Port Stephens & Newcastle, NSW
World Renowned Marlin Fishing Destination
December to April
In December after the Cairns Giant Black Marlin Season the Iona & Iona II head south along the East Coast of Australia following the migrating marlin back to our home port of Newcastle. From December to April both boats are available for day charters from Port Stephens and Newcastle.
Port Stephens is located 220kms north of Sydney, about 3 hours drive along the Freeway or a 30 minute flight from Sydney.
The fishing grounds off Port Stephens and Newcastle during these months has put Port Stephens on the map as a world class game fishing destination with all 3 billfish species, black, blue and striped marlin migrating to these grounds each year. The last 10 years there have been over 20 world record captures on conventional, ultra light and fly fishing tackle, making Port Stephens an attractive destination for serious blue water anglers. A quick browse in the IGFA record book will confirm why Port Stephens is the ultimate fishing destination for the billfish species. The Iona & Iona II have had many days during the Port Stephens Season where we have caught up to 14 marlin in a day. All 3 species black, blue and striped are not uncommon to catch in a day’s fishing, this being called a Grand Slam!
Black marlin range in size from 40lb up to 800lb the average being around 200lbs, striped marlin can be caught up to 300lb and blue marlin up to 600lb with the largest so far being 998lbs. So whether you are a serious world record chaser, fly fishing angler, ultra light tackle enthusiast, your target is a Grand Slam or you are just happy catching a marlin Port Stephens is the perfect destination for your fishing adventure.
The continental shelf is about 20 miles off shore but regularly the inshore fishery fires with huge bait schools of slimey mackerel the black and striped marlin are consistently amongst them feeding making the hook up rate on all methods of fishing including bait and switch, trolling and live baiting highly successful.
Port Stephens is not only renowned for world class fishing it is also a beautiful tourist destination. It is often referred to as the jewel of New South Wales, with endless waterways it is bigger than Sydney Harbour. The pristine beaches of Port Stephens and the natural beauty make it an instant hit with holiday makers. The main township of Nelson Bay offers ample accommodation ranging from camping to 5 star resorts, award winning restaurants and boutique shopping. There are many tourist attractions from adrenalin pumping water sports to whale watching cruises to 4WD sand dune tours. The wineries of the nearby Hunter Valley are only an hours drive from Port Stephens and a must for wine lovers.
Charter Options
Day Trips
Exclusive day charters can be arranged on Iona & Iona II out of Nelson Bay Port Stephens and Newcastle. Departure time is 0730 and return approximately 1700. The run out time to the fishing grounds varies from 30 minutes to 90 minutes depending on the fishery. Included in your day is lunch, tea & coffee, soft drinks, bottled water, all bait and tackle and crew.
Overnight and extended charters staying on board can be arranged.
For rates and further information on the Port Stephens/Newcastle area please email us.