LAND BASED FISHING SPOTS
Goodwood Island Wharf
What is it? This is the Port of Yamba loading wharf. The wharf itself is off limits to the public but the two rock walls outside the chain wire fence can be fished.
Where is it? Driving from Iluka 11 km turn left at the Woombah coffee shop into Wharf St and follow the road to the wharf.
What’s there? Small sandy beach and boat ramp.
What fish should I target? There are some big fish lurking about under this wharf but fishing close to oyster encrusted pylons mean most of them get to stay there. The ones you can get out will include Bream, Flathead, Blackfish, Whiting and school Jew.
What bait should I use? Pippies, nippers and beach worms. Best baits to target Jewfish and Flathead are Beach Worms and live Herring which can be caught on a bait jig at the wharf. Black or green weed for Blackfish.
What lures are best? For Jew fish and Flathead try mid size paddle tail soft plastics and for bream try smaller wriggler or prawn imitations.
Best time to fish? Pretty much all year round at this spot. Target Blackfish from February to June and Flathead, Bream and Whiting in the Summer months
What dream fish might I catch? You just can’t go past a Mangrove Jack.
Safety first: If boating, make sure you keep a close eye out for crab traps. Particularly between September and April.
For the kids: The tidal flow here is very strong and the rocks can be slippery. The sandy beach tucked back in next to the wall would be much better for the kids.
Grafton Bridge
What is it? Wooli and Minnie Water are small seaside villages surrounded by national parks. Wooli is located on a narrow peninsula with the pristine Wooli Wooli River on one side and the Pacific Ocean on the other.
Where is it? Turn east of the Pacific Hwy at Tynedale or Six Mile Lane 16 km south of Grafton
What’s there? Camping, holiday accommodation, Wooli Bowling Club. Wooli Wooli River has boat ramps
What fish should I target? Bream and Flathead. Wooli is popular for Black Fish on the river side of the Breakwall. Fish the beaches for Bream and Whiting and other ocean fish off the breakwalls.
What bait should I use? Prawns, mullet, Pilchard (weed for the Blackfish)
What lures are best? Surface and deep diving lures and Soft plastics. Metal slugs off the ocean side of the Wooli breakwall for Tailor, big Salmon and pelagics in the warmer months.
Best time to fish? All year round fishing. Launch a tinnie from the beach at Minnie water, or from the ramps along the river at Wooli. Summer months will see bigger fish from the wall. Off shore will see big snapper, kingfish, tuna, and cobia to name a few
What dream fish might I catch? Large Snapper, Kingfish and Tuna offshore, decent sized flathead in the river
For the kids: Not the best off the ocean side of the breakwall. Both the Minnie Water and Wooli beaches have patrolled areas in the Summer. The river in town is a perfect spot to picnic and supervise kids. The rock platforms at Rocky Point are great for examining the marine life in the tidal pools and rock crevices
Iluka Bluff
What is it? Iluka Bluff is the closest rock ledge to the township of Iluka. The north and south corners offer some protection depending on wind direction. This ledge is low to the water and not the place to be in a big swell.
Where is it? 2km from Iluka on Iluka Rd. National Park permits apply.
What’s there? Car park, toilets and a picnic area and lookout.
What fish should I target? In summer months target Whiting, Bream, Tarwhine, Flathead and Jewfish. In the winter Tailor, Bream and Jewfish are definite possibilities.
What bait should I use? Pippies, Pilchard fillets and Beach Worms, Try whole Pilchards on ganged hooks for Tailor. Best baits for Jewfish are beach worms Mullet strips and live baits.
What lures are best? For Tailor 40/65gm chrome raiders. Jewfish will take big soft plastics, Zerak Flat Shads are good as they don’t pick up much weed. The main lures used on the bluff are big hard bodies like Bills Bugs.
Best time to fish? Anytime time of the year is good with dusk and dawn the best times of the day.
What dream fish might I catch? Big Jewfish
Safety first: Inform others of your plans. Always let friends or family know where you are going and when you’II be back
For the kids: Iluka Bluff is not a spot for kids.
