Complete Guide to Fishing in Busselton in 2024: Spots, Varieties + More

Busselton is one of my personal favourite places to go fishing on the Southwest coast of WA! There’s plenty of variety – in both fishing spots and varieties you can catch, plus as the gateway to the Southwest region, it’s super accessible for a spur-of-the-moment trip. 

Just an easy 3-hour drive south of Perth, Busselton is a fantastic destination for your next Perth Weekend getaway. It’s home to stunning beaches, crystal clear water and unique marine life – making it a fantastic destination for throwing in a line. 

There are heaps of fishing spots in and around Busselton that cater to all levels of experience. Whether you prefer fishing off beaches, from the jetty or offshore, there’s something for everyone. I’ve got you covered with all the best spots, techniques, and bait for each species, so read on for everything you need to know about fishing in Busselton. 

Best Busselton Fishing Spots

There are plenty of great fishing spots in Busselton to suit each type of angler and every experience level. Here are the best Busselton fishing spots I recommend:

Busselton Jetty Fishing

It wouldn’t be an article about fishing in Busselton if I didn’t mention the famous Busselton Jetty! Extending a whopping 1.8km into Geographe Bay, Busselton Jetty is the largest timber-piled jetty in the southern hemisphere. 

The jetty is a great fishing spot as it’s easily accessible from the town centre and over 300 marine species live in and around the jetty structures and pylons. 

Here you can target shallow water species like yellowfin whiting, tailor, skippy, and herring at the start of the jetty, or venture further out to go after larger varieties like snapper, mulloway southern bluefin tuna, and Samson fish. It’s also a great spot to fish for squid at night as they’re attracted to the lights of the jetty. 

As well as the main jetty, there are various lower platforms that can be fished. Fishing is permitted along most of the jetty, excluding the end of the Jetty surrounding the Underwater Observatory – this area is well signed so it’s clear where fishing is and isn’t permitted. 

Busselton Jetty facilities include fish cleaning stations, and accessible toilets at the Underwater Observatory at the end of the jetty and in the Interpretive Centre on the shore. Entry onto the Jetty is $4 and it’s open 24 hours per day, 7 days a week. 

Busselton Beach Fishing

There are plenty of beaches in Busselton that offer good fishing right from the sand. The beaches in the area are a top pick because they’re super accessible – you can just rock up to the beach, find a comfy spot, and start fishing!

When beach fishing in Busselton you’ll find weed beds where the fish take shelter and sand flats where you can target varieties like King George whiting, yellowfin whiting, herring and tailor. It’s a great mix, perfect for keeping things interesting and great for beginners and kids.

Timing-wise, early mornings or late afternoons are your best bet. That’s when the fish are most active.

Some of the best Busselton beach fishing spots include:

• Busselton Foreshore Beach: It’s known for a wide variety of species including herring, skippy, Samson fish, mulloway, tuna, and even squid. It’s a great area for families and offers various activities besides fishing like swimming, picnics, kayaking, and snorkelling​​
• Busselton Beach to Siesta Park: This stretch is ideal as the beaches are sheltered, shallow, and have weed beds where fish take shelter. Anglers can find success by targeting the sand flats and weed beds, using small soft plastics and letting them sink down beside the weed beds​​.

Port Geographe Marina

Situated in Busselton, Port Geographe Marina is a convenient spot for anglers, thanks to its expansive boat ramp accessible for all types of boats. The three-finger jetties within the marina create a protected area, making it a steady spot for fishing. 

Port Geographe Marina is notable for the variety of fish species residing in its tranquil waters. Here anglers can target black bream, whiting, skippy, and the occasional King George whiting, especially around the jetties and marina structures. The calm waters also make it an enjoyable spot for family fishing outings.

The prime times for fishing at Port Geographe Marina are during the early morning or late afternoon when the water is at its calmest, and the fish are more active.

Geographe Bay

While a vast stretch of water, beaches and coastal towns, Geographe Bay needs a mention in this article. Geographe Bay extends from Cape Naturaliste to Bunbury and Busselton is smack bang in the middle – most of the spots on this list fall within the bay. The unique topography of the bay, with its gradual sloping sandy seabed, provides a variety of fishing spots, from shallow inshore areas to deeper offshore waters.

The fishing scene in Geographe Bay is quite diverse, thanks to its rich marine ecosystem. Anglers often troll medium-diving hard body lures for bonito and tailor, especially during the early mornings or late afternoons when these species are more active. Additionally, Salmon make a seasonal appearance in Autumn, adding to the excitement for those trolling the waters during this time.

The best times to fish in Geographe Bay are during the early morning or late afternoon, similar to many other spots in the region. 

