Fishing Australia

I was challenged to list WA’s Top 10 fishing spots...sounds like an easy task? Not really - this largest and most sparsely populated state of Australia has 1000’s of world class fishing spots, so to narrow it down to 10 is a piscatorial mission impossible!

To make things easier I have started from the top, in terms of latitude, and listed some of the places I have come to know and love; not just because of the awesome fishing, but also because of the scenery, wildlife, characters and atmosphere. Please bear in mind there are many more awesome fishing spots in-between and beyond those have mentioned; this is just the tip of the iceberg:

1/ Home Valley Station, East Kimberley
The East Kimberley was made famous by ‘Australia the Movie’, but has been iconic for those in the know eons before that. The Majestic Cockburn Ranges Overlook much of the area, including a maze of rivers such as the mighty Pentecost. The Barra Fishing here is exceptional, lots of fish, lots of big fish, from the bank from a boat, you name it.

Keen anglers will have no problem finding barra, but for a guided trip with a difference Home Valley Station offers Indigenous Guides that will give you insights into the land, waters and creatures that will have you spell bound and completely removed from your former existence-it is that good! Home Valley also offers accommodation from Camping to 4 star plus luxury, all on a working cattle station. Ride a trusty stead, round up cattle, take a cultural tour, swim below an ancient water fall, cook a barra at sunset...no more words required.

2/ Mother Shipping the Kimberley
You can see the Kimberley by 4WD, Homestead Stay, eco retreat, town based (Broome, Cape Leveque, Kununurra, Wyndham etc) scenic flight and more, but if you want to see more of the coastline and fish around the clock a mother ship is the way to go.

Live aboard trips from 3 days long to 2 weeks long set sail from either Broome or Wyndham. A full on cruise ship will offer luxury all round, and be ideal for those in the family who aren't as fanatical about fishing, but if you want to do lots of fishing the smaller to mid size operations are a better choice. Besides the barra in breathtaking country, expect to catch loads of spanish mackerel, coral trout and other first class table fish.

3/ The Drysdale River
One of my favourite Big Rivers in the North West. Miles from anywhere, very hard to get too, but worth it. Large hard fighting black jewfish, XL barra, sight fishing for queen fish at the river mouth, plate sized oysters and a whole load more. Fishing advice-get there first, ask questions later…if you have any…

4/ Broome
The Stair Case to the moon is a must see, and Broome is the stair case to the South Western Corner of the Kimberley and some awesome fishing. The town has plenty to do for the non fisho, including Pearl Shopping if that’s what it takes to bribe your other half to get there.

Great range of accom, from basic to the sublime, regardless, before long you’ll be feeling like a local-relaxed, happy and warm. Half day trips for barra, mud crabs and more are complemented by sports fish like trevally, queen fish and a massive variety of other species that are all too easy. Day trips will find game fish like sailfish-the fastest thing on fins.

Broome is also the gateway to the Rowley Shoals, 3 coral atoll's that offer what experts believe is the top 10 snorkeling and diving experience in the world-I agree. OK…I’ve already run out of room so I’ll have to pick this up next week, including the fact that WA also has some surprises in the form of trout…yes trout!

See you on the water.
Rob Paxevanos