Iluka North Wall
What is it? Break Wall at the mouth of the Clarence River
Where is it? Two minutes from town. Follow the road past the fish co-op. It’s well sign posted.
What’s there? Two minutes from town. Follow the road past the fish co-op. It’s well sign posted.
What fish should I target? In summer target Whiting, Bream, Tarwhine, Flathead, Jewfish, Bonito, Tuna and Mackerel. In winter try for Tailor, Bream, Blackfish and Jewfish.
What bait should I use? Pippies, Pilchard fillets and Beach Worms. Use whole pilchards on ganged hooks for Tailor. Best baits for Jew are Beach Worms, Mullet strips and live baits. Live baits for Tuna and Mackerel and black or green weed for Blackfish.
What lures are best? For Tailor 40/65gm chrome raiders. Jew will take soft plastics – 100mm white paddle tails would be a good start. For Tuna and Mackerel 65/85gm raiders, X raps and Poppers.
Best time to fish? Anytime time of the year is good, with dusk and dawn the best times of the day
What dream fish might I catch? Large Jewfish.
Safety first: Wear light clothing as it will let you swim easily If you are washed in. Jumpers may be heavy and difficult to take off.
Mick’s tips: This is a popular spot so get here early
For the kids: The wall is made up of large rocks with big gaps and the tides run very fast, so not a good place for children.
Lovers Point ( Yamba Point )
What is it? Rocky headland that juts out into the ocean. It is accessible from both sides although waves can be big on the southern side.
Where is it? 1.5km south from the break wall. 600m walk out to the point. There is access from Ocean Street and also Pippi Beach.
What’s there? There are no facilities. There is car parking at both Ocean Street and Pippi Beach.
What fish should I target? Tailor, Bream, Tarwhine, Groper, Jewfish, Tuna, Mackerel, Snapper and Blackfish in season.
What bait should I use? Pilchards, prawns and flesh baits.
What lures are best? Metal lures in weights of 40-80gms for Tailor, Tuna and Mackerel. Big hard bodies lures for Jewfish or large plastics work best.
Best time to fish? Good fishing all year round. Great spot for pelagics in the summer months.
What dream fish might I catch? Large Jewfish, Tuna, Mackerel, Snapper or Groper.
Notes: Remember to comply with bag and size limits and only keep what you can use.
Mick’s tips: Shallow and snaggy so be prepared with lots of tackle. Wear a rain jacket as you will get wet.
For the kids: There are lots of rock pools to keep the kids occupied, or they can spend their time catching small crabs.
Old Ferry Approach
What is it? Sheltered rock wall with easy access, just get out of the car and throw a line in
Where is it? Driving to Iluka turn right at golf course into Johnsons Lane at the end of the road turn right onto the gravel road.
What’s there? This is a very pretty spot with a picnic area, boat ramp and easy parking.
What fish should I target? In summer target Whiting, Bream, Flathead and Blackfish and in winter target Bream, Blackfish and school Jewfish
What bait should I use? Pippies, Nippers and Beach Worms. Best baits for Jewfish and Flathead are beach worms and live Herring. Black or green weed for Blackfish
What lures are best? Jew and flathead will take soft plastics.
Best time to fish? Pretty much all year round. Target Blackfish from Feb to June and Whiting in Summer.
What dream fish might I catch? A really good size Flathead.
Safety first: Don’t forget to slip, slop, slap!
For the kids: Great spot for the kids. There is plenty of shade and enough fish to keep them busy. Don’t forget to take the mosquito spray.
Pippi Beach
What is it? Long 1.5km beach which has nice gutters for fishing. The beach changes with the weather. Some gutters have rocks underneath.
Where is it? At the very end of the main street, turn left or right into carparks. Situated between Yamba Point and Flat Rock
What’s there? Picnic areas, toilets. Popular swimming and surfing beach. Also dog friendly off-leash on the southern side of the vehicle access.
