Fishing is, without a doubt, one of the Central Coasts most favoured recreational activities. Anglers have been drawn to the coast for well over a century and it has gained a well deserved reputation for the variety and abundance of species caught in its waters. The Central Coast has many choices of environments, whether river, estuary, beach or boat fishing presenting many opportunities regardless of your favoured form of angling.

When fishing on the Central Coast please ensure your fishing licence is current. Great care should be taken to observe bag limits and sizes. Most area's are open to fishing year round however the marine reserve between Gerrin Point and Third Point in Bouddi National Park is permanently closed off to both recreational and professional fishermen. Make conservation your watchword and consider throwing back any surplus catch.

Hargraves Beach is a secluded beach located about 1km from Budgewoi. Completely exposed to open ocean the beach develops some very favourable formations at times and can yield a good catch of Bream, Whiting and flathead in summer. In the winter months Australian Salmon and Tailor are the more common catch.

The Entrance Channel is a popular fishing spot all year round and in summer the foreshore is dotted with fisherman. This part of tuggerah lake generally yeilds bream and flathead though the occasional lucky angler is rewarded with a Jewfish under favourable conditions.

Norah Head is a popular Rock Fishing location however great care must be taken as the headland is fully exposed to the sea and can get washed over in high sea's. Approximately 1 km off shore is reputed to be a reef that produces well under the right conditions.

Paddys Channel is a well reknowned location for drifting with a boat. Species caught here vary with bream being a mainstay. The spot also has a reputation for Jewfish of good size.

Tuggerah Lake provides a good catch of Bream, Flathead and Whiting at times with Blackfish and Leatherjackets found at the furthest extents from The Entrance. Prawning in the lake can be quite rewarding with results improving the closer to The Entrance you get. Blue Swimmer and Mud Crabs can also be found.

Snapper Point is another popular rock fishing spot for larger species such as queenfish and the adjacent beaches have been known to produce Bream and Flathead in reasonable quantity.

Lake Munmorah provides good opportunities for Blackfish and Leatherjackets. Crabs can be found here but not in the same quantities as Tuggerah Lake.

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