A firm favourite with families for the last 50 years, Jervis Bay is reinventing itself as the premier aquatic adventure playground on the south coast.
Apart from its reputation as one of the best places to go whale and dolphin watching, Jervis Bay also offers some of the best sport and game fishing to be found anywhere in NSW.
While inshore fishing remains popular, the area now also attracts anglers keen to do battle with the glamour game species such as shark, mahi mahi, tuna and marlin.
Because of the usually mild weather on this part of the coast, recreational fishing is a year-round activity. Even in winter there are plenty of mahi mahi (dolphin fish), albacore, yellowfin tuna and mako sharks to be had.
Of course, the big prize for the serious game fisherman is marlin. While catching a tuna has been compared to hanging onto the back of a truck and hoping it runs out of fuel, nothing compares with the adrenaline rush of hooking a big marlin - they fight all the way to the side of the boat. The best time to catch them is between December and March.
Jervis Bay can be divided into two distinct fishing zones: the Bay itself and the offshore reef, where the water drops to 300 feet or more. Charter-boat operators charge more for reef fishing, but their expertise and local knowledge is invaluable.
Wally Simpson, for example, has been running Simos Afloat for seven years. Wally will adjust a trip to suit individual needs and the sometimes erratic weather conditions that can affect fishing on the reef.
Like most charter-operators, Wally likes an early start. His six-metre aluminum catamaran, Barnacle Bill, leaves the wharf at the crack of dawn. All bait and tackle are supplied, but clients are expected to supply their own lunch - though Wally discourages people from bringing along bananas (you need to ask him about this story).
On a typical Bay Day charter, you can expect to trawl for salmon, bonito and flathead, with some squid-jigging on the return journey. Reef Days offer a chance to get among the pelagics, trolling for kings, bonito and tuna. Further down are snapper, pig fish, nannagai, sharks and other reef dwellers. A visit to the nearby seal colony provides a welcome chance for those weary arms to recover.
By overseas standards the cost of a game-fishing charter at Jervis Bay is laughable. Expect to pay no more than $200 per person for a full day's fishing on the reef. This includes all fishing gear, tackle and bait. No fishing permits are required. Just remember to bring your camera or video.
Now classified as a marine park, Jervis Bay offers the added attraction of impromptu whale and dolphin sightings. Migrating humpback whales make regular appearances between June and November.
Apart from more conventional game fishing, Jervis Bay Fishing and Sightseeing Charters offers a range of excellent whale-watching and dolphin-watching trips for family groups, with optional visits to a seal colony. The MV Reel Time can take mixed groups of up to 12 people.
Most of the charter operators are also acutely aware of how important it is to preserve stocks - especially of marlin and other game fish - and encourage a tag-and-release policy. Anglers are advised to take only enough eating fish for their own needs.
Those who are content to do some gentle inshore fishing can easily hire a dinghy and outboard in Huskisson. There are good numbers of flathead, bream, mullet and leatherjacket in the Bay. Husky-Hire-A-Boat has 12-foot aluminum runabouts for $25 an hour. And don't despair if you've left your fishing gear at home - this is available for hire at the nearby bait shop.
Despite its popularity, you'll be surprised to find that Jervis Bay is still remarkably unspoilt. A few minutes drive from the main settlement of Huskisson is Booderee National Park (formerly Jervis Bay National Park), which offers excellent walking and camping. A trip to the old lighthouse at Point Perpendicular is also recommended.
However, if it's just a quiet morning with a book that tempts you, then you won't have to look far. Jervis Bay claims to have the cleanest beaches on the planet.
If you want a cheap, fun holiday with friends, family and the kids there is lots to do and see in Huskisson/Jervis Bay. Whether it's dolphin watching, jet skiing, fishing or just enjoying the white sandy beaches it's sure to please. As for accommodation there is holiday letting to caravan parks for those who have no intention on pitching a tent. Oh yeah, make sure you go in the spring and summer.
Bibz, Minchinbury
I recently got married and honeymooned at Bewong River Retreat near Jervis Bay. The retreat is couples only and features a huge spa in the lounge of your private bungalow looking over the river. We fished in peace by day and watched the sun set from our spa at night. There are only 6 bungalows on the whole property which makes it extremely private and romantic. It was magical. The best getaway in NSW.
Stacey, Caringbah
If you want to go open ocean fishing but don't wish to venture out into unknown territory by yourself, take a stroll down to the wharf area and hire yourself a boat and guide. We found the local fishing guides fantastic!
Jack & Claudia, Sydney.
4WD
