Fishing Byron Bay
General fishing in Byron Bay revolves around targeting fast-running tropical pelagics close to the headland in late summer, or spinning for tailor in the white-water rock washes during winter. Late summer brings fast-running tropical pelagics like Spanish mackerel and wahoo close to the headland, while winter swells recruit tailor and drummer to the white-water washes. High-salinity water pushed by the East Australian Current keeps the marine ecosystem incredibly active year-round.
Land-based anglers can spin with heavy metal lures from the high rock ledges of Cape Byron to target migrating longtail tuna and spanish mackerel. Beach-casting into the deep, wave-cut surf gutters of Tallows Beach and Wategos Beach produces exceptional tailor, dart, and sand whiting on fresh beach worms. Presenting fresh red crabs or peeled prawns into the foaming washes of Snapper Rock or Wategos is highly effective for rock blackfish.
Offshore and boat fishing in Byron Bay relies on beach-launching vessels from Wategos or Wilsons Creek, as there is no deep-water harbor or concrete ramp. Boaters can target Spanish mackerel and kingfish by slow-trolling live slimy mackerel around the deep gravel margins of Julian Rocks outside the marine park sanctuary zones. Deep-dropping double-hook paternoster rigs along the Cape Byron wide pinnacles consistently yields deep-sea target species.
Top 10 Species
Landbased
- Cape Byron East Ledges: This deep-water rock ledge is a world-famous location for land-based game fishing. It offers direct access to fast-moving pelagics including Longtail Tuna, Spanish Mackerel, Tailor, and Mulloway. Fish high tide at dawn with southwesterly winds by sliding live baits down monofilament lines or rapidly retrieving heavy metal slugs.
- Tallows Beach Gutters: These high-energy surf gutters stretch along a scenic sandy coastline south of Cape Byron. The deep, shifting gutters are highly productive for targeting Tailor, Mulloway, Dart, and Sand Whiting. Fish the run-in tide peaking at dusk using fresh beach worms or tailor fillets on running sinker rigs.
- Snapper Rock: This high-relief rock ledge south of Broken Head sits inside a habitat protection zone. It provides exceptional structure for heavy-class targets including Rock Blackfish, Blue Groper, Bream, and Mulloway. Cast fresh red crabs or peeled prawns unweighted directly into the active wash crevices during rising tides.
- The Pass and Wategos Beach: These sheltered sandy corners are located adjacent to the main headland and offer comfortable wading. The clean, wave-washed flats are highly productive for targeting Sand Whiting and Yellowfin Bream. Drift live beach worms on light line through the shallow sandy gutters on incoming summer tides.
- Tyagarah Nature Reserve Shoreline: This pristine wilderness beach offers excellent surf-casting opportunities away from crowds. The well-formed gutters consistently produce quality Dusky Flathead, Yellowfin Bream, Dart, and Sand Whiting. Fish the high-energy troughs during the rising tide using fresh beach worms or pipis under pyramid weights.
Offshore
- Julian Rocks Aquatic Reserve Margins: This sandstone reef system is a major marine life magnet with strict zoning rules. The habitat protection zone margins target high-speed pelagics and demersal reef species including Spanish Mackerel, Snapper, Samsonfish, and Wahoo. Slow-troll live slimy mackerel or drift whole pilchards on snooded rigs outside the sanctuary borders.
- Seven Mile Beach Offshore Reefs: These natural sandstone reefs sit in moderate depths and hold consistent bait schools. They are prime locations for targeting quality Snapper, Pearl Perch, and silver Trevally. Establish a consistent burley trail from an anchored boat and float-line with unweighted pilchards down the current.
- Cape Byron Wide Pinnacles: These deep basalt structures are located on the outer edge of the continental shelf. The high-relief pinnacles target ocean-roaming species including Wahoo, Dolphinfish, Marlin, and deep-water Bar Cod. High-speed troll skirted lures along current lines or deep-drop double-hook paternoster rigs in three hundred metres of water.
- Belongil Creek Mouth: This dynamic sandbar channel is a highly productive estuary transition zone. Boat-positioning inside the creek plume during run-out tides is highly effective for targeting Dusky Flathead and Yellowfin Bream. Cast paddle-tail soft plastics on light jigheads and work them slowly along the sandbar drop-offs.
- The Channel at Broken Head: This deeper-water gutter is accessed by boat and runs parallel to the rocky headland. The sheltered channel is a reliable highway for targeting Mulloway, Tailor, and Yellowfin Bream. Cast swimbaits or drift live mullet through the deeper sections during high tide turns to intercept passing fish.
Hot Spots
- Mostyn Ledge: A deep offshore pinnacle holding snapper and kingfish.
- Belongil Creek Flats: High-quality sandbanks inside the creek mouth that hold dusky flathead during summer.
- Broken Head Beaches: Small secluded beach pockets producing quality dart and whiting.
- Cape Byron Lighthouse Ledge: Accessible rock platform holding drummer and rock blackfish in the washes.
- Wilsons Reef: A shallow sandstone reef structure holding snapper and trevally.
Local Bait Tips
- Beach Worms: Harvest beach worms along Tallow Beach and Seven Mile Beach by dragging oily fish frames in the wave wash and presenting a hand bait. Squeeze firmly at the index joint when the worm arches, then pull slowly before storing in dry sand.
- Pipis: Collect pipis along the surf zones of Tallow and Seven Mile beaches by standing in the wave wash and performing the pipi twist to locate hard shells underfoot. Keep them in an aerated bucket of clean saltwater and change the water regularly to preserve their freshness.
- Cabbage Weed: Scrape fresh cabbage weed from the intertidal ocean rock shelves at Cape Byron or Snapper Rock during low tide. Wrap the harvested weed in damp newspaper to keep it moist and cool for luderick or drummer fishing.
Boat Ramps
- Byron Bay Boat Ramp, Fisherman’s Lookout:
Byron Bay Boat Ramp: Located at The Pass at Cape Byron, this single-lane concrete beach launch lacks protective breakwaters or pontoons. Entirely exposed to open-ocean swell, waves, and shifting sands, it requires a 4WD and advanced surf launching skills.
Bait and Tackle
- BCF Ballina: 12-14 Kerr St, Ballina NSW 2478 | Phone: (02) 6681 1250
- Brunswick Heads Bait and Tackle: 4 Park St, Brunswick Heads NSW 2483 | Phone: (02) 6685 1523
Basecamp & Accom
- Broken Head Holiday Park: 184 Beach Rd, Broken Head NSW 2481 | Phone: (02) 6685 3245
- Reflections Byron Bay: 1 Lighthouse Rd, Byron Bay NSW 2481 | Phone: (02) 6685 6496
- Elements of Byron: 144 Bayshore Dr, Byron Bay NSW 2481 | Phone: (02) 6639 1500
Emergency & Safety
- Emergency: 000 | Marine Rescue Cape Byron: Lighthouse Rd, Byron Bay NSW 2481 | Radio: VHF Ch 16, Working Ch 72 | Phone: (02) 6680 8480
