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DRDOWNRIGGER SHOPFISHING GUIDES

THE DOWNRIGGER SHOP FIELD GUIDE

Illawarra & Kiama Fishing Marks

Find fishing marks from Stanwell Park and Bulli through Wollongong, Bass Point, Kiama and Gerringong. Browse your local stretch of coast, compare the fish reported at each spot and open the marks on the map.

Explore 17 marks Open the NSW fishing map ↗
Earlier Downrigger Shop knife jigs organised in a blue tackle case
An earlier generation of Andrew’s knife jigs. Carry a useful range and choose for the drift on the day. Read the source article ↗

ON THE WATER

Work the reef, then adjust to the fish

The Bulli, Flagstaff and Kiama records include snapper, while the Hump adds a pelagic and bait-finding option. Those are different reasons to stop. For a reef session, first find the edge and the life around it; for a moving bait school, watch its depth and direction instead of treating the pin as the whole fishing area.

Andrew’s micro-jigging approach is useful general advice for these reef grounds. Start with short lifts and a controlled fall near the fish, using an outfit that suits the lure. Forty grams is an option when it stays in contact, not a promise for every depth. If the jig sweeps away, change weight or improve the drift before worrying about colour.

Micro jigs for snapper and mixed reef fish ↗

GET TO KNOW THE AREA

Where to start

EXPLORE THE MARKS

Find a fishing mark

Search by spot name, fish species or fishing method, then open a mark on the map.

17 of 17 marks shown

Bass Point offshore

Bass Point Offshore

The offshore BassPnt reference east of Bass Point. This pin is separate from the shore, dive sites and the other published Bass Point positions. The pin represents a published fishing area, not an exact drop or navigation waypoint.

View on interactive map
Published depth
Depth not published
Spot type
Broader fishing area

Reported fishing species

  • Snapper
  • Trevally

Named in fishing sources. Reports may be historical and do not confirm a current bite.

Species to consider

  • Kingfish
  • Grey Morwong

Coastal reef and adjacent sand habitat. These are species to consider in the area, not catch reports from this mark.

Species reviewed 14 Oct 2026
Coordinates, sources & safety

Source datum unknown. GPX export is not available for this coordinate.

The selected coordinate source does not identify a datum. Plotting converts notation only; positional uncertainty remains and GPX export is unavailable. Any datum label in a comparison source is not transferred.

Check current charts, your sounder, weather, swell and vessel capability before heading out. An area reference does not establish clearance, safe access or permission to fish. Check current NSW fishing closures and local restrictions.

Last checked 28 Sept 2026

Bulli offshore

Bulli Bandit Reef

The inshore Bulli Bandit reference. Other lists also use Bandit Reef for a different offshore position; the two are not combined. The pin represents a published fishing area, not an exact drop or navigation waypoint.

View on interactive map
Published depth
Depth not published
Spot type
Broader fishing area

Reported fishing species

  • Snapper
  • Leatherjacket

Named in fishing sources. Reports may be historical and do not confirm a current bite.

Species to consider

  • Kingfish
  • Grey Morwong
  • Silver Trevally

Coastal reef and adjacent sand habitat. These are species to consider in the area, not catch reports from this mark.

Species reviewed 14 Oct 2026
Coordinates, sources & safety

Source datum unknown. GPX export is not available for this coordinate.

The selected coordinate source does not identify a datum. Plotting converts notation only; positional uncertainty remains and GPX export is unavailable. Any datum label in a comparison source is not transferred.

Check current charts, your sounder, weather, swell and vessel capability before heading out. An area reference does not establish clearance, safe access or permission to fish. Check current NSW fishing closures and local restrictions.

Last checked 28 Sept 2026

Bulli offshore

Bulli Sands

An offshore sand-ground reference east of Bulli. The historical depth range is context for exploring the area, rather than a sounder measurement at the pin. The pin represents a published fishing area, not an exact drop or navigation waypoint.

View on interactive map
Published depth
Historical list reports 40–50 m; verify with current charts and sounder.
Spot type
Broader fishing area

Species to consider

  • Tiger Flathead
  • Silver Trevally

Offshore shelf sand or gravel habitat. These are habitat-based suggestions; find suitable bottom and depth on your sounder.

