Perth metro
From Two Rocks and Hillarys through Fremantle, Cockburn Sound, the Swan–Canning estuary and Mandurah — jetties, river edges, beaches and nearshore reef.
Fishing tips
Your Western Australia species and bait guide.
Practical guidance for Western Australia — organised by target species and region. Each recommendation links to our full product rundown with rigging, seasonality and local usage notes.
Earlybird Bait is wholesale only. Use this guide to choose bait with confidence, then find a stockist or browse the full product range.
Target species
Pink Snapper
A cornerstone WA species from metro reef patches to South West and Mid West grounds. Peak interest often autumn–winter on deeper marks — always check current demersal boat rules.
Perth metro
Earlybird bait
Gardies
Fish whole or butterflied on a paternoster or running rig. Work the edge of reef and gravel where predators patrol.
Where: Offshore reef edges and broken ground from Two Rocks through Hillarys to Rottnest approaches. Also effective on deeper metro lumps when boat fishing is permitted.
When: Year-round where legal; peak activity often autumn–winter on deeper marks. Check current demersal boat closures before planning offshore trips.
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Squid
Strips on paternoster for demersals; smaller strips for KG whiting. Check demersal boat closure rules before offshore trips.
Where: Reef and gravel offshore; KG whiting on deeper metro sand.
When: Autumn–winter often strongest for snapper — subject to current closures.
Full product guideTarget species
Dhufish
Highly prized West Coast demersal. Target reef edges and gravel when regulations allow; boat-based closures apply across much of the bioregion — verify before planning offshore trips.
Perth metro
Perth metro
From Two Rocks and Hillarys through Fremantle, Cockburn Sound, the Swan–Canning estuary and Mandurah — jetties, river edges, beaches and nearshore reef.
Earlybird bait
Gardies
Fish whole or butterflied on a paternoster or running rig. Work the edge of reef and gravel where predators patrol.
Where: Offshore reef edges and broken ground from Two Rocks through Hillarys to Rottnest approaches. Also effective on deeper metro lumps when boat fishing is permitted.
When: Year-round where legal; peak activity often autumn–winter on deeper marks. Check current demersal boat closures before planning offshore trips.
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Squid
Strips on paternoster for demersals; smaller strips for KG whiting. Check demersal boat closure rules before offshore trips.
Where: Reef and gravel offshore; KG whiting on deeper metro sand.
When: Autumn–winter often strongest for snapper — subject to current closures.
Full product guideTarget species
King George Whiting
Sought-after on metro sand and deeper inshore marks. Light tackle, small strips of squid or worms, and calm tidal movement produce the best sessions.
Perth metro
Perth metro
From Two Rocks and Hillarys through Fremantle, Cockburn Sound, the Swan–Canning estuary and Mandurah — jetties, river edges, beaches and nearshore reef.
Earlybird bait
River Prawns
Light running sinker down the jetty wall or over sand flats. For herring, fish mid-water with small pieces.
Where: Metro jetties, Swan and Canning river edges, Cockburn Sound flats and sheltered inshore marks.
When: Winter–spring herring runs; whiting year-round on calm mornings.
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Squid
Strips on paternoster for demersals; smaller strips for KG whiting. Check demersal boat closure rules before offshore trips.
Where: Reef and gravel offshore; KG whiting on deeper metro sand.
When: Autumn–winter often strongest for snapper — subject to current closures.
Full product guideTarget species
Whiting
Beach and estuary favourite across WA. Worms, cockles and light rigs on sand flats at dawn remain the metro standard.
Perth metro
Perth metro
From Two Rocks and Hillarys through Fremantle, Cockburn Sound, the Swan–Canning estuary and Mandurah — jetties, river edges, beaches and nearshore reef.
Earlybird bait
Beach Worms
Small running sinker, long trace, bait fished slowly along gutter edges.
Where: Sandy beaches from Quinns to Rockingham, especially shallow gutters at first light.
When: Best in calm mornings spring through autumn.
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Blood Worms
Long-shank hook, minimal weight, let bait drift with current along edges.
Where: Swan–Canning edges, estuary flats and protected metro inshore water.
When: Consistent most of the year; excellent on calm winter mornings.
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Cockles
Present on light paternoster or running rig; crack shell slightly for extra scent in slow sessions.
Where: Beach edges and sheltered inshore drifts where scent can spread.
When: Performs across WA seasons, with best windows around dawn, dusk and tidal movement.
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Fish Oil
Add to pollard or soak baits lightly for extra attraction.
Where: Ideal for anchored sessions around metro reef patches, breakwalls and deeper inshore marks.
When: Useful year-round in WA, especially when fish are scattered and need to be drawn into range.
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Ox Heart
Cut pencil-thin strips; thread multiple times on long-shank hook. Fish mid-water for herring, near bottom for whiting.
Where: Metro jetties and river walls during herring and whiting runs.
When: Performs across WA seasons, with best windows around dawn, dusk and tidal movement.
