If you love to put out a line and fish for either sport or to cook up some dinner at your campsite, then you need to book your next holiday in Byron Bay. Whether you like to go out and spend a few quiet hours alone or would rather go with a guide, the Byron Bay area has options for enjoying some fantastic fishing.
If you’re looking for information on doing the fishing on your own, check out our first post on fishing in Byron Bay. This post covers information about the protected areas around Byron Bay where you can and can’t fish, how to obtain a fishing license while on holiday and, of course, excellent Byron Bay fishing spots.
In this post we explore the option of hiring a charter boat for an afternoon or beach fishing with a guide for a morning. These options allow you to skip the licensing process but still give you a taste of the Byron Bay fishing experience, especially if you know you’re coming with a group or with family and you won’t be able to spend lots of time fishing.
Paul’s Fishing
One of the great ways to enjoy beach fishing is to join a tour like Paul’s Fishing. The tour takes five hours along the beach with small groups of four adults or less.
This tour provides bait and tackle, snacks and refreshments, even sunscreen. All fishing licenses and permits, as well as fishing regulations, are handled by the company, so all you need to do is show up wearing your sunglasses and hat.
Besides enjoying beach fishing for several hours, you may be able to serve up dinner for the evening since any legal catches will be prepared and kept cool for you until the end of the tour. You will be picked up and dropped off at your accommodation, provided it is within the Byron Bay to Ballina coastal zone. (Don’t worry if you’re not in that zone, you can always meet up with the group at one of the pick-ups; just note that in your arrangements). Email Paul’s Fishing to enquire about prices and bookings.
Ballina Boat Hire
Drive just 15 minutes out of Byron Bay to Ballina Boat Hire where you and your friends or your family can hire a boat to spend the day fishing on the Richmond River.
If you have four or fewer people, then you’ll get a Tinnie and be able to relax and drive around hunting down the best spots for fishing. However, if you have more than four up to eight, you’ll be able to hire a BBQ boat, which includes a canopy, BBQ and an onboard toilet. You could bring along food and go for a picnic and swimming in addition to fishing.
The great thing about this option is that you won’t need to obtain a license as Ballina Boat Hire has it covered. Call 0402 028 767 or email Ballina Boat Hire for a booking and prices.
Byron Bay Charters
This company, an excellent option for deep sea fishing, recently sold its business. According to the company’s Facebook page, a new owner should be opening operations soon, so check back to the Facebook page and the website to see if it’s running; should you want to do this option when you’re on a Byron fishing trip. Prior to new ownership, holiday goers can do a full day charter from 6 am to 2 pm for $220 per person and half day 6 am to 11 am for $150 per person (only available in the summer).
Book Your Fishing Trip Near Byron Bay Now!
If you book your holiday soon, then you’ll be able to have not only a cheap fishing trip but combine it with the whole family for an awesome holiday in Byron Bay. Stay at the Broken Head Holiday Park this June and July so you can nab the School Holiday Special—kids stay for free when you book at least three nights at Broken Head Holiday Park! Rates start as low as $39/night. Come for the fishing in Byron Bay and stay for all the other reasons to visit, from surfing and beaches, to hiking in the hinterland! It’ll be a family holiday that you’ll want to do again and again.
