10 Best Batemans Bay Fishing Spots [Fishing Species & Season]

Batemans Bay Fishing License 

It is mandatory by law to pay the NSW Recreational Fishing cost (including Batemans Bay) and have a document proving the payment of the cost when you go freshwater or saltwater fishing in NSW waterways. The fees are:

$7 for three days

$14 for one month

$35 for one year

$85 for three years

You can purchase your recreational licence:

Online

Contact hundreds of standard and gold fishing fee agents from Service NSW Centres

Call 1300 369 365 (Visa and Mastercard only).

Recreational spearfishing in New South Wales is well-known for its selective fishing techniques. Any recreational fisherman in New South Wales (NSW) who uses spearguns or dives to harvest fish or invertebrates must pay the state's recreational fishing charge and abide by all size and bag restrictions. 

General Recreational Fishing Rules

Please do not interfere with commercial fishermen as they do their lawful business and leave all commercial fishing gear where it is. The maximum fine is $5,500.

No chemical or explosive devices may be used to capture or aid in the capture of fish.

No recreational fisherman may sell his or her catch.

Wait until you are far from the water before filleting or removing the head of a fish to change its length. This regulation does not apply in places typically used for cleaning fish, including cleaning tables on boat ramps, when the fish are going to be eaten or used as bait right away, or when the fish are not long enough to be legally caught. Gilling and gutting are the only methods for cleaning fish.

It is against the law to tamper with an oyster lease.

No portion of an oyster lease, including the oysters themselves, should be disturbed by your boat, wash, or tackle. 

What to Pack for Batemans Bay Fishing? 

By bringing the necessities, you can be sure you'll be ready for the many weather patterns and landscapes Batemans Bay is known for. These necessities make fishing more comfortable and safe and make exploring the beautiful coastal waters of Batemans Bay more pleasurable.

It's crucial to consider both the kind of fishing you intend to undertake and the local circumstances while preparing for a trip to Australia's Batemans Bay. This is an example of a  fishing gear packing list:

Fishing Rod: A high-quality fishing rod is the first piece of equipment necessary for every fishing excursion. Look for a specialist rod appropriate for the fishing you want, such as fly fishing or baitcasting.

Reel: Having a fishing reel to match your rod is also essential. Look for a reel appropriate for your rod and the type of fishing you want to do.

Fishing Line: Depending on the kind of fishing you want to conduct and the fish you are targeting, you will need a different fishing line.

Hooks: It's essential to keep a range of hooks on hand, including various sizes and types, to match the bait you plan to use and the fish you want to catch.

Sinkers: Sinkers assist your bait in reaching the fish's preferred depths at the bottom of the water. The type and weight of sinker you use will depend on the fishing conditions where you are.

Lures: When fish are not taking live bait, artificial lures may be a successful tool for drawing them in. 

Besides, a portable power station is the most secure way to get power while fishing outside. These generators will keep your essential tools charged no matter where your fishing takes you.   

Look at the Jackery Portable Power Station, which is excellent for fishing, to see how reliable portable solar power sources can be. The options are less intense, quiet, and clean than this one. A portable power source like the Jackery Explorer 600 Plus or 300 Plus is essential for modern fishermen who care about the environment.

10 Best Batemans Bay Fishing Spots

Fishing in the picturesque waters of Batemans Bay offers a refreshing getaway into nature and a means of stress alleviation and relaxation. It promotes sustainable habits and a sense of camaraderie among fishers.  

It's highly well-liked in Australia since it offers the opportunity to discover a variety of fishing locations, from serene riverbanks to strenuous surf conditions, improving mental and physical health while taking in the splendour of the South Coast. These are the top ten Batemans Bay fishing spots. 

1. Clyde River National Park

Location: Batemans Bay NSW 2536, Australia (Open with Google Maps)

Phone: +61 2 4454 9500

Website: Clyde River National Park 

When to Fish: May to October

Fish Species: Brown Trout, Landlocked Atlantic Salmon, Rainbow Trout, Smallmouth Bass, Yellow Perch, White Perch, Fallfish

Along with kayaking, canoeing, swimming, and fishing, Clyde River National Park provides a natural playground along the river with breathtaking vistas. Undiscovered yet just waiting to be discovered, Clyde River National Park is a remote water sports haven close to Batemans Bay. There are many stunning places to explore, including the 9 km of riverfrontage, the high wooded hills, the tree-lined foreshores with mangroves, and the few stretches of salt marsh.

