Kayak Fishing in Secret Harbour, WA: A Comprehensive Guide
Located approximately 60 kilometers south of Perth, Secret Harbour offers a unique kayak fishing experience, with its tranquil waters and diverse marine life. To maximize your catch and ensure a safe outing, follow this expert guide tailored to the region’s specific conditions.
Ideal Tide Phases for Kayak Fishing:
- Peak Fishing Tides: Look for the changing tides, particularly the last two hours of the incoming tide and the first two hours of the outgoing tide. These phases often trigger feeding frenzies among species.
- Species-Specific Tides:
- Mulloway and Bream: Favor the incoming tide, as these species often hunt in shallower, flooded areas.
- Tailor and Mackerel: Outgoing tides can be more productive, as baitfish are flushed out of the harbour.
Fishing Seasons in Secret Harbour:
- Year-Round: Bream, Herring, and Whiting are consistently present.
- Summer (Dec to Feb): Peak season for Tailor, Mackerel, and Mulloway.
- Autumn (Mar to May) and Spring (Sep to Nov): Excellent for catching larger Bream and Whiting.
Essential Gear Tips:
- Rod and Reel: A medium to light action combo suitable for both bait and lure fishing.
- Lures:
- Soft plastics for Bream and Whiting.
- Small metal slices for Tailor and Mackerel.
- Deep diving lures for Mulloway.
- Bait:
- Fresh herring or squid for larger predators.
- Bloodworms or small prawns for Bream and Whiting.
Safety First:
- Always Wear: A properly fitting life jacket (PFD), hat, polarized sunglasses, and apply sunscreen.
- Check the Weather: Avoid kayaking during strong winds or thunderstorms. Secret Harbour’s conditions can change rapidly.
- Carry a VHF Radio or a Waterproof Phone Case: For emergency communications.
- Inform Someone: About your itinerary, including where you’re kayaking and when you expect to return.
- Respect the Environment: Practice catch-and-release fishing to conserve marine life, and take all your rubbish with you when you leave.
Before You Launch:
- Ensure your kayak is in good condition and suitable for sea kayaking.
- Familiarize yourself with local fishing regulations, including bag limits and size restrictions.
- Consider joining a local fishing group or seeking guidance from an experienced kayak fisher for your first few trips.
By adhering to these guidelines, you’ll not only enhance your kayak fishing experience in Secret Harbour, WA, but also contribute to the preservation of its rich marine ecosystem. Tight lines!