Peppermint Grove Beach

Just a 20-minute drive from Busselton, Peppermint Grove Beach is one of my favourite beaches in the region – it’s normally fairly secluded and while it can sometimes be a little weedy it’s generally pretty good fishing. 

Common catches from Peppermint Grove Beach include herring, tailor, skippy, whiting and flathead. Anglers can find success using metal lures or baits like mulies for tailor, while light tackle and small baits work well for whiting and herring. The beach’s gentle waves and clear waters provide a pleasant setting for both bait and lure fishing. 

The best time to fish at Peppermint Grove Beach is during dawn and dusk when the fish are more active, and the light offshore breeze makes casting easier. There are also some great 4WD tracks along the beach so you can make a day of it!

Capel River Fishing

Just under 20 minutes from Busselton, Capel River is a modest, yet rewarding fishing spot known for its calm waters and abundant black bream population. The river is pretty easy to access, with a few spots along its banks providing ideal casting points for anglers, it’s also a popular spot for kayak fishing.

Anglers targeting black bream usually find success working small minnows and soft plastics slowly through the water, enticing the bream to bite. There are also several land-based options for fishing along the river, making it a versatile spot for anglers of all levels.

The best time for Capel River fishing is during the early morning or late afternoon when the waters are calm, and the fish are more active. 

Forrest Beach

Just 15 minutes from Busselton, Forrest Beach is a humble yet notable fishing spot, particularly known for its Mulloway. The beach is accessible, with a small creek opening to the ocean, which becomes a hotspot for fishing, especially after heavy rains.

What makes Forrest Beach a good fishing spot is the Mulloway that tend to gather around the creek mouth. The fish are attracted to the fresh water, making it a great location for anglers. Besides Mulloway, there’s also a chance of catching other species like whiting and tailor, particularly when using fresh bait or lures.

The best time to go fishing at Forrest Beach is after a heavy rain, when the creek opens to the ocean, drawing the Mulloway closer to shore. Early morning or late afternoon are also preferred times as the fish are more active during these cooler parts of the day.

Wonnerup-Vasse Estuary

Wonnerup Estuary is just a short drive from Busselton, known for its calm environment and decent fishing. The estuary is fairly shallow, making it accessible for anglers to wade in or fish from the banks.

Here anglers can target small black bream, whiting, skippy, and the occasional King George whiting. Here your best bet is working small minnows and soft plastics slowly through the water to entice the fish. 

The prime times to cast a line at Wonnerup Estuary are during the early morning or late afternoon when the waters are calmest and the fish are more active. 

Wonnerup Beach

Wonnerup Estuary meets the ocean at Wonnerup Beach. The beach is accessible and offers some decent fishing. Be aware that as the area falls within Ngari Capes Marine Park there are sanctuary zones in the area where fishing is not permitted – be sure to check out the signs or the Marine Parks WA app to make sure you know all the rules.

At Wonnerup Beach you can target herring, King George whiting and skippy. The gentle waves and clear waters are conducive to both bait and lure fishing, making it a straightforward and enjoyable fishing experience.

The ideal time to fish at Wonnerup Beach is during the early morning or late afternoon when the waters are calm and the fish are more active. 

Abbey Beach 

Just a short drive from Busselton you’ll find Abbey Beach, a nice little fishing spot nestled along the calm waters of Geographe Bay. Here there is a boat ramp jetty that is easily accessible and a good fishing platform to cast from.

The appeal of Abbey Jetty lies in its simplicity and the variety of fish that are found here. Anglers can expect to catch species like whiting, herring, and squid, which tend to gravitate towards the structure of the jetty. The relatively calm waters offer great conditions for both bait and lure fishing, so it’s a good spot for anglers of all skill levels.

The best time to fish at Abbey Jetty is during the early morning or late afternoon, when the waters are calm and the fish are more active. 

Quindalup Boat Ramp

Just a little further from Busselton you’ll find Quindalup Boat Ramp. The boat ramp jetty is easy to access, with nearby parking available, making it a convenient spot for a casual day out fishing.

Here anglers commonly catch whiting, herring, and squid. Much like at Abbey Jetty, the calm waters around the jetty provide a suitable environment for both bait and lure fishing, welcoming anglers of all experience levels.

The best times to fish at Quindalup Jetty are during the early morning or late afternoon as the fish are typically more active during these times, offering a better chance for a rewarding catch.

Busselton Offshore Fishing

If you’re keen for a more adventurous fishing experience you’ll find plenty of amazing fishing spots beyond the shores of Busselton. Accessible by boat, the offshore waters provide a diverse fishing playground with various spots known for different species of fish and much larger varieties.

