Fishing Hotspots In Brunswick Heads

Brunswick Heads is a great place for fishing, with the Brunswick River running through the town and wrapping upstream into private cattle property. The river is a pristine waterway with clear, clean water, and oysters growing wild on the rocks. The river is also influenced by pure ocean tides, which contribute to its healthy estuary. A variety of fish species can be found in the Brunswick River, including tailor, trevally, mulloway, whiting, bass, estuary perch, bream, and flathead. The rock training walls along the river provide a platform for fishing seasonal mulloway, bream, and tailor. The area also offers beach fishing, with large green back tailor frequenting many of the beaches.

Estuary fishing in Brunswick River

The Brunswick River is a great spot for estuary fishing. The river runs through the middle of Brunswick Heads and wraps upstream into private cattle property. The waterway is pristine, with clear, clean water and an open bar that allows pure ocean tides to flow in. The estuary is dotted with sand banks, yabby holes and weed beds, and the river is home to a diverse range of fish species.

The Brunswick River is known for its excellent lure fishing. You can try your luck with metal slugs and ganged pillies at the mouth of the river, where you might catch tailor, trevally or mulloway. If you're seeking a more relaxed fishing experience, take a walk along the shallows and try surface dogs for whiting. For those looking for a challenge, head upstream to try your luck with bass and estuary perch on prawn-like plastics.

The species you'll encounter in the Brunswick River are typical of estuaries, with a few tropical overlaps. You might hook giant trevally, jacks and tarpon, or even the iconic southern sportfish, the estuary perch. The river is also known for its big, angry bream, which can be found lurking around the functioning oyster leases that pepper the river. To target these feisty fish, try using surface lures like Bushy's Top Dog walkers early in the morning.

If you're after bigger fish, the oyster leases are a good bet. You can use a sounder to locate holes, eddies and drop-offs that attract larger estuary predators such as school jew and XOS flathead. For these bigger fish, it's recommended to use slightly larger soft plastics on a medium-weight spin rod. Squidgy Flickbaits in Flash Prawn or Evil Minnow are excellent choices for their crustacean and baitfish imitations.

Beach fishing on Brunswick Heads beach

When beach fishing on Brunswick Heads beach, it is important to be mindful of the regulations and zones within the Marine Park. Fishing is prohibited in sanctuary zones, and certain species are protected from fishing and collecting in habitat protection zones. It is recommended to check the Cape Byron Marine Park Zoning Map, User Guide, and the FishSmart NSW app for the most up-to-date information before heading out.

Brunswick Heads beach provides a great opportunity to target a variety of fish species. The beach is known for its excellent whiting, bream, and flathead fishing during the summer months. For those seeking a challenge, mulloway can be targeted by spinning large minnows or feathers from the rocks or using large baits such as beach worms, mullet, or tailor fillets from the beach in the evening. Large green back tailor are also frequent visitors to the beach, and spinning lures or using large cut baits can be effective in landing these prized fish.

In addition to the variety of fish species, Brunswick Heads beach offers a unique fishing experience with its pristine waters and diverse habitats. The river that runs through the town provides a healthy estuary for fishing enthusiasts. The clear, clean water allows for sight fishing, and the oyster rocks along the river ensure an ample food source for big, angry bream. The river also benefits from pure ocean tides, creating a dynamic and productive fishing environment.

Whether you are a seasoned angler or a novice, beach fishing on Brunswick Heads beach offers a memorable experience. With its laid-back coastal town charm and incredible fishing opportunities, Brunswick Heads is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to unwind and enjoy the simple pleasures of life.

Deep-sea fishing

On a deep-sea fishing trip in Brunswick Heads, you can expect to catch a variety of fish species, including marlin, tuna, mackerel, wahoo, kingfish, and snapper. The Cape Byron Marine Park, which covers approximately 22,000 hectares and extends from Brunswick Heads in the north to Lennox Head in the south, offers a diverse range of marine life for anglers to target.

