Along with breathtaking scenery, expansive wilderness, and the chance to escape the hectic pace of life and immerse yourself in nature, Broome boasts world-class fishing.
From the Indian Ocean to countless inland lakes, creeks, rivers, and mangroves, Broome and the Kimberley offer an abundance of fishing opportunities.
In this post, we’ll cover everything to know about fishing in Broome and the Kimberley, including popular fishing spots in Broome, the types of fish you can expect to catch, the best time of year to fish in Broome, and safety tips for fishing in Broome.
Popular Fishing Spots Broome and The Kimberley
Whether you want to join a fishing tour or embark on a solo angling adventure, Broome offers plenty of convenient spots to fish from shore.
While it can be tough to catch Threadfin Salmon or Barramundi from shore, land-based fishing spots often provide the chance to catch Queenfish, Trevally, Flathead, Cod, and Bream.
On-Shore Fishing Spots Broome
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Roebuck Bay
As you head from Roebuck Bay along Crab Creek Road, there are some excellent on-shore fishing spots to check out. With access to several rocky points, anglers often target Queenfish and Trevally. The moving tides also mix up the water, stirring it up and making it a great spot to fish for Barramundi.
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The Broome Jetty
Along with being an excellent vantage point for observing stingrays, turtles, coastal birds, and snubfin dolphins, the Broome Jetty provides an excellent place to cast a line.
From The Jetty, you can try for Barramundi (not very common, but it is possible to hook one from here if you are lucky), Trevally, Queenfish, and Mackerel.
With much-needed shade areas, two levels to fish from, bait boards, and rod holders, the Jetty is one of the best on-shore Broome fishing spots.
When fishing from the Jetty, remember to be mindful of others. Bring a bucket for your fish, clean your catch at home, and make sure to wash away any bait or spills and properly discard any rubbish.
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Crab Creek
Crab Creek Road, accessible by 4WD, offers access to a variety of rocky areas that provide excellent fishing. Expect to find Queenfish, Trevally, and even Barramundi inhabiting these waters as the tides come in.
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False Crab Creek
Crab Creek Road eventually turns into False Crab Creek, a meagre creek that is known for occasionally holding Threadfin Salmon.
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Willie Creek
It requires a 4WD to access, but anglers will want to check out Willie Creek. During the slower current at the turn of the low tide, you’ll have a chance at catching Mangrove Jack, Barramundi, and Threadfin Salmon. When fishing low tide, be especially aware of your surroundings and tide charts to ensure you stay safe.
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Coconut Wells
Coconut Wells is located north of Broome and accessible with a 4WD, Coconut Wells offers a chance at Whiting, Bream, Tuskfish, Queenfish, and Trevally at high tide.
Off-Shore Fishing Spots Broome
If you have access to a boat, there are some great fishing spots to check out. Off-shore fishing requires extra vigilance in terms of tide charts, weather conditions, and local regulations, so be sure to do your research before any off-shore fishing adventures.
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Jewie Holes
Not far offshore from the Jetty, you can boat out in search of Black Jewfish. Black Jewfish love hiding out in the deep holes here, hence the spot’s nickname, so get ready to get reeling!
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Dampier Creek
Dampier Creek is a popular fishing spot, especially trolling the river mouth. Along with the main creek, there are smaller creeks that meander into the mangroves.
Anglers in Dampier Creek often aim to catch Trevally, Barramundi, Mangrove Jack, and Threadfin Salmon.
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Gantheaume Point
Launch your boat from Gantheaume Point Beach and head to the isolated broomies and reef areas. Here, you can fish for Mackerel, Trevally, and Queenfish. Swirl Rock and Whale Rock are also well-known Gantheaume Point fishing spots.
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Disaster Rock
Heading out from the Jetty about 16 km offshore will put you by Disaster Rock, an area known for its Queenfish, Trevally, and Mackerel.
Common Fish to Catch in Broome
The type of fish you catch will depend on where you’re fishing in Broome and whether you are fishing during the wet or dry season.
Here are some of the common fish to catch in Broome and the surrounding areas, divided into land-based species and off-shore species.
Land-Based Broome Fishing Species
When fishing Broome’s creeks, beaches, rocks, and jetties, you may catch:
- Queenfish
- Dart
- Bream
- Mangrove jacks
- Trevally
- Whiting
- Giant herring
- Threadfin Salmon
- Shark
- Barramundi
- Cod
- Flathead
Offshore Broome Fishing Species
When fishing the creeks and open water in Broome, you have a chance of catching:
- Tuskfish
- Tuna
- Threadfin Salmon
- Black jewfish
- Cobia
- Marlin
- Coral trout
- Pelagics
- Sailfish
- Spanish mackerel
Wet and Dry Season Fishing in Broome
In Broome, Mother Nature only believes in two seasons: Wet and Dry. Along with the weather, fishing varies greatly between the wet and dry seasons.