Species reviewed 14 Oct 2026
Coordinates, sources & safety

Source datum unknown. GPX export is not available for this coordinate.

The selected coordinate source does not identify a datum. Plotting converts notation only; positional uncertainty remains and GPX export is unavailable. Any datum label in a comparison source is not transferred.

Check current charts, your sounder, weather, swell and vessel capability before heading out. An area reference does not establish clearance, safe access or permission to fish. Check current NSW fishing closures and local restrictions.

Last checked 28 Sept 2026

Bulli offshore

Marks Bump

A reef-area reference off the northern Illawarra coast, with snapper reported in the historical list. The pin represents a published fishing area, not an exact drop or navigation waypoint.

View on interactive map
Published depth
Depth not published
Spot type
Broader fishing area

Reported fishing species

  • Snapper

Named in fishing sources. Reports may be historical and do not confirm a current bite.

Species to consider

  • Kingfish
  • Grey Morwong
  • Silver Trevally

Coastal reef and adjacent sand habitat. These are species to consider in the area, not catch reports from this mark.

Species reviewed 14 Oct 2026
Coordinates, sources & safety

Source datum unknown. GPX export is not available for this coordinate.

The selected coordinate source does not identify a datum. Plotting converts notation only; positional uncertainty remains and GPX export is unavailable. Any datum label in a comparison source is not transferred.

Check current charts, your sounder, weather, swell and vessel capability before heading out. An area reference does not establish clearance, safe access or permission to fish. Check current NSW fishing closures and local restrictions.

Last checked 28 Sept 2026

Burning Palms offshore

Burning Palms Offshore

A boat-fishing reference off Burning Palms. Historical reports associate the area with a mix of bottom fish. The pin represents a published fishing area, not an exact drop or navigation waypoint.

View on interactive map
Published depth
Depth not published
Spot type
Broader fishing area

Reported fishing species

  • Morwong
  • Flathead
  • Leatherjacket

Named in fishing sources. Reports may be historical and do not confirm a current bite.

Species to consider

  • Snapper
  • Kingfish
  • Silver Trevally

Coastal reef and adjacent sand habitat. These are species to consider in the area, not catch reports from this mark.

Species reviewed 14 Oct 2026
Coordinates, sources & safety

Source datum unknown. GPX export is not available for this coordinate.

The selected coordinate source does not identify a datum. Plotting converts notation only; positional uncertainty remains and GPX export is unavailable. Any datum label in a comparison source is not transferred.

Check current charts, your sounder, weather, swell and vessel capability before heading out. An area reference does not establish clearance, safe access or permission to fish. Check current NSW fishing closures and local restrictions.

Last checked 28 Sept 2026

Garie Beach offshore

Garie Beach Wide

An offshore area reference east of Garie Beach. This is a boat-fishing ground, separate from the beach and nearby wrecks. The pin represents a published fishing area, not an exact drop or navigation waypoint.

View on interactive map
Published depth
Depth not published
Spot type
Broader fishing area

Species to consider

  • Snapper
  • Kingfish
  • Grey Morwong
  • Silver Trevally

Coastal reef and adjacent sand habitat. These are species to consider in the area, not catch reports from this mark.

Species reviewed 14 Oct 2026
Coordinates, sources & safety

Source datum unknown. GPX export is not available for this coordinate.

The selected coordinate source does not identify a datum. Plotting converts notation only; positional uncertainty remains and GPX export is unavailable. Any datum label in a comparison source is not transferred.

Check current charts, your sounder, weather, swell and vessel capability before heading out. An area reference does not establish clearance, safe access or permission to fish. Check current NSW fishing closures and local restrictions.

Last checked 28 Sept 2026

Gerringong offshore

Big Bombie - Kiama

The BigBmbi reference south of Little Bombie. The published position is an area reference, not an indication of clearance over the reef. The pin represents a published fishing area, not an exact drop or navigation waypoint.

View on interactive map
Published depth
Depth not published
Spot type
Broader fishing area

Species to consider

  • Snapper
  • Kingfish
  • Grey Morwong
  • Silver Trevally

Coastal reef and adjacent sand habitat. These are species to consider in the area, not catch reports from this mark.