Offshore anglers often seek out the likes of Snapper, Dhufish, Baldchin Groper, and Samson Fish among others. The varying depths and structures, like artificial reefs, found offshore create a habitat for heaps of different species, ensuring a rewarding trip for those willing to head out into the deeper waters.

Launching a boat is made convenient with several well-equipped boat ramps available. One good launch site is the Port Geographe Marina which offers a large boat ramp suitable for all boat types and the marina’s facilities are well-maintained. 

The best time for offshore fishing in Busselton depends on the target species and weather conditions. However, the early morning often provides calm waters and is a good time to head out.

What Can You Catch Fishing in Busselton?

There are plenty of fantastic fishing spots in and around Busselton. There is something to suit everyone – from easily accessible beach fishing to secluded offshore spots. Read on for all the info on the best fishing spots in Busselton. 

Herring

As a schooling fish that inhabit inshore areas, herring are a common catch in Western Australia. Their diet primarily consists of small fish and crustaceans and they are a fun and easy catch for anglers of all skill levels.

The best bait for herring is small fish, worms or prawns. If you’re using lures go for small metal slices or soft plastics that mimic small fish or crustaceans. The best setup is a light set-up using small hooks as they have small mouths. A paternoster rig can also work well when targeting herring from the beach.

The best time to target herring is in the early morning or late afternoon when they’re most active. They are often found in schools so where you catch one you’re likely to catch more. 

Be sure to check the Recreational Fishing Rules for size and bag limits. 

Silver Trevally aka Skippy

Silver Trevally aka skippy, is a sought-after species in Western Australia known for its vigorous fight! They can be found around structures like jetties or close to shore. 

They’re opportunistic predators that feed on a variety of small fish and crustaceans so when targeting Skippy, the best baits include prawns, squid, and small fish such as pilchards. Lure anglers often find success with small metal jigs, soft plastics, or vibes. A medium to light setup with a running sinker rig or a paternoster rig works well for skippy.

The early morning or late afternoon, especially during the incoming or high tide, are the prime times to target skippy. They tend to move in schools, so a successful catch often leads to more.

Check the Recreational Fishing Rules for size and bag limits. 

Squid

Squid are a favourite target for many anglers in Western Australia and they’re commonly found at Busselton Jetty as they’re attracted to the lights of the Jetty. They’re carnivorous predators that feed on small fish and other squid, making them an exciting catch.

To target squid, using squid jigs is the most effective method. These jigs come in various sizes and colours. A light to medium spinning setup with a fluorocarbon leader is often used to present the jig naturally.

The best time to target squid is during the early morning or late afternoon when the waters are calmer. They are also known to be more active during overcast days or under low light conditions, which makes dawn and dusk ideal times.

Black Bream

Black Bream is a popular target for anglers in WA. They can be found both nearshore or in estuaries around Busselton.  

They predominantly feed on crustaceans, molluscs, and small fish so for bait, prawns, mussels, or worms tend to work well. When it comes to lures, soft plastics, crankbaits, or vibes that resemble small fish or crustaceans can be effective. A light to medium setup with a running sinker rig or a light jig head for soft plastics is generally used to target Black Bream.

The best times to target Black Bream are during the early morning or late afternoon, especially during an incoming tide. They are known to be more active around structures, so fishing near snags, jetties, or rocky areas can be a great choice.

Check the Recreational Fishing Rules for the current size and bag limits.

Yellowfin Whiting

Yellowfin whiting aka ting tings are a prized catch in Western Australia and one of my personal favourites! 

They primarily feed on small crustaceans and are commonly found in sandy or seagrass areas in estuaries and along the coast.

When targeting yellowfin whiting, baits such as worms, prawns, or small pieces of squid are effective. For lures, small surface poppers or stickbaits that mimic small prey can encourage bites. A light spinning setup with a long, thin leader and small, sharp hooks is typically used for yellowfin whiting.

The best time to target yellowfin whiting is during the early morning or late afternoon, particularly during the incoming tide. They are often found in shallow waters, making the warmer months a more productive time to target them.

Check the Recreational Fishing Rules for size and bag limits. 

Dhufish

Dhufish or dhuies, are a prized catch among anglers in Western Australia. They are predatory fish that reside around reef structures, feeding on smaller fish and crustaceans.

To target dhufish, fresh fish fillets, whole fish, or squid make effective baits. When it comes to lures, deep-diving hard-body lures or jigs that mimic the appearance of small fish are often used. A medium to heavy setup with a strong leader is recommended given the dhufish’s size and the reefy terrain they inhabit.

