ROCKY Point is one of the best kept fishing secrets in Port Stephens.
Accessible by both 4×4 and boat, this rocky outcrop and the surrounding beaches and bays have a fascinating history of fishing, lobstering and the mining of shell grit.
Big Rocky, as the name suggests, is a big rocky outcrop just far enough off the mainland to make it a challenge to reach.
Years back, a flying fox line from the mainland to the rock was erected and parts of the structure have withstood time to still be in place.
No longer serviceable, the old structure does give us an insight into the efforts of recreational fishers to reach this fishing hot spot.
Considered a great platform for snapper, kingfish, mulloway, bream, luderick, drummer, tailor, salmon and groper.
Now that the flying fox has rusted away, very rarely do fishers reach the rock, many preferring to motor from the beach launching sites at Fingal and Boat Harbour.
It is not only Big Rocky that provides excellent fishing options.
There is great rock fishing from the northern corner of Samuari Beach to Skate Bay and further north to the quiet bays on either side of Big Rocky.
These bays are gathering places for squid as the sea flattens.
These areas can be reached by 4×4 vehicle turning off Gan Gan Road.
A rough track will lead you to Rocky Point, which is a wonderful place to visit whether you are fishing or not.
By John ‘Stinker’ CLARKE
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