Species reviewed 14 Oct 2026
Coordinates, sources & safety

Source datum unknown. GPX export is not available for this coordinate.

The selected coordinate source does not identify a datum. Plotting converts notation only; positional uncertainty remains and GPX export is unavailable. Any datum label in a comparison source is not transferred.

Check current charts, your sounder, weather, swell and vessel capability before heading out. An area reference does not establish clearance, safe access or permission to fish. Check current NSW fishing closures and local restrictions.

Last checked 28 Sept 2026

Gerringong offshore

Little Bombie - Kiama

The LitlBmbi reference on the coast south of Kiama. It is listed separately from Big Bombie; no reliable mark-specific depth or species detail was established. The pin represents a published fishing area, not an exact drop or navigation waypoint.

View on interactive map
Published depth
Depth not published
Spot type
Broader fishing area

Species to consider

  • Snapper
  • Kingfish
  • Grey Morwong
  • Silver Trevally

Coastal reef and adjacent sand habitat. These are species to consider in the area, not catch reports from this mark.

Species reviewed 14 Oct 2026
Coordinates, sources & safety

Source datum unknown. GPX export is not available for this coordinate.

The selected coordinate source does not identify a datum. Plotting converts notation only; positional uncertainty remains and GPX export is unavailable. Any datum label in a comparison source is not transferred.

Check current charts, your sounder, weather, swell and vessel capability before heading out. An area reference does not establish clearance, safe access or permission to fish. Check current NSW fishing closures and local restrictions.

Last checked 28 Sept 2026

Gerringong offshore

Mission House Reef

An offshore reference southeast of Gerringong. Mission Ground and the northeast Mission House listing are separate nearby records, not interchangeable coordinates. The pin represents a published fishing area, not an exact drop or navigation waypoint.

View on interactive map
Published depth
Depth not published
Spot type
Broader fishing area

Species to consider

  • Snapper
  • Kingfish
  • Grey Morwong
  • Silver Trevally

Coastal reef and adjacent sand habitat. These are species to consider in the area, not catch reports from this mark.

Species reviewed 14 Oct 2026
Coordinates, sources & safety

Source datum unknown. GPX export is not available for this coordinate.

The selected coordinate source does not identify a datum. Plotting converts notation only; positional uncertainty remains and GPX export is unavailable. Any datum label in a comparison source is not transferred.

Check current charts, your sounder, weather, swell and vessel capability before heading out. An area reference does not establish clearance, safe access or permission to fish. Check current NSW fishing closures and local restrictions.

Last checked 28 Sept 2026

Kiama offshore

Four Mile Reef - Kiama

An offshore reef reference south of Kiama. Snapper is reported in the corresponding historical entry. The pin represents a published fishing area, not an exact drop or navigation waypoint.

View on interactive map
Published depth
Depth not published
Spot type
Broader fishing area

Reported fishing species

  • Snapper

Named in fishing sources. Reports may be historical and do not confirm a current bite.

Species to consider

  • Kingfish
  • Grey Morwong
  • Silver Trevally

Coastal reef and adjacent sand habitat. These are species to consider in the area, not catch reports from this mark.

Species reviewed 14 Oct 2026
Coordinates, sources & safety

Source datum unknown. GPX export is not available for this coordinate.

The selected coordinate source does not identify a datum. Plotting converts notation only; positional uncertainty remains and GPX export is unavailable. Any datum label in a comparison source is not transferred.

Check current charts, your sounder, weather, swell and vessel capability before heading out. An area reference does not establish clearance, safe access or permission to fish. Check current NSW fishing closures and local restrictions.

Last checked 28 Sept 2026

Kiama offshore

Six Mile Reef - Kiama

The Kiama district Six Mile reference. It is separate from the Bermagui reef of the same name. The pin represents a published fishing area, not an exact drop or navigation waypoint.

View on interactive map
Published depth
Depth not published
Spot type
Broader fishing area

Reported fishing species

  • Hussars
  • Snapper
  • Morwong

Named in fishing sources. Reports may be historical and do not confirm a current bite.

Species to consider

  • Kingfish
  • Silver Trevally

Coastal reef and adjacent sand habitat. These are species to consider in the area, not catch reports from this mark.

