1002
1.20
0.71 30 0329
0847
1.15
0.78 15 0552
1153
1.42
0.66 30 0444
1037
1.44
0.67 15 0553
1224
1.52
0.69 30 0500
1130
1.64
0.58
MO 1436 1.63 TU 1356 1.44 WE 1635 1.59 TH 1520 1.49 SA 1754 1.43 SU 1645 1.50 MO 1803 1.25 TU 1723 1.34
2148 0.50 2114 0.65 2331 0.46 2225 0.54 2310 0.43 2355 0.60 2320 0.50
Recreational Harvest of Seafood

31 0434
1001
1.23
0.74 31 0559
1243
1.76
0.47
FR 1628 1.52 WE 1834 1.33
2316 0.47

© Copyright Commonwealth of Australia 2024, Bureau of Meteorology

Datum of Predictions is Lowest Astronomical Tide
Times are in local standard time (UTC +10:00) or daylight savings time (UTC +11:00) when in effect
Moon Phase Symbols New Moon First Quarter Full Moon Last Quarter
87 Lag times (*Indicates secondary ocean location)
In view of the variations caused by local conditions and meterorological effects, these times
are approximate and must be considered as a guide only. All times are Eastern Standard Time.
Add or subtract the appropriate hours and/or minutes listed here to adjust for the time
difference between when high or low tide occurs at Sydney (Fort Denison) and when the
corresponding tide will occur at the secondary location. Lows may be fractionally later than
the highs because the falling water levels will no longer have the tidal force behind them.

Hour: Hour:
Location Mins Location Mins

Tweed River Basin Bellingen River Basin

Tweed Heads, River Entrance +0:04* East Bellingen +2:10
Greenbank Island +0:40 Urunga Bridge, Kalang River +1:45
Murwillumbah +2:40
Nambucca River Basin
Caddys Island, Terranora Creek +1:40
Stuarts Island +1:10
Cobaki Broadwater +2:10
Macksville +2:00
Kingscliff, Cudgen Creek Mouth +0:17
Macleay River Basin
Brunswick River Basin
South West Rocks (Kemps Corner) +0:23
Brunswick Heads, River Entrance +0:06*
Smithtown +2:10
Billinudgel, Marshalls Creek +3:55
Kempsey +3:25
Mullumbimby +1:10
West Euroka +4:05
Richmond River Basin
Hastings River Basin
Ballina, River Entrance +0:07*
Port Macquarie, River Entrance +0:19*
Byrnes Point Ferry +0:30
Settlement Point +0:50
Highway Bridge, Tucombil Creek +2:30
Wauchope Railway Bridge +1:55
Coraki +4:05
Telegraph Point, Wilson River +3:05
Lismore Airfield South, Wilsons +5:10
River Camden Haven Basin
2024—2025

North Haven +0:18

Clarence River Basin
Laurieton +0:45
Yamba, River Entrance 0:00*
Palmers Island, Palmers Channel +2:40 Manning River Basin
Maclean +2:00 Crowdy Head, Harbour Marina -0:02
NSW Recreational Saltwater Fishing Guide

Grafton +4:15 Harrington +0:11

Wooli River Entrance +0:12 Taree +2:25
Wooli Caravan Park +1:40 Wingham +3:45

Coffs Harbour Region Wallis Lake

Harbour Jetty -0:07* Forster, Harbour Entrance +0:01*
Highway Bridge, Coffs Creek +1:50 Wallamba Island, North Tuncurry +2:05
Boambee, Boambee Creek +1:50 Tiona +3:25
 88
Hour: Hour:
Location Mins Location Mins

Hunter River Basin Shoalhaven River Basin

Tomaree, Port Stephens +0:05* South Shoalhaven Heads +0:55
Nelson Bay, Port Stephens +0:30 Shoalhaven Heads Inlet +1:05
Stockton Bridge +0:20 Nowra Bridge +2:00
Tea Gardens, Port Stephens +1:30 Crookhaven River Entrance +0:16
Hexham Bridge +1:10 Greenwell Point, Crookhaven River +0:40
Raymond Terrace, Williams River +1:55 Jervis Bay
Morpeth +3:30 Huskisson +0:08*
Maitland, Belmore Bridge +4:50
St Georges Basin
Paterson, Paterson River +4:30
Lumeah +0:18
Swansea, Lake Mouth 0:00*
Sussex Inlet Coastal Patrol Jetty +0:35
Brisbane Waters/Broken Bay Talofa Caravan Park +1:15
Ettalong +0:40 Island Point +3:40
Woy Woy Bridge +2:15 Lake Conjola Entrance +1:35
East Gosford +2:20 Narrawallee Inlet +0:45
Patonga +0:10 Burril Lake, Highway Bridge +0:55
Newport Wharf, Pittwater +0:08
Batemans Bay
Berowra Waters Ferry +1:00
Snapper Island +0:03*
Hawkesbury River Princes Highway Bridge +0:20
Spencer +1:10 Nelligen, Clyde River +0:45
Wisemans Ferry +2:25
Moruya Region
Lower Portland +3:10
Tuross River, West Tuross Head +1:40
Sackville +3:55
Moruya Quarry Wharf +0:35
Windsor +5:40
Freemans Reach +7:30 Wagonga Inlet (Narooma)
MSB Boatshed/Jetty +0:15
Sydney Harbour
Apex Park Boat Ramp +0:55
Roseville Bridge Marina +0:03
Princes Highway Bridge +1:15
Gladesville Bridge +0:05
Barlows Bay +2:00
Ryde Railway Bridge +0:12
Far South Coast Region
Georges River Basin
Bermagui, Boat Harbour +0:08*
Canterbury Bridge, Cooks River +0:40
Recreational Harvest of Seafood

