With fantastic year-round weather Western Australia’s 20,000-kilometer coastline makes it fishing heaven for anglers. If you’re on the look for the best fishing spots in Western Australia, Keep your toes in the sand and spend a day at the beach with our top five recommendations in Perth.
Broome is not only home to breathtaking scenery and expansive wilderness, but it also offers world-class fishing opportunities. Here, you can escape the hectic pace of life and immerse yourself in nature.
From the Indian Ocean to countless inland lakes, creeks, rivers, and mangroves, Broome and the Kimberley region present an abundance of fishing possibilities. Boat fishing along the thousands of unnamed coves of the Kimberley coast and its expansive wet-season river systems can be truly spectacular.
It’s important to remember that offshore fishing requires extra vigilance regarding tide charts, weather conditions, and local regulations. Be sure to do your research before embarking on any offshore adventures.
Known as the gateway to the Nyinggulu World Heritage Ningaloo Coast, Exmouth is a premier destination for recreational fishing. Home to hundreds of species, it boasts one of the largest fringing reefs in the world, stretching over 250 km.
With the Continental Shelf just a few kilometres offshore, even smaller trailer boats can encounter mighty blue, black, and striped marlin, sailfish, wahoo, mahi mahi, and various tuna. If billfish aren’t your thing, there are plenty of alternatives— from saltwater fly fishing for bonefish on the flats to casting lures for giant trevally.
Esperance, the last large town before the South Australia border, offers options for freshwater fishing in the calmer waters of Bandy Creek, Lake Windabout, or even Stokes Inlet National Park. With boat ramps at Bandy Creek Boat Harbour and Twon Beach, you can easily set off for an adventure.
Species you’re likely to catch here include the typical bread-and-butter varieties like Herring, King George Whiting, Yellowfin Whiting, Skippy, Bream, Salmon, and Flathead.
Just 600 km north of Perth, Kalbarri is where the mouth of the Murchison River meets the ocean. Popular with holidaymakers, it’s a great spot for families to visit with a boat in tow.
Boat fishing can be productive, offering scenic views along the WA coast. Serious anglers often venture further south or north in search of red throat emperor, pink snapper, dhufish, baldchin groper, and red emperor. Expect to find pink snapper in larger numbers during the cooler winter and spring months, while Spanish mackerel and yellowfin tuna are best sought in late summer and autumn.
Looking for the ultimate fishing destination? Rottnest Island, or “Rotto,” is a bonafide fish magnet. Each summer, the waters off Rotto are warmed by the Leeuwin current, attracting a swarm of pelagic fish—an adventure not to be missed. Here, you can hook over 400 fish species, including tailor, herring, King George whiting, snapper, skippy, flathead, squid, and bream.
The Rottnest Trench, located 20 kilometres west of the island, is well-known among local anglers for big-scale fishing. Depths range from 120 to 5,000 metres, making it comparable to the Grand Canyon. Be sure to bring your deep-sea rods and consider an electric reel!
If you’re wondering about the best time of year to fish at Rotto, we’d say any season! However, certain species are more abundant during specific months.
As you embark on your fishing adventures across these best fishing spots in Western Australia, remember that your experience goes beyond just the thrill of the catch. It’s essential to respect our beautiful marine environments by following sustainable fishing practices, ensuring that we preserve these incredible ecosystems for future generations. Always check the local regulations to stay informed about catch limits and protected species, and keep an eye on the weather to ensure a safe and enjoyable outing.
Whether you’re casting a line in Broome’s stunning waters, exploring the depths off Rottnest Island, or enjoying a family day at Esperance, each fishing trip is an opportunity to connect with nature and create lasting memories. So grab your gear, plan your trip, and get ready to reel in some fantastic catches while cherishing the stunning landscapes that make Western Australia a fishing paradise. Happy angling!
You’ll need a leisure fishing licence to go fishing in Western Australia, as there are many places to do so. Here is a list of the fees for a licence to fish for fun.
If you are Aboriginal in Western Australia, you don’t need a licence to fish for fun. To follow an Aboriginal custom, you can only do this if you are fishing from any body of water for your or your family’s use and not for commercial gain.
Western Australian coastline means year-round fishing action. With a Mediterranean climate, the city has warm, dry summers and mild, wet winters, setting the stage for a variety of fishing seasons.
A common question among novice water enthusiasts is whether their car GPS will work on a boat. The short answer is, “sort of, but not really.” While a GPS unit can receive satellite signals anywhere, automotive units are not programmed with marine maps, limiting their effectiveness on the water.
Chivers Marine
An iconic name in Boating in Western Australia, Chivers Marine has been selling quality marine products since 1958.
The business that Laurie Chivers established over 60 years ago is still family owned and operated with Luke Chivers at the helm.
If you are looking for specialist advice and exceptional value Chivers Marine offers only the best brands supported by the best aftersales service in the industry
Chivers Marine
An iconic name in Boating in Western Australia, Chivers Marine has been selling quality marine products since 1958.
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