This map will give visitors an insight to local knowledge to where fish are caught

WOOLI SECRET FISHING MAP

Deep Sea & Beach Fishing Spots

Fancy a fishing expedition in the great blue?  The Wooli community as a sea-side people have been fishing for years, with the river and sea being more of a second home to home to them.  Fishing expeditions can be organized with locals, for those who will love to venture past the Wooli Wooli river to sick the thrill of deep sea fishing.

Fishing Charter Options Nearby 

One minutes’ walk down the road from our units, you can book yourself an adventure. Fulfilling all your snorkelling, fishing, scuba + touring dreams + desires.  Go deep-sea fishing with one of Wooli’s deep sea fishing operators, they can also take you out on a whale-watching cruise to see migrating Humpback whales between May and November.
Wooli Deep Sea Tours – 02 6649 7100 

All year round fishing

Unlike some fishing spots around the world, Wooli is a predominantly a fishing community, which offers for all year round fishing. Fishes are especially concentrated in large quantities all year round in the tidal river, where a live bait can see you pulling in a huge bream or  healthy flathead. Fishermen and their families can therefore come here at any time of the year, and be sure to have their fishing fantasies met in full.   there is something even for those who do not want to venture far in to the water. The gutters by the beach allow for an assortment of different fish species, that will count for a more than decent catch. Crab fishing is also big in the area.

Wooli-Wooli River Adventures

The Wooli Wooli river is the most pristine (clear water, free of human alterations) river in all of Australia, making its waters very conducive for fish life and wellbeing. Covering an area of about 3.7km², the river has a variety of fishing spots and marine life species (fish and crab). A popular stop point at Wooli for baits and general fishing advice is Stan Young's shop.

Some of the popular fishing spots include the breakwall at the mouth of the river, where you catch some very large cobias. Lurking in the weedbeds of the river estuary are huge flatties which could be easily caught at high tide. As far as baits go, yabbies are the most preferred by the marine life of the area.

Solitary Islands Marine Park

Wooli is ideally located to the north of the Solitary Islands Marine Park, where anglers can target trevally, pelagics such as kingfish, dolphin fish and cobia. Snappers can be caught inshore in winter and further offshore in summer, including Spanish mackerel for a short period in late summer.

The Sandon, Wooli Wooli and Corindi Rivers offer good fishing for bream, flathead and whiting. You can as well choose from numerous rock and beach fishing locations.  Bream, jewfish and whiting can be caught near the Coffs Harbour. If you are a spearfisher, you could brave the open ocean in search of tuna, dolphin fish and marlin.

Fishermen who go out to fish in the Marine Parks will be delighted to find out that the following species can be caught within the park habitat: Finfish (fish with scales) except black cod, estuary cod, giant Queensland groper, eastern blue devilfish, Ballina angelfish and the elegant wrasse as protected under the Fisheries Management Act 1994; all sharks and rays (all species except great white, grey nurse and the herbsts nurse sharks); lobster, crayfish (eastern rock, slipper, painted rock); prawns, squid, pipis, mangrove worms, beach worms, eels, marine yabbies (nippers), mud crabs, blue swimmer crabs, spanner crabs, sea lettuce, bait weed, oysters, turban shell (googoombull), abalone, periwinkles.

Care should be taken not to touch any of the following species as they are protected throughout the park: corals (soft corals and gorgonians, hard corals, black corals); sea anemones, zoanthids,  corallimorphs, all pipefishes and seahorses, giant clam, broad-banded anemone fish. If in doubt, talk to a park guide.

Fisherman's Accommodation

Family-Friendly Fishing & Safety Tips

1. Best Spots for Kids & Beginners

Wooli Wooli River (the estuary)

• Calm, sheltered, and ideal for young kids.

• Great species: whiting, bream, flathead.

• Easy land-based access near the boat ramp, jetty, and grassy banks.

Wooli Breakwall (land-based)

• Good for older kids/teens with supervision.

• Species: tailor, bream, mulloway.

• Avoid rough seas and always stay clear of the edges.

Wooli Beach (light surf fishing)

• Fish the gutters for whiting, dart, flathead.

• Builds excitement for kids as they can run around safely away from rocks.

2. Kid-Friendly Bait & Tackle

• Bait that works well in Wooli:

  • Beach worms, prawns, yabbies, pilchards, squid.

• Tackle:

  • Small hooks (size 4–6) for whiting and bream.

  • A simple running sinker rig works everywhere.

• Gear for children:

  • 6–7 ft rod, light line, spinning reel — easy to manage.

3. Helpful Fishing Tips for Families

• Fish the incoming tide in the river — clearer water, more activity.

• Look for sand flats for whiting and drop-offs for flathead.

• On the beach, find darker blue gutters for best results.

• Keep kids involved by letting them pump yabbies, collect bait, or measure fish.

• Bring a bucket with an aerator — kids love seeing fish alive before release.

Safety Tips When Fishing at Wooli

1. Breakwall Safety (Very Important at Wooli)

The Wooli breakwall can be dangerous in swell.

• Never go near the edge — swell can surge suddenly.

• Avoid going out in wet or slippery conditions.

• Keep kids on the inner path, not the rock wall.

• Always supervise — this is not a “look away while they fish” spot.

2. Beach Safety

• Wooli Beach can have strong rips — teach kids to stay well back from the wash.

• Don’t turn your back on the ocean.

• Choose a sheltered area or fish around low tide for calmer water.

• Wear sun protection, especially with the reflection from water.

3. River & Estuary Safety

• Kids under 12 should wear a lifejacket near deep water or on pontoons.

• Muddy edges can be slippery — use non-slip footwear.

• Watch for tidal changes — the river can rise quickly on big tides.

• Be aware of boats and kayaks; stay clear of launching areas.

4. Wildlife Awareness

Wooli has lots of marine life!

• Be croc-safe? (No—Wooli is not crocodile country).

• Do watch for stingrays in the shallows (shuffle your feet).

• Dolphins often enter the river — great to watch but don’t approach.

• Wear gloves when handling fish with spikes (like bream or flathead).

5. Sun & Heat Protection

• Bring a portable shade tent or sun umbrella.

• Apply sunscreen every 2 hours.

• Pack hats, water bottles, and long sleeves for kids.

• Avoid the heat of midday by fishing early morning or late afternoon.

What to Bring for a Family Fishing Day

• Hats, sunscreen, insect repellent

• Plenty of drinking water & snacks

• First aid kit (tweezers for hooks)

• Kids’ lifejackets

• Bucket + aerator

• Polarized sunglasses (to see fish in the shallows)

• Wet wipes and a towel

• A simple measuring mat for legal fish sizes

Rules & Regulations (Simple Guide)

• Wooli is part of the Solitary Islands Marine Park, so check zones.

  • You can fish from the river and beach in most areas.

  • Some offshore zones are sanctuary areas (no fishing).

• NSW bag & size limits apply (e.g., whiting 27 cm, bream 25 cm).

• Only use two rods per person land-based.

• Kids under 18 do not need a fishing licence.

Final Tips

• Wooli is one of the best and safest family fishing communities on the NSW coast if you follow the basics.

• Keep it relaxed and fun — kids enjoy catching anything, not just “keepers.”

• Celebrate every catch and finish with fish-and-chips at Wooli!