Charter Fishing in Western Australia
Western Australia offers fishing across vast offshore reefs and shoals, rugged coastal estuaries and beaches, and inland rivers, lakes, and billabongs.
TrustedFish connects anglers with proven local captains in Western Australia —no commissions, no pay-to-play listings, no BS. Every charter on our platform is invite-only, vetted for skill, local knowledge, and reputation. If they’re listed, they’ve earned it.
Top Rated Charters Western Australia
Western Australia Fishing Guide
Western Australia is enormous, and its fisheries stretch from the tropical Kimberley in the north to the temperate waters around Albany and Esperance in the south. Offshore, the continental shelf and coral reef systems produce everything from giant marlin and sailfish to red emperor, coral trout, and dhufish. The northwest towns like Exmouth and Broome are famous for billfish, with boats trolling skirts and baits for marlin and sailfish just a few miles offshore. Coral reefs around Ningaloo and Rowley Shoals are loaded with GTs, mackerel, and dogtooth tuna.
Closer to shore, WA’s coastline is built for anglers. The Pilbara creeks, Kimberley rivers, and mangrove-lined estuaries hold barramundi, threadfin, mangrove jack, and queenfish. Farther south, around Perth and down to Albany, the inshore reefs are home to snapper, dhufish, and Samson fish, while surf beaches turn out tailor, mulloway, and Australian salmon.
Inland, the fisheries are limited compared to the east coast, but there are stocked impoundments with trout and redfin perch, especially in the southwest highlands. Native freshwater fishing is minimal, but remote billabongs in the north can hold barramundi and sooty grunter.
Seasons make a big difference here. The tropical north has a wet and dry cycle. The wet season (summer) brings swollen rivers and barra feeding hard in the Kimberley creeks, while the dry (winter) means calm seas and easy offshore access. In the south, winter brings snapper and salmon close to shore, while summer means tuna, mackerel, and billfish offshore. The shoulder months in spring and autumn tend to offer the most balanced bite.
Charter fishing is spread out across the coast. Exmouth and Broome are the heavyweights for offshore gamefish and reef trips, with boats running half-day, full-day, and multi-day offshore expeditions. Perth offers easy access to reefs for snapper, Samson fish, and dhufish, while Albany and Esperance are all about salmon runs, bottom fishing, and seasonal tuna. Smaller estuary guides operate in the north for barramundi, threadfin, and mangrove jack, usually in skiffs and smaller plate boats. Offshore fleets range from 60-foot game boats in Exmouth to trailerable reef boats out of Perth. Techniques are as broad as the fishery — trolling for billfish, bottom bouncing for demersals, jigging for Samson fish, lure casting for barra, and fly fishing the Ningaloo flats for permit and bonefish.
Fishing Seasons in Western Australia
Spring
Spring brings a change in both north and south. Offshore from Exmouth, sailfish and marlin are common as the waters warm. Estuaries in the north start producing more consistent barra as rivers settle after the dry. In the south, salmon taper off but kingfish and tuna show up offshore, and estuary bream begin to bite.
Summer
Summer in the north means wet season rains, and barra pile into creeks, lagoons, and floodplains. Offshore, Exmouth is in full swing with blue marlin, black marlin, and sailfish. In the south, warmer water brings tuna and mackerel, while beaches produce tailor, mulloway, and whiting. Offshore reefs around Perth see solid dhufish and snapper action.
Fall
Autumn is one of the steadiest fishing windows. The north still has barra and threadfin in creeks, while offshore pelagics like mackerel, tuna, and GTs are thick around reef edges. Down south, Australian salmon begin their famous autumn run along beaches from Perth to Albany, with tailor and mulloway mixed in. Offshore fishing for dhufish and snapper remains consistent.
Winter
Winter is the calm dry season in the north, perfect for offshore reef fishing. Coral trout, red emperor, and GTs are all active, while barra slow slightly in cooler rivers. In the south, winter is peak time for big snapper close to the coast and Australian salmon schooling in massive numbers. Tailor, bream, and mulloway round out the inshore fishing, while offshore boats chase tuna and Samson fish.
Top Fishing Regions
Perth & Fremantle (Metro Coast)
The metro fishery revolves around reef and bottom fishing. Dhufish, pink snapper, and baldchin groper are prime targets, often taken over ledges and artificial reefs just a few miles offshore. Rottnest Island adds options for pelagics like samson fish and tuna. Trips here are typically half- to full-day runs, making it the most accessible WA fishery.
