Perth Fishing Charters: Dhufish, Crayfish, and the Rottnest Trench
By Pete Collins, Charter Operator and Fishing Guide
Perth has top-tier offshore fishing 20 kilometres from the city, but charter options on the booking platforms are surprisingly thin.
Practical local guidanceAustralian charter focusNo paid placements
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The Rottnest Trench is closer than you think
Here's the thing about Perth that surprises visitors: the good fishing isn't a long slog offshore. The Rottnest Trench, a deep channel of water running between the mainland and Rottnest Island, sits roughly 20 kilometres out, and the bottom drops away to 40-plus metres within a few kilometres of the coast. That's genuinely top-tier structure sitting right on the city's doorstep. You can leave a boat harbour at 7am, be over productive ground by 8, and have a full esky by early afternoon. Compare that to a lot of Australian ports where you burn two hours of fuel just to reach the fish, and Perth starts looking very good indeed.
What the trench and its surrounding reef systems produce is quality bottom fishing rather than flashy game species. You're not coming here for marlin. You're coming for heavy, deep-water table fish that fight like trucks and eat like kings.
Dhufish, the fish Perth is built around
If you fish out of Perth, you fish for dhufish. The West Australian dhufish is the celebrated catch of this coast, a big, silvery, deep-bodied fish with a distinctive forehead that locals will happily talk about for hours. They live on the reef and rubble ground in that 30-to-50 metre range, and a good one is 8 or 10 kilos of the best-eating fish in the state. Ask any Perth angler what they'd rather have on the plate and dhufish wins nearly every time.
Crayfish season is a different beast
People hear "Perth" and "seafood" and immediately think of western rock lobster, crayfish, as everyone here calls them. And they're right to. WA's crayfish are superb. But I'll be straight with you: crayfish and charter fishing are two different activities. You catch cray in pots, mostly close to shore over shallow reef, and the season and licensing are separate from line fishing. A standard deep-sea fishing charter isn't going to run you a pot session, that's a recreational thing you do with a boat and a licence, or you buy them off the co-op.
So if crayfish are the whole reason you're coming, know that a fishing charter won't scratch that itch directly. Some operators may point you toward diving or pot options, but don't book a bottom-fishing trip expecting to come home with a bag of cray. Manage the expectation and you won't be disappointed.
What's on Viator versus what actually exists
Now the honest bit, and it's the reason this page exists. Perth has a strong, active charter scene, plenty of boats, good skippers, decent local reputations. But almost none of them list on the booking platforms. Search Viator for Perth fishing and you'll find essentially one dedicated deep-sea fishing product. One. That is thin, and I'm not going to pretend otherwise.
It's not because Perth charters are bad. It's because the local scene runs on repeat customers, phone bookings, and word of mouth. Operators here don't need to pay platform commissions when their boats fill from a WhatsApp group and a Facebook page. That's great for them and slightly annoying for a visitor who just wants to click "book" from an overseas hotel room. So the platform-bookable inventory does not reflect the real size of the fishery.
What a day on the water actually feels like
A full day out of a spot like Hillarys Boat Harbour is a proper deep-water session. You'll steam out to the grounds, anchor or drift over reef and rubble, and drop baited rigs into deep water. It's hands-on bottom fishing, feel the bite, wind hard, keep them off the reef. The boat provides rods, tackle, and bait, so you don't need to fly in with gear. Bring sun protection, sea-sickness tablets if you're prone (that swell off Rotto can build), and a decent hat, because there's no shade out there.
It suits everyone from first-timers to seasoned anglers, and the crew will bait up and unhook for the nervous ones. The reward is an esky of premium table fish you'll be eating for a week, dhufish fillets, snapper, groper. That's the Perth experience in a nutshell.
My verdict
There's exactly one fishing charter on Viator for Perth, and that's the honest starting point, it's thin, and Perth's real charter scene overwhelmingly books direct. But the trip that is bookable is a solid, well-run deep-sea day over genuinely good ground, targeting the dhufish and reef species that make this coast famous. For a visitor who wants to click a button and lock in a quality offshore trip without chasing local phone numbers, this is what exists and it's worth doing. For serious anglers, or anyone chasing something specific like crayfish or an extended live-aboard, you'll need to get on the phone and contact operators directly through the WA Fisheries charter directory. Don't judge Perth's fishing by its Viator listings, judge it by that trench sitting 20 kilometres offshore, full of fish.
Perth Deep Sea Fishing Charter, Full-Day
★★★★ 4.0 · 8 hours
Reef and Rod is reader-supported. We earn a commission when you book through our links at no additional cost to you.
Head offshore from Hillarys Boat Harbour targeting dhufish, snapper, baldchin groper, and other West Australian table fish. All rods, tackle, and bait provided. The Rottnest Trench drops to 40+ metres within a few kilometres of the coast, producing quality bottom fishing year-round. Suitable for all experience levels.
If you're booking a charter out of Perth for dhufish and reef species, the prep is different from a tropical reef trip. You don't need a wetsuit or dive gear. You need layers, good shoes, and the right attitude for a 40-metre drop.
Here's what I tell every angler before they step on my boat:
Warm, windproof jacket – Even in summer, the sea breeze hits hard once you clear the heads. A hooded fleece or mid-layer is worth its weight.
Non-marking, grippy deck shoes – No black soles. Boats are wet, and you'll be moving around as we drift over the trench.
Sunscreen and a hat – The sun reflects off the water and burns fast. SPF 50+, wide brim, and reapply.
Your own food and water – Charters usually provide lunch, but bring extra snacks and at least 2 litres of water. The dry heat out there dehydrates you faster than you think.
