Botany Bay is just 13 km away from Sydney Harbour, but without the comings and goings of ferries that the Harbour has. The Bay has been coined the "birthpalce of Australia" as this is where Captain James Cook first landed. Yet this isn't the only reason you'd want to visit the Bay. Botany Bay fishing is fun for the whole family and very varied, due to the rivers on the west of the bay and the Tasman Sea on the east. It won’t matter what skill level you have, as everyone can catch something in these productive waters.
Two rivers run into the Bay: the Georges River and the Cooks River. This meeting of freshwater and saltwater allows for some great fishing, with a mix of species you might not expect. From the rivers, you can also target Estuary Perch and Bass. This is an unusal mix of freshwater and saltwater species that makes the fishing interesting all year-round!
What to Expect
Some of the top species you can catch in the Bay include Australian Salmon, Pink Snapper, Tailor, Bream, Whiting, Flathead, and more. You can also expect to see Kingfish and Mahi Mahi without heading too far out. The continental shelf drops 15 km away from shore, which is where the fishing gets very exciting! Head offshore from Botany Bay to target big game, such as Blue, Striped, and Black Marlin, as well as Yellowfin, Bluefin, and Albacore Tuna.
In the Bay itself, there is a wide range of habitats to fish, from the flats and mangroves to oyster beds and cockle beds. Each area calls for a different fishing technique and trips can be much shorter here. You can get a taste of the fishing on offer on just a half day trip.
The most effective techniques vary, depending on the time of year and how deep the fish are. During the winter, you can expect to go trolling for Tailor. All year round you can catch Trevally on light tackle and can go spinning for Flathead. Kingfish are available to target starting in October, and this is one battle you don’t want to miss!
How to Prepare
Charter captains usually provide a fishing license for your whole group, as well as drinks. If you head out of the northern side of the bay, you’ll have access to parking.
There are strict rules in NSW for filleting your catch. Your captain will have up-to-date information for you regarding this, but will usually be able to gut and clean your catch for you.
Need to Know
Keep an eye out for the protected areas in the Bay, as these are not open to fishing. The area also attracts many scuba divers who come down to see the largest known population of Leafy Seadragon, so be considerate and look out for them before dropping a line.
Catch limits apply to most local species – your captain will tell you what you can keep and what you have to release. Small fish should be released to fight another day.
Head over for a day of Botany Bay fishing that the whole family will enjoy. There’s a fish out here with your name on it!