While the evenings are still crisp, the days are stretching longer and are warm enough that you could almost be convinced that Spring has already arrived. As you unfurl from your winter den it’s time to dust off your NSW fishing licence and begin planning a trip to thaw out. Cast your eye over some of the best fishing spots the Tweed Coast has to offer.

Fingal Head

Fingal Head is an ideal place if you’re heading north this spring. Fingal offers scenic walks along the basalt clifftop, renown surf at Fingal and Dreamtime Beach and countless options for those who love to fish. The tessellated rock formations around the headland and the Giant’s Causeway create a rewarding perch for rock fishing. Mulloway, Tailor and the occasional Tuna can be caught through the channel, particularly around the full moon but be mindful to wear proper footwear, floatation vests and fish with a mate, as heavy ground swells often charge through the causeway making the rocks slippery. Fingal beach, located directly in front of Tweed Holiday Parks Fingal Head, is a scenic place to cast a line with the Cook Island marine sanctuary off in the distance. Worms can be angled along the stretch of the beach which can often produce whiting, dart and bream.

Fingal Boat Ramp is located only a short drive from Tweed Holiday Parks Fingal Head and will give you access to the Tweed River proper with countless more opportunities. For those who prefer the peace of the open ocean, Nine Mile Reef can be found 4.5 nautical miles east of Tweed Heads. Known as ‘the sharky spot’ by the locals you’ll be greeted by a large population of wobbegongs year-round, grey nurse in the winter and leopards in the summer with other species like bulls passing through. Cobia, yellow tailed kingfish and long tailed Tuna frequent the area, particularly during the annual whale migration, following the gentle giants along the coast. Tweed Bait and BCF are your go to for bait and tackle but the Shell service station in nearby Chinderah also stocks bait year-round.

Tweed River

Serious fisherman will be spoiled for choice in Tweed Holiday Parks Tweed Heads with direct access to the Tweed River inside the park. The banks are brimming with flathead and mulloway, particularly after rain. Use a sinker after heavy rain as the river has many deep holes and the hungry fish are below the clouded surface. The river mouth can be fished on the turning tide producing trevally, flathead and an abundance of squid. Bass can be found in the upper reaches, and mangrove jack to the south. Spearing is not allowed in any fresh waters in NSW but there are parts of the Tweed River where it is permitted so check the Department of Primary Industry website for clarification.

Kingscliff

Kingscliff offers an idyllic base for a Tweed Coast holiday, Tweed Holiday Parks Kingscliff Beach has cabins that not only offer a stunning, uninterrupted ocean view but a fully equipped kitchen to cook up your catch of the day. The park offers bike rentals so you can explore the township, get the lay of the land and head north to the break walls. The town is situated at the mouth of Cudgera Creek, the southern wall offers rock wall fishing where snapper and bream are most commonly found but be wary, it can be hazardous. Inshore reefs along the coast make kayak fishing a dream with larger fish like cobia, kingfish, morwong, spangled emperor, cod and mackerel all frequenting the area. 2km out of town is Tweed Holiday Parks Kingscliff North that offers impressive beachfront views without the hefty price tag! The park offers everything from powered tent sites and ensuite tourist sites, to luxe surfari tents and beachfront cabins. Wake up in style and stroll down to the beach to check the surf or cast a line. Whiting and dart can be caught off the beach in the early morning while the evening is ideal for those chasing tailor.

Hastings Point

The early bird gets the worm, and as we all know they make pretty decent bait! Make the most of Tweed Holiday Parks Hastings Point, offering simplistic headland camp sites during the summer school holidays periods for a unique camping experience at one of the best rock fishing spots on the Tweed Coast. Roll out of your tent and greet the sun with an uninterrupted panoramic view along the Tweed Coast. From your headland perch between the surf beaches, you will have access to the deep-water gutters that run along the rocks where schools of mulloway are often found or in the many river mouths close by after heavy rain. As with any ocean-facing rock platform, caution is required when fishing here. Tweed Holiday Parks Hastings Point offers water view tourist spots, surfari tents and walkway access to Cudgera Creek, a perfect spot to launch your SUP or kayak to explore hidden estuaries. Being a tidal creek, it attracts flathead, bream, jacks, and luderick. Make sure you use lures to get past the small bream and you’ll be cooking up on the park barbeque in no time! Hastings Point General Store about 5 minutes down the road has you covered for not only bait and tackle but great coffee and a generous breakfast to help fuel you for a long day of fishing!

Pottsville

Tweed Holiday Parks Pottsville South offers absolute waterfront campsites and cabins that sleep up to six if you’re planning a holiday to catch up with family or travelling with little ones who require a few more creature comforts. The park is flanked by the main township and the stunning Mooball Creek that is fully accessible from inside the park making it an easy launch for SUPs and kayaks. As all the locals know, mud crabs are around in any month that ends in ER and particularly after a big rain. If you’re having trouble finding the right spot in the creek you can head down to Wazza’s Bait and Tackle on Coronation Drive. Not only does he have everything you’ll need but if you ask nicely, he might share a few secret spots with you! If you love to be surrounded by trees but still have easy access to the beach, Tweed Holiday Park Pottsville North is a 200m stroll to the golden sand beaches. Bream, tarwhine, tailor, dart, flathead and mulloway can be caught in the surf throughout this area but if they aren’t biting Okky or Hooked on Seafood in the Pottsville township will help you out and maybe even let you take the credit for the perfectly cooked fish.

No matter where you choose to stay with us on the Tweed Coast, our friendly locals, long sandy beaches and premium fishing will have you hooked!

Photo Credit

Fingal @george.kettle

Tweed @nicholaspearce

Kingscliff @linusbagley

Hastings Point @luke_hasart

Pottsville @bigrexadventures