By Staff on Friday, 27 September 2024
Category: Things to do

Top Fishing Spots in Rockingham: A Guide for Anglers

Rockingham, located just south of Perth, offers a variety of excellent fishing spots along its beautiful coastline, sheltered bays, and nearby islands. Whether you’re an experienced angler or just looking for a relaxing day by the water, Rockingham has something to offer, from beach fishing and jetty casting to deep-sea adventures. Here’s a guide to the top fishing spots in Rockingham for anglers of all levels.

Image © Tourism Western Australia

1. Palm Beach Jetty

Best for: Family-friendly fishing, whiting, herring, and squid

Palm Beach Jetty is one of Rockingham’s most popular and accessible fishing spots, perfect for families and beginners. The jetty extends into Cockburn Sound, providing plenty of room for anglers to cast their lines and target species such as whiting, herring, tailor, and even squid during the right season.

The calm waters and proximity to the shore make Palm Beach Jetty ideal for both day and night fishing. Families will appreciate the nearby amenities, such as shaded picnic areas and BBQ facilities, making it a great spot for a full day of fishing and relaxation.

What to Catch:

Tip: Early mornings and evenings are the best times to fish, especially when targeting tailor and herring.

2. Point Peron

Best for: Beach and rock fishing, tailor, snapper, and mulloway

Point Peron, known for its rugged coastline and scenic views, is a favorite among anglers looking for beach and rock fishing. The rocky outcrops and sandy patches provide a variety of fishing opportunities, with species like tailor, snapper, mulloway, and herring commonly caught here.

Point Peron is particularly popular for targeting tailor, especially during the early mornings and late afternoons when schools of fish are more active. The deeper waters just offshore also make it a good spot to cast for snapper and mulloway, especially during the summer months.

What to Catch:

Tip: Use pilchards or mulies as bait for tailor, and consider fishing from the rocks or beach for the best results.

3. Rockingham Beach

Best for: Relaxed beach fishing, whiting, flathead, and tailor

Rockingham Beach, with its soft sands and gentle waves, is an excellent spot for relaxed beach fishing. The calm waters make it easy to fish from the shore, and anglers often target species like whiting, flathead, and tailor. The beach is also a great location for families, with plenty of space to set up for a day of fishing and beach activities.

During the summer months, tailor and flathead are particularly abundant, while whiting can be caught year-round. The beach offers plenty of spots to cast your line, and there’s ample parking nearby.

What to Catch:

Tip: Use light tackle and prawns or worms as bait when targeting whiting.

Image © Tourism Western Australia

4. Shoalwater Bay

Best for: Beach and kayak fishing, herring, whiting, and squid

Shoalwater Bay is another fantastic spot for fishing, with sheltered waters and a diverse range of species to target. The bay is ideal for beach fishing, but it’s also popular among kayak anglers who paddle out to deeper waters in search of larger fish.

The calm waters make Shoalwater Bay perfect for families and beginners, while experienced anglers can explore the nearby reefs and islands for species like herring, whiting, garfish, and squid. The bay is also a great spot for catching squid, particularly during the cooler months.

What to Catch:

Tip: If fishing from a kayak, head towards the nearby islands, where you’ll find deeper waters and more opportunities to target bigger species.

5. Mangles Bay

Best for: Boat fishing, snapper, and dhufish

For those with access to a boat, Mangles Bay offers excellent fishing opportunities in deeper waters. Located in Cockburn Sound, this bay is known for its abundance of snapper, dhufish, King George whiting, and other prized species. The bay’s protected waters make it ideal for boat fishing, and it’s a great spot for targeting larger fish that may not be accessible from the shore.

Mangles Bay is also popular during the snapper spawning season (September to December), when large schools of snapper enter the sound to breed. During this time, anglers often have success catching these powerful fish using baits like mulies, squid, or soft plastics.

What to Catch:

Tip: Be aware of fishing regulations in Cockburn Sound, especially during the snapper spawning season, as some areas may be closed for conservation purposes.

6. Warnbro Sound

Best for: Deep-sea fishing, pelagic species, and reef fish

Warnbro Sound, just south of Rockingham, offers excellent deep-sea fishing opportunities for anglers looking to target larger species. The reefs and deeper waters of Warnbro Sound attract a wide range of fish, including snapper, dhufish, samson fish, and King George whiting.

The sound is also a great spot for pelagic species, such as tuna and mackerel, which can be caught during the warmer months. Whether you’re fishing from a boat or kayak, Warnbro Sound provides a rewarding experience for those looking to test their skills against bigger fish.

What to Catch:

Tip: Use a combination of bait and lures when targeting pelagic species, and keep an eye on the weather, as conditions can change quickly in deeper waters.

Image © Tourism Western Australia

7. Garden Island

Best for: Shore and boat fishing, a wide variety of species

Garden Island, located just off the coast of Rockingham, is a popular fishing destination accessible by boat. The island is surrounded by reefs, sandy flats, and seagrass meadows, providing a diverse range of habitats for various fish species. Whether you’re fishing from the shore or a boat, you can target herring, whiting, skippy, flathead, and even larger species like snapper and samson fish.

The waters around Garden Island are known for their clarity, making it a great spot for both fishing and spearfishing. There are also several sheltered bays where you can anchor and fish in calm conditions.

What to Catch:

Tip: Early mornings and late afternoons are the best times to fish around Garden Island, particularly if you’re targeting reef species like snapper.

8. Safety Bay Jetty

Best for: Family-friendly fishing, squid, whiting, and herring

Safety Bay Jetty is a well-loved fishing spot among locals, offering a peaceful and scenic environment for both novice and experienced anglers. The jetty is located in Safety Bay, known for its calm waters and family-friendly atmosphere. Anglers can cast for herring, whiting, and squid, particularly during the cooler months.

The jetty is easily accessible, with plenty of parking nearby, and is close to grassy picnic areas, making it a perfect spot for a relaxed day of fishing with the family.

What to Catch:

Tip: Squid jigs work best at night when targeting squid near the jetty. Try using small prawns or worms as bait for whiting.

9. Penguin Island

Best for: Kayak and shore fishing, squid, herring, and flathead

For anglers who enjoy a bit of adventure, Penguin Island offers a unique fishing experience. Located within Shoalwater Islands Marine Park, this island can be accessed by kayak or a short ferry ride. The waters around Penguin Island are teeming with fish, including herring, whiting, flathead, and squid.

You can fish from the shore or take a kayak out to explore the deeper waters surrounding the island. The marine park’s protected status ensures that the waters remain rich with marine life, providing excellent fishing opportunities.

What to Catch:

Tip: Be mindful of the seasonal closures around the island to protect the marine park’s wildlife, and always follow local fishing regulations.

Image © Tourism Western Australia

Final Thoughts

Rockingham offers a wide range of fishing opportunities, from shore and jetty fishing to boat and kayak adventures. Whether you’re targeting whiting at Palm Beach Jetty, casting for snapper in Mangles Bay, or chasing squid at Safety Bay Jetty, there’s something for every angler.