Beach Fishing at the Mackerel Islands, Western Australia

You don’t need a boat to enjoy fishing on the island, our land based fishing is also awesome!

Whether you like to kick back with an ice cold drink, throw some bait out and wait for the fish to come to you, or wander the water’s edge casting poppers, stick baits and metal slices, whatever your mood, there’s a trove of spots to suit.

On an incoming tide the fishing action really lights up with schools of fish coming to feed on shallow reefs.

Casting lures at these times can result in some of the best fishing fun you can have! Wading out on the flats and sight casting for trevallies and queen fish is certainly an art, but there is nothing more rewarding than seeing a fish attack a lure in skinny waters.

The islands are also home to cheeky schools of squid that can be caught darting between seagrass meadows – these guys are an easy catch and guaranteed to have the kids giggling and chasing for more! Plus not much beats freshly caught squid cooked up on the BBQ for a tasty treat.

Read this article from one of WA’s shore fishing experts.

What Gear Do I Need & Where Are The Best Spots?

Use your own fishing rod or hire one from us. We’ve also got your tackle needs sorted – you can buy bait, lures, poppers, sinkers, hooks, line and leader from the island shop.

Head to one of these spots:

Island Jetty
You can fish here all day, but high tide, first light and last light are the best times.
Try Halco twisty lures for Trevally, Queenfish and Threadfin Salmon.
Species such as Mangrove Jack, Spanish Flag, Emperor, Cod and Bluebone can be caught using either squid or mulies as bait.
A simple rig often works best, such as having a ball sinker on some 20-30lb leader, running straight down to your hook.
Squid come to the jetty, especially at night – ask a staff member for assistance in turning on the generator for the floodlight.

East End
Off the point, in front of the sandbags, is a good spot to try for Emperor, Bluebone, Cod and Coral Trout.
You may also encounter Trevally and Queenfish.
Keep your rig simple, with a ball sinker running to your hook, or a small lure.

Back Beach
High tide works best here.
Cast lures for Trevally and Queenfish.
Spangled Emperor can be caught with squid for bait at the western-most point.
You may also catch Longtom, Bluebone and small sharks.

Accommodation Options

Mackerel Islands – Stay in a beachfront cabin. Options available for 2, 3 or 5 bedrooms – plenty of room for your family or mates!

Onslow Beach Resort – Need somewhere to stay the night before heading over to the island? The Onslow Beach Resort on the mainland in Onslow is the go. Mackerel Islands guests get a 20% discount off their accommodation at this resort.

Bookings & Enquiries – Call our team on (08) 9184 6444 or email [email protected]