best flathead fishing spots sydney

This is one of the best rock fishing spots in Sydney. We are open 7 days a week offering a great range of Fishing Tackle Gold Coast for our local area as well as bait & ice. Once at the end of the breakwall, repeat the process. They are a protected species and must be released if hooked. Type: Bank fishing Catch: Jewfish, Flathead, Yellowtail Best time: Night Tom Ugly's Bridge Georges River Rod = Demon Blood V2 962MH. Hawkesbury River 8. Enjoy a variety of styles, including freshwater, river, lake, rock, beach and even open ocean game fishing. You can purchase a license online, by phone, from standard and gold fishing agents or from a Service NSW Centre. And, thanks to the [], While most know it simply as Presidents Day, the official name of the holiday that falls on the third Monday of each February is Washingtons Birthday. We will supply everything else including bait, fishing rods and reels and a fishing licence. Truth be told, probably nothing special. The reef runs from 5-6m on top to 12m off the edge. But youre literally staring at the Opera House so who cares? Situated on the Parramatta River, Gladesville Wharf offers a great fishing spot for some freshwater fishing and is known to be the best place in Sydney to catch a jewfish. Dusky flathead (Platycephalus fuscus): All NSW estuaries. Its cathartic, great for your patience, and you might even get a feed out of it. We have 3 purpose built fishing vessels that have all the facilities and amenities you require. The water is pure, the beaches are clean and the fish life is absolutely incredible. Remember, if you do fish in the area, youre required by law to wear a life jacket and there are several rules you need to follow to prevent overfishing. If there is no one else fishing the wall you can cast up-current and allow the bait to hit the bottom. Select the right bait: Flathead feed on a variety of prey, including fish, crabs, and prawns. Regardless, you can either line fish here or bring your spear gun and start looking for those prizes. The gin-clear waters and racks of small fishing boats give the bay an almost Mediterranean vibe. Check out the girth of this flathead that was trolled up in the Georges River. Our skipper can cast off from the Cronulla Wharf and be in the ideal fishing spots in minutes. This spot provides a sublime blend of access to water and a stretch of grassland to laze out. You might find him crate-digging at the nearest record store or sampling whisky at the nearest bar. Off The Rocks. There are many theories as to the best time to catch flathead. Youll also want to download the Tides Near Me app (if you can) and check it every time before you head on out to catch some fish its always better to fish when the tide is turning. Even though I like a feed of flathead I have been releasing all my fish 55cm and over, mainly because they are females. Thats about all there is to say about the bridge, other than the obvious: the fishing here is really good. Hop over to Blues Point Reserve, just the other side of the Harbour Bridge. The Australian Tattoo Expo is Looking for the Nation's Suckiest Tattoos, The Complete Guide to Beer Types and Styles. There are also picnic areas, public toilets, and some beautiful views from the dam wall. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. The area holds good catches of Bream, Mulloway, Dusky Flathead, Tailor and Whiting. YouTube sets this cookie via embedded youtube-videos and registers anonymous statistical data. Clarkes Point is nestled perfectly between both Parramatta and Lane Cove rivers on the Woolwich Peninsula, meaning this fishing spot gives you access to a real abundance of fish. Browns Rock Location: La Perouse Type of fish: Bream, Trevally, Snapper, Tailor, Salmon 2. All Rights Reserved. The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. High season is April to May and September to October. Some say when there is a full moon that catching flathead 3 days prior and 3 days post the full moon is best. The Basin is famous for its giant dusky flathead and is home to a plethora of other popular estuary sportfish. 18 Best Beach Camping Spots in NSW While we cant give too much away without angering the lobster diving community, we can say that the rocky inlets where the Hawkesbury River meets the sea are a good place to start. Almost. Once they get to about eight years old they average about 90cm so just imagine how old a 1.5m flattie would be. #fishing #sydneyfishing #lurefishingRecommended plastics:Zman GrubZ Watermelon Red 2.5" (AUS) https://amzn.to/3fwvdZjZman GrubZ Bloodworm 2.5" (AUS) https://. Best Time to go: Sunset Youll find ample parking here, as well as a concrete fishing platform facing the river. