How To Find Wonky Holes and Large Mouth Nannygai

wonky holes fishing opportunities

Have you ever wondered where Nannygai, or Bright Redfish, hide? Have you heard about wonky holes but are unsure how to find them? To take advantage of wonky hole fishing opportunities, we share some insider tips you need to know. This information will be invaluable if you’re planning your own fishing adventure. Alternatively, why not join Wahoo Charters for a reef fishing Sydney trip of a lifetime? We have a little black book of wonky hole maps and know precisely where the Nannygai are biting!  

What Is A Wonky Hole?

It is an Australian slang term for an underground hole or channel where freshwater from the mainland drains into the ocean. It’s formed when the freshwater exits through the sea floor.  So now you know what they are, but could you recognise one if you came across it?

What does a wonky hole look like?

It looks like a channel in the reef or sea floor. When the freshwater from the mainland forces its way out into the ocean, it causes this channel.

The term was coined by fishermen due to trawlers losing gear, trawlers overturning, and nets getting caught on the rough and uneven holes. But the name refers to the shape of the hole.

You see, coral doesn’t grow well in freshwater. The freshwater coming through the hole causes the coral to die, which creates an irregular shape around the hole.

Where to look for wonky holes

You want to know how to find wonky holes, but they’re actually not that easy to come across. Why? Because fishermen have located wonky hole coordinates but kept them a secret due to the amount of fish they attract. So, how do you find one if you’re not a fisherman?

It can be time-consuming. But there’s rumoured to be some 200 off the coast of Townsville, Queensland and stretching up towards Cape York. Across the Great Barrier Reef, they can be found near Mission Beach and Bedarra Hideaway, close to mouths of rivers hidden by sand.

It is also reported that up to 50 holes have been found near Vanderlin Island off the Northern Territory’s East Coast. Some say with GPS technology, it has become easier to mark wonky hole coordinates.

So, why the interest in these underwater holes? Well, because that’s where you’ll find nannygai fish hiding. 

What Are Nannygai Fish? 

Also known as nannies, these saltwater bottom feeders love deep shoals and reefs from 30 metres in depth, so these fish thrive in wonky holes. The Great Barrier Reef is home to both the large and small mouth nannygai. Get this, the large mouth nannygai can weigh in at a whopping 13 kgs!

So, Why Does A Wonky Hole Make A Good Nannygai Fishing Trip?

Nannygai fish are bottom feeders and love deep shoals and reefs, so it only makes sense that they’re attracted to reefs where underground holes may be. The freshwater that flows into the coral reefs brings nutrients from the mainland. The fish are attracted to these nutrients and, therefore, travel to wonky holes to take advantage of them.

So, once you’ve found the underwater holes, how do you catch a nannygai or two?

How To Catch Nannygai

Catching a large or small mouth nannygai requires a sturdy rod with a standard dropper rig, a mix of squid, and small fish on a hook. The best time to catch a nannygai is during cooler months and at night. Coordinates of these fish are heavily guarded by fishermen. However, with GPS technology, the nannygai can be more readily found. So, are you ready for a game fishing charter in Sydney?

Nannygai Size Limit NSW 

The NSW size limit for Nanngai is client.  If you’re fishing in the Great Barrier Reef, there is a maximum of nine nannies per person and a size limit of 40cm per fish.

Contact Us For Your Next Wahoo Charters Nannygai Fishing Adventure

If you’re keen to nab yourself a reef fish, speak to the fishing experts at Wahoo Charters. We specialise in reef fishing charters and can get you out in the waters and hooking a few in no time.

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Sydney Blocked DrainsSydney Blocked Drains
10:19 17 Feb 23
We have been on Wahoo Charters 3 times now and have gone home with more fish than we could have ever dreamed of.George and the crew are friendly, knowledgeable and funny!This last time we bagged 4 kings over 1 meter.Always a good time on their boats.Thanks boys!
Alex HuntingtonAlex Huntington
08:34 10 Jan 22
Tight lines all day. All the boiz got to winch in a few 1m+ Kingies each.
Tanvir KhanTanvir Khan
04:53 29 Dec 20
We went out on a charter today and whilst the weather was against us, Sev and Josh did everything they could to get us on to the fish. I highly recommend George and his team for your next fishing charter. We will be back.
Merryzz V2 AccMerryzz V2 Acc
02:15 02 Apr 20
Had a awesome time with George out bottom bashing, he was very knowledgeable and experienced in his trade. Definitely planing on going out with wahoo charters again, had a great day and was for myself the first time deep sea fishing and i loved every bit of it. Really recommend to use this company!
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