Exmouth & Ningaloo Reef
Exmouth is WA’s big-game capital. Inside the Ningaloo Reef, anglers target trevally, queenfish, and bonefish on fly and light tackle. Outside the reef, the canyons produce marlin, sailfish, and yellowfin tuna. Spanish mackerel and wahoo are common along reef edges, while reef fishing produces red emperor and coral trout. Exmouth offers perhaps the most versatile charter fishing in all Australia.
Shark Bay & Carnarvon
Shark Bay is famous for its variety: reef species like coral trout and emperor mix with pelagics like mackerel and tuna. Carnarvon charters push offshore to fish reef systems and current lines. Shallow flats hold trevally and queenfish, making this region ideal for mixed-bag trips.
Broome & Kimberley
Broome is known as Australia’s sailfish hotspot. Light-tackle trolling here produces high numbers of fish, often multiple releases per day. Inshore, barramundi, mangrove jack, and threadfin salmon are taken in tidal creeks and estuaries. The Kimberley adds remoteness: remote river mouths and mangrove estuaries produce trophy barramundi, while offshore waters host giant trevally and reef species
Geraldton & Abrolhos Islands
Geraldton is the gateway to the Abrolhos Islands, a chain of reefs and islands offshore. Here, anglers target dhufish, baldchin groper, coral trout, and Spanish mackerel. The Abrolhos are also productive for samson fish and tuna. Trips here are often multi-day, with liveaboards common.
Albany & Southwest Coast
In the cooler south, charters target snapper, dhufish, samson fish, and yellowtail kingfish. Salmon runs along southern beaches in autumn provide excellent sport, while offshore ledges produce reef species. Weather is more variable here, but the fishery is rugged and rewarding.
Top Gamefish in Western Australia
- Black Marlin – 150 to 800 lb. Found off Exmouth and Ningaloo, peak November to March, targeted by trolling large skirted lures and rigged baits.
- Sailfish – 40 to 120 lb. Common off Broome and Exmouth, peak May to September, targeted by trolling baits and lures.
- Spanish Mackerel – 15 to 70 lb. Found along reefs and islands statewide, peak autumn and winter, taken trolling baits and casting lures.
- Barramundi – 10 to 50 lb. Found in Kimberley and Pilbara rivers and creeks, peak wet season (December to March), taken on lures, flies, and live bait.
- Dhufish – 10 to 40 lb. Found on reefs off Perth and south coast, best in winter, targeted with bottom rigs and jigs.
- Australian Salmon – 4 to 15 lb. Found along southern beaches, peak in autumn and winter, targeted by casting lures and baits into surf schools.
- Samson Fish – 20 to 80 lb. Offshore pinnacles from Perth south, peak summer and autumn, targeted with vertical jigs and live baits.
- Coral Trout – 5 to 25 lb. Found across northern reefs, best winter into spring, targeted with baits, jigs, and lures.
Western Australia Fishing FAQs
Do you need a license to fish in Western Australia?
Yes, a recreational fishing license is required for freshwater, boat-based saltwater, and some specific species like rock lobster.
When is the best time to fish in Western Australia?
The dry season (May to September) in the north is best for reef and offshore fishing, while summer is peak for marlin and barra. In the south, autumn and winter are prime for snapper and salmon.
What are the most popular fishing spots in Western Australia?
Exmouth, Broome, Perth, Albany, Esperance, Shark Bay, and the Kimberley rivers are the state’s best-known destinations.
How long are typical fishing trips in Western Australia?
Day trips are common for reef and estuary fishing, while Exmouth and Broome also run multi-day offshore or mothership trips for billfish and remote reef fishing.
What gear works best in Western Australia?
Medium spin gear suits estuaries and beaches, heavy trolling gear is needed offshore, and jigging outfits are common on reefs. Barra anglers often use baitcasters and lures
Are there closed seasons in Western Australia?
Yes, barramundi have closed seasons in some regions, dhufish closures exist in the west coast zone, and seasonal limits apply to many reef species.
Is Western Australia fishing good for families?
Yes, sheltered estuaries, beaches, and nearshore reefs are safe and productive for family trips. Many charters tailor trips for beginners
Can you fish from the beach in Western Australia?
Absolutely. Surf casting is popular for tailor, salmon, and mulloway along the southern and central coastlines. Success often comes down to reading the beach gutters
How much do charters cost in Western Australia?
Half-day reef or estuary trips average AUD $150–$250 per person, full-day offshore runs AUD $300–$500, and extended multi-day liveaboards cost several thousand depending on length and location.