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Pollard
Blend with Earlybird Fish Oil to a damp consistency; feed steadily.
Where: Ideal for anchored sessions around metro reef patches, breakwalls and deeper inshore marks.
When: Useful year-round in WA, especially when fish are scattered and need to be drawn into range.
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Premix Burley
Small, regular doses from cage or bucket; fish bait rods in the trail.
Where: Anchored on reef or nearshore lumps to hold fish in your zone.
When: Useful year-round when fish are scattered.
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River Prawns
Light running sinker down the jetty wall or over sand flats. For herring, fish mid-water with small pieces.
Where: Metro jetties, Swan and Canning river edges, Cockburn Sound flats and sheltered inshore marks.
When: Winter–spring herring runs; whiting year-round on calm mornings.
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Tube Worms
Similar to blood worms — light tackle, slow retrieve along transitions.
Where: Sand-and-weed transitions in Cockburn Sound and lower Swan estuary.
When: Year-round with peaks on flood tides in cooler months.
Full product guideTarget species
Herring
Metro jetty and river staple. Winter–spring runs on calm mornings; small prawn pieces and light burley trails work well.
Perth metro
Perth metro
From Two Rocks and Hillarys through Fremantle, Cockburn Sound, the Swan–Canning estuary and Mandurah — jetties, river edges, beaches and nearshore reef.
Earlybird bait
Cockles
Present on light paternoster or running rig; crack shell slightly for extra scent in slow sessions.
Where: Beach edges and sheltered inshore drifts where scent can spread.
When: Performs across WA seasons, with best windows around dawn, dusk and tidal movement.
Full product guideEarlybird bait
Fish Oil
Add to pollard or soak baits lightly for extra attraction.
Where: Ideal for anchored sessions around metro reef patches, breakwalls and deeper inshore marks.
When: Useful year-round in WA, especially when fish are scattered and need to be drawn into range.
Full product guideEarlybird bait
Ox Heart
Cut pencil-thin strips; thread multiple times on long-shank hook. Fish mid-water for herring, near bottom for whiting.
Where: Metro jetties and river walls during herring and whiting runs.
When: Performs across WA seasons, with best windows around dawn, dusk and tidal movement.
Full product guideEarlybird bait
Pollard
Blend with Earlybird Fish Oil to a damp consistency; feed steadily.
Where: Ideal for anchored sessions around metro reef patches, breakwalls and deeper inshore marks.
When: Useful year-round in WA, especially when fish are scattered and need to be drawn into range.
Full product guideEarlybird bait
Premix Burley
Small, regular doses from cage or bucket; fish bait rods in the trail.
Where: Anchored on reef or nearshore lumps to hold fish in your zone.
When: Useful year-round when fish are scattered.
Full product guideEarlybird bait
River Prawns
Light running sinker down the jetty wall or over sand flats. For herring, fish mid-water with small pieces.
Where: Metro jetties, Swan and Canning river edges, Cockburn Sound flats and sheltered inshore marks.
When: Winter–spring herring runs; whiting year-round on calm mornings.
Full product guideTarget species
Mulloway
River mouths and surf at night — mullet, whiting heads and heavy gear. Peel–Harvey and metro estuaries are well-known starting points.
Perth metro
Perth metro
From Two Rocks and Hillarys through Fremantle, Cockburn Sound, the Swan–Canning estuary and Mandurah — jetties, river edges, beaches and nearshore reef.
Earlybird bait
Mullet
Whole for crab and large predators; fillet or head sections for tailor and mulloway in gutters.
Where: Metro beaches, surf gutters, river mouths and night spots from Fremantle to Mandurah.
When: Strong in autumn–winter surf and river mouth night tides.
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Spleen
Chunk for pots; small strips on heavy river rigs at night.
Where: Designed for Perth metro and surrounding WA inshore waters, including reef edges, beaches and estuary access points.
When: Performs across WA seasons, with best windows around dawn, dusk and tidal movement.
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Whiting Heads
Primary crab pot bait; also fished on heavy bottom rigs at night.
Where: Crab grounds in Swan, Peel–Harvey and metro estuaries.
When: Performs across WA seasons, with best windows around dawn, dusk and tidal movement.
Full product guideTarget species
Tailor
Perth metro
Perth metro
From Two Rocks and Hillarys through Fremantle, Cockburn Sound, the Swan–Canning estuary and Mandurah — jetties, river edges, beaches and nearshore reef.
Earlybird bait
Mullet
Whole for crab and large predators; fillet or head sections for tailor and mulloway in gutters.
Where: Metro beaches, surf gutters, river mouths and night spots from Fremantle to Mandurah.
When: Strong in autumn–winter surf and river mouth night tides.
Full product guideTarget species
Skippy
Perth metro
Perth metro
From Two Rocks and Hillarys through Fremantle, Cockburn Sound, the Swan–Canning estuary and Mandurah — jetties, river edges, beaches and nearshore reef.
