fishing & diving

Eden boasts the Southern Hemisphere’s third-deepest harbour — and with no bar to cross and a huge pick of estuaries, no wonder it’s a favourite destination for fishermen and divers.

FISHING

In Eden’s Twofold Bay, you’re spoiled for fishing choices — whether you want to head out to sea chasing big game fish, reef fish, cruise upriver, fish from the shore or from the centre of a lake, or just dive beneath the waves. There are endless places you can catch a meal and great facilities to use when you return. Eden has a four-lane boat ramp, and plenty of parking and fish-cleaning facilities at the ramp. There is no bar to cross and the waters are pristine all year round. And it is not just about the fish — this region is also famous for its shellfish, particularly prawns, crayfish, oysters, mussels and abalone.

Game fishing
Eden has some of the best water on the South Coast for game fishing, with high success rates per trip. Experience the thrill of a lifetime chasing some of the best fighting fish in the sea, including the mighty marlin, yellowfin, albacore and striped tuna, shark and broadbill swordfish. The main game-fishing season starts in November and runs until the end of July.

Reef fishing
Eden is known for super catches of kingfish, snapper and morwong off the local reefs. Remember to try our local beaches on the way home to snag a few of the plentiful flathead.

Beach fishing
Long Beach, within the pristine Beowa National Park, formerly Ben Boyd National Park (North), provides anglers with lots of fun, especially chasing salmon and tailor. Other beaches worth a try include Aslings, Saltwater and Wonboyn.

Estuary fishing
The Kiah River Inlet, Wonboyn Lake, Nullica River Inlet and the entrance to Lake Curalo all offer anglers the opportunity to catch a hearty feed of bream, whiting or flathead.

Rock fishing
Outstanding catches are often reported off rock shelves from North Head down to Green Cape, with Pulpit Rock at Green Cape enjoying legendary status. Good catches of drummer, luderick, leatherjacket, salmon and tailor are possible from North Head and Eagles Claw. Please take care when rock fishing and never fish alone.

Wharf fishing
Youngsters will have tremendous fun fishing off the wharves at Snug Cove or across the bay at the Navy Wharf (open when shipping schedules allow). A small hook will yield plenty of yellowtail, slimy mackerel and trevally.

DIVING

Twofold Bay has a great variety of places to safely snorkel or dive off the beach. Many spots are protected and offer a large variety of fish and marine environment to see — where there is a reef, there is diving! Venture further offshore by boat to experience diving deeper reefs and caves. Eden also has great shipwrecks for divers to explore, such as the Tasman Hauler and the Henry Bolte.

GUIDED DIVES:

Sapphire Coast Scuba
Learn to dive in the pristine waters around Eden and earn the international PADI Open Water Diver certification. If you aren’t quite ready to take the plunge into a certification course, you can try scuba in a pool or off a beach as a quick and easy introduction to the underwater world. Already certified? Scuba diving with an experienced local professional lets you relax and enjoy the adventure. Join their guided local dives and your guide will brief you on the dive site, points of interest and the aquatic life you’ll see. Keen to start exploring? Hire snorkelling/scuba equipment and wetsuits or fill your scuba tanks seven days a week at Pickles Fishing & Outdoors at Eden. Find out about upcoming dives or make an enquiry here or follow them on Facebook.