What fish should I target? Flathead, Bream, Jewfish, Whiting, Australian Salmon, Flathead
What bait should I use? Pilchard, prawns, yabbies, pippies, worms.
What lures are best? Best lures are metal lures or soft plastics. Always a good idea to call in and talk to your local tackle shop owner before you start
Best time to fish? The cooler months fish better as the gutters can be deeper
What dream fish might I catch? Large Jewfish
Safety First: Spot a rip current: Rip currents will occur in deeper water, so it’s usually a darker colour compared to the white breaking waves over a sandbank. Because the water is deeper, there will be fewer breaking waves which can give the appearance of a safer spot to swim.
Mick’s tips: Great for family fishing, dog friendly and has good vehicle access onto the beach
For the kids: Great beach for kids, they can swim, fish or dig in the sand.
Red Cliff To Brooms Head
What is it? Long stretch of sandy beach which has some excellent gutters for fishing. You can walk the length of the beach from Red Cliff to Brooms Head.
Where is it? Red Cliff is part of the Yuraygir National Park, is situated north of Brooms Head. Turn into the national park to access the beach. There is an $8 per vehicle per day charge. The park has self registration stands with envelopes. Bring correct change.
What’s there? The national park has picnic areas, fire pits and toilets. Lake Aragon is popular for swimming and canoeing. Brooms Head has all amenities including a kiosk.
What fish should I target? Flathead, Bream, Jewfish, Whiting, Australian Salmon.
What bait should I use? Pilchard, prawns, yabbies, pippies, worms.
What lures are best? Best lures are metal lures or soft plastics.
Best time to fish? The cooler months fish better as the gutters can be deeper
What dream fish might I catch? Large Jewfish.
Stay Safe: Beaches in this park are not patrolled, and can sometimes have strong rips and currents.
For the kids: Brooms Head is an excellent swimming spot for kids and the beaches are great for surfing also
Sportsman’s Creek – Lawrence
What is it? A pristine river entrance between the Yuraygir National Park and the Sandon River township. The township can only be reached by boat or by road from Minni Waters.
Where is it? Heading east along Brooms Head Road, turn right onto Sandon Road just before Brooms Head, 9km of gravel road to the National Park. Permits are required and can be purchased at the Sandon campsite.
What’s there? Boat ramp, toilets, picnic area, shade, camping area (although there are no showers). It’s back to nature.
What fish should I target? Trevally, Bream, Flathead and Whiting.
What bait should I use? Prawns, pippis, sand worm and yabbies
What lures are best? In the shallows Whiting on poppers, in the deeper water lightly weighted soft plastics
Best time to fish? Fishes well all year. At low tide you can walk onto Plover Island over the spit. Summer is great for Whiting, Trevally, and big Bream.
What dream fish might I catch? Big Bream, Flathead and Trevally plus the odd surprise. (Tip) Pump some yabbies at low tide, the Bream just love ‘em.
Safety first: Always keep an eye on children when around water.
For the kids: Great spot for the kids, swimming and exploring. Check out the little Blue Crabs and the Spoonbills.
Shark Bay
What is it? 10 km stretch of beach running from Woody Head to Black Rock. The beach has plenty of fishable gutters and is protected from southerly winds. The beach entrance can get very soft after long periods without rain so it may pay to check before driving in.
Where is it? It is 6km north of Iluka on Iluka Road.
What’s there? The car park before the 4wd access has toilets and a picnic area with gas bbq. There are no facilities at the 4wd access.
What fish should I target? In summer target Whiting, Bream, Tarwhine and Flathead. In early Autumn School and Black tip sharks move into the southern end of the bay. In Winter fish for Tailor, Bream and Jewfish.
What bait should I use? Pippies and Beach Worms can be gathered on the beach (check regulations and bag limits). Best baits for Jew are Beach Worms Mullet strips and live baits. Tailor fillets for Sharks.
What lures are best? For Tailor 40/65 gram chrome raiders and for Flathead try 40/1000mm soft plastics.
Best time to fish? Almost anytime is a good time.
