Game Fishing at Port Stephens
Game fishing in Australia features significantly in the picturesque, coastal town of Port Stephens. Back in 1913 Dr Mark Lidwell put Port Stephens on the map, and in the record books as the birthplace of Game Fishing in Australia when he caught the worlds first black marlin on rod and reel.
Since that time, the development of the town, and increased interest in fishing in the area, have realised that the waters of Port Stephens contain some of the best fishing in the world. It is an ideal light and medium tackle destination for Black, Blue and Striped Marlin. The largest Blue Marlin caught here so far… was almost 900lbs and catching these beauties up to 600lb is not uncommon.
Light tackle fishing is also bound to please offering you the opportunity to catch Tuna, Mahi Mahi, Wahoo and Sailfish. Fishing these waters or the waters of Sydney is ideal in the warmer months of February to June, and for the competitive anglers, in February each year Port Stephens hosts the largest Gamefishing Tournament in the Southern Hemisphere. Over 200 Vessels and 1,000 anglers make this a tournament not to miss. The Riviera NSW Interclub Gamefishing Competition. Dates for 2009: 23-24 February 2009 & 28 February & 1March 2009
A short 30 minute domestic flight, or an easy two and a half hour freeway drive from Sydney. This is an ideal destination that combines some of the worlds finest game fishing, pristine beaches, restaurants and golf courses.
For the sight seer and adventurous there is a wealth of variety in the Port Stephens area. Maybe its visiting local wineries or playing golf on the five star Horizons par 72 Golf Course ranked as one of the top ten courses in Australia.
For the nature lovers perhaps a day visit to Broughton Island. It is always an adventure to visit. About 30 mins from Port Stephens by boat you arrive at one of the sandy beaches There are no landing facilities, so you have to get a little wet when wading ashore. Along with the sandy beaches Broughton is an island of, volcanic peaks and stunted, wind-swept vegetation. Twelve nautical miles from Nelson Bay, the sea journey is a kaleidoscope of sea cliffs, swells, terns, flying fish, dolphins and salt spray. Most visitors come for what lies below the water: snapper, drummer, kingfish, flathead and groper. For scuba divers there are undersea caves, coral, sponge gardens, boulders, sandy gutters, ledges, sheer walls and marine life of every type.