OLD MANS HAT
North Head land based fishing spot

Old Mans Hat is named after a rocky outcrop (pictured) which hangs over the inside of North Head, between Quarrantine Point and the North Head lookout. It is a great spot with both rocky wash and deepwater access, and can therefore be fished for a variety of species. Bream, Luderick and Drummer can all be found close to shore in the washes, while the deeper wider waters provide anglers with a chance of solid hook ups on larger pelagics, including Kingfish, Bonito, Salmon, Tailor and even the occasional small Tuna. There are even protected patches of water that hold baitfish such as Yellowtail and Slimy Mackerel.

Old Mans Hat is a short walk from North Head Scenic Drive, which is off Darley Road, Manly. About 2.5kms along North Head Scenic Drive there is a sandstone wall, (once part of the North Head Bandicoots protection from feral cats), which runs south off the road. Next to the wall is an easily accesible path, which runs directly down to the cliff face at Old Mans Hat. Turn right at the gap in the wall and continue down to the gorge.

Old mans Hat is often a well protected area, especially when the Nor' Easters blow, but it is incredibly open to southerly wind and swell and can be dangerous at these times. Always pay attention to the weather, and never rock fish alone.

REMEMBER: Though line fishing is allowed, the fishing platforms around Old Mans Hat are part of the North Harbour Aquatic Reserve, and are governed by NSW Fisheries regulations which prohibit the collection or disturbance of any aquatic life from the area, including bait gathering. Large fines apply if these regulations are flaunted. More information is available from the NSW Fisheries website - www.fisheries.nsw.gov.au.