Choose your target !!!
Speak to our experienced team and work out what we're going to chase!!! With an abundance of worthy fish species in the region the opportunities are endless and all year round!!!
Mahi Mahi (Dolphin Fish)
Unveiling the Electric Majesty: NSW Mahi Mahi Beckon on the Sea Lady
The vibrant NSW Mahi Mahi (Coryphaena hippurus), also known as Dorado or Dolphin Fish, is a captivating addition to the Mid North Coast's underwater realm. Renowned for its striking electric-blue and yellow colors and its spirited fight, encountering a Mahi Mahi aboard the Sea Lady is an unforgettable experience.
Habitat and Seasonality:
* Habitat: Mahi Mahi are pelagic fish, meaning they inhabit the open ocean surface waters. They favor areas with floating objects like debris, seaweed, or buoys, which provide shelter and attract baitfish.
* Seasonality: Mahi Mahi are migratory and appear in the waters off the Mid North Coast seasonally, typically from October to May. They follow warm water currents and tend to be found closer to shore during these months.
NSW DPI Fishing Rules:
* Bag Limit: The daily bag limit for Mahi Mahi in NSW is 10.
* Size Limit: The minimum size is 60 cm, with only one over 110cm.
Best Bait for Mahi Mahi:
* Trolling Lures: Trolling lures that mimic baitfish, with flashy colors and fluttering action, are highly effective for attracting Mahi Mahi's attention.
* Live Bait: Live bait like flying fish, small mackerel, or squid can be a tempting option, especially when drifted near floating objects.
* Teaser Lures: Flashy teaser lures placed ahead of your main bait can create a commotion and attract Mahi Mahi to investigate.
Snapper
Unveiling the Mighty NSW Snapper: Your Catch Awaits on the Sea Lady
The majestic NSW Snapper (Pagrus auratus/Chrysophrys auratus) is a prized catch along the Mid North Coast, and the Sea Lady is your ultimate vessel to encounter this magnificent fish. Renowned for its firm, white flesh and delectable flavor, reeling in a Snapper is a dream for both seasoned anglers and curious novices.
Habitat and Seasonality:
* Habitat: Snapper thrive in a variety of coastal environments on the Mid North Coast, including rocky reefs, shipwrecks, and around headlands. They favor areas with strong currents and a good mix of sand and rock.
* Seasonality: The prime season for catching Snapper on the Mid North Coast falls between October and May. However, smaller snapper can be caught year-round.
NSW DPI Fishing Rules:
* Bag Limit: The daily bag limit for Snapper in NSW is 10 fish per person.
* Size Limit: The minimum size limit for Snapper in NSW is 30cm (total length).
Best Bait for Snapper:
* Live Bait: Live bait like pilchards, slimy mackerel, or squid are highly effective for attracting Snapper.
* Soft Plastics: Soft plastics that mimic baitfish, such as prawns or worms, are excellent options and offer good casting distance.
* Fresh Bait: Fresh fish fillets, prawns, or octopus can also entice Snapper to bite.
Spotted Mackerel
Unveiling the Speedy Silver Streak: NSW Spotted Mackerel Await on the Sea Lady
The NSW Spotted Mackerel (Scomberomorus commerson), also known as Australian Spotted Mackerel, is a sleek and fast-swimming fish that injects excitement into any fishing trip on the Mid North Coast. Renowned for its beautiful spotted pattern, blistering speed, and acrobatic fight, encountering a Spotted Mackerel aboard the Sea Lady is a guaranteed adrenaline rush.
Habitat and Seasonality:
* Habitat: Spotted Mackerel are highly mobile, inhabiting both coastal and offshore waters. They favor areas with strong currents, temperature changes, and structures like reefs, drop-offs, and around FADs (Fish Aggregating Devices).
* Seasonality: Spotted Mackerel are present in the waters off the Mid North Coast year-round. However, their abundance fluctuates throughout the year. Peak activity often occurs during warmer months (October to May) when baitfish schools are plentiful closer to shore.
NSW DPI Fishing Rules:
* Bag Limit: There is a daily bag limit of 5 Mackeral (Spotted/Spanish combined)
* Size Limit: The minimum size limit for Spotted Mackerel is 60 cm.
