Marine Rescue NSW searching for the missing fisherman.

A multi-agency search for a missing fisherman who is believed to have been swept off a rock shelf has been scaled back.

The 34-year-old was last seen fishing on the rock shelf at Bushrangers Bay in Shell Cove, on the NSW South Coast, around 2pm on Monday.

His belongings were discovered about 7.40pm that night, with emergency services launching a desperate search effort soon after.

The TOLL Helicopter was called in to aid with efforts until 11.30pm when it was suspended overnight.

Local officers were joined by the NSW Police Marine Area Command, police divers, Marine Rescue, Surf Life Savers, the Lifesaver helicopter and the State Emergency Service the following day.

However, the search was concluded about 3.15pm due to poor conditions.

Further efforts on Wednesday were scaled back about 1pm with no trace of the missing fisherman.

“NSW Police Marine Area Command and Surf Life Saving will continue proactive patrols in the coming days,” police said.