Wallaga Lake Entrance +1:40

Picnic Point +1:10
Wallaga Lake, Regatta Point +2:50
Milperra +2:15
Merimbula Wharf +0:40
Lansvale +2:35
Bonnie Doon, Merimbula Lake +2:40
Warwick Farm +2:45
Tee Tree Point, Pambula Lake +1:10
Cabbage Tree Point, Port Hacking +0:03*
Eden, Fishing Co‑operative Jetty +0:08*
Lake Illawarra Basin
Port Kembla -0:01*
89
Local recreational fishing guides

Local guides provide valuable information on fishing in the coastal areas from Tweed Heads
in the north to Eden on the far south coast. Whether you are a resident or a visiting fisher
you can find details on fishing locations, local fishing rules and closures along with summary
maps in the local areas on our website at: [Link]/fishing/recreational/
resources/info. They are also available on the DPIRD FishSmart app.

NSW Recreational Saltwater Fishing Guide

2024—2025
NSW Recreational Saltwater Fishing Guide
Fisheries officers If you are found breaking the rules, you may 90
be issued with a written caution or a penalty
Fisheries officers have an important role notice ranging between $75 and $2500.
in helping our fisheries resources remain In serious matters you may have to face
healthy and sustainable into the future. court and have the matter determined by a
They advise recreational and commercial magistrate. Most serious fisheries offences
fishers and the general community on have maximum fines up to $22,000 and
fishing and marine estate rules to ensure terms of imprisonment (or both). Some
everyone is abiding by the state’s fishing fisheries offences carry a penalty of up to
and marine protected area laws. 10 years imprisonment.
Fisheries officers patrol our waterways Your recreational fishing fee contributes
including coastal estuaries, lakes and to improving salt and freshwater fisheries
offshore waters, and our inland rivers, compliance and employs additional
streams and dams. You will see fisheries fisheries officers throughout the state. A
officers just about everywhere there are fisheries officer can require you to produce
fish and fishers. your Recreational Fishing Fee receipt (your
They deal with recreational fishers, license) or proof of an exemption.
commercial fishers, fish farmers, and fish Remember that fisheries officers are there
retailers. They also provide education and to ensure the rules are being adhered to
enforcement in marine parks and aquatic so there will be healthy fisheries for the
reserves, assist with conservation issues enjoyment of future generations.
and education and advisory programs. Most
fisheries officers are keen fishers and are
happy to provide you with local knowledge Reporting illegal activities
and tips for a given area. Under the Fisheries For general fishing information call
Management Act 1994 fisheries officers 1300 550 474 or check the website
have powers which enable them to stop and [Link]/fishing/
search your boat and vehicle, examine your compliance.
fishing gear, inspect your fish and bait and
require certain information including your Please report illegal or suspected
name and address. fishing activities and harm to aquatic
habitat to the Fishers Watch Phoneline
They can also require you to lift any fishing on 1800 043 536 (free call).
gear such as fishing lines, hoop nets
and crab traps from the water for their Report illegal activity as soon as you
inspection. In serious matters they can also suspect it is happening, even after
seize fish, fishing gear, boats and vehicles hours. After hours calls are received
and can make an arrest. by an interactive voice response
system which allows callers to record
a message and this will be sent to a
fisheries officer.
Fisheries officers in the identified
area will be immediately notified of all
illegal fishing reports, including those
made after hours.
Fisheries officers
 91 When lodging any report be prepared to Reporting illegal fishing can be done
provide the following information: from within the FishSmart app available
for smartphones.
Î Type of activity.
Î Time, date and location of activity. Where information is given in good faith,
Î Number of people involved, identity if all identifying details will be treated as
known and descriptions. confidential. Where an immediate response
is not possible, information received will be
Î Registration numbers of any boats or cars
used in targeting ongoing surveillance and
involved and their descriptions.
enforcement activities.
Î Your own name and contact details to
further substantiate your report and
provide you with follow up information.
2024—2025
NSW Recreational Saltwater Fishing Guide
Contact details 92

