Top Inshore Fishing Spots & Species in Wollongong, NSW
Wollongong has unbelievable fishing opportunities combined with stunning coastal views. The inshore fishing is fantastic in the reefs, sandy flats and estuary channels. The waters are teeming with life, and you are sure to have a great day on the water, reeling in a variety of fish. The best way to experience this amazing fishing experience is to rent a charter.
Some of the fish that you might catch during an inshore charter are Snapper, Morwong, Wrasse, Flathead and more. There are many different techniques that your captain will have you try to hook up with the fish at whatever fishing ground you may be at. Bottom fishing, drifting, trolling, live bait, plastic lures and others will maximize your chances of bringing your favorite fish into the boat and eventually onto your plate.
Charters are run by local, experienced captains who know the waters like the back of their hands. They know which fishing ground to go to depending on the conditions or where the fish are, and with this knowledge, they can put you on the fish.
Anglers love to come to this area because of the large number of fish and beautiful surroundings. Spend a fantastic day fishing the inshore waters of Wollongong. You will not be sorry you did.
When fishing in Wollongong, there are many spots to hit for great fishing. The reefs around Port Kembra, just south of the town, have great opportunities to reel in Snapper, Morwong, and Kingfish. At Five Islands, you can target Bream, Flathead and Trevally.
Other notable spots are the mouth of Lake Illawarra, where you can find action in the channels and drop-offs and the shallower reefs off Woonana and Bellumbi, both located just north of town. These waters are close to shore, so you do not have to venture too far out to have a memorable day on the water while on your charter.

PORT KEMBRA
Depending on weather conditions, Port Kembla is only 10 – 15 minutes away from the docks in Wollongong. Port Kembla is an excellent place to start a charter from Wollongong. There is some serious action, both inshore and on the reefs. These waters are packed with life, and your local charter captain will know all the best spots to drop anchor.
When fishing off Port Kembla, you can expect to find Snapper, Morwong, Kingfish and large-sized flatheads. The habitats, nearshore rocky reefs, other underwater structures, and sandy bottoms have plenty of fish waiting for your hook.
FIVE ISLANDS
Anglers looking for a fun time should try fishing at Five Islands, located east of Port Kembla. The fishing here is excellent, with a wide variety of fish and lots of action. The calm waters and closeness to shore make it a popular choice for charter captains to take anglers.
Many fish are found in the islands’ rocky reefs, sandy bottoms and kelp-covered structures. Snapper and Morwong love the deeper reefs, while kingfish are found around the edges of rocky outcrops in search of baitfish. You can discover Flathead swimming about along the sandy patches near where the reefs begin. With various habitats for anglers to explore, fishing at Five Islands is a top spot that does not disappoint.
LAKE ILLAWARRA
Lake Illawarra’s estuaries and at the mouth are rewarding experiences for anglers looking for calmer waters but still plenty of action. These calm waters are full of plenty of fish that are sought after not only for the excellent fights they put up, but they are also delicious. Your captain knows these waters and will know the perfect places to reel them in.
There are many places to find fish. In the sandy channels and drop-offs, you can find Bream and Flathead, while heading to the deeper waters, especially near tidal movements, you could be in for an exciting challenge trying to land Mulloway.
The estuary has sandy bottoms, tidal channels and submerged structures like rocks and oyster leases. These habitats provide excellent hiding spaces for fish like Flatheads, Bream, Trevally, and even Flounder and Juvenile Snapper.
BELLANBI AND WOONONA
10 to 20 minutes north of the harbor, you can find the towns of Bellanbi and Woonona. The location makes it a convenient spot for charters out of Wollongong, and the action makes it a favorite for anglers. There are many well-known species roaming these fertile waters.
The rocky reefs and kelp beds are full of fish like Snapper, Trevally, and Leatherjackets. Flatfish can be found camouflaged on the sandy bottoms. These towns offer enjoyable and rewarding fishing experiences close to home, so you can be reeling in fish in no time, making them perfect for short and half-day charters.
CONCLUSION
Charter fishing in the inshore waters in and around Wollongong is a must for anglers looking for fun and fish. With access to some of New South Wales’s best fishing grounds, fishing here is a rewarding and memorable experience. Whether you are hitting the reefs at Five Islands or cruising the channels of Lake Illawarra, there is always fish waiting for your hook.
The charters out of Wollongong are run by local captains who know the waters and fish of the area. They are knowledgeable and experienced. On a charter, here you are in for an exciting day and a trip you will talk about for a long time.
AQUILLA FISHING CHARTERS
If you find yourself in Wollongong, there is no better charter than Aquilla Fishing Charters. This is one of our vetted services. We here at Travelfish only pick the best of the best based on the captains’ experience, the services’ boats and 5-star customer satisfaction. Aquilla Fishing Charters passes all of these tests with flying colors.
With over 40 years of experience, this family-owned business has some of the best captains in the area who know the waters in and around town like the back of their hands. They are known for providing anglers with top-notch service from their two boats, the 12.8 m Aquilla that can accommodate up to 10 anglers and the Reel Force, a 12.95 m Seaquest that was built for fishing.
When you book a charter with Aquilla Fishing Charters, you will be in for a day full of memories that will last a lifetime.
Aquilla Fishing Charters
- Wollongong, NSW
Aquilla Fishing Charters, established in 1992, is an award-winning, family-owned business in Wollongong, NSW. With over 40 years of local fishing expertise, they offer deep-sea adventures targeting species like Snapper and Flathead. Their experienced crew caters to all skill levels, ensuring a memorable and safe experience.