The Best Spots for Catching Abalone in NSW

Abalone are a prized seafood delicacy in Australia These large marine snails cling to rocky surfaces along the coast. Their tasty meat and intricate shells make them highly sought after by recreational and commercial divers. But with abalone populations under pressure in recent decades, regulations limit how many you can take So where are the best places to go abalone fishing and stay within the rules in NSW?

In this article, we’ll cover top abalone fishing spots on the NSW coast, rules and limits, tips for catching them, and more. Read on to learn where you’re most likely to bag your abalone catch.

Overview of Abalone in NSW

Let’s first review some quick facts about abalone in New South Wales:

• Blacklip abalone is the main commercially fished species along with some greenlip.

• They live in shallow, rocky areas of the ocean typically less than 10 meters deep.

• Most are found within a few hundred meters offshore.

• Commercial fishing occurs primarily on the NSW south coast.

• Strict annual quotas limit commercial abalone catches.

• Recreational daily limits apply for non-commercial divers and fishermen.

• Populations dropped sharply from historical overfishing but are now carefully managed.

Top Spots for Abalone Fishing in NSW

The New South Wales coastline stretches for over 2,000 km from Queensland to Victoria. But some sections hold more abalone than others. Here are the prime areas to try your luck:

1. South Coast

The NSW south coast from Jervis Bay to Victoria is by far the most productive zone. This is where commercial abalone fishing is focused and your best bet recreationally.

Key areas: Jervis Bay, Batemans Bay, Narooma, Bermagui, Eden, Merimbula

2. Central Coast

The Central Coast down to Sydney has scattered abalone populations among its rocky headlands and reefs.

Key areas: Norah Head, The Entrance, Terrigal, Avoca, North Narrabeen, South Maroubra

3. Far South Coast

The wilderness coastline near the Victoria border hosts remote abalone hot spots.

Key areas: Mallacoota, Wonboyn Lake

4. North Coast

Abundance drops off north of Coffs Harbour but there are still pockets holding abalone.

Key areas: Yamba, Angourie, Byron Bay

Abalone Fishing Rules and Limits in NSW

To fish for abalone in NSW, you must follow all rules and limits:

• Fishing license required (can get 1 or 14 day license).

• Minimum size 10cm for blacklip.

• Recreational limit 2 per person per day, only in possession when on water or shore.

• Abalone gear like an iron bar required – no levers or knives.

• Strict requirements around measuring and recording size.

• Abalone fishing prohibited from late May to late October annually.

• Fishing prohibited between sunset and sunrise.

• Bag and size limits enforced, with large fines for breaches.

Tips for Catching Abalone in NSW

Follow this advice to improve your chances when abalone fishing:

• Fish morning hours with an outgoing tide in spring and summer.

• Target shallow rocky reefs, near passes and drop-offs.

• Scan for abalone tucked under ledges and in crevices.

• Use a mesh bag and abalone iron to carefully pry them off rocks.

• Look in seaweed and kelp forests growing on rocks.

• Dive or snorkel if possible – more access than shore fishing.

• Check daily catch limits to avoid accidental over-limits.

Eating and Cooking Your Abalone Catch

Abalone