FISHING IN CARNARVON
It’s said that there are more boat owners in WA than anywhere else in the Southern Hemisphere, and with fishing and boating conditions as good as you’ll find off the Coral Coast, we’re not surprised. The ocean is teeming with fish just waiting to be caught, and you don’t even need to head out to sea to land a beauty. Join the locals and fish off the footbridge in town or head to Miaboolya beach for a spot of crabbing and fishing for tailor, western yellowfin bream, mulloway or mangrove jack.
FISHING AROUND CARNARVON
Dwyer’s Leap is a great little spot on the Gascoyne River mouth, you can catch mangrove jack, bream, whiting, flat head. Best on incoming tide. Located on Babbage Island Road, approximately 3 km drive from town centre.
Town Beach is where you will catch flat head, bream and whiting. Further on, you will find Pelican Point at the end of Pelican Point road, you can catch bream, whiting and flat head in shallows and tailor, shark and trevally in deeper parts of the channel.
North of Carnarvon, you will find Miaboolya beach. The nearshore waters of Miaboolya Beach are the only known nursery for tailor in the Gascoyne. At Miaboolya, you may also see mulloway, flathead, giant threadfin, goldspotted rockcod, mangrove jack, western yellowfin bream, dart, yellowfin whiting and goldenline whiting – as well as crustaceans such as crabs, prawns and shrimp.
DORRE AND BERNIER ISLAND FISHING
Dorre and Bernier Islands are located some distance off the coast of Carnarvon and are accessible by boat. These islands are one of Carnarvon’s best kept fishing secrets. Fish such as Pink Snapper, Spangled Emperor, Red Emperor, Coral Trout, Groper, Cod, Spanish Mackerel & Cobia are just a few of the fish species caught in the area. The best time to visit the islands is from April to October. Bernier Island allows access during the day only and no camping permitted on the island.
Dorre island is a A1 class reserve meaning access onto the island is prohibited at all times, however there are many bays around both islands in which you can anchor and sleep on your boat overnight. During the months of May to November it is common to spot whales frolicking in the crystal clear waters during their migration period.
For tide times and fishing tips contact the Carnarvon Visitor Centre or drop by one of the local tackle shops for some inside information. Please be mindful that there are a number of sanctuary zones along the coast where fishing is not permitted.
WANT TO CATCH A CRAY FISH?
An Australian first, Heli-Crayfish Adventure with Coral Coast Helicopter Services. Depending on the weather, your pilot will take you on helicopter flight over to a secret spot off the coast of Carnarvon. Don't panic, if your thinking 'I've never caught a Cray Fish in my life', this is what your experienced helicopter pilot and snorkel guide are here for. The day wouldn't be completed without lounging around on the pristine beaches, where you will cook up your freshly caught Cray Fish for lunch.
If we haven't convinced you yet, this definitely will. Watch Young Bloods legend Brodie Moss on board Coral Coast Helicopter Services on their Heli-Cray Fish Adventure.
