1 month ago · Updated 2 weeks ago
Cockburn Sound, located just south of Fremantle, is Western Australia's most intensively used marine embayment and a highly valued destination for recreational fishing due to its sheltered waters and diverse habitats.
Weekly Catches
No verified catches in the last 7 or 15 days; the catches below cover the last 21 days.
Pink Snapper
Pink snapper remain the signature species of Cockburn Sound, with the area recognized as Western Australia's largest spawning ground for this iconic fish. Recent evidence highlights ongoing angler interest, especially around the busiest boat ramps and near traditional aggregation sites. However, specific catch sizes or weights for this period were not reported. The annual spring spawning closure is a critical management measure, so anglers should always check current regulations before targeting pink snapper.
- Hotspots: Spawning grounds throughout Cockburn Sound, especially near boat ramps.
- Timing: Spring closure period is in effect; check local notices for updates.
Demersal Scalefish (WA Dhufish, Baldchin Groper, Breaksea Cod)
WA dhufish, baldchin groper, and breaksea cod are regularly targeted in Cockburn Sound, with recent management changes affecting catch practices. While no specific catch numbers or sizes were reported for the last 21 days, recreational fishers continue to pursue these species, especially in deeper sections of the Sound. The removal of size limits for these demersal species means most retained fish are mature, and post-release mortality rates have dropped since 2023.
- Hotspots: Deeper channels and reef structures within Cockburn Sound.
- Baits/Lures: No specific evidence for this period; anglers typically use fresh bait and soft plastics.
Crabs
Blue swimmer crabs are a popular target in Cockburn Sound, though commercial fishing for crabs is currently prohibited. Recreational crabbing remains a favored activity, especially in shallow sandy bays and near seagrass beds. No recent catch numbers were reported, but the prohibition order for commercial harvest is in effect for 2024.
- Hotspots: Shallow bays and seagrass beds.
- Regulations: Commercial crabbing prohibited; recreational crabbing allowed within limits.
Other Species
While salmon and other nearshore species are occasionally caught off the beaches and jetties around Cockburn Sound, no verified reports of significant catches for these species were found in the last 21 days. Anglers continue to frequent popular spots such as Coogee Beach, Jervoise Bay, and Robbs Jetty for mixed bag opportunities.
- Hotspots: Beaches and jetties around Cockburn Sound.
- Baits/Lures: No recent evidence; typical methods include pilchards and lures.
Weather & Marine Conditions
Recent weather in the Cockburn Sound area has featured mild spring temperatures and variable winds, with sheltered waters providing safe boating and fishing conditions. Twilight periods and early mornings are generally favored for land-based fishing, especially when coinciding with major bite times.
- Best times: Early morning and twilight, especially around major and minor bite periods.
- Wind: Variable; sheltered bays offer protection from stronger gusts.
Tides & Solunar Activity
Fishing success in Cockburn Sound is often linked to tidal movements, with rising and falling tides around harbor entrances and channels attracting a variety of species. Major and minor solunar periods, especially when aligned with twilight, are considered optimal for both land-based and boat fishing.
- Best tidal windows: Rising and falling tides near harbor entrances and channels.
- Solunar periods: Major bite times coincide with increased activity.
Fishing Conditions & Tips
Anglers in Cockburn Sound benefit from a wide range of productive spots, including jetties, beaches, bays, harbors, and deeper channels. Night fishing is popular at well-lit jetties, while daytime efforts focus on structure and tidal movement. The use of fresh bait and soft plastics is common, though no specific evidence for this period was found. Always check for local closures and abide by current regulations, especially during spawning seasons.
- Productive spots: Jetties, beaches, bays, harbors, channels, and reefs.
- Night fishing: Well-lit jetties offer good opportunities for a fresh feed.
- Regulations: Observe closures and limits, especially for demersal species and crabs.
Regulations & Notices
Current management measures in Cockburn Sound include the spring spawning closure for pink snapper, prohibition on commercial crabbing, and updated rules for demersal scalefish. The removal of size limits for WA dhufish, baldchin groper, and breaksea cod aims to reduce post-release mortality. Anglers should stay informed about ongoing changes, as further management actions may be implemented to support stock recovery.
- Pink snapper: Spring spawning closure in effect; check for updates.
- Crabs: Commercial fishing prohibited; recreational crabbing allowed within limits.
- Demersal scalefish: Size limits removed; bag limits updated.
- Stock recovery: Ongoing government initiatives to support sustainable fishing.
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Cockburn Sound
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Cockburn Sound
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