Fishing in Brunswick Heads image
Beach fishing on Brunswick Heads beach

Fishing in Brunswick Heads

Fishing in Brunswick Heads
Byron Bay Charters - Deep Sea Fishing & Whale Watching

Byron Bay Charters is a Deep Sea Fishing and Whale Watching Charter business that is located and run out of Brunswick Heads, 15 mins north of Byron Bay. We are available for fishing charters and other private charters seven days a week, weather permitting. Catch (and keep or release) marlin, tuna, mackerel, wahoo, king fish, snapper and much more - all from the comfort of Windarra, our fully equipped fishing boat.  Read more...

p: 0400 946 066
e: enquiries@byronbaycharters.com.au
w: www.byronbaycharters.com.au

Beach Bait & Tackle

New owners, new location, new beach gear as well as all your fishing, bait and tackle needs. Visit the new Beach Bait & Tackle shop to get your NSW Fishing Licence and great local advice. Open 7 days, Mon-Fri 7.30am to 5pm, Sat-Sun 6.30am to 5pm.
Cnr Fingal & Park Sts Brunswick Heads NSW 2483
p: 0432 394 869

Fishing in Brunswick Heads
Cape Byron Marine Park - Brunswick River

Cape Byron Marine Park covers approximately 22,000 hectares, extending from Brunswick Heads in the north to Lennox Head in the south. It includes the seabed and extends seaward from the mean high water mark to the 3 nautical mile limit of state waters. The tidal waters of the Brunswick River and its tributaries are within the Marine Park and their use is regulated through the Cape Byron Marine Park Zoning Plan. This aims to conserve marine biodiversity while allowing sustainable recreational and commercial activities.

Click here to learn more about Marine Parks
w: www.mpa.nsw.gov.au/cbmp.html

Fishing in Brunswick Heads
Marine life

Marine life includes many species of dolphins, fish, seabirds and marine plants, and some, such as little terns, grey nurse sharks and sea turtles, are threatened. Examples of some of the tiny marine organisms living in the shallow waters of the Brunswick River include colourful nudibranchs (sea slugs), sea snails, shrimps, crabs, corals, starfish, anemones, octopus, flat worms, sea squirts and sponges.

Fishing in Brunswick Heads
Fish for the future

Brunswick Heads is a very popular destination for recreational beach and river fishing. Healthy and diverse habitats mean healthy and diverse fish populations; a must if you want to catch fish. Fishing and gathering invertebrates is not allowed in the Marine Park sanctuary zones, which include most of Marshalls Creek and Simpson's Creek upstream from the Bowling Club. 

Licences are required for hand or line fishing, bait collecting or collecting invertebrates or for possession of fishing gear near waters. (Under 18 years are exempt). Licences can be obtained from, BP Service Station or online here. You must carry the receipt with you when you are fishing.

Only catch sufficient fish for your immediate needs. Use environmentally friendly tackle where possible and dispose of litter responsibly. Please acquaint yourself with the NSW regulations covering bagging and minimum fish sizes displayed on notices and in brochures. Spearfishing is prohibited. It is illegal to sell your catch.

What's biting in the Brunswick?
Estuary perch, yellowfin bream, tarwhine, sand flathead, garfish, leatherjacket, mangrove jack, luderick, moses perch, mulloway, mullet, pearl perch, tailor, silver trevally, snapper.
Availability of fish depends on the season, the tides and the weather

Collecting pippis, yabbies and crabs
The pipi is an important food source for the pied oystercatcher. Pippi collection must be undertaken by hand and should not be taken 50m beyond the high tide mark. They should be used as bait only. Please take only what you need for the day and rebury the small ones. The bag limit is 50. The island near the Ferry Caravan Park is a good place to collect yabbies for bait. Mud, black and mangrove crabs must be over 8.5cm from front to back of carapace. The bag limit is 5.

Recreational beach and river fishing are one of many popular Brunswick Heads activities. Visitors can rent, buy or charter all the gear they'll need, but please be aware that licenses are required for hand or line fishing, and fishing and gathering invertebrates are not allowed in the Marine Park sanctuary zones.