When planning a deep-sea fishing trip in Brunswick Heads, it is important to keep in mind the local regulations and guidelines. A recreational fishing fee is required in New South Wales, and there are specific rules around hand or line fishing, bait collecting, and the use of fishing gear near waters. It is also important to dispose of litter responsibly and follow regulations regarding bagging and minimum fish sizes.

In addition to deep-sea fishing, Brunswick Heads also offers excellent beach, river, and estuary fishing opportunities. The Brunswick River, in particular, is a popular spot for anglers, with a variety of fish species to target, including estuary perch, yellowfin bream, sand flathead, mangrove jack, and mulloway. The river is known for its clear, clean water and healthy estuary ecosystem, making it a prime location for fishing enthusiasts.

Whether you're an experienced angler or a beginner, Brunswick Heads offers a range of deep-sea fishing opportunities to suit your needs. With its diverse marine life, pristine waterways, and range of fishing spots, Brunswick Heads is a great choice for your next deep-sea fishing adventure.

Fishing licences and regulations

Fishing licences are required for hand or line fishing, bait collecting, or collecting invertebrates in Brunswick Heads. Those under 18 years of age are exempt from this rule. You can obtain a licence from the BP Service Station or online. You must carry the receipt with you when fishing.

Before going fishing, it is important to familiarise yourself with the fishing rules and regulations in the area. Spearfishing is prohibited in Brunswick Heads, and it is illegal to sell your catch. There are also regulations around the collection of pippis, yabbies, and crabs, with specific guidelines for each. For example, the bag limit for pippis is 50, and they should be collected by hand and used only as bait.

When fishing in Brunswick Heads, it is crucial to be mindful of the Marine Park sanctuary zones. Fishing and gathering invertebrates are not permitted in these areas, which include most of Marshalls Creek and Simpson's Creek upstream from the Bowling Club. The use of tidal waters in the Brunswick River and its tributaries is regulated through the Cape Byron Marine Park Zoning Plan, which aims to balance conservation and sustainable recreational activities.

Additionally, the NSW Department of Primary Industries impose further restrictions on spearfishing in certain areas. Spearfishing is not allowed on open beaches more than 20 metres from a headland or in the Brunswick River Estuary. It is also prohibited within the Fisheries Management Closure (Spearfishing), which extends 1 kilometre north and south of the river mouth and 400 metres offshore.

To ensure a safe and sustainable fishing experience in Brunswick Heads, it is important to follow the local regulations and respect the Marine Park sanctuary zones.

Best fishing times

The best fishing times in Brunswick Heads depend on several factors, including the weather, tides, moon phases, and target species. Here is a detailed guide to help you maximise your fishing experience:

• Moon Phases: New moon nights are great for fishing as dark nights encourage predators to feed more during daylight hours. The moon's gravity also influences the tides, leading to increased food availability and better fishing.
• Tides: Stronger tides create stronger currents and more movement on the seabed, which is favourable for fishing. Look out for spring tides, indicated by a tidal coefficient above 90.
• Weather: Rapidly fluctuating pressure is a good indicator of productive fishing. A rising barometer, or a steady barometer in the higher ranges, can also mean good fishing. Steep pressure changes often trigger feeding frenzies.
• Time of Day: For shallow water fishing, twilight periods are often the most productive, especially when they coincide with major or minor feeding times. In low light conditions, predators can more easily ambush their prey.
• Target Species: The Brunswick River is home to a variety of species, including estuary perch, bream, tailor, trevally, mulloway, whiting, bass, mangrove jack, and flathead. The presence of your target species may influence the best times to fish. For example, massive schools of immature prawns attract hundreds of feeding bream closer to the new moon.
• Seasons: The availability of fish depends on the season, tides, and weather.

Remember to always check the Cape Byron Marine Park Zoning Map, User Guide, and the FishSmart NSW app for regulations and restrictions on fishing locations and activities.

Frequently asked questions