Dry Season Fishing in Broome
Along with being the best time to visit Broome, the dry season coincides with some of the best fishing in Broome, especially for off-shore fishing.
During summer in Broome, Mangrove Jack and Barramundi are highly active. While you do have a chance of catching Barramundi year-round, the warmer weather increases your odds. Jewfish and Threadfin Salmon are also especially active in the warmer waters of the dry season.
Wet Season Fishing in Broome
Rougher conditions, colder water, and on-shore winds in the wet season from October to April mean that fishing is still possible but usually a bit more challenging.
Finding Barramundi in the colder months is possible, but they are trickier to find as they are less active during the wet season. Barra is also smaller in the colder months than in the dry season.
You can also try your luck for Flathead, Trevally, Queenfish, Bream, and Whiting, year-round.
Fishing Charters in Broome
Eco Beach Resort makes it easy to enjoy Broome fishing, with a variety of exciting experiences to choose from:
- Broome Fishing Charter — Guided coastal fishing with Eco Beach Resort is an ideal way to explore beach, reef, and creek fishing in Broome. Fishing enthusiasts will enjoy a chance at catching a variety of fish species, with special attention on Mangrove Jack, Barramundi (seasonal), Queenies, Mackerel, Trevally, and more.
- Broome Heli Fishing — Ready for an unforgettable adventure? Book a heli fishing experience and start your day soaring over Broome and marvelling at the landscape from above. Then, land by Jack’s Creek to fish for Mangrove Jack, Cod, Barramundi, and more!
- Beach Fishing in Broome — We offer tackle, fishing kits, and rods right at our reception desk so you can easily cast a line right from the beach. We also offer bait for purchase.
Safety Tips for Fishing in Broome and The Kimberley
Broome and the Kimberley offer some of the world’s best fishing, along with the chance to experience the vastness and splendour of Australia’s wilderness.
The weather in Broome and Kimberley can be unpredictable, especially during the wet season. Conditions can change from clear, sunny skies one second to a raging downpour the next.
An understanding of current weather conditions and local tide charts is key for staying safe while fishing, especially for off-shore fishing.
Here are some important safety tips for fishing in Broome and the Kimberley:
- Always stay with your boat or vehicle in the event of an emergency
- Always bring extra water, food, tools, spare parts, a first aid kit, and fuel for boating or off-road excursions
- Carry a satellite phone or EPIRB
- Practise crocodile safety by cleaning fish away from boat ramps, the water’s edge, or camps
- Never provoke a crocodile, do not wade in the water while fishing, and always be aware of your surroundings
- Be cautious of jellyfish
- Check local weather conditions and tide charts closely — when in doubt, save the fishing for a safer day!
- Use Broome Sea Rescue to keep track of your journey and always let a loved one know where you are going, what your plans are, and when you plan to arrive back
Fishing in Broome — Local and Environmental Regulations
To help preserve Broome’s pristine environment, it is important to practice respect for your surroundings when fishing in Broome or the Kimberley.
Here are some ways to help:
- If you fish on or travel across a pastoral lease, adhere to the pastoral lease protocol.
- Protect wildlife by carefully securing any rubbish so it doesn’t blow away, especially plastic bags or tangled fishing lines as these can be deadly to Broome’s beautiful creatures.
- Adhere to local bag and size limits set by the Fisheries Department (WA) Fishing. These regulations play a crucial role in supporting a sustainable fish population.
- Be sure to check and adhere to local fishing license requirements.
- If you plan to use a private-powered boat for fishing in Broome, a Recreational Fishing from Boat Licence (RFBL) is required.
- We stand behind the WA Department of Fisheries’ “Fish for the Future” motto and strongly encourage those who stay with us to do the same by respecting the environment, following local fishing regulations, and only catching what you need.
Fishing in Broome — Plan Your Eco-Friendly Broome Holiday Today
Fishing is one of the best things to do in Broome and we hope our Broome fishing guide helps you plan a memorable angling adventure!
Along with guided coastal fishing and heli fishing, Eco Beach Resort offers a variety of unforgettable wilderness experiences, all with a conscious effort to protect, respect, and maintain the surrounding landscape.
Contact our responsive team to learn more about our multi-award-winning eco-resort, to find out more about Broome fishing, or to start planning your dream eco-friendly holiday in Broome.
