Fishing Lures and the Best Spots to Use Them in New South Wales

Fishing Lures and the Best Spots to Use Them in New South Wales

Fishing lures are the angler’s secret weapon—ingenious imitations of prey designed to provoke strikes from even the wariest fish. Whether you're flicking soft plastics into an estuary or trolling crankbaits offshore, understanding lure types and matching them to the right location is key to success. In New South Wales (NSW), a state blessed with diverse aquatic environments, lure fishing offers endless possibilities.

 

🧲 Types of Fishing Lures

Each lure type has a distinct action and purpose:

  • Crankbaits: Hard-bodied and designed to dive and wobble, ideal for mimicking baitfish in deeper waters.
  • Spinnerbaits: Flashing blades and vibration make these perfect for murky water or aggressive predators.
  • Soft Plastics: Versatile and lifelike, they excel in estuaries and freshwater, especially when paired with jig heads.
  • Topwater Lures: Float and splash to trigger surface strikes—great for bass, tailor, and whiting.
  • Jigs: Weighted and skirted, they’re perfect for bottom-dwelling species like snapper and mulloway.
  • Spoons: Flashy and erratic, these metal lures mimic fleeing baitfish and work well in saltwater and freshwater alike.

Success with lures hinges on matching the lure to the species, water clarity, depth, and time of day. Now, let’s explore where to put them to work in NSW.

 

🗺️ Top Fishing Spots in New South Wales for Lure Action

1. Sydney Harbour

A lure angler’s playground. From bream and flathead near rocky foreshores to kingfish around Sow and Pigs Reef, Sydney Harbour offers year-round action. Try soft plastics near Goat Island or crankbaits around Bradleys Head for tailor and trevally.

2. Lake Macquarie

Australia’s largest coastal lake is ideal for soft plastics and jigs. Target flathead, bream, and jewfish around weed beds and drop-offs. Early morning and dusk are prime times.

3. Jervis Bay

Crystal-clear waters make it perfect for topwater and spoon lures. Beach fishing for salmon and tailor is popular, while offshore trolling can yield marlin and kingfish.

4. Wallis Lake / Forster

A complex estuary system where soft plastics shine. Cast near oyster racks and channels for bream and flathead. Use surface lures at dawn for whiting.

5. Manning River

This unique river system supports a range of lure techniques. Spinnerbaits and jigs work well for bass and estuary perch, especially in the upper reaches.

6. South Coast Beaches

Surf fishing with spoons and topwater lures can be thrilling. Target tailor, salmon, and bream along the beaches from Kiama to Batemans Bay.

 

🧠 Pro Tips for Lure Fishing in NSW

  • Time it right: Early morning and dusk are peak feeding times.
  • Tide matters: Fish are more active during tide changes.
  • Match the hatch: Choose lures that resemble local baitfish.
  • Stay mobile: Cover water until you find active fish.

Whether you're a seasoned angler or just starting out, NSW offers a rich tapestry of environments to explore with your tackle box. With the right lure and a bit of local knowledge, every cast could be the one that lands your next big story.

Back to blog