Your guide to wetting a line on Rottnest Island

No matter the season, it’s hard to beat the quiet stillness and easy patience that goes with a spot of fishing. As the weather begins to cool on Wadjemup / Rottnest Island, meaty squid, hungry pink snapper, and the annual salmon run offer ample opportunity for all anglers.

And with numerous headlands, beaches, and reefs to choose from, you’ll have no trouble finding your patch — especially in winter. 

Wherever you choose, remember this: leave nothing behind, never take more than you need, respect the space of other visitors, and always give due respect to the marine sanctuary zones. Stopping at the Visitor Centre to familiarise yourself with the guidelines of each zone will ensure the island’s vibrant underwater world continues to flourish and that there’ll be plenty of bounty left for future expeditions. 

You can bring all your fishing gear from home and buy any extras you need (including bait) from the General Store in Thomson Bay and Geordie Bay.

Family (and beginner) friendly bays

For those with small fries in tow, banking on beginner’s luck, or who are in it for the serenity as much as anything else, pull up a deck chair – the jetty life is for you.

Thomson Bay jetties

The jetties in Thomson Bay are some of the most popular fishing spots for families. Schools of herring present just the right amount of challenge to young arms and if beginner’s luck fails you, you’re just a short stroll from the main settlement and an easy-won (but just as enjoyable) plate of fish and chips.

Staying overnight? Park yourselves on the jetty and try your luck at a spot of squidding. The lights of Hotel Jetty attract squid in large numbers and if nothing else, they’re amazing to watch.

Casting out from afar

Taking your fishing to the depths of the ocean? You can bring your own boat to the island, otherwise Boating West has a range of boats available for certified skippers to hire for a full or half-day. With the freedom of your own boat, you can head out into open waters and haul in impressive catches like western rock lobster.

West End

Some of Western Australia’s most revered species abound in the prolific West End. Keen anglers here can take on breaksea cod, dhufish, pink snapper, samson fish, and world-class sport fish such as Spanish mackerel, yellowtail kingfish, and dolphin fish (mahi-mahi). 

Just a few kilometres off West End, the continental shelf drops away and apex predators including several species of shark can be found… this adventure is not for the faint-hearted or inexperienced. 

While here, be aware of the sanctuary zone that encompasses Radar Reef, Cape Vlamingh, and Cathedral Rocks. Shore-based fishing, with a rod, line, or hand-held line, is permitted along the platform of Radar Reef and you’re allowed to fish for pelagic fish (those found near the middle or surface of the ocean) from your boat.

Phillip Rock

Seafarers don’t need to drift beyond the continental shelf in search of a challenge – plenty of action can be found closer to the island. Schools of herring, squid and even salmon can be found in all of the bays, while sitting between Thomson Bay and Kingston Reef at Phillip Rock can be a particularly good hideout for King George whiting.

Places to explore without your fishing rod

There’s no fishing permitted at Little Salmon Bay, so leave your rod behind when enjoying these waters.

Daylight fishing is prohibited at Little Parakeet Bay, The Basin, and Pinky Beach. Reserve casting out for the quiet evening and visit these spots for a swim instead during the day.

Whatever your style or level of luck on the day, few activities are as rewarding as a day’s fishing. For many it’s more than a bit of fun, it’s like a tonic for the soul; a rare chance to remember you are part of this delicate – but beautiful – ecosystem.

Find out more about the island’s marine sanctuary zones and boating permits before you arrive for your fishing vacation. 

For more information visit the Department of Fisheries and familiarise yourself with the recreational fishing rules.