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Fishing maps, offshore GPS coordinates, best fishing time tables,
for this region, at the bottom of this page.
A place I frequent a lot is Pittwater - the main reason being that it is only two minutes to the Careel Bay boat ramp from my front drive. This huge stretch of water was named after Sir William Pitt, an English statesman who, after becoming Prime Minister of England in 1783, had to spend most of his time focusing on the Napoleonic Wars. It is a shame he never saw the magnificent inlet which bears his name.
In those days Pitt Water, as it was originally known, had many aboriginal settlements on its perimeter. These peaceful people, living on the abundance of fish and crustaceans found on and around the shores, went about their business, as they had done for hundreds of years, with scant regard for a burgeoning Australia.
Over seven miles long and nearly a mile wide in places, Pittwater is open to the sea at the northern end. From the entrance at Broken Bay right down to the brackish waters at Mcarrs Creek Reserve, there is a myriad of fish to be caught, even through the waterway is subject to enormous pressure from professional and recreational anglers alike.
The steep, rock-sided Lion Island, as well as being home to numerous fairy penguins, serenely guards the entrance to Pittwater from the sea, like a huge sleepy cat. Being a reserve, landing is prohibited on the island. As Pittwater is only a forty minute drive north from Sydney's CBD, the tranquil beauty of this whole region attracts thousands of tourists every year and many can't resist wetting a line. The numerous marinas situated along the shores host millions of dollars worth of hardware in pens and on swing moorings. Rather than detract from the picturesque surroundings, the hundreds of boats that line the bays and beaches gives the whole place a layback, picture post card look.
Barrenjoey:
The narrow isthmus of land that separates Pittwater from the surf at Palm Beach is a little more than a hundred metres wide in places, terminating in the majestic plum pudding shaped hill known as Barrenjoey. This landmark has a lighthouse which, every night fishos, yachties and most nocturnal water users look to at least every ten minutes or so for assurance and confirmation of their bearings.
The easy 30 minute, climb to the top of Barrenjoey not only provides a pocket insight into the history of the area, but the panoramic views are stunning.
The western shores of Pittwater are bounded by Kuringai National Park and although there are a number of houses on the south-western foreshores, the only access to these dwellings is by water.
At the southern end of Pittwater is Scotland Island. This large parcel of land houses about 500 people with frequent ferry services to the mainland. There are no cars on the island and because the mainland is only 200 metres away, most residents use tinnies to commute to the shore.
Ramps:
The one and only public boat ramp serving Pittwater, for all sizes of trailerable craft is a magnificent set up at Rowlands Reserve off Pittwater Road in the suburb of Bayview. With two, four lane ramps, this boating facility has ample trailer parking, an access jetty and good wash-down facilities.
Unfortunately it is a pay-and-display park, so make sure you buy a ticket and leave it on the dash for inspection by council rangers. There are other ramps located at Bayview (across sand, small boats only), Palm Beach, (across sand, only for small trailerboats) and Careel Bay. The ramp at Careel Bay, being a private facility as part of Careel Bay Boatshed, will let you launch any size boat for $6.
There are two tackle shops located at nearby Narrabeen, both on the main Pittwater Road, which not only have a good selection of the basics, but can also supply live worms, prawns, nippers etc. The friendly staff will provide all the latest gossip on what's happening, plus a detailed map of the area showing where to start targeting different species.
Seasonal Fishing:
So what about the fishing? At different times of the year Pittwater can provide the angler with a smorgasbord of good sport or, for the bait soaker, take home dinner. Whether it be a gentle drift for flathead around the numerous sand flats or throwing lures in search of bream to the far rocky shores, the area can play host to most types of angling techniques.
In early autumn and late spring, striped and mack tuna occasionally pay a visit to the area, announced by hundreds of screeching gulls. This attracts the light line lure chucker, like myself, to test rod, line and ego against these tough pelagics.
The cooler weather is when small territorial rat kingfish guard wharves and jetties and play havoc with delicate lines designed for the more refined leatherjacket. Winter is the season to live bait for that succulent table fish - John dory.
