West Moore Island is located half way (about 1.5 hours drive) between Karratha and Port Headland in Western Australia’s northern Pilbara region. As fishing holidays go, this destination offers it all. Land based sport fishing to intensive deep sea game fishing is on offer together with a range of alternate non-fishing activities.
Guests can simply choose to explore the island and spot some of the many native animals, swim & snorkel, go bird watching, oyster picking, kayaking or take some time out to view the historical rock art. There is so much on offer that everyone in your party will be well and truly catered for. There can be no doubt that West Moore Island is one of the best fishing destinations in Australia.
Land Based Fishing
On the eastern extremities of the island lies a boundless rock pool system. All sorts of fish become entrapped in the pools and make for easy picking when the tides out. You’ll still need to have your game face on though as the fish seem to have a profound sense of fear when in this restricted space. Using baits instead of lures works well.
Off the front of the island it’s not unusual to be clobbered by colossal Queen Fish at high tide. They come in to feed on the bait swimming around in swarms. Smaller Golden Trevally will likely be around, plus assorted Salmon species and small sharks. Estuary Cod can be caught on the craggy eastern tip of the island.
The north side of the island is rocky, usually with a rolling swell of some kind inching in. At the right times, it’s possible to cast out and retrieve decent Whiting. Perseverance will result in catches of other reef fish, but to be honest, you’ll probably have a beer in your hand and couldn’t care less whether something smacks or not.
Inshore – Small Craft (Dinghy) Fishing
Small craft (4.2m Aluminium Dinghy’s) are available for use, fully inclusive in your tariff. Each dinghy carries a maximum of 4 people, and is arrayed with a 25hp outboard motor, sounder, radio and all required safety equipment.
Guests may use these dinghies to take advantage of the many easily accessible fishing options around the island. They are also perfect for exploring the creeks’ limitless snaps and mud crabbing.
Fuel is provided at $3 per litre. Lures proven to work in the inshore fishing grounds around the island are available for purchase on the island.
A Recreational Skippers Ticket, plus a Recreational Fishing Boat License is required for any general fishing activity conducted with the use of a powered boat anywhere in W.A. from the 2nd of March 2010. Guests keen to make use of the dinghies require both of these licenses.
Deep Sea – Charter Fishing
West Moore Island offers a selection of vessels to guests for charter trips to the local islands and offshore, including the Geographe Shoals and surrounding areas. Expect the unexpected: Experience strikes from large Cobia, schools of big Mackerel from nowhere and gigantic reef fish. Spangled Emperor, Red Emperor, a variety of Cod and pelagic species all feature, plus Honking Brassy and Golden Trevally provide challenging bottom fishing.
Staff will help you make the right choice for your group, considering the weather and what your group desires from their time on the island.
Day Charter Features & Pricing (Full Day):
- Fishing gear & tackle.
- A packed lunch, soft drinks and nibbles.
- Bait.
- Ice.
- Price: $3,000 for an 8-10 hour day, maximum of 12 people.
Anglers are not required to hold a Recreational Fishing Boat License when fishing from our licensed charter vessels.
You may prefer a more individual experience – guided excursions with an island host to secret fishing locations or a leisurely tour of Depuch and West Moore Islands can be tailored to suit your specific needs. The cost for a guided experience is around $100 per hour (minimum 4 hours).
Bag Limits:
The waters here are bountiful. We want our guests to return to the island and enjoy this awesome fishing experience for generations to come. West Moore Island imposes a bag limit of 10kg of fillets, or a maximum of 1 of our foam transport boxes, per person, per stay. 10kgs is a heap of fish, yet is a slightly smaller limit than the fisheries requirement. This applies to all guests of West Moore Island, with no exceptions.
Your catch will be vacuum packed and frozen ready for you to take home.
Tourist season starts at the beginning of March each year and runs through to the end of November. West Moore Island is one of the most unique fishing travel experiences available in Australia, or the world for that matter. Akin to a remote bush camp in an island setting, the entire operation is self-sustained. Power is generated on the island, and all the water and consumables are transported from the mainland. If your looking for an adventure to remember for years to come I highly recommend you consider West Moore Island in Western Australia for your next travel fishing holiday.