North Coast
WA
Pilbara visitor paradise DAMPIER/KARRATHA
Troy Honey
Holiday season is in full swing in the Pilbara so I thought it best to report fishing that visitors will be targeting with an emphasis on shore based. The shore-based fishing in the Pilbara, especially
options and range from easy to extremely difficult to access with the latter often being the most rewarding. Fishing Karratha in June and July can produce species such as nearshore, pelagic, sports and demersal fish, squid, octopus, crabs, crayfish, prawns, plus an abundance of oysters, clams and pipis.
2023 is proving to be one of the best seasons in a long time in Karratha for blue swimmer crabs. around Karratha, Dampier and Point Sampson must be experienced to be believed. The many fishing spots offer are wide variety of species
Squid are all over the place right now in Karratha and can often be seen swimming past when rock fishing for other species. It
is well worth sending out a float in the tide with a squid jig about a metre underneath it when fishing from the rocks or dedicating some time to casting squid jigs over the beds of seagrass and reef and retrieving them. It won’t be long at all until you have a few squid in the esky. Clear water is always the best time to target squid, which is often around high tides and when the tides slow down to change direction. If it is crabs you would like to have a go at while in Karratha, there are two options at this time of year, blue swimmer and mud crab. Blue swimmers are thick in Nickol Bay and right around to Cossack, you will also find them in Dampier Harbour and King Bay and all areas are accessible by boat. If you prefer scooping, then try Nickol Bay, either at Back Beach or Hearson Cove on the incoming low tide on the spring tides, i.e. new or full moons. When the water is around 6”-1’ deep, follow the tide back in and you will see plenty coming out of the mud. Always wear good boots when scooping for crabs as there are stone fish about. Mud crabs are being caught in big numbers around full moon when they generally go on the walk, in search of food when the moon lights up the nights. Try throwing nets in off the creek banks during high tide or walking the mangroves
Land-based fishing is much more challenging than boat fishing when it comes to demersals, catching a 60cm coral trout on first cast shows just how good the fishing is in Karratha. with a wire hook and poking it down all the holes, there are plenty about and a fun way to spend a few hours. King prawns are turning up in Nickol Bay with fishers throwing cast nets from
and can’t get out to the island reefs are off 40-mile campground, Dampier and Murujuga. Pipis and clams are found in the shallows off Back Beach and Hearsons
from shore in 2m of water on first cast. Fishing doesn’t come better than that when you are looking for some dinner. Other species such as rock cod, mangrove jack, Spanish flag, crimson
The author often searches the 20-30m lumps for big blueline emperor, such as this 54cm one caught last month in the archipelago.
Coral trout are everywhere throughout the archipelago and offshore of 40 mile and Point Sampson. The author caught eight in a two hour session last month off Dampier. 102 JUNE 2023
shore at high tide or walking into the ledges at back beach on low tide. Dabbing for prawns from boats under lights in the bay is also producing good numbers of prawns, just anchor up during the running tide with a light and they’ll be coming past in no time. Ornate crayfish are abundant in Karratha and while not quite as good tasting as the western rock lobster, they still make for a tasty meal. Walking the rock pools around Cleaverville on low tide can produce a couple although snorkelling the waters will be a better option. Other areas to try if you don’t have a boat
Cove, early morning or late evening low tides on the spring tides are a nice way to spend hunting these delicacies. You will find them in the mud just below the surface, taking a bucket and small spade with you, head out at least a hundred metres from shore and you will see the air holes in the mud, turning the mud over is the easiest way to find them. Make sure you keep within the catch limits and protect this great resource for future generations. Shore fishing in Karratha is always a mixed bag, on a recent morning of bluebone fishing I caught a 60cm coral trout less than 5m
perch, diamondscale mullet, bream, and bluebone can all be easily caught from any of the rocky outcrops or marinas. Fresh bait is always best so having a cast net or going to catch rock crabs on low tide is highly recommended if you want to enjoy great fishing. Putting in the effort here will pay dividends when compared to using frozen shop bait. We are coming into the best time of year for sports fish such as sailfish and marlin and I am looking forward to bringing you the latest reports in the next edition with how the 2023 season has kicked off.
