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Fishtok is taking over, and if you’re keen to dip your toe/ rod in the fishing game this summer, we’re here to help. We’re not claiming to be fishing experts, but we were lucky enough to speak to the people who are – the teams from Merrell and Shimano Fishing – to get the scoop on the best beginner fishing spots in the city. From urban stretches of the Parramatta River to (pretty idyllic) harbour-side gems with spectacular city views, there are a whole heap of easily accessible places where you can cast a line and see what bites. Whether you're hoping to hook a bream for dinner or have a crack at catching a kingfish, these six Sydney fishing spots are a great place to start.
1. Parramatta River
If you like your fishing with real urban energy, head to the freshwater stretch of the Parramatta River. This is one of Sydney's more unusual fishing spots, with anglers casting a line just metres from buildings and the surrounding urban landscape. Fish-wise, the big drawcard here is the aggressive Australian bass, which can make for a pretty exciting catch when you catch a biggie.
What you'll catch: Australian bass.
Fishing tips: Small beetle spins attached to Squidgy fish soft plastics are a good option. Early mornings and late afternoons are particularly productive, and in summer, fish can gather around well-lit areas where insects are attracted to the lights.
2. Rydalmere Wharf
For a fishing spot with variety, Rydalmere Wharf is worth a place on your list. This stretch of the river is home to an impressive mix of estuary species, meaning you never quite know what might end up on the end of your line. From bream and flathead to bass, perch and even jewfish, there should be a lot going on in the water to keep you busy.
What you'll catch: Jewfish, perch, bass, bream and flathead.
Fishing tips: Soft plastics measuring around 2.5 to four inches are a versatile option for targeting different species. Try fishing before the first ferries start running in the morning or after services finish for the night. Just remember to leave the wharf clean and be mindful of ferry operations.
3. Lavender Bay
Views-wise, Lavender Bay is hard to beat. One of Sydney Harbour's most famous fishing spots, this beautiful stretch of water offers the chance to hook some of the bigger pelagic species that patrol the harbour. Think kingfish, Australian salmon and bonito, all swimming around the boats in the deeper harbour waters.
What you'll catch: Kingfish, Australian salmon and bonito.
Fishing tips: Pelagic fish tend to follow feeding patterns around the harbour, so keep an eye out for baitfish and surface activity. Working out where and when the fish are feeding will give you a better chance of finding them.
4. Exile Bay, Hen and Chicken Bay
Another first-rate urban fishing spot, Exile Bay is a great place to target Sydney's bread-and-butter estuary species. The relatively shallow water and expansive sand flats make it particularly interesting when baitfish are moving through, and there's always the possibility of a bigger surprise, too. Jewfish and the occasional Australian salmon have also been known to make an appearance, particularly in winter.
What you'll catch: Bream, flathead and other estuary species, with the chance of jewfish and salmon.
Fishing tips: Keep an eye out for schools of baitfish, particularly jelly prawns gathering around the edges of the flats. Small prawn-imitation lures are a good option, and following the bait is often the best way to find the fish.
5. The Bay Run
The Bay Run is, as the name suggests, best known for its walking and running potential, but the surrounding waterways are also a brilliant place to fish. Iron Cove has a bit of everything, from urban drains and bridges to deeper holes and shallow sand flats, making it a versatile fishing spot for land-based and boat-going fisherpeople alike.
The variety of underwater habitats means there's a pretty broad range of species to target, from estuary perch to kingfish – with different species moving through throughout the year.
What you'll catch: Estuary perch, bream, flathead and kingfish, among other species.
Fishing tips: Soft plastics measuring 2.5 to four inches are a good starting point, depending on what you're targeting. The bay is fairly urban, so be mindful of your surroundings, and don't be afraid to move around and cover a bit of ground to find where the fish are biting.
6. Sydney Fish Market
You might associate Sydney Fish Market with buying seafood rather than catching it, but the surrounding waters are worth exploring if you’re keen to earn your catch. The area is particularly productive for bream, which are attracted to the structures around the harbour that provide heaps of food and shelter. This spot is a little more suited to boat anglers than those fishing from the shore, but if you've got access to a boat, it can be a pretty rewarding place to spend a few hours.
What you'll catch: Bream.
Fishing tips: Drifting through the area using an electric anchor can be an effective way to find bream. There are restrictions on anchoring in parts of the harbour, so make sure you check local boating and fishing rules before heading out.
Before you go: make sure you check the latest NSW recreational fishing rules, including size and bag limits, permitted fishing areas and any local restrictions. You'll also need a NSW recreational fishing fee receipt unless you're exempt.
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