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Best beach fishing in western australia: top spots, tips and tides

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Introduction

Western Australia’s vast coastline offers some of the best beach-fishing opportunities in the world. From the rugged shores of the South Coast to the wide sandy beaches of the Northwest, beach anglers can target tailor, mulloway, whiting and more. Timing your session with the right tides—and knowing where to find productive gutters—can make all the difference. Whether you’re wading into the surf at dawn or casting into rolling beach breaks at sunset, WA’s beaches deliver unforgettable fishing adventures.


Table Of Contents

Why Beach Fishing in WA is Special

Western Australia’s coastline stretches over 12,000 kilometres, offering an incredible diversity of beach-fishing experiences. From calm, sheltered bays to wild surf beaches, anglers have endless options depending on the season and target species. WA’s relatively low population density outside Perth means many beaches remain untouched and uncrowded, providing perfect conditions for shore-based anglers. Whether you’re chasing a feed of whiting or battling a powerful mulloway, WA’s beaches deliver both accessibility and adventure.

What makes WA stand out is the sheer variety:

  • Remote Wilderness: In the Northwest you can launch into wild, untouched waters where few boats venture.
  • Urban Access: Around Perth, world-class beach fishing is just minutes from the city.
  • Diverse Species: From bream and flathead in southern estuaries to powerful trevally, snapper and even barramundi up north.

Top Beach Fishing Regions in WA

Western Australia’s coastline is divided into distinct regions, each offering unique beach-fishing experiences. Whether you’re after an easy day-trip close to Perth or a remote adventure in the north, you’ll find beaches suited to your experience level, target species and fishing style. Here’s a breakdown of the best beach-fishing regions across WA — and what to expect at each.

Northwest WA (Broome, Eighty Mile Beach)

The remote beaches of WA’s northwest offer incredible fishing opportunities for threadfin salmon, queenfish and giant trevally. Broome’s Cable Beach and the long stretches of Eighty Mile Beach are ideal for targeting species that thrive in warm tropical waters.

  • Best for: Adventurous anglers seeking remote, tropical beach fishing
  • Species: Threadfin salmon, queenfish, giant trevally (GTs), barramundi (near river mouths)
  • Tip: Target rising tides close to creek mouths and inshore gutters after the wet season when baitfish are abundant.

Perth and Metro Beaches (Cottesloe, Trigg, Secret Harbour)

Beach fishing around Perth is accessible and productive. Locations like Cottesloe Beach, Trigg Beach and Secret Harbour offer excellent chances for tailor, herring, flathead and sand whiting — all within easy driving distance of the city.

  • Best for: Beginners and families looking for easy access and consistent action
  • Species: Tailor, herring, sand whiting, flathead
  • Tip: Fish the dawn high tide on calm days, especially along beaches with nearby reefs or river mouths.

South West WA Beaches (Bunbury, Busselton, Dunsborough)

The beaches of the South West offer sheltered waters and consistent fishing for species like yellowfin whiting, sand whiting and herring. Long stretches of sand near Bunbury and Busselton are perfect for relaxed family fishing sessions.

  • Best for: Relaxed fishing sessions with lighter surf and family-friendly beaches
  • Species: Yellowfin whiting, sand whiting, herring, juvenile salmon (autumn)
  • Tip: Focus on small gutters and deeper pockets close to shore, especially during early-morning high tides.

Essential Gear and Safety Tips for Beach Fishing in WA

Beach fishing along WA’s coastline is accessible and rewarding — but it still requires the right gear and a solid understanding of local conditions. From steep drop-offs to powerful rips and high UV, good preparation helps ensure both a productive and safe session.

Beach Fishing

Essential Gear

  • Rod and reel setup – A 10–13 ft surf rod matched with a strong reel gives you the casting distance needed to reach deeper gutters beyond the breakers. Use 10 kg (20 lb) line for general beach work, increasing to 15 kg (30 lb) when targeting bigger species like mulloway or GTs up north.
  • Beach-fishing rigs
    • Paternoster rig for rough surf where bait needs to stay anchored
    • Sliding-sinker rig for calmer water where fish can run with the bait
    Use pyramid or star sinkers for better hold in heavy surf.
  • Bait choices – Fresh bait out-performs frozen every time. Mulies (whole pilchards), beach worms, squid and prawns work well — match your bait to local forage.

Safety Tips

  • Wading safety – WA beaches often have steep drop-offs and strong rips. Shuffle your feet to avoid stingrays, and never turn your back on the surf. Lightweight water shoes or reef boots improve grip and protect your feet.
  • Sun protection – WA’s UV levels are extreme. Wear long sleeves, a wide-brimmed hat, polarised sunglasses and SPF 50+ sunscreen. Always carry extra water — dehydration sets in quickly.
  • Swell and weather awareness – Always check swell height and wind conditions before heading out. Beaches with side currents or surf above 2 m can be dangerous. If conditions look sketchy, fish a sheltered stretch or estuary instead.

💡 Pro Tip:

Fish the last two hours of the rising tide and the first of the run-out. This window often pushes baitfish into gutters, attracting predators like tailor, salmon and mulloway. Focus your casts around visible structure such as sandbanks, drop-offs or foamy gutters for best results.


Top Tips for Beach Fishing Success in WA

Even experienced kayak anglers can be caught off guard by Western Australia’s unique conditions. These tips will help you fish smarter, safer, and more successfully across the coast.

Tip 1: Launch Early

Winds often strengthen dramatically after mid-morning, especially in summer. If it’s breezy at sunrise, expect it to double by midday — always plan your return accordingly.

Tip 2: Use the Incoming Tide

Rising tides push baitfish closer to accessible structure. Aim to fish the final two hours of the rising tide for the most consistent action.

Tip 3: Stay Mobile and Cover Ground

If you haven’t had bites within 20–30 minutes, move. Watch for current lines, bait flickers, or feeding birds — these subtle signs often point to active fish.

Tip 4: Respect Offshore Swells

Even calm days can produce dangerous offshore swells. Paddle into the wind and swell first, so you have an easier ride home if conditions worsen.

lady getting ready to fish on the beach

💡 Pro Tip:

In WA, conditions change fast: Always leave yourself a physical and energy reserve for the paddle home — it’s better to return early and safe than push your luck against rising winds, tides, or swell.





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