What dream fish might I catch? Large Jewfish are always a possibility
Safety first: Rip currents will usually occur in deeper water, so it’s usually a darker colour compared to the white breaking waves over a sandbank, giving a rip the appearance of a saver spot to swim
For the kids: Shark Bay has strong rips and currents so is not a good place to swim. It does have plenty of room for the kids to play and build sand castles. Teach the kids the Pippi twist or how to catch Beach Worms and they will have a fun day.
Whiting Beach
What is it? The beach that adjoins the break-wall. It is approximately 600m long.
Where is it? The foreshore of Hickey Island, close to the main street. Access is by Clarence Street
What’s there? Toilets, showers, picnic tables and shelters. There is a boat ramp close by, located at Hickey Island (carpark).
What fish should I target? Whiting, Bream, Flathead and the occasional Tailor or Flounder
What bait should I use? Prawns, worms, whole Pilchards
What lures are best? Small hard body lures – pink is very popular amongst Flathead fishermen. 100mm in length, shallow running. Plastics 100mm in length. Jighead weight 1/8-1/4, 2/0-3/0 hook.
Best time to fish? If you are chasing Whiting then the summer months are best. Flathead are available all year round, and are especially good after a substantial rain.
What dream fish might I catch? Very large Flathead
Don’t forget to SLIP, SLOP, SLAP!
Mick’s tips: A great family beach for Whiting. Sunscreen and mozzie repellent a necessity
For the kids: This is an excellent spot for kids. If they get bored of fishing they can swim, dig in the sand or explore the bush behind the beach. There are only small waves so quite safe for children to swim.
Woody Head ( Land Based )
What is it? A headland which has protected corners from northerly and southerly’s, good all year round.
Where is it? Five kms from the township of Iluka, marked with a National Parks sign for access. You will need National Parks permits to enter.
What’s there? Camp ground with amenities, boat ramp for beach launching, picnic area with BBQ, toilets, shade and parking.
What fish should I target? In the summer months, Whiting, Bream, Dart and Flathead In the winter months, Tailor, Bream, Jew (Mullaway).
What bait should I use? Strip bait of Mullet or Tuna on Paternoster rigs, or in winter floating baits of Blue Pillies
What lures are best? Flathead like a soft plastic, Tailor like a chrome spinner and large hard bodied lures for Mullaway.
Best time to fish? June and July for big Tailor off the rocks
What dream fish might I catch? Large Mullaway up to 60lbs
Safety first: Ask for advice from locals who know the area. They will always tell you when an area is dangerous.
Ben’s tips: Woody Head Caravan Park has great sheltered spots on the beach for swimming, snorkeling and in season, it’s great for whale watching.
For the kids: Not suitable for children as it is a rocky headland with unpredictable swells that can be dangerous even for experienced anglers.
Yamba Breakwall
What is it? 1.2km rock-wall which protrudes 1km into the ocean. It is the mouth of the Clarence River. Great spot for walking as well as fishing.
Where is it? Can be accessed from Clarence Street, near the main street.
What’s there? Good parking areas, toilets, showers, picnic tables, BBQ areas and shelters
What fish should I target? This area produces the most variety of fish as you have both access to the river and the ocean. Tailor, Bream, Whiting, Flathead, Jewfish, Tuna, Mackerel, or even Snapper
What bait should I use? Mullet strips, prawns.
What lures are best? Metal lures, soft plastics, hard bodies lures or poppers.
Best time to fish? This is a good all year round spot. River can be snaggy when the tide is running fast.
What dream fish might I catch? Large Bream, Jewfish or Flathead. Tuna and Mackerel can be caught off the beach side of the wall in summer
Safety First: Observe first, fish later: always check weather and water conditions before you start fishing.
Mick’s tips: Be prepared and get here early as there are few good fishing platforms. Make sure your keys and phone are securely zippered in a safe dry spot.
For the kids: Not the safest place for kids. Ten years and older with adult supervision would be fine as the rocks can be slippery when wet with deep crevices.