Recreational fishing
Activities
The Solitary Islands Marine Park is a renowned recreational fishing area supporting world class shore and boat-based fishing opportunities from estuaries, beaches and headlands to offshore. Recreational fishers chase prized species including Snapper, Kingfish, Mackerel and Mud Crabs. These waters support several local recreational fishing clubs who hold regular outings and major fishing competitions.
The Solitary Islands Marine Park is also a premier spearfishing and freediving destination, with active local clubs and a major competition on the Australian calendar.
Several charter fishing operators help recreational fishers to access the marine park. To find a charter fishing operator, visit Go Charter Fishing in NSW
Three Fish Aggregating Devices (FADs) provide additional fishing opportunities adjacent to the marine park. An artificial reef
Rules
Special rules apply to recreational fishing (including spearfishing and hand collection) in the Solitary Islands Marine Park. Know the rules before you head out.
Key links
- Download a Solitary Islands Marine Park guide.
- Download a Solitary Islands Marine Park map.
- Download the FishSmart app for all the information you need to fish in NSW. The FishSmart app lets you track your location in relation to marine park zones in real time.
- Download information on collecting from rocky shores.
Important locations
- Fishing by any method (including spearfishing or collecting by hand) is not permitted in any marine park sanctuary zone. See the Solitary Islands Marine Park map for pink sanctuary zone locations.
- If you need to transit through sanctuary zones, make sure all fishing gear is stowed, lines are not baited, spear guns are unloaded, and any part of any line or gear is not touching the water.
- If you need to stop in a sanctuary zone, any fishing gear must be unrigged.
- No fishing or extractive activities are allowed in the green Pimpernel Rock Marine National Park Zone in the Solitary Islands Marine Park (Commonwealth waters).
- Special purpose zones at Arrawarra Headland and Pipeclay Lake protect sacred Aboriginal cultural values. No fishing or collecting is allowed in these areas.
- Shore-based recreational line fishing is the only type of fishing permitted on large areas of Minnie Water Back Beach, Fiddamans Beach and Moonee Beach. See the hatched areas adjacent to offshore sanctuary zones on the Solitary Islands Marine Park map .
- Spearfishing is not permitted in any Solitary Islands Marine Park estuary or on ocean beaches except for the last 20 metres at each end of the beach.
- Crab trapping is prohibited in the upper reaches of the Wooli River. See the hatched area in the Solitary Islands Marine Park map .
- Bait and invertebrates (other than Rock Lobster and Slipper Lobster) must not be collected from the Diggers Camp Rock Platform.
- Bait and invertebrates must not be collected from Moonee Beach.
Species protections
Only some species may be taken from the Solitary Islands Marine Park habitat protection zone. Other species may not be taken from anywhere in the marine park. See protected species information here .
Fishing competitions, events and charter fishing
Any organised fishing events, fishing competitions, clinics or charter fishing activities require a marine park permit. See more information or download a marine park permit application form or email solitary.islands@dpird.nsw.gov.au.
NSW recreational fishing rules
- All NSW recreational fishing rules and regulations, including bag and size limits, also apply when fishing in the NSW Solitary Islands Marine Park and Solitary Islands Marine Park (Commonwealth waters).
- Cast nets are prohibited in NSW.
- Recreational fishers need to pay the NSW recreational fishing fee unless exempt.
Report illegal activity
Fisheries Officers regularly patrol the NSW Solitary Islands Marine Park and Solitary Islands Marine Park (Commonwealth waters) and heavy penalties apply for illegal activity. Report illegal activity to Fishers Watch by completing the form