The early morning or late afternoon are typically the best times to target dhufish, especially during calmer sea conditions which allow for better boat positioning over the reefs.

Check the Recreational Fishing Rules for size, bag limits and closed seasons. 

Tarwhine

Tarwhine, aka silver bream are often found in the surf zones, rocky areas, and around estuary systems, feeding primarily on small crustaceans and molluscs.

Effective baits for tarwhine include prawns, worms or squid. A light to medium tackle setup with a running sinker rig or a paternoster rig, coupled with sharp, small hooks is usually employed when targeting tarwhine.

The best time to target Tarwhine is during the early morning or late afternoon, especially during an incoming tide. They are often found in schools, so finding one usually means there are more nearby.

Check the Recreational Fishing Rules for size and bag limits.

Samson fish

Samson Fish are a sought-after sport fish in Western Australia, known for their powerful fight and impressive size. They are pelagic fish, often found in offshore waters around reefs and wrecks, feeding on a variety of smaller fish and squid.

When targeting Samson Fish, live baits such as yellowtail, slimy mackerel, or squid are often effective. For lures, large metal jigs, poppers, or stickbaits can work well. A heavy setup with a strong leader is advisable given the strength and size of Samson Fish, along with their tendency to seek refuge in structures when hooked.

The best time to target Samson Fish is during the warmer months when they are more prevalent in the offshore waters of Western Australia.

Check the Recreational Fishing Rules for size and bag limits. 

Mulloway

Mulloway, also known as Jewfish, are a prized catch in WA for their size, fight, and quality on the table. They feed on a diet of smaller fish, squid, and crustaceans.

When targeting mulloway, fresh baits like mullet, tailor, or squid are often effective. Large soft plastics, vibes, or hard body lures that mimic the appearance of small fish can also entice bites. A medium to heavy setup with a strong leader is generally recommended due to the size and strength of mulloway.

The best time to target mulloway is during the early morning or late evening, especially around the change of tide. They are also known to be more active during the full moon and new moon phases.

Check the Recreational Fishing Rules for the current size and bag limits for Mulloway in Western Australia.

Where to Stay in Busselton

If you’re looking for the best places to stay in Busselton on your fishing trip I’ve got you covered!

Broadwater Resort

Fantastic Location

Broadwater Resort in Busselton is a great choice, especially for families. It’s located in a prime spot, overlooking the picturesque Geographe Bay. 

The resort offers self-contained accommodation with private balconies or patios, and features both indoor and outdoor swimming pools, a tennis court, and a hot tub. 

Additionally, it has lovely gardens and a courtyard for sunbathing. The Broadwater Beach Bar and Café serves modern Australian and international cuisine. Its excellent location is also convenient for exploring the surrounding areas.

BIG 4 Breeze Holiday Parks – Busselton

Best for Families

BIG4 Breeze Holiday Parks – Busselton offers a family-friendly holiday experience with a great location near Geographe Bay. The park features a range of accommodation options, including fully equipped kitchens and private patios. It’s clean, comfortable, and good value for money. Guests enjoy the park’s proximity to the beach, its pool, bouncy pillow for kids, and pet-friendly options.

Where to Buy Fishing Bait and Tackle in Busselton

If you’re in need of bait and tackle while you’re in the area here are your options:

• Geographe Camping & Tackle World Busselton: located at 5/5 Bussell Hwy
• 2 Oceans Tackle: located at 14 Albert St
• BCF Busselton: located at 6/115 Strelly St 

Best Time to Go Fishing in Busselton

When it comes to fishing in Busselton, timing can make all the difference. For the best experience, aim to cast your line during the early mornings or late afternoons – these times are the magic hours for fishing, as fish tend to be more active and feed closer to the shore. 

As for the best seasons, you’re in luck because Busselton is a year-round fishing destination. However, if you’re after specific species, some seasons are better than others. For example, summer is great for snapper, while winter can be prime time for catching tailor. Each season brings its own unique fishing opportunities,

Last Words on Busselton Fishing

There you have it – your guide to fishing in the beautiful waters of Busselton. Whether you’re casting your line from the serene beaches, trying your luck off the bustling jetty, or venturing into deeper waters, Busselton promises an unforgettable fishing experience – I hope you enjoy your trip!

More Weekend Inspiration

Looking for more of more fishing in Western Australia? Check out my other fishing guides:

• Ultimate Guide to Fishing in Margaret River in 2024: Best Spots, Tips + More!
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• Complete Guide to Fishing in Dunsborough (2024): Spots, Tips, Varieties + More!
• The Complete Guide To Fishing In Cervantes
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