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Pilbarra

Pilbara / North West Coast

The Pilbara and North West coast of Western Australia are home to some of the best fishing spots in Australia, offering world-class opportunities for both land-based and offshore anglers. From the remote islands of the Dampier Archipelago to the endless shoreline of 80 Mile Beach, this region is famous for its trophy fish, untouched coastline, and year-round fishing action.

Anglers travel from across the country to experience Pilbara fishing, targeting iconic species like barramundi, threadfin salmon, Spanish mackerel, giant trevally, and coral trout. Whether you’re chasing big pelagics from the rocks, exploring tidal creeks, or fishing remote beaches with a 4WD, the North West WA fishing scene offers something for every skill level.

In this guide, we break down the 10 best fishing spots in the Pilbara, including local tips, target species, and the best times to fish — helping you plan the ultimate Western Australia fishing trip.

1. Dampier Archipelago

  • Type: Boat & land-based
  • Why it’s good: Unreal island system with protected waters and tons of structure
  • Catch: Coral trout, red emperor, mackerel, trevally
  • Tip: Explore different islands — pressure drops off quickly

View fishing spot on google maps 👇

https://maps.app.goo.gl/1LnTBmZwQe8uqjDK6 📍

2. Point Samson

  • Type: Jetty / shore
  • Why it’s good: Easy access and very productive
  • Catch: Threadfin salmon, queenfish, trevally, mackerel
  • Tip: Fish tides around sunrise or sunset

View fishing spot on google maps 👇

https://maps.app.goo.gl/woScThaWUnfNamuw7 📍

3 Sherlock Bay

Cossack – Sherlock Bay

  • Type: Creek systems / shore & boat
  • Why it’s good: Heaps of small creeks, gutters, and tidal movement that hold fish
  • Catch: Barramundi, threadfin salmon, mangrove jack, bream
  • Tip: Fish the run-out tide and work the feeder creeks with lures — threadfin often push bait into the shallows

View fishing spot on google maps 👇

https://maps.app.goo.gl/fFZTViJxYxG6VnEd7 📍

4. Port Hedland

  • Type: Land-based & boat
  • Why it’s good: Consistent fishing with lots of accessible spots
  • Catch: Mulloway, blue salmon, threadfin, mackerel
  • Tip: Try rock walls and harbour edges

View fishing spot on google maps 👇

https://maps.app.goo.gl/XE3zznHByx4ps6Wq5 📍

5. 80 Mile Beach

  • Type: Beach
  • Why it’s good: Famous for long stretches of untouched coastline
  • Catch: Threadfin salmon, mulloway, shovel nose rays
  • Tip: Fish deeper gutters on incoming tide

View fishing spot on google maps 👇

https://maps.app.goo.gl/ZWX6NU493MGa5X2N9 📍

6. Cape Keraudren

  • Type: Beach / creek / boat
  • Why it’s good: Great mix of estuary and coastal fishing
  • Catch: Barra, threadfin, bream, flathead
  • Tip: Perfect for a mix of lure and bait fishing

View fishing spot on google maps 👇

https://maps.app.goo.gl/818vfp6x6hSytf1d6 📍

7. Exmouth Bundegi Flats

  • Type: Shore & offshore
  • Why it’s good: One of Australia’s best all-round fisheries
  • Catch: GTs, tuna, sailfish, coral trout
  • Tip: Ningaloo side = reef species, gulf side = calmer waters

View fishing spot on google maps 👇

https://maps.app.goo.gl/k4vqe1UnbeN2Sevy9

8. Onslow

  • Type: Shore & boat
  • Why it’s good: Less crowded with excellent fishing
  • Catch: Spanish mackerel, cobia, trevally, queenfish
  • Tip: Fish the islands offshore if you have a boat

View fishing spot on google maps 👇

https://maps.app.goo.gl/Mp2Cw3Awaqa6uqUW7 📍

9. West Intercourse Island

  • Type: Boat (some limited land-based)
  • Why it’s good: Heaps of structure, reefs, and drop-offs — holds fish year-round
  • Catch: Coral trout, red emperor, rankin cod, Spanish mackerel, trevally
  • Tip: Drift the reef edges or troll around the drop-offs — early morning

View fishing spot on google maps 👇

https://maps.app.goo.gl/JXFbmLSuc3vqWyAk8 📍

10. Mangrove Rock (Karratha)

  • Type: Rock / land-based
  • Why it’s good: Deep water close to shore with strong tidal flow — attracts bait and predators
  • Catch: Threadfin salmon, mangrove jack, trevally, queenfish
  • Tip: Fish the incoming tide and target the pressure edges where current hits structure — live bait works best

View fishing spot on google maps 👇

https://maps.app.goo.gl/7tPSrbDFMVDxVTqt9 📍