Camera or phone in a waterproof pouch – You'll want a shot of that 10-kilo dhufish before it goes in the esky.
No cray pots – As I said above, this is line fishing. Leave the pot gear at home.
When to fish the Rottnest Trench
The trench fishes year-round, but the best window runs from October through April. That's when the water's warm enough to keep dhufish active and feeding hard. Winter (June to August) can still produce, but the south-westerly swells kick up and the bite slows. If you're booking a charter, aim for a calm morning with a light easterly wind. The skippers know the ground, but they can't control the weather.
One more thing: the dhufish spawn between November and January. Some skippers avoid targeting them then. Ask your operator before you book. A good charter will rotate to other reef species if the dhufish are on the beds.
Frequently asked questions about Perth bottom fishing
Do I need a fishing licence?
No. If you're on a licensed charter boat, the skipper's licence covers you. You just show up and fish. If you go out on a private boat, you'll need a WA recreational fishing licence from the Department of Primary Industries.
What's the bag limit for dhufish?
As of 2024, the limit is one dhufish per person per day, with a minimum size of 50 cm. Some charters enforce stricter limits to keep the stock healthy. Check with your skipper before you drop a line.
Can I bring my own rods?
Most charters provide all gear, but if you have your own overhead or baitcaster rated for 30-50 lb, you can bring it. Call ahead and let them know. They'll stow it and make sure it's rigged right for the depth.
What happens if the weather turns bad?
Skippers monitor the forecast closely. If a southerly front or strong swell is predicted, they'll either reschedule or move to a sheltered spot inside Cockburn Sound. You won't be sent out into dangerous conditions. Always confirm the cancellation policy when you book.
What the Viator Listings Actually Tell You About Perth
Now, I’ve been honest with you about the thin pickings on the booking platforms for Perth bottom fishing. But let’s look at what is on offer up the coast in Cairns, because the contrast tells you something useful. Those Great Barrier Reef tours—like the full-day trips with Divers Den or the luxury superyacht cruises—are running to reef sites that are 90 minutes offshore. That’s the same travel time as running from Fremantle to the Rottnest Trench, except those Cairns boats are carrying 40-plus passengers, serving buffet lunches, and running introductory scuba dives alongside snorkelling. That’s a completely different model: high-volume, multi-activity, family-friendly tourism.
Perth’s charter scene is the opposite. You’re looking at small groups, serious fishing gear, and a skipper who knows exactly where the dhufish are holding on a given tide. The Viator listings for Cairns are great if you want to see coral and turtles. But if you want to drop a paternoster rig into 45 metres of water and feel a dhufish thump you on the drop, you need to book direct with a local operator. I’d start with the Fishing Boat Harbour in Fremantle or call the skippers at Hillarys—they’ll set you straight.
Seasonal Timing: When to Hit the Trench
Dhufish are a year-round proposition in Perth, but there are windows that make a difference. The peak season runs from late spring through autumn—November to April—when the fish are feeding aggressively in the warmer water. Winter fishing can be productive too, but you’ll contend with stronger winds and shorter days. If you’re booking a trip, aim for a morning departure between October and March. The sea breeze kicks up by midday in summer, and you want to be back at the ramp before the chop gets uncomfortable.
Crayfish season is a separate calendar entirely. The commercial and recreational season for western rock lobster typically runs from November to June, with a seasonal closure over the winter months. So if you’re dead set on buying crays off the co-op, plan your visit between late spring and early winter. And remember: you’ll buy those from a fishmonger or the Fremantle markets, not from your charter skipper.
What to Bring: Real Gear for Real Fishing
The Cairns tours mention hot showers, buffet lunches, and wine on the return. That’s not the Perth bottom-fishing experience. On a dhufish charter out of Fremantle or Hillarys, you need to come prepared:
Your own rod and reel – if you’re serious. Most charters supply gear, but if you’ve got a 15kg overhead outfit you trust, bring it. The trench chews up cheap gear.
Non-slip deck shoes – the decks get wet, and the swell can be sudden.
A cooler bag for your catch – most skippers will clean and bag your fish, but you need to transport it home. Dhufish fillets are worth the care.
Layers and windproof jacket – even in summer, the morning run out to the trench is cold. By midday you’ll be stripping down, but that first hour is brisk.
Sunscreen and a hat – the reflection off the water is brutal, and you’ll be exposed for hours.
Your own food and water – some charters provide lunch, but don’t assume it. Pack sandwiches, snacks, and more water than you think you need.
And leave the glass bottles at home. They’re a hazard on a moving boat.
FAQ: Perth Bottom Fishing
Can I combine a dhufish charter with a crayfish pot pull?
No. These are separate activities with separate licenses. A standard deep-sea charter focuses on line fishing over reef and rubble. If you want crays, you either buy them from a licensed supplier or arrange a dedicated potting trip with a rec fishing mate.
What depth are we fishing in the Rottnest Trench?
You’ll be working 30 to 50 metres of water, depending on the specific ground. The trench itself drops to 40-plus metres within a couple of kilometres of the coast. The best dhufish structure is on the reef edges and rubble patches in that depth range.
Do I need a fishing license for a charter?
No. The charter boat holds a master license that covers all passengers. You just need to show up and fish. If you’re fishing from a private boat, you’ll need a WA recreational fishing license from the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development.
What’s the bag limit for dhufish?
As of the current rules, the bag limit is one dhufish per person per day, with a minimum size of 50 centimetres. Check the latest regulations before you go, as limits can change. The skipper will know the current rules and will enforce them.
