The Fish

The Hunter River and Lake Macquarie hosts an abundance of wildlife from Dolphins, Seals, Sharks, Rays, Crabs, Spectacular Sea Birds and hundreds of species of Fish. Fishing Charters are an experience and for some, something they will never forget. Cooper excels at targeting fish but when the opportunity arises to take in a spectacular sunrise/sunset or appreciate the local wildlife, Cooper is more than happy to share that moment with you. Captain Cooper targets all species the Local Estuaries have to offer, he targets these fish using different methods from Fly Fishing, Lure Fishing, Live Baiting and good old fashion Bait Fishing. He supplies all the most up to date gear like Rods, Reels, Lures and Terminal Tackle so all you need to do is turn up and be ready to have a great day. Cooper is all about catching fish for his clients, but he also enjoys teaching the art and science of Fishing as well, so if you are after the full experience of Fishing the Hunter Region, Day Trippin Charters is perfect for you.

Species you can expect to encounter on a Charter are - Flathead – Whiting – Bream - Mulloway (Jewfish) – Kingfish - Australian Salmon – Tailor – Flounder – Hairtail - Leather Jacket – Mullet – Luderick - Snapper (Squire) – Estuary Perch – Bass - Squid – Blue Swimmer and Mud Crabs. For booking information and a list of charters please click on the BOOK page. Alternatively, if you would like to request a Custom Charter Package please call on 0427 501 759 or Email Day Trippin Charters on fish@daytrippincharters.com.au and Cooper will be more than happy to accommodate your needs.

Lake Macquarie

Lake Macquarie is the largest saltwater lake in the southern hemisphere and is more than twice the size of Sydney Harbour, Lake Macquarie is an aquatic playground and hosts an abundance of wildlife from Dolphins, Seals, Sharks, Rays, Crabs, Spectacular Sea Birds and Hundreds of species of Fish. It covers approximately 120 square kilometres and is 24 km long, 3.2 km at its widest point and over 11 meters at its deepest. The lake's foreshore consists of 174 km of bays, beaches and headlands. There are 92 towns and villages, 29 public boat ramps, 28 public jetties and wharves and 7 marinas around the lake.

Lake Macquarie reaches the ocean by a narrow channel at Swansea Heads. It has never really developed as a port or harbour because of its shallow/narrow entrance. Strong currents and Tides frequent Swansea Channel carrying an abundance of food and bait fish in and out of Lake Macquarie, this results in a huge body of water with very little tidal flow due to the small entrance but large back water behind it. This in turn creates a safe and plentiful breeding ground for all sorts of Fish and Wildlife, throw in that Lake Macquarie has not been commercially fished and netted since its ban in 2002 makes an unreal fishing destination.

The lake was known briefly as Reid's Mistake because the first European to explore it was Captain William Reid who was sent from Sydney in 1800 to explore the economic potential of the Hunter River. He did not realise that he had entered the mouth of Lake Macquarie and it was not until he returned to Sydney Town that he realised his mistake. The amusing error was corrected in 1826 when the lake was renamed in honour of Governor Lachlan Macquarie.

As it stands today Lake Macquarie is the Lower gateway to the Hunter Region and is a highly sort after destination for both people seeking permanent residents and the holiday makers wanting to experience what the Hunter Region has to offer. If you’re a Local, Holiday maker or just passing through let Day Trippin Charters and Captain Cooper Walker show you around this magical place called Lake Macquarie.

Hunter River and Newcastle Harbour

The Hunter River starts in the Mount Royal Range of the Eastern Highlands and flowing generally southwest through Glenbawn Reservoir and past Musclebrook and Denman. There, joined by its major tributary, the Goulburn river, the Hunter turns southeast to flow by Singleton, Maitland, Morpeth, and Raymond Terrace, entering the Tasman Sea at Newcastle Harbour after a course of 287 miles (462 km). Its drainage basin is approximately 8,500 square miles (22,000 square km), and its estuarine mouth forms one of the state’s largest harbours at Newcastle.

Visited in 1791 by convicts, who called it the Coal River, it was renamed in 1797 for John Hunter the colonial governor. The coal outcrops found by these early visitors were being worked by 1800. Before Stockton was formed it was known as the oyster banks and was accompanied by many a shipwreck as coal and export ships tried to enter and exit the harbour (many of which are still exposed today).

Now established as one of the major export harbours in Australia Newcastle Harbour has an abundance of Ship traffic, manmade structure, then add in the still exposed shipwrecks, oyster beds that stretch for miles, both Paterson and Williams freshwater rivers feeding into the Hunter River, huge prawn runs and exhausting miles of fish friendly habitat to explore, The Hunter River and Newcastle Harbour is a Hidden Gem when it comes to a trophy fishery. If you’re a Local, Holiday enthusiast or just stopping off between flights at Williamtown Airport, Captain Cooper Walker would love to accompany you if you wish to explore and fish this fruitful water way.