2. Tomaga River

Location: Mossy Point Boat Ramp Mossy Point NSW 25 (Open with Google Maps)

Website: Tomaga River

When to Fish: Late spring to early autumn

Fish Species: Bream, Flathead, Mulloway

A crisp, clear river offering short canoe trips or a 22-kilometer round-trip journey from Mossy Point to Mogo Creek's terminus. For this route, take the eastern tributary near the intersection of Jeremadra and Mogo Creeks. Mossy Point is seven miles away from the intersection.

Tomaga River fishing is at its finest between the end of spring and the beginning of fall. Bream and Flathead are more active at this time of year. These fish and mulloway are drawn to the river's structure. The bream, flathead, and mulloway are drawn to the riverbanks because of their structure. Use live bait and soft plastics near drop-offs and snags to get the most out of your cast.  

3. Snapper Point

Location: Frazer Park NSW 2259, Australia (Open with Google Maps)

When to Fish: July to January

Fish Species: Red Snapper, Yellowtail Snapper, Deep Seven

In winter, Snapper Point Lookout is at its best when whales pass across the Murramarang coastline, and the clean, crisp air provides unparalleled photographic opportunities. Whales are only one of the region's many attractions, though; dolphins also visit the area, and birdwatchers will find eagles, falcons, shearwaters, gannets, and albatrosses among the area's top species. 

Another great spot to see the area's topography is Snapper Point. The craggy shoreline appears to go on forever, while Mount Durras can be seen in the distance.

4. Guerrilla Bay

Location: Beach Parade Guerilla Bay NSW 2536 Australia (Open with Google Maps)

Website: Guerrilla Bay

When to Fish: Late winter to early spring

Fish Species: Black drum, Spangled Emperor, Sweetlip, Charlie Courts, Trevally, Squid

Guerilla Bay's water is pleasant and transparent, offering varying experiences for snorkelers of all skill levels. The bay is characterised by a noticeable rocky island separating the more daring and risky waters north of the gravel spit from the safer, more pleasant snorkelling waters south.

Depending on the tide, this may be challenging to reach since you have to navigate some sharp rocks to get to the water, but for more experienced snorkelers, under the correct circumstances, it's well worth the effort.

5. Burrill Lake

Location: New South Wales 2539, Australia (Open with Google Maps)

Website: Burrill Lake

When to Fish: April to October

Fish Species: Flathead, Bream, Blackfish, Snapper, Whiting, Blue Swimmer Carbs, Australian Salmon, Estuary Perch

Burrill Lake and the rest of the NSW South Coast are popular fishing spots all year round, but April through October are particularly fruitful. 

Shallow-water fishing is most successful in the early mornings and late evenings when the UV index is low because fish prefer to stay deeper when it's hot outside. Locate a shady spot if you intend to fish during the day. An effective fishing method is to use pilchards or thin slices of fresh tuna as bait. Another effective technique is lure fishing with jigs, vibes, soft plastics, and similar items.

6. Lake Tabourie

Location: New South Wales 2539 (Open with Google Maps)

Website: Lake Tabourie

When to Fish: October to April

Fish Species: Dusky Flathead, Bream, Whiting, Estuary Perth, Luderick, Mullet

If you're interested in fishing at Lake Tabourie, these suggestions could be helpful. The sun's rays are less intense in the early morning and late evening, making those times ideal for fishing in shallow water. Seek out a shady area if you plan on fishing throughout the day. Generally speaking, a higher UV index causes fish to dive deeper.    

Flatheads are at their most active when the lake temperature is 60 degrees Fahrenheit. They become less active when the water temperature drops below 50°F.   

7. Meroo Lake

Location: New South Wales 2539, Australia (Open with Google Maps)

Website: Meroo Lake

When to Fish: All year round

Fish Species: Eastern Wirrah, Australian Salmon, Australian Barracuda, Blind Shark, Surf Bream, Estuary Perch, Southern Black Bream

There is little information about Meroo Lake, but according to fishing reports, the most popular fishing species here are Eastern Wirrah, Australian Salmon, Australian Barracuda, Blind Shark, and Surf Bream. 

