Fishing is a recreational activity of catching fish with different hunting tools like a rod, line, and hook. This great activity brings your family closer so that you can spend some time together. In the past, people adopt it as a profession to make a living.
However, today, professional fishing leagues are taking place in which experienced fishermen can participate to win the competition. In simple words, fishing has become a great way of amusement along with the profession.
If you are intending to step into this world, you can start your journey from Australia. Because Australia is a paradise for fishermen due to its mighty 60,000 km coastline. You will find almost all styles of fishing there such as freshwater fishing, estuary fishing, fly fishing, reef fishing, and more.
In this detailed guide, we will cover different aspects of fishing in Australia like the best fishing spots in Australia. Plus, we will provide a checklist of fishing gear you need for fishing. Let’s get started…
Things You Need to Start Fishing
First and foremost, you need to buy a fishing license from the concerned authorities before you start fishing. There are different types of licenses that are validated for different duration.
For example, you can get a freshwater license for the short term. Short-term licenses are inexpensive and validated for a few days. Remember the cost might be a bit higher for non-residents. Further, you can apply for an annual license if you do fishing frequently.
After acquiring the license, you are almost ready for fishing in Australia. Now, below are some primary fishing gear to get started…
- Medium-light spinning rod and reel combo are sufficient for panfish, bass, and catfish.
- It’s better to go with an 8 to 12-pound monofilament fishing line to catch some larger species like bass and catfish. Otherwise, a 4 – 6-pound fishing line would be enough for small species like panfish.
- The hook assortment (size 8) is quite enough for panfish.
- Bobbers
- Bait is another important thing to consider for fishing. Live crickets, earthworms, and bluegill are some popular types of bait.
- Lures – go with small spinnerbaits or jigs if you’re a beginner.
- Sinkers and split-shots
- You need sharp pliers with a line cutter for your ease.
The aforementioned gear is equally useful for freshwater lakes, ponds, etc. If you are a newbie in this field, you should try to go with some basic equipment.
And, It’s good to use expensive lures and gears once you have some good hands-on experience.
Best Spots for Fishing in Australia
Australia is famous for some unique fish species that you won’t find somewhere else on the planet. Below is some hotspot for fishing in Australia…
1. Cairns, Queensland
You’d be most possibly familiar with this place because it’s referred to as the game capital of the world. You can find nearshore species in abundance here such as Spanish Mackerel, Trevally, Wahoo, Barracuda, Sailfish, Mahi Mahi, and more. The estuaries are brimming with Threadfin Salmon, Queenfish, Mangrove Jack, Bream, Barramundi, and Grunter.
The Gold Coast and Noosa are two other incredible places for fishing in Queensland. The place is famous for Flathead, Whiting, Bream, etc. Visit Cairns between September to December if you want to catch Black Marlin, Tuna, and Great Barracuda.
2. Exmouth, Western Australia
Exmouth is famous for diverse and astoundingly rich marine life. It welcomes almost 300K visitors annually because of the fishing opportunities it offers. You will see the swarm of Striped Marlin, Shortbill Spearfish, Swordfish, and Sailfish.
The existence of Bonefish distinguishes it from the rest of the fishing spots. If you love fish sport, it might be the finest place for you. Otherwise, you can visit this amazing place for Coral Trout, Mahi Mahi, Snapper, Red Emperor, and Wahoo.
3. Lakes Entrance, Victoria
It is an ideal fishing spot in the Southern Hemisphere. You will find Flathead, Whiting, Salmon, Tailor, Perch, and Luderick where Newlands Arm and Lake Tyers meet. Some other species that you may also find here include Snapper, Gummy Sharks, Tuna, Makos, and Swordfish.
The article would be incomplete without mentioning Queenscliff. It’s another must-to-visit fishing spot in Victoria. This spot is home to many popular fish species like George Whiting, Snapper, Garfish, Perch, Flathead, Calamari, and more.
4. Port Lincoln, South Australia
Being the Seafood Capital of Australia, Port Lincoln attracts fishermen all around the globe. The best time to visit here is between December to May. The place is extremely famous for Bluefin Tuna. You can even earn a hefty amount by catching this specie.
You can find Kingfish and Bronze Whaler Sharks if you visit this place in Summer. Nannygai, Yellowfin Whiting, Garfish, Snapper, and Gummy Sharks are some other popular fish that can be found here.
5. Darwin, Northern Territory
Darwin is a gateway to the Timor Sea which is quite famous for Barramundi. You will also find plenty of different seasonal species there. For example, March to April is the best season for Barramundi fishing. Similarly, you can also catch Nannygai, Coral Trout, Jewfish, etc. September to December is the best season for Saratoga and Barramundi.
Kakadu National Park is another famous place for fishing in Northern Territory. It’s a famous UNESCO World Heritage Site. You should also visit this place if you are visiting Australia, especially for fishing.
6. Merimbula, New South Wales
Merimbula exists on the Sapphire coast and offers almost all types of fishing activities. Inshore fishing is quite popular here. And, you can find popular inshore fishes Bream, Gummy Shark, Tailor, Whiting, and more. Above all, these species can be found all year.
Bottom fishing is also popular in this area. In this way, you can catch Pearl Perch, Morwong, Tasmanian Trumpeter, and Snapper. From December to April, Blue, Black, and Striped Marlin are also found here. If you want to catch Bluefin Tuna, visit the place between June and July.
Wrapping Up
All the locations mentioned in this article are extremely famous in Australia. We have tried our best to cover all major regions of the country for fishing. You can visit any of your desired fishing spots for an outstanding experience.
To make your journey memorable, make sure that you have all the necessary fishing gear. You must follow all precautions after arriving at a fishing spot for your safety. Happy fishing!
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