FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

+     How often do you run your fishing charters?

Our charters are open for bookings all year round, 7 days a week.

+     Will a charter still run if it's raining?

Charters will still operate in the rain as long as the sea and wind conditions are safe (in the discretion of the Skipper). We recommend bringing a rain jacket.

+     Do you offer pick-up and drop-off transport services?

No. You are required to organise your own transport to and from the meeting point at Endeavour Dr, Wollongong NSW 2500. For more information on parking and directions, click here.

+     Where do you normally fish?

Depending on the weather and fishing conditions, we often drift along the South Coast of NSW between Stanwell Park and Shellharbour. We fish anywhere from off the beach to 10 miles offshore. Some of the spots we frequent (but not limited to) include Stanwell Park, Bellambi, Wollongong, Five Islands (Port Kembla), and Shellharbour.

+     What type of fish will we catch?

We cover a vast array of fishing grounds targeting Snappers, Morwong, Wrasse, Flathead, Leatherjacket, Eastern Pigfish and more.

+     What type of bait do you use?

We typically use whole prawns, strips of squid and salted mackerel to start. We also sometimes use bits of fresh fish, including sergeant baker and mackerel, that have been caught on the day. However, you’re welcome to bring along your own bait if you prefer.

+     Will we be guaranteed a fish?

Unfortunately we can’t make such guarantees. Although, in the last 40 years of operation, we have never gone out and not caught at least one fish. It is common in fishing to have slow days where the fish are not on the bite and can be unpredictable. Our crew will always do their best to catch a feed of fish for everybody onboard.

+     Will we be able to catch BIG fish?

We will always do our best to give you the opportunity to land that BIG fish. While most fish caught are plate-sized, there are absolutely no guarantees.

+     Can we bring home the fish we catch?

Yes, as long as the fish you catch is of the legal size. Our crew will be able to advise and determine this. Please bring along a bag or esky to take your catches home.

+     Are the fish filleted?

No, filleting of fish is not provided. However, all catches will be scaled, gilled and gutted for your convenience.

+     How do I make a booking?

Bookings can be made right here on our website or by phone. For your booking to be confirmed, please note that full payment is required for Per Person bookings, while a 50% deposit is required for Whole Boat bookings.

+     Can I get a full refund if I cancel my charter?

All bookings with Wollongong Charters Pty Ltd are strictly non-refundable. However, bookings are transferable or you can reschedule for free if it's ten (10) or more days from the original date of your charter. Please call or email to reschedule.

We only offer full refunds in instances where the decision to cancel the charter is made by Wollongong Charters Pty Ltd (e.g. due to bad weather, mechanical issues). For full terms and conditions on cancellation and refunds, click here.

+     Can I reschedule my charter once it's booked?

Per Person bookings

Reschedules are complimentary if it's ten (10) or more days from the date of your charter. Reschedules within 10 days, but up to 72 hours of your charter, will incur a 20% amendment fee of your booking. Changes made within 72 hours of your charter will result in forfeiture of your booking.

Whole Boat & Bare Boat bookings

Reschedules are complimentary if it's ten (10) or more days from the date of your charter. Changes made after this time will result in forfeiture of your 50% deposit.

For full terms and conditions on cancellation and refunds, click here.

+     What happens if there's a forecast for bad weather?

In the event of bad weather where a charter is likely to be cancelled, we will notify you via a phone call prior to your scheduled charter at these approximate times:

Morning charter: 6:00pm, the day before
Afternoon charter: 10am, the morning of

Please note that in some instances where we are unable to make a call due to the uncertainty of the weather conditions the day before, the Skipper has grounds to cancel the charter on the day at the harbour.

If your charter is cancelled by Wollongong Charters Pty Ltd, you will be given the option to reschedule, receive a return voucher (Per Person bookings only), or obtain a full refund. For full terms and conditions on cancellation and refunds, click here.

+     I’ve received a ‘Pending Supplier’ email. What does this mean?

‘Pending Supplier’ means your charter is not confirmed as the minimum requirement of five (5) passengers has not yet been met for the charter to run. Once the minimum requirement of five (5) passengers for that trip has been met, you will receive a confirmation email thereafter.

