Pilbara Fishing Guide: Local Spots, Species & Gear
Fishing around Karratha is all about understanding where you are, what species are around, and how the tides move through each location. Below is a practical, location-based guide to some of the most commonly fished areas by locals, along with the techniques and gear that suit each spot.
40 Mile (Shore & Boat Ramp)
40 Mile is a popular and accessible spot for both land-based and boat anglers. It fishes best on moving tides, particularly the run-in, when bait is pushed along the flats and channels.
Common species here include queenfish, trevally, blue salmon, and the occasional barra in warmer months. Land-based anglers usually do well spinning metals, stickbaits and poppers with a 7’–8’ rod and a 4000–5000 size reel spooled with 20–30lb braid. From the boat, slightly heavier spinning setups or bait fishing rigs are common, especially when fishing channel edges or deeper water near tide changes.
Point Samson Jetty & Boat Ramp
Point Samson Jetty is a favourite for land-based fishing particularly when conditions are calm. Neap tides are often easier to fish here, as water movement and turbidity are reduced.
Anglers commonly target barra, trevally, queenfish, blue salmon and smaller reef species. Spinning gear in the 4000–5000 size range works well, along with bait fishing using medium-heavy rods.
Cossack & Harding River System
Cossack and the Harding River are highly tide-dependent and reward anglers who plan their sessions carefully. Fishing is often best on the run-out tide, when bait drains off the flats and funnels past creek mouths and structure.
Species commonly encountered include barra, jacks, threadfin salmon and estuary species. Baitcasting gear is popular here, with low-profile reels matched to 6’–6’8” rods and soft plastics, vibes or hardbodies. Live bait setups are also effective when fishing deeper holes or structure.
Access can change quickly with tides, so planning and safety are important.
Cleaverville
Cleaverville offers both land-based and boat fishing and is popular for families and travelling anglers. Fishing success here is closely tied to tide movement, with run-in tides generally producing the best results along the shoreline and reef edges.
Spinning for trevally, queenfish and blue salmon is common, using 4000–6000 size reels and 20–40lb braid. From boats, anglers often bottom fish or jig nearby reef systems, targeting red emperor and other reef species using heavier spin or overhead setups.
For more info about camping at Cleaverville head to our camping guide.
Dampier (Inshore & Offshore)
Dampier is the main hub for offshore fishing in the region and offers access to both inshore and bluewater grounds. Trolling offshore is popular for pelagics and billfish, typically using overhead reels, 5’6” rods in the 15–24kg class, and monofilament line.
Bottom fishing and jigging around Dampier reefs are often planned around tide changes, when fish become more active. Heavy spin or overhead gear spooled with 50–80lb braid is commonly used for red emperor and other demersal species. Weather, swell and tides all play a big role here, so trip planning is essential.
Bow & Arrow Fishing (Shore-Based)
For those who enjoy a different challenge, bow and arrow fishing is a shore-based option in suitable areas. We stock bows and arrows suitable for both fishing and target shooting and can help with setup advice.
Crabbing Around Karratha
Blue swimmer crabs are commonly caught in Nickol Bay and around Point Samson using drop nets. Mud crabs can be found in systems including Nickol Bay, Devil Creek, the Fortescue River, Cossack and Point Samson. As with all crabbing, size limits and regulations apply.
WA Fisheries Information & Licences
Fishing regulations vary by region and species. We provide free WA Fisheries measuring rulers in store, along with official fisheries pamphlets covering bag limits, size limits, crabbing rules and seasonal closures.
If you’re fishing from a boat in Western Australia, you are required to hold a valid Recreational Fishing from Boat Licence.
Current rules and licence information can be found at:
👉 https://www.fish.wa.gov.au
The Pilbara region is not affected by the nrecreational demersal fishing bans that apply to parts of southern Western Australia. Local anglers can continue targeting demersal species such as red emperor, provided Pilbara-specific rules are followed.