Fishing is one of those pasttimes that can be frustrating and rewarding at the same time, however, in Narooma you will find more rewards than frustration's.  Don't forget that in NSW you must have a Recreational Fishing License, which you can get from any of the Tackle Shops in Narooma.

Getting Bait
River - From Shore
River - From Boat
Beach
Deep Sea - Light Tackle

Deep Sea - Game Fishing

Getting Bait

Having good bait is essential for catching good fish so make certain you talk to the people at the local tackle shops about what is biting and what bait you should be using.   Never take bait from the shoreline or use live baits you may find near your chosen fishing spot.  Purchasing your bait from a reputable seller will help to save the environment and give you the opportunity to gain valuable experience from tackle shop staff.

Pipis, Striped Tuna, Pilchards, Squid, Prawns, and Whitebait are all good while fishing in Narooma.  Many fish species can be found and targeted with a variety of baits, such as Bream, Flathead, Snapper, Salmon, Taylor, Whiting, and more.  You should familiarise yourself with the current catch limits before venturing out to your chosen fishing spot as the local fisheries inspectors conduct regular checks on catch size and numbers.


River - From Shore (Top)

Around the Wagonga Inlet are a number of good fishing spots, especially around the point in Fosters Bay.  The main wharf offers some good fishing at times, but the current during incoming and out going tides can make life difficult for you.  A little further up from the main wharf at Apex Park, there is some deep water and good catches of Bream and Trevally have been taken there.  No matter where you go in the river, if you can get to some deep water then you will get fish.

River - From Boat (Top)

Once you're on the water your choice of fishing spots are unlimited.  Something you should remember when boating in Narooma is not to anchor or fish in the main channel which heads up towards the bridge because larger boats need to be on the plane when heading through the channel to avoid hitting the bottom. If you're anchored in the channel it can create problems for you when you're swamped by the wake of a bigger boat.   So, do yourself a favour and do not anchor in the channel.

At the end of the channel is a large red marker sitting in about 18 metres of water and there is good fishing to be had there.   Anywhere along the edge of the shallow water will result in a good catch of Bream, Snapper, Flathead, Taylor, and Trevally.  Fishing with bait is best around here although lure fishing can achieve results but only on rare occasions.  If your looking for some trolling or lure fishing move out into the centre of the inlet and troll slowly back towards the town through the red and green markers into Fosters Bay and follow the shoreline around.  Squid, Flathead, Tuna, and Salmon can be picked up.

Further up the river can yield some big fish and Flathead a metre long have been taken so don't think that the big fish only live in the inlet, they are also way up the river where most people don't take their boats.    At 25 knots it will only take you a few minutes to get up there so give it a try. On the way up you will notice a lot of little secluded inlets along the way and each of them produce good fish.  Most fish are caught around the edge of the river where the weeds end and the deep water begins, there are few decent fish in the middle of the river.

Narooma has a lot of Oyster Leases dotted all ariound the rivers edge so please do not drive your boat to fast when near them as the wake of your boat can damage these slimmy little buggers.  Many people rely on the Oyster Industry for their income, don't take it away from them by being silly.  Pay particular attention up toward the end of the river, it is a "NO WASH" zone and your speed must be 8 knots or less. 

Beach (Top)

Narooma and the surrounding region offers a lot of beaches, big and small, so if beach or rock fishing is your thing you're sure to be satisfied.    Whiting, Salmon, Bream, Drummer, and Flathead are caught often in the surf and off the rocks - some big Jew Fish have been taken off the beaches also.  You can get Sandworms and other beach bait from any of the local tackle shops.  If you are going to fish off the rocks make sure you tell someone where you're going and when you will be back.

Deep Sea - Light Tackle (Top)

Fishing with light tackle at sea can be a lot of fun and can really test your fishing skills.  The Island offers a variety of fish from half a kilo up to 16 kilos that can be easily taken on light tackle.  The reef (the western side of the Island) is very popular and produces great catches but be aware of the snag factor when fishing there.  Try and bring your rig a metre or two off the bottom to avoid losing your line.  Kingfish, Trevally, Snapper, Wrasse, and many others are taken on light tackle and people that try it say it's brilliant fun.

Deep Sea - Game Fishing (Top)

If you're after the fish that will test your fitness and stamina, then get yourself some good game rods with strong quality reels and head for the shelf.  To find the point in the shelf known as the "Kink" take a compass reading as you leave the bar lined up in a straight line with the southern tip of the Island.  The Island is the halfway mark so follow that line until the water depth goes off the scale on your sounder.

Lay down a good berley trail and wait for the big fish to show up.    To increase your chances, put in a bit of extra effort and drive your boat around for a while until you find the warmer water.  The water temperature can vary dramatically from one spot to another and the higher the temperature the better your chances.

You can drop your line over the side or drag a big lure behind your boat.  You are likely to pick up any number of different species including Sharks, Bluefin Tuna, Yellowfin Tuna, Bonito, Black Marlin, Blue Marlin, Swordfish, Sailfish, and Albacore.

Having a GPS on board and lots of fuel is essential when venturing out to the shelf.  Don't forget to let the Coastal Patrol know where you are going and when you will be back.  If you have logged on and told them your heading to the Island and then decide later to go out to the shelf then radio in and let them know that your position has changed.

The best way to experience fishing at the shelf is with someone experienced with fishing the area so get yourself aboard one of the charter services.