Kayak Fishing Guide for East Bunbury, WA

Located in the southwestern corner of Western Australia, East Bunbury offers exciting kayak fishing opportunities. To maximize your catch, it’s essential to understand the local tide patterns, fishing seasons, and necessary gear. Here’s your comprehensive guide to kayak fishing in East Bunbury:

Ideal Tide Phases:

• Peak Fishing Times:
  • Changing Tides: 1-2 hours either side of the peak high and low tides. These periods often trigger feeding frenzies among target species.
  • Early Morning High Tide: Fish the shallow waters and mangrove edges as the tide rises, perfect for targeting species like Mulloway and Bream.
  • Late Afternoon Low Tide: Explore the exposed structure and drop-offs for species like Whiting and Herring.
• Tide Ranges to Avoid:
  • Extreme Low Tides: May leave you stranded or require long paddles to reach fishable waters.
  • Dead Low/High Slack Water: Generally results in slower fishing activity.

Fishing Seasons in East Bunbury:

• Year-Round Targets:
  • Bream
  • Whiting
  • Herring
• Seasonal Highlights:
  • September to November: Mulloway and Tailor are more active during these spring months.
  • December to February: Warm waters attract more Garfish and occasional Salmon.
  • March to May: Autumn brings a resurgence of Mulloway and Bream activity.

Gear Tips for Kayak Fishing in East Bunbury:

• Rods/Reels:
  • Medium to Light Tackle (2-5 kg) for most species.
  • Spinning or Baitcaster reels with a good drag system.
• Lures/Bait:
  • Soft plastics (e.g., curly tail grubs) for Bream and Mulloway.
  • Small metal slices for Herring and Whiting.
  • Live or frozen baits (pilchards, squid) for more cautious predators.
• Kayak Setup:
  • Rod holders and a small anchor or drag chain for stability.
  • Storage for gear and catch, plus a paddle leash.

Safety First:

• Always Wear:
  • Life Jacket (PFD) – Ensure it’s Coast Guard-approved and in good condition.
  • Sun Protection (hat, sunglasses, sunscreen).
• Pre-Trip Checks:
  • Weather Forecast: Avoid strong winds, thunderstorms, and extreme heat.
  • Tide Predictions: Plan your paddle and fishing spots accordingly.
  • Kayak Condition: Ensure your vessel is seaworthy.
• Communication:
  • Carry a Mobile Phone in a Waterproof Case.
  • Inform Someone of Your Itinerary, Including Return Time.

Before You Head Out:
Check local fishing regulations for bag limits, size restrictions, and any closed areas. Respect the environment and practice catch-and-release fishing to help conserve East Bunbury’s vibrant marine ecosystem.

Enjoy your kayak fishing adventure in East Bunbury, and remember, patience and adaptability are key to a successful day on the water!