1 month ago · Updated 2 weeks ago
Central Coast, Australia offers diverse fishing opportunities along its beaches, estuaries, and offshore reefs, attracting anglers year-round for both recreational and sport fishing. This week’s report highlights verified catches and conditions across the region, providing a snapshot of current activity for local fishers.
Weekly Catches
No verified catches in the last 7 or 15 days; the catches below cover the last 21 days.
Australian Salmon
Recent reports confirm Australian salmon up to 70 cm have been landed off Merimbula beaches, with productive sessions on rising tides when wave action stirs the water. Tura Beach and Main Beach Merimbula are noted hotspots for early tide bites, especially for those targeting salmon and tailor.
- Best results on beach worms and live bait.
- Early tide recommended for increased activity.
Flathead
Sand flathead are being caught in depths of 25–30 metres off Bournda Beach and out wider off Tura Heads, with larger specimens up to 50 cm reported. The Pinnacles also produced flathead around the 30-metre mark. Estuary fishing in Merimbula Lake and Bega River has yielded dusky flathead, mainly on live poddy mullet.
- Live poddy mullet effective for estuary flathead.
- Deeper offshore marks for larger sand flathead.
Snapper
Afternoon reef sessions have produced snapper around 45 cm, with Green Cape yielding fish over 50 cm on plastics. The tides have been less favorable, but persistence in the afternoons has paid off for dedicated anglers.
- Soft plastics recommended at Green Cape.
- Afternoon bite window preferred.
Tailor
Tailor are active on local beaches, especially during early rising tides. While numbers are not specified, their presence alongside salmon suggests targeting both species with similar techniques.
- Wave action during rising tide increases catch rates.
Bream
Bream have been caught off Main Beach Merimbula using beach worms. Estuary systems remain challenging, but occasional bream are reported in the Bega River.
- Beach worms effective for surf bream.
Mulloway
Estuary anglers in Merimbula Lake and Bega River have landed mulloway using prawn-style lures. These catches are less frequent but notable for those targeting larger estuary predators.
- Prawn-style lures recommended for mulloway.
Yellowtail Kingfish
Schools of yellowtail kingfish have been observed passing Merimbula Wharf, with successful catches reported by anglers present during these movements.
- Active schools near wharf structures.
Longtail Tuna
Land-based and wharf fishing at Tathra has produced longtail tuna averaging 12 kg, indicating strong inshore activity for pelagic enthusiasts.
- Best results from wharf and land-based setups.
Gummy Shark
Occasional gummy sharks have been caught between flathead bites off Bournda Beach and out wider, though numbers remain modest.
- Bycatch while targeting flathead offshore.
Bonito
Bonito are still being caught around the headlands and off wharfs, adding variety to inshore catches.
- Active near headlands and wharf structures.
Trevally
Trevally have been reported in Merimbula Lake alongside bream and flathead, with catches mainly on live bait.
- Live bait effective for estuary trevally.
Morwong
Odd morwong have been caught during reef sessions, typically alongside snapper and other reef species.
- Bycatch during snapper targeting.
Thresher Shark
Out wider, several thresher sharks have been seen and caught around bait schools on the shelf, indicating offshore predator activity.
- Target bait schools for increased shark encounters.
Weather & Marine Conditions
Recent reports indicate that beach conditions have settled, with new banks and gutters formed, improving surf fishing opportunities. Offshore, water temperatures are around 20°C off Merimbula and rising to 22°C off Tathra, which is expected to bring more pelagic species into the area over the coming weeks. Afternoon sessions have been more productive for reef fishing due to less favorable tides.
Tides & Solunar Activity
Early rising tides have been highlighted as the best window for beach fishing, especially for salmon and tailor, as wave action stirs the water and increases fish activity. The top of the tide is less productive for these species. Offshore, tides have not favored reef fishing, but afternoons have still produced snapper and morwong.
Fishing Conditions & Tips
Anglers targeting flathead offshore should focus on depths of 25–30 metres for sand flathead, while estuary fishers are advised to use live poddy mullet for dusky flathead. For snapper, soft plastics have proven effective at Green Cape, especially during afternoon sessions. Beach fishing for salmon and tailor is best during early rising tides with wave action, using beach worms and live bait. Estuary systems are challenging but persistence with prawn-style lures can yield mulloway and trevally.
Regulations & Notices
Anglers are reminded to consult the latest NSW Recreational Freshwater Fishing Guide and use the FishSmart App for up-to-date rules and regulations, including size and bag limits for all species. The current season for trout fishing is open, and all fishers should ensure compliance with local guidelines before heading out.
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