While some people think you need a boat to catch fish, we’re here to tell you that nothing could be further from the truth, and the humble jetty can be your ticket to fishy success.
For many fishos, the humble jetty is where it all began - that love of fishing that can last a lifetime! Whether you started fishing as an ankle biter or it’s something you’ve grown to love over the years, there’s no better place to learn how to fish!
Fishing on a jetty is the perfect way to kickstart your fishing journey. With easy access, plenty of species on offer, and the chance to score a feed without setting foot on a boat, it’s no wonder jetties are packed with keen fishos every weekend.
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Why Jetty Fishing?
No boat? No worries. Jetty fishing is hands down one of the easiest ways to wet a line and get the rods bending without needing to own the water-based pride and joy. Jetties are fish magnets, simple as that! They offer structure, shade and shelter, which makes them prime real estate for baitfish - and when the bait turns up, the predators won’t be far behind. From bread-and-butter bream and flatties to hard-hitting trevally and the occasional surprise with fins, jetties are basically an all-you-can-fish buffet.
Know the Rules
Jetty fishing might be laid-back, but the rules aren’t optional. Although each state has its own size and bag limits in place, they’re only there to ensure that fish numbers will be firing well into the future.
Before you go dropping your first bait or casting a lure, it’s important that you are aware of your local regulations. If you aren’t 100% certain, jump on your local fisheries website to get all the up-to-date information.
Jetty etiquette is another important piece of the puzzle! As you’re sure to encounter walkers, tourists, kids, and of course other fishos on your travels, it’s important to give everyone plenty of room; watch your cast, and don’t act as if you own that skinny strip of timber. A little respect goes a long way and will usually be rewarded in the form of better vibes (and hopefully better bites!)
Have the right gear
When it comes to jetty fishing, bigger isn’t always better! While it’s all good to have a fishing rod for everyday of the week and more lures than a tackle shop, you’ll find sticking with a small kit of essentials a much better way to go. A solid light-to-medium rod and reel spinning combo is a good place to start – something you can comfortably use to flick baits and lures all day but still lean into if something a bit more substantial than your regular bread and butter comes to the party.
Stock your kit with a handful of simple rigs, a good selection of sinkers (to match the tide) and a decent leader to handle pylons, oysters and other sharp surprises you may find around the jetty. Add to this a bucket for bait and a handy portable chair or stool, a landing net for when dinner pays a visit, and a pair of pliers for quick releases. Nail the basics and you’re ready for just about anything that cruises by the planks.
Time your session
Timing is an important part of fishing in general, but for jetty fishing, it’s even more-so – it really can be the difference between bagging out and going home empty handed. While low light periods of dawn and dusk are always on the money for wetting a line, with fish up and about looking for an easy feed, it’s the tide you really need to keep an eye on. Tides are the key to jetty fishing success with moving water being your best bud. A run-in or run-out tide pushes baitfish around the pylons, and predators won’t be far behind. Even if things are slow when you arrive, you’d be surprised how a tide change can bring the fish on the chew. So keeping an eye on the clock won’t hurt, but to really stack the odds in your favour, look at a tide chart instead.
What are the best baits?
Making sure you’re using the right bait is another big deal. Whether you’ve got prawns, pilchards, mullet or squid – they all do the job! But there’s no denying opting for fresh bait over the servo stuff can make a huge difference.
If you’re looking to steer clear of the bread and butter and get into something a little more substantial, live baits are a great way to keep the pickers at bay. If you would like to give livies a go, check out our blog on How to Catch Live Bait.
So, what bait is best? The answer comes down to what the fish are munching on. If there’s prawns everywhere, chances are that that’s what the fish are chewing and don’t be afraid to switch things up if the bites slow. A little variety will keep the fish guessing and hopefully help in more rods bending.
Jetties are packed with fish, action, and zero fuss — all you need is a rod, a bit of bait, and you’re well on your way to BCFing fun by the bucket-load. Just remember to keep it simple, mind the rules, and check the tides… and you’ll be pulling them in before you know it. So, grab your gear and get to the nearest jetty today – a fresh feed of fish and a new hobby could be waiting for you!
About the author
BCFing Experts
The BCFing Experts have done more than their fair share of boating, camping, fishing, hiking, four-wheel driving and much much more! Whether you're tackling tough tracks in Tassie or chasing big barra up North, the BCFing Experts have the know-how to make your next outdoor adventure a pearler
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