A national park designation for Meroo was only made quite recently. Beautiful beaches and bushland were once part of this state forest, which had an uncontrolled camping area. In addition to the beaches, rocky islands can be reached at low tide and tidal rock pools. You can see a lot of marine life.

8. Tollgate Island

Location: New South Wales, Australia (Open with Google Maps)

When to Fish: Late spring to early autumn

Fish Species: Snapper, Kingfish, Morwong, Leather Jacket, Pigfish, Albacore, Yellowfin Tuna

One famous fishing location in Australia is the Tollgate Islands, which are close to Batemans Bay. Snapper and kingfish are most active in the late spring and early autumn, making those times ideal for fishing. Fish such as snapper, morwong, kingfish, trevally, leather jacket, pigfish, albacore, and yellowfin tuna can be caught. If you want to be close to the fishing areas, Batemans Bay Marina Resort is an excellent place to stay.  

Jackery Portable Power Stations for Fishing

Batemans Bay is a top fishing destination with sites ranging from estuaries to open ocean seas. Having dependable power for your fishing equipment is crucial for a continuous experience, whether pursuing kingfish offshore or bream in the Clyde River. You can ensure a smooth fishing trip by charging your essential electronics with Jackery Portable Power Stations.

Jackery Portable Power Stations are powerful enough to charge your fishing electronics with capacities from 300Wh to 12 kWh. Whether you are charging your phone, drone, camera, or portable cooler, it can satisfy all your power needs. Furthermore, the Jackery Portable Power Stations can be charged in carports, wall outlets, or with the Jackery Solar Panels. If you want to go fishing on Batemans Bay, choose one with a bigger capacity.

Jackery Explorer 300 Plus

The Jackery Explorer 300 Plus offers a compact, efficient solution for lighter fishing expeditions. Boasting a 288Wh capacity and 300W output, it's ideal for powering smaller essentials like fish finders, phones, and LED lights.

Weighing just 8.3 lbs (3.75 kg), the Explorer 300 Plus fits conveniently into your gear, providing portability without compromising performance. With dual PD fast-charging ports and a long-lasting LiFePO4 battery, your devices stay powered throughout your fishing trip. 

Its advanced Battery Management System (BMS) adds an extra layer of safety, protecting both the power station and your connected devices. The power station has three ways to charge it: solar panels, a wall outlet, and a car plug. This gives you options for how to charge it. With a whisper-quiet noise level, it's a quiet power option that won't bother you while fishing or camping.  

Portable: 12.8V/22.5Ah/3.75Kg.

Long-Lasting: Features an LFP battery with a 10-year lifespan.

Ultra-Safe: High FCC/CE and UL certifications, innovative ChargeShield Technology (52 forms of protection).

Sustainable: Whisper-quiet, emission-free, and offers 4-way charging (solar, mains, car lighter, type-C). 

Jackery Explorer 600 Plus

The Jackery Explorer 600 Plus is a versatile, durable power station for your fishing needs. With its 800W output and 632Wh capacity, it can power various outdoor devices, from GPS systems to portable refrigerators and lights.

This power station features dual PD fast-charging ports capable of 100W output, allowing for quick charging of multiple devices. Weighing only 16.1 lbs (7.3 kg) and equipped with a foldable handle, it's compact and portable - perfect for carrying to Batemans Bay's scenic fishing spots. Its whisper-quiet operation ensures the peaceful ambience of your fishing adventure remains undisturbed. 

It's small and light (16.1 lbs/7.3 kg), making it convenient and easy to store. The handle folds up, making it easy to take with you. You can always get power to stay linked and charged on your fishing trip, no matter where you go.    

Higher Capacity: With an 800W output and 632Wh capacity, it supports various outdoor devices, from coolers to camping lights.

Fast Charging: A full charge in 1.6 hours, boosted lifespan of the battery pack by 30%, tailored for long-term reliability.

Emergency Super Charging: Charge from 0 to 100% in one hour, always ready for emergencies.

Enhance your fishing experience at Batemans Bay with Jackery's reliable and portable power solutions. Jackery ensures you stay connected and powered no matter the length of your trip, making your time on the water more enjoyable and productive.