Best Bait for Spotted Mackerel:
* Trolling Lures: Trolling lures that mimic baitfish, with flashy colors and fast, erratic action, are highly effective for attracting Spotted Mackerel. Opt for smaller lures to match the size of their prey.
* Metal Jigs: Heavy metal jigs with a fast retrieve can entice Spotted Mackerel to strike, particularly in deeper water or around structures.
* Pilchards and Slimy Mackerel: These small baitfish can be used live or trolled whole or in strips, mimicking a natural food source for Spotted Mackerel.
Black & Striped Marlin
Unveiling the Ocean Gladiator: NSW Marlin Await on the Sea Lady
The NSW Marlin (Makaira spp.), a collective term for Black Marlin and Striped Marlin, is a legendary game fish revered for its breathtaking size, power, and acrobatic leaps. Encountering a Marlin aboard the Sea Lady is an unforgettable adventure that will test your skills and leave you with a story to tell for years to come.
Habitat and Seasonality:
* Habitat: Marlin are highly migratory fish, inhabiting the open ocean waters far from shore. They favor areas with temperature changes, current edges, and structures like FADs (Fish Aggregating Devices).
* Seasonality: Marlin appear in the waters off the Mid North Coast seasonally, typically from October to May. During this time, they follow warmer water currents and baitfish schools closer to shore.
NSW DPI Fishing Rules:
* Bag Limit: The daily bag limit for Marlin in NSW is a combined total of 1 fish (including other Billfish species). However, due to their conservation status, it's highly recommended to practice catch and release for Marlin.
* Size Limit: There is no minimum size limit for Marlin in NSW. However, due to their slow growth rate and breeding potential, catch and release is strongly encouraged.
Best Bait for Marlin:
* Skirted Lures: Large skirted lures with vibrant colors and erratic swimming action are highly effective for attracting Marlin's attention. Choose lures designed for Marlin specifically, as they require a strong construction to withstand powerful strikes.
* Live Bait: Live bait like large tuna, bonito, or mackerel can be irresistible to Marlin, especially when trolled or drifted near current edges or FADs. This method requires specialized equipment and expertise.
* Dead Bait: Dead whole fish or large dead bonitos can also be effective, particularly when trolled at various depths to cover the water column where Marlin might be cruising.
Pearl Perch
Unveiling the Elegant NSW Pearl Perch: A Treasure Awaits on the Sea Lady
The shimmering NSW Pearl Perch (Glaucosoma scapulare) adds a touch of opulence to the Mid North Coast's underwater world. Renowned for its delicate flavor and pearlescent scales and identifiable a large, shiny mark behind the gill covers and small dark spot at the rear of the dorsal fin rays. encountering this beauty aboard the Sea Lady is an experience you won't forget.
Habitat and Seasonality:
* Habitat: Pearl Perch prefer deeper waters, typically between 50 and 200 meters, on the continental shelf. They favor rocky reefs, particularly those with overhangs and crevices, which offer protection and a steady supply of food.
* Seasonality: Pearl Perch can be caught year-round, with peak activity occurring during the cooler months (May to October). During this time, they tend to move closer to shore in search of food.
NSW DPI Fishing Rules:
* Bag Limit: The daily bag limit for Pearl Perch in NSW is a combined total of 5 fish (including other Deepwater Species).
* Size Limit: The minimum size limit for Pearl Perch in NSW is 30cm (total length).
Best Bait for Pearl Perch:
* Fresh Bait: Fresh fish fillets cut into small strips, particularly slimy mackerel or jack mackerel, are highly effective for Pearl Perch.
* Squid: Whole squid or squid heads can be a tempting option, especially when drifted near the bottom.
* Prawns: Fresh or frozen prawns can also attract Pearl Perch, particularly smaller specimens.
Kingfish
Unveiling the Coastal Bruiser: NSW Kingfish Beckon on the Sea Lady
The NSW Kingfish (Seriola lalandi), also known as Yellowtail Kingfish, is a powerful fish renowned for its vibrant colors, aggressive fighting style, and delicious flesh. Encountering a Kingfish aboard the Sea Lady is an exhilarating adventure that will test your skills and leave you with a thrilling memory.
