Kayak Fishing in Scarborough, WA: A Comprehensive Guide

Located just north of Perth, Scarborough offers an exciting kayak fishing experience with its rich marine life and scenic coastline. To maximize your catch, it’s essential to understand the best tide times, fishing seasons, and gear requirements. Here’s your go-to guide for kayak fishing in Scarborough, WA:

Ideal Tide Phases:

1. Incoming Tide (Rising Tide): Fish the reefs and structure about 2-3 hours after the tide starts coming in. This phase is ideal for targeting species like:
   • Mulloway
   • Tailor
   • Herring
2. Peaking High Tide: Focus on the flats, weed beds, and estuary entrances for:
   • Whiting
   • Bream
   • Flathead
3. Outgoing Tide (Falling Tide): About 2 hours after the tide starts going out, fish the drop-offs, channels, and weed edges for:
   • Mulloway (again, as they move with the tide)
   • Tailor
   • Trevally

Fishing Seasons:

• Summer (Dec-Feb): Warm waters bring in Pelagic species like Mackerel, Tuna, and Trevally.
• Autumn (Mar-May) & Spring (Sep-Nov): Optimal for Mulloway, Tailor, and Whiting.
• Winter (Jun-Aug): Target Bream, Flathead, and Herring, which are more active in cooler waters.

Gear Tips:

• Kayak: Choose a sturdy, fishing-specific kayak with ample storage.
• Fishing Gear:
  • Rods: Medium to light action rods (2-4 kg) for most species.
  • Reels: Spinning or baitcasting reels with a capacity for at least 150m of 10-20 lb monofilament or braid.
  • Lures/Bait:
    • Soft plastics (e.g., curly tail grubs) for Flathead and Bream.
    • Small jigs or metal slices for Pelagics.
    • Live or frozen baits (e.g., herring, pilchards) for Mulloway and Tailor.
• Safety Equipment:
  • PFD (Life Jacket): Always wear one.
  • EPIRB or Personal Locator Beacon (PLB): Essential for solitary or offshore fishing.
  • First Aid Kit: A must-have in case of emergencies.
  • Marine Radio or Satellite Phone: For communicating in case of emergencies.

Safety and Precautions:

• Check Weather Forecasts: Before and during your trip.
• File a Float Plan: Inform someone of your itinerary, including where you’re going and when you expect to return.
• Respect the Environment: Practice catch-and-release fishing to conserve species and habitats.
• Be Aware of Other Water Users: Always be mindful of swimmers, surfers, and other boats.

By following this guide, you’ll be well-equipped to tackle the rewarding waters of Scarborough, WA, and enjoy a safe, successful kayak fishing experience. Happy fishing!