Werri Beach (Southern Gutters) is a beach in Illawarra, New South Wales. Get to know the water before unpacking: choose a target species, look at the tide and wind, and work out where you can comfortably fish.
Find the mark at 34 degrees 44.100 minutes south, 150 degrees 49.770 minutes east. These coordinates locate the fishing spot, not a safe access route.
Structure
The mapped structure is estuary mouth sandbar. The chart depth near the usual casting position is about 2.5 metres below chart datum, the reference level on a marine chart. The tide changes the actual depth during your session.
Werri Beach (Southern Gutters) faces east. Some shelter from west winds. Open to north, north-east, east, south-east, south, south-west and north-west winds.
Surf beach: gutters move daily, this marker is a starting point. Walk the beach to find the current gutter formation. Do not fish rock edges in swell.
Target species
Australian Salmon (Arripis trutta). A metal slice is a useful starting lure in surf gutters. From structure in calm water, try a soft plastic with a slow retrieve.
Snapper (Pagrus auratus). A pilchard on a running sinker rig is a useful starting point. In moving water, a tough squid strip can stay hooked longer.
How to fish it
Match the weight of your rig to the water in front of you. Start with enough control to present your bait or lure, then adjust when the tide changes. Watch where your line settles and leave space for other anglers to work their tackle.
Read the surf from dry sand before choosing a position. Stay out of rips and leave enough space between your casting area and other beach users.
Use the live weather at Werri Beach (Southern Gutters) to understand the session: tide, wind, swell, air pressure, moon and water temperature belong together. The two coloured bands describe catchability and fishability. They cannot assess your footing, access or safety at the water.