Most structures have small yellowtail and cockney bream in residence and, on the peripherals, there is always the ghostly dory, waiting for one of these small baits to step over the boundary line. Early winter is also the time where that enigma, the hairtail, takes up residence around Portuguese Beach and West Head before moving up the Cowan for the winter.
Hordes of chopper tailor move up and down the length and breadth of the waterway throughout the year terrorist the ever-harassed bait schools.
In summer, around the deeper sections, jew up to 15kc can be caught with a well presented yellowtail or slimy mackerel. As the bottom of Pittwater is mainly sand interspersed with small reefs and seagrass meadows, it is an ideal drifting ground. Flathead, flounder, whiting and bream abound and are a common catch in the warmer weather.
The best drifts are off Palm Beach and also around the entrance to Careel Bay. If there is a strong wind blowing, the southern end of Pittwater around Elvina Bay, Towler Bay and Browns Bay will provide shelter and some good areas for lure or bait fishing.
The rocky shores here are well worth a cast with unweighted baits for the wily bream, or a slow drift for flathead and flounder can produce action. A throw around any of the numerous sandy beaches will snare good size whiting in summer.
Blue swimmer crabs come on hot and strong leading up to Christmas. The seagrass meadows off the golf course ai Palm Beach is a good place to start the hunt for these delicious crustaceans. Witches hat type nets are very successful for crabs in Pittwater, but don't leave them in busy traffic areas and don't forget to put your name and address on the float for identification purposes.
For those in search of live bait, the port marker off Palm Beach and the area about 100 metres off the pill box at West Head will supply good quantities of yellowtail and occasionally, slimy mackerel.
Guide:
If you are really serious about catching fish, it will pay dividends to employ a fully qualified, insured fishing guide. Craig McGill of Fishabout Tours, a member of the Professional Fishing Guides and Instructors Association, is a bloke who works very hard to get you connected to some piscatorial activity. He knows the area well and most of its moods. Costs, including all tackle, food and drink, are less then $100 per day, per person.
Waterside Eating:
When you decide enough is enough and hunger pangs strike more often than the fish, food and drink can be purchased at any of the local marinas at the southeastern end of Pittwater. If you find yourself near the top northern end, why not treat yourself to some fresh fish and chips from the Palm Beach fish and chip shop?
Most of the water side restaurants such as the Pasadena at Church Point, or the Newport arms Hotel at the south eastern end of the waterway, have places to moor, allowing you to enjoy their fine fare.
One of the best ways to enjoy the area is to buy or bring food, then motor over to places like The Basin at the end of Coasters Retreat. After finding one of the many moorings, just sit back and enjoy the serenity.
There are also picnic and barbecue facilities available on the shore at the Basin for the well organised. Another picturesque area is down through Church Point to Mcarrs Creek Reserve where once again there are barbecue and picnic areas nestled in Kuringai Chase National Park.
Please observe the no-wash 4 knot speed limit as you head down there, as the local water police have their marina at Church Point and take a dim view of people exceeding the limit.
Bird's Eye View:
Another great way to appreciate the local scenery is to take a joy flight on a seaplane. South Pacific Seaplanes operate from the wharf just north of Palm Beach Golf Club. From $45 per person, you can get a birds eye view of the area which will help you target those shallow intertidal zones. When you land, relax and have a chat about the trip over a cup of coffee at Carmel's restaurant, right on the wharf where the seaplane operates from.
Accommodation is available at Newport and Mona Vale. There is also a camping and caravan park at nearby Narrabeen, a 10 minute drive from the launching ramp at Rowlands Reserve, Bayview.
If you have friends or relos in Sydney and are looking for a great place to stay, why not head for Pittwater.
There are no treacherous bars, nasty reefs or tidal rips and it's pretty safe for most trailerboats, even in inclement weather. For the more adventurous, turn left at West Head on the northern end of the waterway and enter the huge Cowan and Hawkesbury River System. I have lived in the area for over 25 years and even I haven't seen it all yet! Give yourself a break and visit this majestic waterway. Have a great time and play it safe. I look forward to seeing you on the water one day.
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