Fishing in Port Macquarie
Port Macquarie has long been a haven for fishing enthusiasts of all ages and interest. Many different and popular species abound such as bream, blackfish, tailor, whiting, flathead and much more.
There is great deep-sea fishing offshore which is best reached using the local knowledge and experience on board Ocean Star.
This angler’s wonderland reflects a beautiful and scenic landscape set around the Hastings River and pristine coastal waters with many rocky headlands and off shore reefs.
No matter what time of the year you come Fishing in Port Macquarie the fish are biting. The area is blessed with a warm temperate climate with water and air temperatures generally mild during the winter months and very pleasant during summer.
The prevailing winds in summer are north easterlies while in winter the westerly prevails. Understandably spring and summer are the main fishing seasons but beach and rock fishing are popular in autumn and winter when tailor, bream and mulloway are moving along the beaches.
The bustling seaside city of Port Macquarie offers everything you need by way of accommodation and services for the perfect fishing holiday. And remember if you need to know anything about local conditions, the best fishing spots or what bait to use, just ask someone at one of the local fishing tackle shops.
Whether you are on board the Ocean Star Charter Boat or on the breakwall or beach fishing, keen anglers will find Port Macquarie has just what you need
Fishing the Hastings River
The Hastings River starts high on the Great Dividing Range and winds its way through the rich farmlands of the Hastings Valley to spill into the Pacific Ocean at Port Macquarie.
It has many significant estuarine tributaries with the Maria River and Limeburners Creek being very popular for anglers with boats.
Tidal influences reach 32 kilometres inland to just upstream of Wauchope and this does impact on fishing.
For those who wish to fish the upper reaches there are good catches of freshwater bass. However you will find most anglers in the estuary and lower reaches of the Hastings River. Some of the most popular fishing spots are almost right in the heart of Port Macquarie.
The Southern Breakwall is good for tailor, bream, mulloway (jewfish) and luderick (blackfish). The Town Wharf and wharves next to the Ocean Star at Short Street are a good place to fish for families or those on holiday who just want to throw in a line.
These spots provide a mixed catch and a chance to just relax. The Settlement Point Picnic area is also a favourite with families with good catches of whiting, bream and flathead.
If you can get out on the water then one of the best places on the river to fish is Limeburners Creek. Although there are speed and wash limits because of the oyster leases in the area, these farms also attract schools of bream and luderick.
There are also flathead and blue swimmer crabs particularly in the shallower waters of Big Bay. Up river around Dennis Bridge is favoured for flathead and whiting while others try their hand in the Maria River, especially around the deeper waters of Boomeran Island.
Fish in Port Macquarie's waters
Here is a selection of just some of the many species of fish that you may catch while onboard the Port Macquarie deep sea fishing charter boat Ocean Star.
Dolphinfish
Dolphinfish or Mahi-Mahi is an excellent game fish found in the warmer offshore waters of Port Macquarie. A great eating fish its flesh is firm and tasty.
Snapper
A much sought after fish prized for its eating qualities found on inshore and offshore reefs and in bays and around rocky headlands. An excellent fighting sport fish.
Pearl Perch
Highly prized eating fish found on offshore reefs. Flesh white with excellent flavour and texture.
Jewfish (Mullaway)
Much sought after fish caught in estuarys, beach gutters and reefs. Flesh whitish and variable quality.
Kingfish
Excellent fighting fish found in coastal reef areas from southern QLD to southern Australia. Flesh variable quality with smaller sizes good eating.
Silver Trevally
Silver trevally are a sport fish that respond well to many methods. Grilled, BBQ'd or Pan Fried lightly they are a pleasant eating fish.
Port Macquarie fishing Charters
Before you try the beautiful Hastings River or one of our great beaches make sure you come deep sea fishing off beautiful Port Macquarie with Port's most experienced and successful deep sea fishing charter operators Port Macquarie Fishing Charters - Ocean Star.
Locally owned and operated, Port Macquarie Fishing Charters would like to welcome you aboard the Ocean Star, a 40ft custom Randel charter fishing boat. The Ocean Star is superbly equipped with the latest electronics, comfortable seating and a private toilet.
All you need to bring is your hat!
Contact Brett on 0416 240 877