Batemans Bay Fishing Species

The river is excellent for catching flatties, whiting, and bream. Fishing around the edges of the oyster rack, where it dips into the main river, is a solid choice. Use surface lures, shallow hardbodies, or light plastics in the racks and nearby flats. 

Plenty of Jewfish are around, and while they can be a bit tricky to catch, the Bay Bridge is a solid place to begin. In the bay, there are tonnes of sand flatheads all over the place between Snapper Island and the Tollgate Islands. There should be quite a few bonito hanging around by then, too.

A. Flathead

Fish Features:

The Flathead constitutes a family of fish comprising more than 50 species. They are combative predators and are frequently captured with light tackle. Most flatheads weigh under 10 kilogrammes, while trophy Dusky Flathead can attain weights of up to 15 kilogrammes.

B. Bream

Fish Features:

The optimal period for bream fishing typically coincides with the full moon. Monitor the water temperature. Bream's behavioural patterns alter as water temperatures decrease during winter. They tend to exhibit increased aggression throughout winter, making catching with light tackle enjoyable.   

C. Whiting

Fish Features:

Whiting can be captured at any hour and responds favourably to an array of baits, such as pipis, mussels, sandworms, and little slices of squid. Although they can be captured throughout the year, they exhibit increased activity during the warmer months.  

December to March is the most productive period locally. From a fishing perspective, the optimal periods to pursue them are the initial hours of dawn, the last hours of dusk, and during the height of tidal fluctuations.

D. Kingfish

Fish Features:

Kingfish can be captured throughout the year in New South Wales, with some asserting their availability in Sydney Harbour year-round. Notable locations for kingfish angling are Hutchinson Shoals, the Curtin artificial reef near Moreton Island, Moreton Bay, and the Gold Coast.

Responsible Fishing on Batemans Bay

Recreational fishermen are urged to follow these recommendations to lessen their adverse effects on the environment and other community members. This will help preserve the fishing community's good name and social licence. Learn these ethical fishing strategies and tactics to help guarantee fantastic fishing for years!  

Safety First: Exercise caution when fishing and selecting what to gather. Avoid taking unnecessary chances. Remember that safe fishing involves behaviours that affect you personally and the people around you.

Life Jackets: When rock fishing, wearing a life jacket and other necessary safety precautions is advisable. It is anticipated that rock fishing safety legislation requiring life jackets will soon be extended to many more LGAs along the coast of New South Wales. Before you go rock fishing, ensure you know these restrictions.

Stay Weather Alert: Reliable meteorological data is easily accessible. Before leaving, check the weather and stay informed of changes during the day. The surf, wind, and tide circumstances may rapidly turn rock fishing into a dangerous activity.

Catch-and-release fishing is becoming increasingly common among fishermen. Fishermen firmly believe in conservation and often release fish they can legally retain. Because of adherence to size and bag restrictions and different fishing closures, many fishermen are legally required to return fish they have captured to the water.

Fin Fish Survival Rates

Batemans Bay Fishing Spots FAQs

The following are the frequently asked questions about fishing on Batemans Bay: 

1. Is Batemans Bay good for fishing?

The rivers surrounding Batemans Bay provide fantastic beach, rock, and boat fishing. From Narrawallee Inlet to Moruya, this guide offers crucial information on fishing, including closures and restrictions that may be in effect throughout the coast.

2. What is the biggest fish caught in Batemans Bay?

The rivers surrounding Batemans Bay provide fantastic beach, rock, and boat fishing. From Narrawallee Inlet to Moruya, this guide offers crucial information on fishing, including closures and restrictions that may be in effect throughout the coast.

3. Why is Batemans Bay called Batemans Bay?

European explorer Captain James Cook first saw the bay on April 22, 1770, while sailing the HMS Endeavour around Australia. It's possible that Cook called the bay in memory of Nathaniel Bateman, who was HMS Northumberland's captain from 1760 to 1762, while Cook was the ship's master.

Final Thoughts

Batemans Bay is a fishing lover's paradise, providing many fishing opportunities amidst breathtaking coastal scenery. The bay's varied marine environments guarantee something for every fisherman, whether they throw lines in the serene waters of the Clyde River or brave the surf for valuable catches off its beaches and rocky outcrops. Luckily, this guide will give you the greatest possible fishing experience here.