Coastal offices

Far North Coast Office

Tweed 20 River Terrace, Tweed Heads 2486 1800 043 536
Wollongbar Primary 1243 Bruxner Highway, Wollongbar 2477 1800 043 536
Industries Institute
Clarence 18A River Street, Maclean 2463 1800 043 536
Coffs Harbour 32 Marina Drive, Coffs Harbour Jetty 2450 1800 043 536
North Coast Office
Hastings 3/22–24 Acacia Avenue, Port Macquarie 2444 1800 043 536
Wallis Lake 2 Palm Street, Tuncurry 2428 1800 043 536
Port Stephens Taylors Beach Road, Taylors Beach 2316 1800 043 536
Hunter 55 Lambton Parade, Swansea 2281 1800 043 536
Sydney Metropolitan and Central coast Office
Central Coast Northloop Road, Ourimbah 2258 1800 043 536
Sydney North 12 Shirley Road, Wollstonecraft 2065 1800 043 536
Sydney South 1 Water Street, Sans Souci 2219 1800 043 536
Illawarra 2/91 Foreshore Road, Port Kembla 2505 1800 043 536
South Coast Office
Batemans Bay Suite 8, Braysyth Building, Cnr Beach Road 1800 043 536
and Orient Street, Batemans Bay 2536
Montague Riverside Drive, Narooma 2546 1800 043 536
Far South Coast 13 Cocora Street, Eden 2551 1800 043 536
Shoalhaven 4 Woollamia Road, Huskisson 2540 1800 043 536

Inland offices

Region Office
Central Tablelands Research Station Drive, Bathurst 2795 1800 043 536
Hume Level 2, 429 Swift St, Albury 2640 1800 043 536
Far West Agricultural Research and Advisory Station, 1800 043 536
Silver City Highway, Dareton 2717
Macquarie Cnr Hampden and Cobra Streets, Dubbo 2830 1800 043 536
Monaro Kosciusko Road, Jindabyne 2627 1800 043 536
Inverell Research Station 7023 Gwydir Highway, Inverell 2360 1800 043 536
Peel 4 Marsden Park Road, Calala 2340 1800 043 536
Riverina 449 Charlotte Street, Deniliquin 2710 1800 043 536
South West Slopes 64 Fitzroy Street, Tumut 2720 1800 043 536
Contact details

Please note that fisheries offices are not always open due to operational commitments. It is
recommended to arrange an appointment prior to attending a fisheries office.
For office enquiries or to contact a Fisheries Officer please call 1800 043 536.
93
Marine parks offices

Marine parks Office

Cape Byron Marine Park Tallow Beach Road, Byron Bay 2481 02 6620 9305
Solitary Island Marine Park 32 Marina Drive, Coffs Harbour 2450 02 6691 0600
Lord Howe Island Marine Park Anderson Road, Lord Howe Island 2898 02 6563 2359
Port Stephens—Great Lakes Taylors Beach Road, Taylors Beach 2316 02 4916 3970
Marine Park
Jervis Bay Marine Park 4 Woollamia Road, Huskisson 2540 02 4428 3000
Batemans Marine Park Cnr Graham & Burrawang Street, 02 4476 0807
Narooma 2546

Please report illegal or suspected fishing Report all suspicions of aquatic pests and
activities to the Fishers Watch Phoneline on disease on the 24‑hour biosecurity hotline
1800 043 536 (free call). 1800 675 888 immediately. Take clear
photographs and a record of the location
For general fishing information
(such as a latitude and longitude recorded
call 1300 550 474 or check the website
on your phone, and any landmarks). Keep
[Link]/fisheries.
any samples on ice (not frozen)—the
Fish kills in the wild should be reported to Aquatic Biosecurity team can then arrange
your local NSW DPIRD fisheries office or a courier to collect the samples for
the NSW DPIRD Fishers Watch Phoneline on laboratory diagnosis if required.
1800 043 536.
The team can also be reached via email:
If the fish kill is due to a suspected pollution [Link]@[Link]
event contact the Environment Protection or for general biosecurity enquiries call
Authority on 131 555. 02 4916 3900.

NSW Fisheries office locations

2024—2025
NSW Recreational Saltwater Fishing Guide
A diary for your catch records 94

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95

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NSW Recreational Saltwater Fishing Guide

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 96

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 97

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 98

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CATCH
SOME
FAMILY
TIME
Have fun, learn new skills and make
lasting memories - Fishing is the perfect
way to spend time together in nature.

Find out how easy it is to get fishing with your family at

[Link]/FISHFORLIFE