Species reviewed 14 Oct 2026
Coordinates, sources & safety

Source datum unknown. GPX export is not available for this coordinate.

The selected coordinate source does not identify a datum. Plotting converts notation only; positional uncertainty remains and GPX export is unavailable. Any datum label in a comparison source is not transferred.

Check current charts, your sounder, weather, swell and vessel capability before heading out. An area reference does not establish clearance, safe access or permission to fish. Check current NSW fishing closures and local restrictions.

Last checked 28 Sept 2026

Minnamurra offshore

Minnamurra Reef Reference

The coastal reef entry labelled Mina Rf, plotted offshore of Minnamurra. The expanded name is a locality label; no site-specific catch prediction is available. The pin represents a published fishing area, not an exact drop or navigation waypoint.

View on interactive map
Published depth
Depth not published
Spot type
Broader fishing area

Species to consider

  • Snapper
  • Kingfish
  • Grey Morwong
  • Silver Trevally

Coastal reef and adjacent sand habitat. These are species to consider in the area, not catch reports from this mark.

Species reviewed 14 Oct 2026
Coordinates, sources & safety

Source datum unknown. GPX export is not available for this coordinate.

The selected coordinate source does not identify a datum. Plotting converts notation only; positional uncertainty remains and GPX export is unavailable. Any datum label in a comparison source is not transferred.

Check current charts, your sounder, weather, swell and vessel capability before heading out. An area reference does not establish clearance, safe access or permission to fish. Check current NSW fishing closures and local restrictions.

Last checked 28 Sept 2026

Stanwell Park offshore

The Hump - Stanwell Park

The northern Illawarra Hump reference, off Stanwell Park. It is distinct from other NSW grounds with the same name. The pin represents a published fishing area, not an exact drop or navigation waypoint.

View on interactive map
Published depth
Depth not published
Spot type
Broader fishing area

Reported fishing species

  • Tuna

Named in fishing sources. Reports may be historical and do not confirm a current bite.

Other labels in original sources
  • Pelagic Fish
  • Baitfish

These broad or unresolved labels are retained as source history and are not extra target suggestions.

Species reviewed 14 Oct 2026
Coordinates, sources & safety

Source datum unknown. GPX export is not available for this coordinate.

The selected coordinate source does not identify a datum. Plotting converts notation only; positional uncertainty remains and GPX export is unavailable. Any datum label in a comparison source is not transferred.

Check current charts, your sounder, weather, swell and vessel capability before heading out. An area reference does not establish clearance, safe access or permission to fish. Check current NSW fishing closures and local restrictions.

Last checked 28 Sept 2026

Wollongong offshore

Flagstaff Point Offshore

An offshore reference east of Flagstaff Point, with a historical winter and spring snapper report. The pin is not a shore-access location. The pin represents a published fishing area, not an exact drop or navigation waypoint.

View on interactive map
Published depth
Depth not published
Spot type
Broader fishing area

Reported fishing species

  • Snapper

Named in fishing sources. Reports may be historical and do not confirm a current bite.

Species to consider

  • Kingfish
  • Grey Morwong
  • Silver Trevally

Coastal reef and adjacent sand habitat. These are species to consider in the area, not catch reports from this mark.

Species reviewed 14 Oct 2026

Seasonal notes

A historical public-list entry reports snapper in winter and spring; this is not a current fishing forecast.

Coordinates, sources & safety

Source datum unknown. GPX export is not available for this coordinate.

The selected coordinate source does not identify a datum. Plotting converts notation only; positional uncertainty remains and GPX export is unavailable. Any datum label in a comparison source is not transferred.

Check current charts, your sounder, weather, swell and vessel capability before heading out. An area reference does not establish clearance, safe access or permission to fish. Check current NSW fishing closures and local restrictions.

Last checked 28 Sept 2026

Wollongong offshore

Trap Reef - Wollongong

An offshore reef reference east of Wollongong. The historical list reports pelagic species here, without specifying a season or current fish presence. The pin represents a published fishing area, not an exact drop or navigation waypoint.

View on interactive map
Published depth
Depth not published
Spot type
Broader fishing area

Reported fishing species

  • Dolphinfish (mahi-mahi)
  • Marlin

Named in fishing sources. Reports may be historical and do not confirm a current bite.