Habitat and Seasonality:
* Habitat: Kingfish are pelagic fish, meaning they inhabit the open ocean surface waters, but they are also known to frequent inshore reefs, headlands, and structures like wrecks and buoys, especially when chasing baitfish.
* Seasonality: Kingfish are present in the waters off the Mid North Coast year-round. However, their abundance fluctuates throughout the year. Peak activity often occurs during warmer months (October to May) when baitfish schools are plentiful closer to shore.
NSW DPI Fishing Rules:
* Bag Limit: The daily bag limit for Kingfish in NSW is 5.
* Size Limit: The minimum size limit for Kingfish in NSW is 80cm (total length).
Best Bait for Kingfish:
* Trolling Lures: Trolling lures that mimic baitfish, with flashy colors and diving action, are highly effective for attracting Kingfish's attention. Opt for larger lures targeting Kingfish size.
* Live Bait: Live bait like slimy mackerel, pilchards, or small tuna can be irresistible to Kingfish, especially when trolled or drifted near structures.
* Metal Jigs: Heavy metal jigs with a fast retrieve can entice Kingfish to strike, particularly in deeper water or around structures.
Mulloway (Jewfish)
Unveiling the Ancient Giant: NSW Mulloway Await on the Sea Lady
The mighty NSW Mulloway (Argyrosomus japonicus), also known as Jewfish, is a legendary fish revered by anglers for its size, strength, and historical significance. Encountering a Mulloway aboard the Sea Lady is an experience that will test your skills and leave you with a story to tell.
Habitat and Seasonality:
* Habitat: Mulloway are primarily found in estuarine and coastal waters, favoring areas with strong currents, channels, and river mouths. They frequent rocky reefs, sandbars, and wrecks where they can ambush prey.
* Seasonality: Mulloway can be caught year-round on the Mid North Coast, with peak activity occurring during warmer months (October to April). During this time, they become more active as water temperatures rise.
NSW DPI Fishing Rules:
* Bag Limit: The daily bag limit for Mulloway in NSW is a very strict 1 fish per person, with a minimum size limit of 70cm (total length). This is due to their slow growth rate and vulnerability to overfishing. Charter Boat limit of 3 fish.
Best Bait for Mulloway:
* Fresh Bait: Fresh fish fillets, particularly mullet, tailor, or yellowtail, are excellent options as they mimic the Mulloway's natural prey.
* Soft Plastics: Large, soft plastics that resemble baitfish can be effective, especially when fished near the bottom with slow retrieves.
* Live Bait: Live bait like large prawns or crabs can be a tempting option, but remember to check local regulations regarding the use of live bait in specific areas.
Longtail Tuna
Unveiling the Speed Demon: Longtail Tuna Await on the Sea Lady
The sleek and powerful Longtail Tuna (Thunnus tonggol) is a prized catch for anglers seeking an adrenaline-pumping experience. Renowned for their blistering speed and acrobatic fighting spirit, Longtail Tuna are a highlight of any fishing trip on the Mid North Coast. The Sea Lady is your ultimate vessel to encounter these magnificent fish.
Habitat and Seasonality:
* Habitat: Longtail Tuna are highly mobile, inhabiting both coastal and offshore waters. They favor areas with strong currents, temperature changes, and structures like reefs and drop-offs that attract baitfish.
* Seasonality: Longtail Tuna are migratory and appear in the waters off the Mid North Coast seasonally, typically from October to May. They follow baitfish schools, so their presence can vary depending on food availability.
NSW DPI Fishing Rules:
* Bag Limit: The daily bag limit for Longtail Tuna in NSW is a combined total of 5 fish under 90cm with only 2 over 90 centimeters.
Best Bait for Longtail Tuna:
* Trolling Lures: Trolling lures that mimic baitfish, such as skirted lures or diving minnows, are highly effective for covering large areas and attracting Longtail Tuna.
* Live Bait: Live bait like slimy mackerel, pilchards, or flying fish can be irresistible to Longtail Tuna, especially when trolled or drifted.
* Feathers: Flashy feathers can attract Longtail Tuna by mimicking baitfish schools and triggering their predatory instincts.