FISHING

Bermagui has a well deserved reputation for fantastic fishing. Made famous as a game fishing port - due in great part to the visits of American author Zane Grey in the 1930s - the continental shelf is just 20km off shore, the closest point along the Eastern Seabord to the Australian mainland. This means warm northerly currents flow very close to the shore bringing an abundance of all types of fish close to the coast. Charter a boat for big game or deep sea and reef fishing. Hire a boat or launch your own and venture out on the river and surrounding lakes. Or find a shoreside spot and throw in a line.

Bermagui Bait & Tackle

Popular one stop shop for all your fishing needs and up to date advice, the guys at Bermagi Bait & Tackle know the what, where, when and how about fishing our local waters. Fishing gear for sale and hire, bait, fuel, ice and smallgoods are also available. Bermagui River boat ramp is directly across the road, so grab one of their famous delicious salad or bacon and egg rolls and be on your way.

126 Lamont Street, Bermagui
Ph: 02 6493 5444
Website

Bermagui Big Game Anglers Club

The Bermagui Big Game Anglers Club was established in 1936 and currently has over 200 volunteer members, many of whom hold NSW and Australian records all of which are published on their website.

The club hosts several events from the port of Bermagui, including the Blue Water Classic which is one of the biggest events on the NSW south coast and is held over the January long weekend, the two day Alliance Tag & Release Tournament in March, the Canberra Yellowfin Tournament in June and zone interclub tournaments held throughout the year.

Ground Level, 1 Tuross Street, Bermagui
Ph: 0428 244 955
Website

Bermagui Fishermen’s Co-Operative

Bermagui Fishermen’s Co-Operative was formed in 1946 to process and market fish and seafood caught from the port of Bermagui. Over the years since, it has become one of the major suppliers of the Sydney Fish Market. Melbourne also receives Bermagui seafood, as do many businesses in the Bermagui area. Fishing and aquaculture is the fifth most valuable Australian rural industry after wool, beef, wheat and dairy and has an annual worth of over $2 billion.

In 2005 the Securing Our Fishing Future package was announced, designed to deliver profitable and sustainable Commonwealth fisheries for the future. Part of this package involved the buying out of licences and fishing businesses which resulted in Bermagui’s fishing fleet being reduced by at least 10 businesses as well as a reduction in visiting boats. To offset this the Australian government provided assistance to fishing communities to help them manage the impacts of this reduced fishing activity.

This enabled the Co-Op to apply for funding to demolish the existing Co-Op building and replace it with the magnificent Bermagui Fishermen’s Wharf complex which was created using local timbers from surrounding forests. Total cost of the construction was over $5 million and it took three years of planning and 10 months to build. The official opening was held on 11th December 2009.

Bermagui Fishermen’s Wharf is now home to a variety of eateries, wine bar, art gallery, retail and community businesses, all of which enjoy spectacular views of Bermagui’s beautiful harbour. Freshly caught fish and seafood from the Bermagui Fishermen’s Co-Operative is available from Blue Wave Seafood on the ground floor. The Co-Op office is located upstairs and is open from 8am to 4pm Monday to Friday.

73-79 Lamont Street, Bermagui
Ph: 02 6493 4575
Website

FishBermi Fishing Charters

FishBermi's 42 foot Randell Flybridge Cruiser is licensed to carry 18 passengers and 2 crew. The vessel is fitted with the latest in marine electrics, quality fishing tackle and large private toilet. Morning tea is offered on each charter, as well as cold drinks, tea and coffee. Lunch and/or breakfast can be supplied at a competitive price. All you need to bring is a hat, spray jacket and sunscreen.

The skipper and crew are locals with experience here and abroad fishing for all manner of species, giving you the best chance to fish well and also learn from the experience.

Fishing packages tailored to suit your needs, whether chasing kingfish, a box of reef fish, yellowfin tuna or some of the deep water table fish like gemfish and blue eye trevalla. The crew help clean your catch and you do not require a fishing license as that is covered by the vessel’s own license.

FishBermi operates year round out of Bermagui with both share and private charters. Numbers are kept below 9 on share charters to allow maximum fishing time and comfort. Private groups may charter the boat for up to 12 persons.

126 Lamont Street, Bermagui
Ph: 02 6493 5444
Website