Species reviewed 14 Oct 2026
Coordinates, sources & safety

Source datum unknown. GPX export is not available for this coordinate.

The selected coordinate source does not identify a datum. Plotting converts notation only; positional uncertainty remains and GPX export is unavailable. Any datum label in a comparison source is not transferred.

Check current charts, your sounder, weather, swell and vessel capability before heading out. An area reference does not establish clearance, safe access or permission to fish. Check current NSW fishing closures and local restrictions.

Last checked 28 Sept 2026

Wollongong offshore

Wollongong Reef

The closer Wollongong Reef reference east of the city. The separately listed offshore reef point is retained as its own location. The pin represents a published fishing area, not an exact drop or navigation waypoint.

View on interactive map
Published depth
Depth not published
Spot type
Broader fishing area

Species to consider

  • Snapper
  • Kingfish
  • Grey Morwong
  • Silver Trevally

Coastal reef and adjacent sand habitat. These are species to consider in the area, not catch reports from this mark.

Species reviewed 14 Oct 2026
Coordinates, sources & safety

Source datum unknown. GPX export is not available for this coordinate.

The selected coordinate source does not identify a datum. Plotting converts notation only; positional uncertainty remains and GPX export is unavailable. Any datum label in a comparison source is not transferred.

Check current charts, your sounder, weather, swell and vessel capability before heading out. An area reference does not establish clearance, safe access or permission to fish. Check current NSW fishing closures and local restrictions.

Last checked 28 Sept 2026

Wollongong offshore

Wollongong Reef - Wide

The offshore point listed as GongRef2, east of the closer Wollongong Reef reference. The pin represents a published fishing area, not an exact drop or navigation waypoint.

View on interactive map
Published depth
Depth not published
Spot type
Broader fishing area

Reported fishing species

  • Morwong
  • Kingfish

Named in fishing sources. Reports may be historical and do not confirm a current bite.

Species to consider

  • Snapper
  • Silver Trevally

Coastal reef and adjacent sand habitat. These are species to consider in the area, not catch reports from this mark.

Species reviewed 14 Oct 2026
Coordinates, sources & safety

Source datum unknown. GPX export is not available for this coordinate.

The selected coordinate source does not identify a datum. Plotting converts notation only; positional uncertainty remains and GPX export is unavailable. Any datum label in a comparison source is not transferred.

Check current charts, your sounder, weather, swell and vessel capability before heading out. An area reference does not establish clearance, safe access or permission to fish. Check current NSW fishing closures and local restrictions.

Last checked 28 Sept 2026

FISHING TIPS & TRIP REPORTS

Advice from Andrew

Read your sounder before dropping a line

Andrew’s examples of structure, bait and fish on the screen, and what to do with that information.

Getting started with jigging

Match the jig to the depth and current, then work the water where fish are showing.

How to use public fishing marks

Use a GPS mark and your sounder to find structure, bait and fish.

COMMON QUESTIONS

Before you head out

Is Kiama’s Six Mile Reef the same as Bermagui’s?

No, they are different reefs. The town or region is included in each mark so you can tell them apart when saving or sharing a spot.

Where do I find the GPS coordinates?

Choose “View on interactive map” on a card, then use Copy coordinates or Copy link. The map help guide explains how to save, share and plan with them.

KEEP EXPLORING

Nearby water and useful guides

21 fishing marks

Sydney offshore

Explore Sydney fishing marks from Long Reef and The Peak to the Twelve Miler, Browns Mountain and Bate Bay, with map links and Andrew’s fishing reports.

Explore the guide 25 fishing marks

Jervis Bay & Shoalhaven

Explore Jervis Bay and Shoalhaven fishing marks, including The Banks, Currarong and St Georges Basin, with zoning notes and interactive map links.

Explore the guide 18 fishing marks

Bermagui & Narooma

Explore Bermagui and Narooma reefs, flathead grounds and offshore fishing marks, including Four Mile, Six Mile and Twelve Mile, on the NSW map.

Explore the guide

MAKE A SHORTLIST

Plan your next fishing trip.

Find a boat ramp, choose your fishing spots and save them in Trip Planner.

Open the fishing map ↗