A GOOD DAY OF FISHING ISN’T ABOUT CATCHING FISH. IT’S ABOUT BEING OUTSIDE IN NATURE, IT’S ABOUT FRESH AIR AND OCEAN GAZING. AND IT’S ABOUT THE THRILL OF THE TUG ON A LINE, WHEN YOU’RE JUST ABOUT TO PACK UP AND HEAD HOME.

Words Erin Huckle @chucklecommunications

Main Image Peter Masters @studioqube

There’s a quote about fishing that goes: Fishing is a passion that can never be explained. On the face of it, fishing doesn’t make a whole lot of sense. We’re going to stand around for hours, with potentially nothing to show for it other than sunburn and a smelly empty bait bucket? And this is fun?

Here in the Illawarra we’re spoilt for choice when it comes to land-based fishing locations, whether you’re an angler from way back or a first-time fisher. If you’re new to this fishing game, be aware that all recreational fishing in NSW requires a permit, with some exceptions – for example, kids under the age of 18. It pays to check before you cast a line, to avoid a hefty fine.

Belmore Basin

Throw in a line off the harbour walls where the fishing boats park-up and you might just catch something. This is a super-easy and accessible spot for beginners, plus if you don’t land any fish, you can still grab some delicious fish and chips from one of the local spots right on the harbour (or jump in for a swim to cool-off if that sun is getting too much). It’s a day out with more than ‘just’ fishing, so certain to be a winner.

Lake Illawarra

The size of Lake Illawarra can be overwhelming. And with many hidden jetties and parks that line the lake, it’s full of surprises and worth exploring! The jetty at Berkeley is a great place to try your fishing luck, and very kid friendly. It’s also a surprisingly quiet spot, and again near to a playground and skate park if you’re with the kids and they get bored of fishing within 20 minutes. Although surely fishing is the ideal opportunity to teach kids the value of patience and delayed gratification?

Windang

When you ask local friends and fishers for their top local spots, Windang came up time and again. There are plenty of spots here – try from both sides of the bridge, or head around to the beach at Warilla. When the tide is low you can even head out to the sand banks. There’s ample parking, and even a table where you can clean up any fish you catch, plus once again, great playgrounds and a cafe nearby, if you want to make a proper day out of it.

Towradgi

There’s plenty of room here to space yourself out along the beach, so you can keep well clear of swimmers and surfers. When the surf is up, you can cast out a long line into the waves and you might get lucky. Try the north and south ends of the beach near the rocky outcrops, ideally on overcast or cooler days when there are less people around and more space to fish.

Seven Mile Beach

Head south to Seven Mile Beach and find some of the region’s best beach fishing (with literally miles of beach explore). The mouth of Crooked River has some great fishing, or chat to the friendly locals for their tips on where the best nibbles are happening on any particular day. No luck? Head to the Fisherman’s Club at Gerroa for a cracking fish lunch.