In any season, fishing at Wadjemup / Rottnest Island is for those seeking easy stillness as they reel in an impressive catch of the day.
It’s a pretty special experience, where your day of fishing yields seafood still fresh with the ocean’s salt, eaten straight from a sizzling barbecue framed by island wilderness.
The island has countless hidden bays and isolated beaches for the keen angler searching for the right patch of sand. And families with little ones in tow will find the popular jetties in and around the settlement produce an easy haul.
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A premium bounty
Postcard-worthy backdrops
Secluded bays and beaches
Squid, snapper, and salmon abound
For the occasional anglers inspired by the rich waters of the island, the small jetties at Thomson Bay, Stark Bay, and Geordie Bay are ideal easy wins. Hotel Jetty at Thomson Bay is a haven for families who prefer a short walk home after catching their haul — and the schools that circle the barnacle-clad jetty poles are a lightweight catch for little ones using hand lines. The sheltered Geordie Bay jetty attracts herring and other table fish as well, including tailor, whiting, and silver bream.
Proper seclusion and peace can be found on some of the island’s remote beaches. Ricey Beach is one of the places you can cast out and simply enjoy the wait. Wade in knee-deep, breathe in the clear, sea-scented air, and let the gentle lap of waves be the rhythm of your day — until the moment you spring into action and reel in one of the sought-after mulloway found in these waters.
If you’re journeying to the island on your own boat, then the open waters around Wadjemup become a possibility. The deeper the water, the more impressive the catch — and the best can be found offshore from West End. There’s a bounty of species like western rock lobster, Spanish mackerel, yellowtail kingfish, and breaksea cod. When you’re fishing here, make sure you respect the sanctuary zone that encompasses Radar Reef, Cape Vlamingh, and Cathedral Rocks. From your boat, you’re only permitted to look for pelagic species of fish.
Whether you stay the night on Rottnest Island or settle in for a picnic with a view, the fresh catch of your day will elevate your dining experience and deepen your appreciation for the land.
For a taste of island seafood without the patience, there are plenty of restaurants featuring fresh, local seafood on their menu and even boat tours where you can taste the fish minutes after it’s caught.
As a Class A Reserve, Wadjemup / Rottnest Island is the home of unique wildlife, a place where over 400 species of fish thrive in the warm waters of the Leeuwin Current. The island has five marine sanctuaries dotted around the coastline, protecting this rare tropical sea life from over-fishing and human damage.
It’s vitally important that visiting anglers never take more than they need, don’t leave anything behind, and respect the boundaries of these sanctuaries. Also, spear fishing, spear guns, and gidgees are prohibited within the island waters, and net fishing isn’t permitted within the marine reserve. When you fish on the island, follow these rules to ensure Rottnest Island will always be a place of abundance for future expeditions.
Places to avoid
Visitors can bring fishing gear over on the ferry or in their own boat, and you can also buy a range of tackle from the General Store in the main settlement and Geordie Bay.
Djildjit
Fish
Maambakoort
Ocean
Maran
Rock lobster
Maambakoort djooraly
Seagrass
Yes, you can fish from many of the island's beaches and bays, as well as from rocks, jetties and boats. However, fishing is prohibited or restricted in a number of marine sanctuary zones, so always check the relevant maps and fishing rules before choosing a spot.
No fishing is permitted at Little Salmon Bay, and daylight fishing is prohibited at Little Parakeet Bay, The Basin and Pinky Beach.
Before arriving for your fishing getaway, find out more about marine sanctuary zones, boating permits and current recreational fishing rules from the Department of Fisheries.
Bring your own fishing gear or travel light and purchase bait, tackle, rods and handlines on the island. Fishing supplies are available from the General Store in Thomson Bay and the Geordie Bay General Store.
The best fishing spot on the island depends on the weather, the species you are chasing and whether you want to fish from shore or by boat. The easiest place to start is our guide to fishing around Rottnest Island.
Western Australia is an incredible fishing destination thanks to its long coastline, diverse species and the variety of places you can cast a line. On Rottnest Island, that ranges from easy family spots like the Thomson Bay jetty, to more adventurous sessions around West End. Find more inspiration in our guide to wetting a line on Rottnest Island.
The waters of Wadjemup / Rottnest Island are home to a wide mix of species, with herring, whiting, skipjack, squid and tailor all commonly mentioned by anglers, while larger fish are more often found in deeper water. For more on local species and current recreational rules, see marine life around Rottnest Island and WA recreational fishing rules.
Spearguns, fishing spears and gidgees are prohibited within Rottnest Island waters, while fishing nets cannot be used within the marine reserve. Following these restrictions helps protect the island’s fish populations and unique marine environment.
Helpful hints and information to make your island experience one to remember.
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