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.
Western Australia’s coastline stretches over 12,000 kilometers, 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 of 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:
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.
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.
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 from the city.
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.
Rod and Reel Setup:
A surf rod between 10 to 13 feet matched with a robust reel is ideal for casting beyond the breakers into deeper gutters. Use a 10kg (20lb) line for general beach fishing, stepping up to 15kg (30lb) if targeting bigger species like mulloway or GTs in the north.
Rigs for Beach Fishing:
Paternoster Rig: Best for rough surf conditions where you need your bait held in place.
Sliding Sinker Rig: Great for calmer beaches where fish can pick up and run with the bait naturally.
Use sinker weights that match the beach conditions — pyramid or star sinkers hold better in heavy surf.
Bait Choices:
Fresh bait is king. Mulies (whole pilchards), beach worms, squid, and prawns consistently outperform frozen options. Match your bait to the natural forage available along each stretch of coast.
Wading Safety:
WA beaches can have steep drop-offs and strong rips. Always wade cautiously, shuffle your feet to avoid stingrays, and never turn your back on the surf.
Wear lightweight water shoes or reef boots for better grip and foot protection.
Sun Protection:
With WA’s intense UV levels, long-sleeved shirts, broad-brimmed hats, polarized sunglasses, and SPF 50+ sunscreen are non-negotiable.
Pack extra water — dehydration sneaks up fast when you’re standing in the sun.
Swell and Weather Awareness:
Always check the weather forecast and swell conditions before heading out. Big surf combined with strong side currents can make beach fishing dangerous, particularly on remote or steep beaches.
If the swell exceeds 2 meters, reconsider your session or move to a sheltered bay.
Plan your beach fishing around a rising tide at dawn or dusk. Not only do fish patrol the beach gutters during these windows, but low-light conditions also make them less cautious — dramatically improving your chances of hooking larger tailor, mulloway, or salmon. Beaches that look empty at low tide often reveal hidden gutters and channels as the water floods in, creating prime ambush points.
Even experienced beach 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.
The best beach fishing usually happens around the last two hours of the rising tide and the first hour of the falling tide. Fish move closer to shore as the tide floods beach gutters and sandbanks.
Identify darker patches and deeper channels in the surf — these beach gutters are highways for fish. Lighter water often means shallow sandbars, while deeper blue areas signal prime fishing spots.
Paternoster rigs and sliding sinker rigs work best on WA beaches, depending on the swell. A longer rod (10-12 feet) helps you cast past breaking waves into deeper water.
Low-light conditions are prime feeding times for species like tailor, salmon, and mulloway. Beaches are also less crowded at these times, giving you more freedom to move and explore.
Fresh local bait like mulies (whole pilchards), beach worms, squid strips, and prawns consistently outfish frozen imports. Matching your bait to the natural food source boosts your strike rate.
Plan your beach fishing around a rising tide at dawn or dusk. Not only do fish patrol the beach gutters during these windows, but low-light conditions also make them less cautious — dramatically improving your chances of hooking larger tailor, mulloway, or salmon. Beaches that look empty at low tide often reveal hidden gutters and channels as the water floods in, creating prime ambush points.
Planning ahead makes all the difference when beach fishing across Western Australia’s diverse and sometimes unpredictable coastline. Here are some essential tools to check before every trip:
If you’re new to beach fishing or looking to sharpen your skills, these guides will help you fish smarter and safer on the water:
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