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Fishing from a Boat Club Boat: What You Need to Know

Yes, you can fish from a boat club boat — and Sydney Harbour offers some of the best urban fishing in Australia. As a boat club member, you have access to fishing spots that shore-based anglers can only dream of. However, there are rules about gear, cleaning, and conduct that you need to follow to keep the vessel in premium condition for all members.

Can You Fish from a Boat Club Boat?

Most boat clubs, including My Boat Club, allow fishing from their vessels. It is one of the most popular activities among members and a major reason many people join in the first place. Having a quality vessel like the Axopar 28 on Sydney Harbour gives you access to a huge range of fishing grounds that are simply unreachable from the shore.

That said, fishing from a shared vessel comes with responsibilities. The boat needs to be returned in the same clean condition you found it, which means handling bait, tackle, and catch with care. Understanding and following the boat club rules and etiquette around fishing is essential for maintaining good standing as a member and ensuring the experience stays enjoyable for everyone.

What Are the Best Fishing Spots on Sydney Harbour by Boat?

Sydney Harbour and its surrounding waterways offer surprisingly diverse fishing opportunities. With a boat club boat, you can reach all of these spots with ease:

The Heads (North Head and South Head). The entrance to Sydney Harbour is a productive area for kingfish, bonito, and tailor, especially during the warmer months. The current flowing in and out of the harbour concentrates baitfish, which in turn attracts larger predators. Fish the edges of the current lines for best results.

Middle Harbour. The deeper sections of Middle Harbour, particularly around Sugarloaf Bay and Bantry Bay, hold flathead, bream, and the occasional jewfish (mulloway). Work the drop-offs and sandy flats with soft plastics or bait.

Bradley's Head to Taronga Zoo. The rocky shoreline and adjacent deeper water hold bream, luderick, and squid. This area is also productive for live-baiting for kingfish during summer.

Manly to Dobroyd Head. The rocky reef systems along this stretch are home to snapper, morwong, and bream. Anchor over the reef and drop baited rigs or try soft plastics along the edges.

Parramatta River upper reaches. For something different, head upstream where estuary species like flathead, bream, and whiting are plentiful in the shallower flats.

For a comprehensive guide to harbour fishing locations, see our detailed piece on fishing spots on Sydney Harbour by boat.

What Fishing Gear Should You Bring?

Boat clubs generally do not supply fishing equipment, so you will need to bring your own. Here is what works well for harbour fishing from the Axopar 28:

Rods and reels. A medium-weight spinning outfit (3000-4000 size reel on a 7-foot rod) is versatile enough for most harbour species. If you are targeting kingfish or snapper, step up to a heavier setup. Bring rod holders or secure your rods properly when not in use to avoid damage to the vessel.

Tackle. Soft plastics, metal jigs, and bait rigs cover most situations. Carry a range of sinker weights for different depths and currents. Pack everything in a sealed tackle box to prevent hooks and lures from scratching surfaces.

Bait. Fresh bait works best — prawns, squid, and pilchards are reliable choices for harbour species. Buy your bait before you arrive at the marina, as not all marina locations have bait shops.

A cooler or esky. Essential for keeping bait fresh and storing your catch. Place the cooler on a towel or mat to prevent it from sliding and scratching the deck.

Landing net. A net makes landing fish easier and reduces the risk of a flapping fish causing damage inside the boat.

Cleaning supplies. Bring a bucket, a knife for filleting (if you plan to clean fish on board), and plenty of paper towels or rags. A cutting board that sits securely is also a good idea.

What Are the Cleaning Rules After Fishing?

This is where fishing from a boat club boat requires extra attention. The vessel must be returned clean, and fish-related mess is one of the most common sources of complaints in shared boating environments.

Rules to follow:

• Do not fillet fish directly on the boat's surfaces. Use a dedicated cutting board.
• Wash down all areas where fish, bait, or blood have been in contact. Most boats have a washdown hose — use it thoroughly.
• Dispose of fish scraps, bait, and offal properly. Do not leave them in the boat or in marina bins where they will rot and smell. Dispose of them at sea (overboard in open water, away from the marina and swimming areas) or take them home.
• Wipe down all surfaces, including seats, gunwales, and rod holders, to remove any residue.
• Check for stray hooks, bits of line, and bait remnants. These are hazards for the next member and can damage the vessel.
• Rinse any blood or fish slime from the deck immediately. If left, it can stain surfaces and create a persistent odour.

If you leave the boat in poor condition after a fishing trip, you may incur additional cleaning fees or, in repeated cases, have your fishing privileges reviewed.

Do You Need a Fishing Licence in NSW?

Yes. In New South Wales, recreational fishers are required to hold a NSW Recreational Fishing Fee receipt. This is commonly referred to as a fishing licence, though technically it is a fee rather than a licence. It can be purchased online through the NSW Department of Primary Industries website and is valid for one year, three years, or as a three-day short-term option.

There are exemptions for children under eighteen, seniors with a Seniors Card, and a few other categories. Check the current rules before you head out.

The fishing fee is separate from your boat licence and your boat club membership. It is your responsibility to ensure you have a valid fishing fee receipt before you fish.

What Species Can You Catch on Sydney Harbour?

Sydney Harbour supports a remarkable diversity of fish species. Some of the most commonly caught include:

• Bream — abundant throughout the harbour, found around structure and rocky shorelines.
• Flathead — plentiful on sandy flats and in the shallower bays of Middle Harbour.
• Kingfish — seasonal visitors, most active from late spring through autumn. Found around the Heads and reef structures.
• Snapper — targeted on deeper reef systems, particularly productive in autumn and winter.
• Squid — excellent calamari squid fishing around weed beds and rocky areas, particularly in cooler months.
• Tailor — found near the Heads and along current lines, especially at dawn and dusk.
• Bonito — fast and fun to catch, commonly found near the harbour entrance during summer.
• Mulloway (jewfish) — the harbour's trophy fish, caught on live bait in deeper channels, particularly at night.

Always check current size and bag limits for each species. These are set by NSW Fisheries and are subject to change. Undersized or over-bag-limit fish must be returned to the water immediately.

Can You Keep Your Catch?

Absolutely. One of the great pleasures of fishing from a boat club boat is taking home fresh seafood for dinner. Just ensure you stay within the legal bag and size limits, and handle your catch properly with ice in a cooler.

If you prefer catch-and-release fishing, that is equally welcome. Handle fish carefully, use barbless hooks where possible, and return fish to the water promptly to maximise their survival.

Any Tips for Fishing from the Axopar 28?

The Axopar 28 is not specifically a fishing boat, but it is very capable as a fishing platform. A few tips for getting the most out of it:

• Use the stern area as your primary fishing zone. It provides the best access to the water and is easiest to clean.
• Secure all gear before moving between spots. Loose rods and tackle boxes become projectiles when the boat is underway.
• Be mindful of the boat's finish. Avoid dragging heavy sinkers or anchors across painted or gelcoat surfaces.
• If anchoring to fish, use the boat's anchor system properly. Do not improvise with fishing gear.

A boat club membership in Sydney combined with a love of fishing is a winning combination. You get access to one of the world's great harbour fisheries without the cost and hassle of owning your own boat.