Black Rock Jetty Fishing

Black Rock Jetty Fishing

Fishing Areas and Conditions

• Black Rock Jetty has two adjacent sections. Weed, reef and rocky ground surround it, and baits can snag close to the jetty.
• Low tide leaves the water shallow; a rising tide is preferable. Wind and tide can also affect casting distance.
• Cast from the jetty’s ends into deeper water for snapper, particularly from October to March after a few windy days. Smaller snapper occur in warmer months.
• Look for clearings among the reef when targeting King George whiting. They are commonly caught here in warmer months and at night.

Rigs, Bait and Lures

• For snapper, a 9–12 ft surf rod with a heavy star or bomb sinker can cast squid or pilchard into deeper water.
• A running sinker rig to a swivel, followed by 50 cm of strong leader and a whole pilchard or squid head, is another snapper setup. For smaller snapper, try raw chicken breast on a paternoster rig.
• Pipis on a running sinker or paternoster rig suit whiting around the reef clearings.
• For garfish, suspend glassies, silverfish, maggots or small pieces of pilchard or chicken beneath a float on a small hook. A light, sensitive 8 ft, 1–3 kg rod with a 2000 reel and 4 lb line suits this approach.
• For squid, smaller slow-sinking size 2.5 or 3.0 jigs can reduce snagging. Let the jig sink, then work it with lifts and pauses; maintain tension with a gentle lift and slow retrieve when squid take it.

Access and Hazards

• Public toilets and paid parking are available near the jetty entrance.
• Jumping from the jetty is prohibited because of shallow water, nearby structures and rocks.
• Sections of the jetty were closed after storm damage in 2020. Check current access before visiting.