Otherwise, you will be notified the day before your charter with a choice to reschedule or receive a full refund.

+     I’ve received a ‘Pending Customer’ email. What does this mean?

‘Pending Customer’ means Wollongong Charters Pty Ltd have yet to receive your deposit for your charter to be confirmed. Once payment is received, you will receive an email confirmation.

+     How long is a Gift Voucher valid for?

All Gift Vouchers are valid for 3 years from the date of purchase.

+     How do I redeem a Gift Voucher?

All recipients should receive a confirmation email with the Gift Voucher code. To redeem it, simply visit the link in the email "Click here to redeem this gift card". Alternatively, you may also copy the Gift Voucher code and apply it at checkout.

+     I lost my Gift Voucher email. What do I do?

No worries! Just give us a call or send us an email and we'll assist you.

+     Are Gift Vouchers transferrable?

Yes. Gift Vouchers are transferrable but strictly non-refundable.

+     Do you offer a physical Gift Voucher?

No. At this stage, we only offer online Gift Vouchers.

+     What if I have COVID/ or I need to self-isolate which will impact the day of my charter?

COVID-19 related circumstances, including but not limited to COVID positive cases, will not be entitled to refunds or reschedules. The cancellation policy will apply as usual.

For more information on our COVID policy, please click here.

+     What should I bring?

Clothing:

• Appropriate clothing for the season (shorts or long pants are fine)
• Windbreaker (to protect you from sea sprays and keep you warm on early morning starts)
• Sneakers or non-skid rubber soled shoes; Thongs are not recommended
• Rain jacket (in case of wet weather)

Essentials:

• A bag/ esky to take your catches home
• Some ice to keep your catches chilled if you have a long journey home
• Plenty of water
• Other beverages (alcohol permitted for 18+, but in moderation)
• Light food and snacks
• Sun protection such as hat, sunnies, sun screen
• Seasickness medication if required (we don't supply any medication onboard)
• Hand towel (it can get messy!)

DO NOT BRING:

• BANANAS! They are bad luck, and will get thrown overboard if seen by our crew! 😉

+     Can I bring alcohol onboard?

Alcohol consumption is allowed onboard for passengers aged 18+, but only in moderation and in reasonable amounts. Unruly behaviour or any form of aggression will not be tolerated, and in which case the skipper has grounds to return to the wharf at any time.

+     What will be supplied onboard?

• Fishing rods, tackles and sinkers per person
• Fishing license per person
• Bait
• Hand sanitiser
• All catches will be scaled, gilled and gutted for you to take home

+     What if I'm late for my charter?

For Per Person bookings, For Per Person bookings, we will allow a grace period of 10 minutes from the departure time for late arrivals. Beyond that, the boat will leave regardless. There will strictly be no refunds or reschedules for late arrivals.

For Whole Boat bookings, departure time is flexible, but the return time is fixed according to your booking.

+     Are children allowed on your fishing charters?

While there are no specific age restrictions, we recommend that children be at least 8 years old to handle their own fishing rod. For our Per Person Charters, we provide a Shared Line alternative, enabling you to share a single fishing rod with another participant. This is an excellent choice for families with young kids or newcomers who wish to enjoy the excitement of fishing together.

We strongly advise that all minors under the age of 16 be accompanied by a responsible adult who will ensure the child's safety during the fishing experience.

+     How many passengers are allowed onboard at any one time?

Our vessels can accommodate up to 12 and 23 passengers respectively, but for your safety and comfort, each charter is capped at 10 passengers to fish at any one time.

+     Are there are any weight or disability restrictions?

There are no weight or disability restrictions. But please be mindful that you'd need to be able to descend and climb a vertical ladder of 3 to 5 steps from the berth to embark and disembark the boat.

+     What type of fishing gear is used?

We provide top of the range modern fishing gear including Shimano Saragosa 10,000 spin reels and Abu Garcia Muscle Tip 3 8-12kg rods.

+     Do you have left-handed reels?

Yes.

+     Can I bring my own fishing gear?

Yes, but at your own risk. If you are running braid and if there's a tangle, we would have to cut your line.

+     Is there a toilet onboard?

Yes, there is a unisex toilet onboard our vessels.