WA Demersal Reef
Western Australia's unique demersal reef fishery targets iconic species such as dhufish, baldchin groper and rankin cod over the state's extensive limestone and coral reef systems from Exmouth to Albany. These fish are prized for their exceptional eating quality and are found on reefs from 20 to 120 metres depth.
Target Species
Fishing Locations
- • King George Sound
- • Bunbury Offshore Reefs
- • Recherche Archipelago
- • Houtman Abrolhos Islands
- • Mandurah Offshore Reefs
- • Rottnest Island Reefs
- • Two Rocks / Yanchep Reefs
- • Denham Sound
Fishing Tips
- 1
Western Australia's demersal closures vary by zone and season — check the current DPIRD rules for bag limits, size limits, and closed seasons before your trip.
- 2
Dhufish respond well to fresh or frozen squid presented on a paternoster rig in 20–80 m. Fish the reef edge where hard bottom transitions to sand for the highest density.
- 3
Baldchin groper are most active in shallower water (15–40 m) around limestone and coral reef — use a whole pilchard or small live bait and present it slightly off the bottom.
- 4
Position the boat upcurrent from the reef structure and drift baits back into the zone — anchoring directly over reef disturbs fish; drifting presents baits more naturally.
- 5
The burley-trail approach works for WA demersals just as it does for eastern snapper — minced pilchard mixed with tuna oil weighted in a mesh bag and hung below the boat concentrates fish.