Esperance has some of the cleanest, most productive land-based fishing on the WA south coast, and the good news is a lot of it is close to town. Whether you have fished for years or you are picking up a rod for the very first time, this guide will point you to the best shore spots near the park, what you might pull in, and the local rules to know before you cast. If you are still sorting out where to stay, we have cabins and camping sites within easy reach of all of them.
The best land-based fishing spots in Esperance
Esperance Jetty The old Tanker Jetty was closed and pulled down a few years back. Its replacement, the 415 metre Esperance Jetty, opened in 2021 and is now the go-to land-based spot right in town. It was built with fishing in mind, with lower platforms, built-in seats, a fish cleaning station and wheelchair access, which makes it a lovely, easy spot for families and first-timers.- What you might catch: herring, skippy, squid, King George whiting and garfish.
- Best times:early morning and around sunset.
- Good to know: since October 2024, wire trace is banned within 800m of the shore around the jetty (200m either side), a rule aimed at recreational shark fishing.
Photo source: Sea Goddess Adventure
Bandy Creek Boat Harbour
A sheltered harbour east of town with calm, forgiving water, which makes it a great choice if the kids are learning or you just want an easy afternoon. You can fish the harbour walls and edges without battling any surf.
- What you might catch: herring, whiting and the occasional flathead.
- Gear: a light rod and a simple rig is all you need.
The Great Ocean Drive beaches
Twilight Beach, West Beach and Salmon Beach along the Great Ocean Drive loop are all worth a cast, especially if you enjoy surf fishing with a view. And yes, Salmon Beach is named for a reason.
- What you might catch: Australian salmon (best during the autumn run), herring, tailor and skippy. If you are chasing something bigger, anglers do land mulloway off the beach.
- Best times: dawn and dusk, and around a rising tide.
Cape Le Grand beaches
A bit further out, but the beaches inside Cape Le Grand National Park, including Lucky Bay and Thistle Cove, let you fish in some of the most beautiful surroundings in the state. The autumn salmon run through here is the highlight.
- What you might catch: Australian salmon in season, herring and skippy.
- Good to know: national park entry fees apply, and a 4WD helps on the softer sand.
The WA fishing rules, made simple
The rules here are more relaxed than a lot of visitors expect, but worth getting right.
- Shore and jetty fishing: you do not need a licence to fish with a rod or handline from the shore or a jetty in WA.
- Boat fishing: you do need a Recreational Fishing from Boat Licence (RFBL) to fish from a powered boat.
- Other licences: separate licences apply for rock lobster, abalone, marron, net fishing and freshwater angling.
- Bag and size limits: these apply to almost everything and are taken seriously, so it is worth a quick look. Check the current rules by species and location at rules.fish.wa.gov.au before you head out.
A few fishing tips if you are just starting out
Gear and bait
- A light spinning rod and reel will handle most shore fishing around here.
- Bring hooks, sinkers and fresh bait like prawns or squid, plus a small tackle box.
- A hat, sunscreen and shoes you don’t mind getting wet will make the day a lot more comfortable.
On the water
- Have a practice cast on open ground before you get to a busy jetty.
- Fresh bait beats old bait every time, so buy it local and keep it cool.
- Give it time. The fish often bite the moment you have stopped watching.
Staying safe
- Check the forecast, and stay off rock and beach edges in big swell.
- If you are heading somewhere remote, tell someone your plans first.
- Carry plenty of water, especially on warm days.
Fish you might catch in Esperance
- Herring: the classic beginner’s fish, common almost everywhere.
- Australian salmon: best along the beaches during the autumn run.
- Squid: target them off the jetty with squid jigs.
- King George whiting: great eating, found around the jetty and sandy patches.
- Skippy (silver trevally): hard-fighting and common off the jetty and beaches.
Come and stay
We will put you within a short drive of the jetty, the harbour and the Great Ocean Drive beaches. Book online, and if you are travelling with kids, have a look at our guide to top activities for families in Esperance.