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. Species Found: trevally, bream, rock cod, parrotfish. Spinning outfits of 2kg to 4kg with rods around 2m long give plenty of distance for casting hard or soft lures. This picturesque seaside town lies at the mouth of the Hastings River, a 128km long system that rises in the Great Dividing Range before meandering through scenic national parks and rural farmland towards the coast. Gary's Botany Bay Winter Fishing Spot #4: Yarra Bay. Soft plastics can be worked over the shallows in the early part of the morning and just before the sun sets. There are numerous areas in and around Sydney where one can fish. Where to go fishing in Sydney Whether you're a seasoned caster or a newbie with fish in your dreams, these spots on Sydney's shores are primo locations for snaring an underwater bounty. It gets busy here, with enthusiastic fishers regularly crowded the jetty. Cast closer into the imposing rock faces to get a bite from estuary perch. It's only a short cycle from the crowds of Bondi Beach, but it feels a million miles away. This may be true in the Sydney region but the concentration of flathead will vary up and down the coast, mainly due to the time when the female flathead are spawning and those eager males will follow them down to the estuary mouths. Before you go and snag some snapper, youd going to need to know a few things about fishing in Sydney that could help you avoid issues, both on the day and with the law. Whiting, dusky flathead and bream are the most common catches here. Type of fishing: Bank Here, youll find deep waters, picturesque surroundings, local barbecues, a popular public pool, and either a bank or jetty from where you can cast your line. enable_page_level_ads: true Snap a pic and throw it back because these waters are known to be polluted. They can leave nasty wounds and are sharp on even the smallest of flathead, while those on a large fish can inflict plenty of damage. Your best chance of getting a live one is around the last channel marker at near low tide. In the middle of the day move out into deeper water and try soft plastics. Let's call it a happy compromise while he saves up for the next big trip. " Australia also has a long history of commercial fishing, but it was largely localised throughout the 1800s because fresh fish quickly spoil without being cured or dried. If you want a 3-day NSW Fishing Licence, youre looking at just $7. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. Again, there are some great beach fishing options and couple of famous rock fishing spots. . Alternatively, you can carry a digital copy of your receipt within the My Service NSW app. Its an ideal place to unwind. There are 23 wharf (s) in this area. All that is left are a few bones and the skin. As they are often well lit, they also provide a good opportunity for night fishing. It doesnt get much fresher than that. Flathead are very good on the dinner plate. Good trevally have been taken from the dropover in front of the Novatel at Brighton Le-Sands on live nippers on the top of the tide. Boat Harbour Aquatic Reserve When released to spawn for another season they will give anglers like you and me many more hours of enjoyment. If you prefer to use bait start with live poddy mullet, silver biddies or herring, or whitebait or frogmouth pilchards. Call 07 5502 6200. Manly Dam 9. There is no closed season. Probably not a bad place for beginners to learn the basics. Drifting is the best method for finding flathead. Cast your line: Cast your line into the water, making sure to reach the desired depth. Rules: Standard spear-fishing regulations apply (and there are many). I have caught flathead in Port Hacking which have been very pale and others have been extremely dark. Additionally, be aware of fishing regulations and always practice responsible fishing to ensure the health and sustainability of flathead populations. About Fishing in Sydney 1. You can buy a license online or over the phone and have a digital version saved within the My Service NSW smartphone app. This area is best fished from a boat drifting between the bridges. '$164 Billion Lost': Norway Sovereign Wealth Fund Posts Biggest Loss Since 2008, First Look at 707PS Aston Martin DBX707 F1 Medical Cars, Man of Many's Staff Favourites - 4 March 2023, Vacheron Constantin Unveils Sydney-Exclusive Tribute Model for One Special Reason, 22 Best Japanese Restaurants in Melbourne, Got Sh*t Ink? Long-spined flathead (Platycephalus longispinis): Weed & sandy areas of the coast of NSW. Type of fishing: Jetty Fished any of the ones on our list? We dont know about you, but to us, that spells a lot of fish. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Did you know that almost a fourth of the Free State is made up of water? Gunnamatta Bay, Port Hacking The top pick in the Sutherland Shire is the giant jetty at Gunnamatta Bay. He had had no experience at Game Fishing December off Sydney but was. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent. So give some thought to releasing the next big dusky you catch. Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. Once fishing boats began to improve, with proper engines and refrigeration, the emerging commercial industry surrounding fishing began to truly expand and the demand for a wider variety of fish starting shooting through. Hello, my name is daniel and I love to go fishing, I catch a lot of bream, but I never catch any flathead. The dam is only open from 7:00 A.M. until 8:30 P.M., or until 5:30 P.M. in the winter. Get a different perspective on what to wear, what to buy and how to live better from experts whose opinions count. Flathead catfish seldom thrive in creeks, ponds and small lakes. It's a great rock fishing spot for kings, tailor and drummer. Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors. Here are some of the best fishing spots in Sydney for full-day fishing fun. Type of Fishing: FreshwaterType of Fish:Australian bass, silver perch, carp, redfinBest Time to Go:Sunset, before the gates shut. All this is so far from the truth its comical. In a northerly, drive right into the shallow water; in a southerly start in about 5m of water and work your way back to the shore. Flathead are available all year round. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. As the name implies this beach occasionally washes away in a big storm so shore based fishos cant always rely on it to be there. This popular spot known for its high population of the hard to catch Jewfish, is the perfect place to head down for a night time fishing session. In this deep fresh water, it is possible to find Flathead, Mulloway, Yellowtail, and bream fish. If your line is firm and you know what youre doing, you might end up reeling in a trophy catch. The first major feature you find heading north of Grotto is Washaway beach. First and foremost, always use fresh bait. And if you dont end up catching anything, swing by Bridge Seafood at Tom Uglys just a mere few metres away for a consolation feed. 1. Nelson Bay breakwall - An excellent spot for bream, snapper and mulloway bream, luderick, kingfish and even jewfish. Garry retains a blue belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu; as well as a black belt in all things pop culture. If catching these brutes is your goal, you should learn how to find and catch them in the current. It is where Port Hacking meets the Pacific Ocean. 6. Cast your eyes over the best fishing spots in Sydney. So, what brings people here? You can either purchase a fishing licence online, or by contacting Service NSW, a fishing fee agent, or any Kmart store in the state. Fishing Type: Jetty Fishing; Off-ShoreType of Fish: Large bream, John Dory and flathead, and some anglers have even been able to catch themselves squid.Best Time to Go: Early to mid-morning. I also use a Shakespeare Synergy 2.1m soft plastic 2kg to 4kg rod with a Pflueger Medalist 30 reel spooled with 3kg braid. The fish here will average about 50cm and the area can be fished at any time and tide but sunny days seem to be best because you can see the weed patches and direct your cast to the weed edges. And since the Founding Father himself was an avid angler, what better way to spend the day than to do some fishing? Best Time to go: Night I really need your guys help with the spots and if you guys can also tell me some good hard lures for flathead and bream I will greatly appreciate it. Both sides get busy at weekends, but you should find space during the week. Cooks River 5. The historic and cultural hub of the Carolinas has much more to offer than just old buildings and museums, however. Anchor fore and aft to position your boat across the current on top of the sand flats that jut out from Darook Park. Downriver from the ramp, Bobbin Head is a relaxing spot to fish for flathead, bream, and snapper, particularly during the week when it's less crowded. This cookie is set by ShareThis, to test whether the browser accepts cookies. Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. With so much going on, its tough to know where to start. Either park down towards Ramsgate and walk, or bring your bike on the train. To list out every species would basically turn this article into a Wikipedia entry and a really long one at that. Brighton Le Sands is well known for having some great seafood restaurants. Once you have located a few fish, you should drop a marker (a plastic bottle on a rope with a couple of snapper sinkers for weight) so you can drift past the spot time and again. The __gads cookie is associated with the DoubleClick for Publishers service from Google. While were still in Sydney Harbour, consider this legendary locale, which features public amenities and delivers epic views of Harbour Bridge and the Opera House. Be the first to access to new features, find out when new spots are added, The _ga cookie, installed by Google Analytics, calculates visitor, session and campaign data and also keeps track of site usage for the site's analytics report. If you prefer Sydney fishing spots of the gorgeous variety, then veer from Chowder Bay in Port Jackson to discover nearby Clifton Gardens. The ones from St Georges Basin area seem to be very dark. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); An aussie icon, different species of flathead can be found throughoutAustralian estuaries. Weve tried to give you a sampling board of Sydneys fishing scene, but theres way more to explore. An annual licence will set you back $35, while a 3-year licence is set at $85. Best Fishing Spots in the greater Drummoyne area Wharf's or Jetties are good places to wet a line and meet other fishermen. Gymea Baths Location: Gymea Bay Type of fish: Bream, Whiting, Flathead, Flounder, Salmon, Bonito, Kingfish Port Hacking River is one of the cleanest waterways in Sydney. My favourite fishing spots in Sydney Sure, these lots of fish in Sydney Harbour and there are also lots of fishing spots but where are the best places in Sydney Harbour to go fishing with kids? Gps Fishing Marks Sydney Harbor Offshore Reef Spots & Location Browse the Area you would like to fish and target the desired Fish type . Expect to find: Leatherjackets, Bream, Snapper Our skipper can cast off from the Cronulla Wharf and be in the ideal fishing spots in minutes. Rules: Only open during certain hours. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({ RELATED: Sea-Doos Fish Pro Is The Worlds First Dedicated Fishing Jet Ski. Day or night doesnt seem to matter. The cost for a 3-day NSW fishing licence is as little as $7, while an annual licence will run you $35. The dusky flathead is a majestic creature which can hit a hard or soft lure with so much force that I have seen anglers almost lose their rod and reel over board, yet can also bite with so much subtlety that you can hardly feel it. Expect to find: Mulloway, Flathead, Yellowtail, Bream Full disclosure I havent personally tried this one out, but it comes recommended. Further north and you're in the Central Coast. The fish here will average about 50cm and the area can be fished at any time and tide but sunny . Dont worry, though, its super easy to get here. Duskies are found in estuaries and coastal bays from Cairns to the Gippsland Lakes in Victoria. This popular destination has easy access to a number of quiet coastal campsites and less demanding shore-based fishing. Rules: Youre required by law to wear a lifejacket when you fish on the rocks, and the following things are banned: spear-fishing, fishing for Blue Groper, and harvesting protected species such as urchins or cockles. You can find them sandbanks, near rocks and weeds where there is a dropoff. At long last, the Sydney fishing spots youve been waiting for. This isnt exactly the most scenic fishing spot Sydney has to offer. Most of the time during the tide runs very fast here, so you will need to fish about 45 minutes either side of the top or bottom of the tide. People under the age of 18 and those assisting people under 18 do not need a license. If you want to take in the city in all her glory while you fish, this is definitely the spot for you. I also like my Wilson Live Fibre 106 low-mount Trophy Estuary rod with a 500 Alvey sidecast spooled with 6kg mono. A cookie set by YouTube to measure bandwidth that determines whether the user gets the new or old player interface. The author with an average dusky caught at The Patches at Towra Point. Keep one eye on the sea at all times, never fish on your own or in bad weather, and ask locals where its safe to fish if youre new. Ready to spoil yourself with a weekend or longer away on . Sure, you can roll into the hottest new seafood joint or you can pick up the pole and go exploring on your own. There are plenty of rocks around the mouth of the Cooks River, or further south around Ramsgate. Rules: Be willing to catch and release. Indeed, this place has it all. Set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin, this cookie is used to record the user consent for the cookies in the "Advertisement" category . Next, try and make sure the rod, reel, and line are all in sync. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". Best Time to go: Early morning The deeper holes around Bobbin Head are famed for jewfish. Fishing in Port Hacking and along the Cronulla Coast is a popular pastime for locals and visitors alike and can produce a variety of tasty catch from flathead to whiting and bream.. Just 25km south of the CBD and only 20 minutes from Sydney Airport, "The Shire" as the area is affectionately known, delivers all the best Sydney has to offer; famous beaches, iconic waterways, rich bushland . It always depends on what youre hoping to catch. Drop your anchor on the sand flat and allow the back of your boat to sit at the edge of the sandy drop-off. Beulah Street Wharf 7. The beaches around the Harbour City can offer some seriously good fishing. So, with that bit of housekeeping out of the way, its time to fill you in on the very best fishing spots Sydney has to offer, encompassing both freshwater and saltwater. The following fees apply: In NSW, fishing licences are issued by NSW Primary Industries and you are required, by law, to carry a receipt showing the payment of your fee. With that [], Its no secret that Charleston is one of the nations most enjoyable cities to visit. We have the experience and local knowledge to get you out catching fish in no time. Most strip baits will work here and you could also try jigging soft plastics. The area is also known for its friendly Blue Groper, although theyre strictly protected and must be released immediately if you hook one. Splash in the water or get out onto it on a kayak or jet ski. Start about an hour before the top of the tide and continue to fish no longer than an hour after it has turned. 4. Starting in the north of Sydney, Manly Dam is the perfect place for a family day out, with plenty to keep everyone busy. The scientific name for the Dusky Flathead isPlatycephalus fuscus. He holds a Bachelor's degree in English and Communication Arts from the University of Wisconsin--Madison and co-authored a Young Adult novel through Simon & Schuster. The best time to fish here is on the run-out tide. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The Georges River is popular amongst commercial fishermen and recreational anglers alike. Lilli Pilli, also south of Sydney CBD, is another fishing spot known for quality fishing along with some gorgeous views while you do so but is perhaps best-suited for those more experienced in handling a rod and reel. Bar Point, Hawkesbury River . There are far worse places to fish than right there in Sydney Harbour. Top 5 tips for catching flathead. Gunnamatta is a popular spot because it offers up a long jetty, providing ample space to set up some chairs and settle in for a mornings fishing. Section 4 near the wetlands is considered the best fishing spot, especially at sunset. I think it was Ron Swanson who said it best when he described fishing as yoga for blokes. Kingfish have also been caught here with live bait or a popper lure. Flathead are native to Australia and are one of the most popular fish for anglers. There are plenty of ramps if you're taking the boat out but, if . I like my Pflueger Trion Artificial Bait Series 2.13m 2kg to 4kg rod with a Pflueger President 30 spinning reel spooled with 3kg braid. Download Spots. Throw out some worms or corn in the dams northern wetlands, or break out the spinnerbaits nearer the wall. East of Melbourne in the Dandenong creek valley lies Jells Park Lake, a family-friendly area with two fishing jetties hosting carp, redfin and eels. Here we go. 9 Best Presidents' Day Fishing Destinations i 2023 FishingBooker.com. Some of the data that are collected include the number of visitors, their source, and the pages they visit anonymously. Beulah Street Wharf is smack bang in the middle of Sydney Harbour, directly across from the opera house and almost in the shadow of the Harbour Bridge. Thats why were highlighting six of the best fishing spots Sydney has to offer. And of course, you can fish from the beach if thats more your thing. there are some rules you need to be aware of before you cast your line, and a fee to pay for a licence. The eastern side is great for land based fishing catches including tailor, flathead and giant trevally. A full list of permitted and prohibited fishing methods for freshwater and saltwater can be found on the NSW Government website. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The fish, obviously! Only free during the day? The ideal place to set up shop is tucked under the northern side. Just grab your rod the fish are waiting for a fight! 1. From pier fishing to shore fishing to secret fishing locales, Sydneys best fishing spots wont leave your line in the lurch. From Gladesville to Bald Island, Gymea Bay to Barrenjoey Head, the amount of fishing spots Sydney has access to is almost unfair. This also happens to be one of the best spots for rock fishing in Sydney. It is best to hold the rod in your hand if you troll because if you get snagged you can drop your rod tip back towards the lure and most of the time these floating lures will rise up over the snags. Now Australian waters are brimming with all kinds of fish, and nowhere is this more apparent than Sydney. Dusky Flathead Hot Spots. A variation of the _gat cookie set by Google Analytics and Google Tag Manager to allow website owners to track visitor behaviour and measure site performance. All in all, its a hassle-free spot that feels a thousand miles from Sydneys CBD, without actually leaving the city. Tuggerah Lake. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". Northern sand flathead (Platycephalus arenarius): Northern NSW. However, it's recommended you release anything you catch because the pollution levels of the water in the Harbour makes much of the fish inedible. Installed by Google Analytics, _gid cookie stores information on how visitors use a website, while also creating an analytics report of the website's performance. The view to be enjoyed here is almost nice enough to make up for a day of catching absolutely nothing. We offer off street parking and also a courtesy jetty for customers arriving by boat. Its also a legal requirement to wear a lifejacket while fishing. Address: Located near Wharf Rd, Gladesville NSW 2111, Australia; The most common flathead is the Dusky. Drop us a message in the comments below, wed love to hear from you! Cronulla Train Station is a stones throw from the baths. A dusky flathead can grow to around 15kg and 1.5m, In Queensland the average length at first maturity is 46cm for males and 56cm for females while in Botany Bay the males mature at 32cm and females at 38cm. Type of fishing: Rock Roll up in the early evening, bring a 10-foot rod (or something similar), and cast out from the beach. Arrive early to beat the crowd and expect to catch at least a few bites, as theres a lot of fish in these parts. Fly Point - Good for bream and luderick. Heres the fee breakdown: You can purchase the licence online, over the phone in the new digital Service NSW App, through a fishing fee agent, or at most Kmart stores in NSW. Best Time to go: Late evening Even further south in the Sutherland Shire is the relatively serene Gunnamatta Bay. Here are some popular baits used to catch flathead: It's important to experiment with different baits and techniques to determine what works best, as flathead can be fussy feeders and their preferences can change depending on the time of year and water conditions. Get out there and let us know! They can be rigged on the hook and fished near the bottom. It is a great fishing area situated on the Hawkesbury River, and it is one of the best fishing spots in Sydney. Type of fishing: Bank or jetty read the latest fishing news and articles before anyone else! After the ferry service has called it a night, head to this Sydney fishing spot and cast out from the northern bank. Its all about finding the right spot, so choose wisely with this Sydney fishing spot. Once current picks up the bait, start walking down current, allowing the bait to stay just the correct distance from where the rocks meet the river bed. Rules: Size, bag, and gear limits. Flathead are typically found near estuaries and headlands that are adjacent to river mouths. Were not going to lie, this ones as much about the view as the fishing but what a view it is! A frequent question I'm asked is 'Where's a good spot to fish in Sydney?' If you fancy a slight change of scenery, feel free to make your way down the beach towards Ramsgate and cast into the ocean. The preopercular spines on each side of the head are very sharp and should be avoided when handling the fish. And of course, theres great fishing! This is a popular place to teach the kids the ropes or to learn your way around a rod. You can fish the incoming tide, but youll need to be able to cast a long way to reach the fish. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. Flathead is a popular species of fish that is widely sought after by sport fishers. Yes, you can fish in Sydney Harbour. Whether youre a freshwater or seawater fisherman, you can find some of the best fishing spots in Sydney, thanks to its fair share of waterways not to mention Sydney Harbour teeming with various species of fish just waiting to latch onto a bait. On the south, theres a boat ramp and a small jetty running under the bridge. Live baitfish: Live baitfish, such as mullet, herring, or pilchards, can be very effective for catching flathead. Thats not to mention the stretches of beautiful grassland behind you or the on-site BBQ facilities. Get there early and fish the rocks on the south side of the bay for an incredible sunrise and plenty of Trevally, Bream, Rock Cod, Parrotfish and more. Long before Cook and his crew on HMS Endeavour arrived, untold generations of local Aboriginal people fished and hunted throughout the entire area. Dusky flathead have a distinctive black spot on the caudal fin and dark bars are often visible across the rear of the body. You might ask. The best times to fish for certain species in the Sydney Harbour. 2023 Man of Many Pty Ltd Sydney, Australia ABN 73 163 331 280. With relatively little effort you can catch a feed of whiting, flathead or tailor from the . These baits are fished near the bottom, imitating injured or dead prey. River systems with consistently flowing water produce the state's best big flathead catfish fishing. . Located just over 380kms north of Sydney, Port Macquarie sits at the centre of the idyllic northern coastline of NSW.