Best tide times for kayak fishing near Lennox Head, NSW

Kayak Fishing Guide for Lennox Head, NSW

Located on the stunning Far North Coast of New South Wales, Lennox Head offers exceptional kayak fishing opportunities. To maximize your catch, we’ve put together this comprehensive guide, covering the best tide times, fishing seasons, essential gear, and crucial safety tips.

Ideal Tide Phases:

Peak Fishing Tides:

Changing Tides: 1-2 hours either side of the tide change (low to high or high to low) for increased baitfish activity, attracting larger predators.
Low Tide: Exposed reefs and structures become more accessible, ideal for targeting species like bream, tailor, and mulloway.

Avoid: Strong tidal currents during peak tidal flows (usually 30 minutes to 1 hour after official tide change times), as they can make paddling and fishing challenging.

Fishing Seasons:

Year-Round:

Bream
Mulloway (increased activity at night)
Tailor

Seasonal Highlights:

Summer (Dec-Feb): School jewfish, snapper, and kingfish are more active in warmer waters.
Autumn (Mar-May) & Spring (Sep-Nov): Excellent for catching a variety of species as water temperatures are mild.

Gear Tips:

Rods/Reels: Medium to heavy action combos (2-6 kg or 4-10 lb) to handle unexpected larger catches.

Lures/Baits:

Soft plastics (e.g., curly tail grubs) for bream and mulloway.
Small metal jigs (20-50g) for tailor and school jewfish.
Live or frozen baits (pilchards, herring, or squid) for larger predators.

Kayak Setup:

Rod holders and a paddle leash are essentials.
Consider a kayak with built-in storage for your gear.

Safety First:

Always Wear:

A properly fitted life jacket (PFD).
A hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen for sun protection.

Check Before You Go:

Weather forecasts: avoid strong winds, thunderstorms, and rough seas.
Tide times and sea conditions.
Notify someone of your planned route and return time.

On the Water:

Carry a VHF radio or a waterproof phone case.
Be mindful of your surroundings, including other watercraft and swimmers.
Follow local fishing regulations and practice catch-and-release fishing to help conserve fish populations.

Additional Tips for Lennox Head:

Launch sites: The Lennox Head boat ramp or the more sheltered Lake Ainsworth for calmer conditions.

Respect the environment and other users of the area.

Familiarize yourself with local fishing spots, such as the reefs off Lennox Point and the river mouths during certain tide phases.

By following this guide, you’ll be well-equipped to enjoy the rich fishing experiences that Lennox Head, NSW, has to offer from your kayak. Always remember, safety and sustainability are key to a great day on the water. Happy fishing!