Earlybird bait
Fish Oil
Add to pollard or soak baits lightly for extra attraction.
Where: Ideal for anchored sessions around metro reef patches, breakwalls and deeper inshore marks.
When: Useful year-round in WA, especially when fish are scattered and need to be drawn into range.
Full product guideEarlybird bait
Gardies
Fish whole or butterflied on a paternoster or running rig. Work the edge of reef and gravel where predators patrol.
Where: Offshore reef edges and broken ground from Two Rocks through Hillarys to Rottnest approaches. Also effective on deeper metro lumps when boat fishing is permitted.
When: Year-round where legal; peak activity often autumn–winter on deeper marks. Check current demersal boat closures before planning offshore trips.
Full product guideEarlybird bait
Pollard
Blend with Earlybird Fish Oil to a damp consistency; feed steadily.
Where: Ideal for anchored sessions around metro reef patches, breakwalls and deeper inshore marks.
When: Useful year-round in WA, especially when fish are scattered and need to be drawn into range.
Full product guideEarlybird bait
Premix Burley
Small, regular doses from cage or bucket; fish bait rods in the trail.
Where: Anchored on reef or nearshore lumps to hold fish in your zone.
When: Useful year-round when fish are scattered.
Full product guideEarlybird bait
River Prawns
Light running sinker down the jetty wall or over sand flats. For herring, fish mid-water with small pieces.
Where: Metro jetties, Swan and Canning river edges, Cockburn Sound flats and sheltered inshore marks.
When: Winter–spring herring runs; whiting year-round on calm mornings.
Full product guideTarget species
Bream
Perth metro
Perth metro
From Two Rocks and Hillarys through Fremantle, Cockburn Sound, the Swan–Canning estuary and Mandurah — jetties, river edges, beaches and nearshore reef.
Earlybird bait
Beach Worms
Small running sinker, long trace, bait fished slowly along gutter edges.
Where: Sandy beaches from Quinns to Rockingham, especially shallow gutters at first light.
When: Best in calm mornings spring through autumn.
Full product guideEarlybird bait
Blood Worms
Long-shank hook, minimal weight, let bait drift with current along edges.
Where: Swan–Canning edges, estuary flats and protected metro inshore water.
When: Consistent most of the year; excellent on calm winter mornings.
Full product guideEarlybird bait
Cockles
Present on light paternoster or running rig; crack shell slightly for extra scent in slow sessions.
Where: Beach edges and sheltered inshore drifts where scent can spread.
When: Performs across WA seasons, with best windows around dawn, dusk and tidal movement.
Full product guideEarlybird bait
River Prawns
Light running sinker down the jetty wall or over sand flats. For herring, fish mid-water with small pieces.
Where: Metro jetties, Swan and Canning river edges, Cockburn Sound flats and sheltered inshore marks.
When: Winter–spring herring runs; whiting year-round on calm mornings.
Full product guideEarlybird bait
Tube Worms
Similar to blood worms — light tackle, slow retrieve along transitions.
Where: Sand-and-weed transitions in Cockburn Sound and lower Swan estuary.
When: Year-round with peaks on flood tides in cooler months.
Full product guideTarget species
Flathead
Perth metro
Perth metro
From Two Rocks and Hillarys through Fremantle, Cockburn Sound, the Swan–Canning estuary and Mandurah — jetties, river edges, beaches and nearshore reef.
Earlybird bait
Beach Worms
Small running sinker, long trace, bait fished slowly along gutter edges.
Where: Sandy beaches from Quinns to Rockingham, especially shallow gutters at first light.
When: Best in calm mornings spring through autumn.
Full product guideEarlybird bait
Blood Worms
Long-shank hook, minimal weight, let bait drift with current along edges.
Where: Swan–Canning edges, estuary flats and protected metro inshore water.
When: Consistent most of the year; excellent on calm winter mornings.
Full product guideEarlybird bait
River Prawns
Light running sinker down the jetty wall or over sand flats. For herring, fish mid-water with small pieces.
Where: Metro jetties, Swan and Canning river edges, Cockburn Sound flats and sheltered inshore marks.
When: Winter–spring herring runs; whiting year-round on calm mornings.
Full product guideEarlybird bait
Tube Worms
Similar to blood worms — light tackle, slow retrieve along transitions.
Where: Sand-and-weed transitions in Cockburn Sound and lower Swan estuary.
When: Year-round with peaks on flood tides in cooler months.
Full product guideTarget species
Flounder
Perth metro
Perth metro
From Two Rocks and Hillarys through Fremantle, Cockburn Sound, the Swan–Canning estuary and Mandurah — jetties, river edges, beaches and nearshore reef.
Earlybird bait
Blood Worms
Long-shank hook, minimal weight, let bait drift with current along edges.
Where: Swan–Canning edges, estuary flats and protected metro inshore water.
When: Consistent most of the year; excellent on calm winter mornings.
Full product guideEarlybird bait
Tube Worms
Similar to blood worms — light tackle, slow retrieve along transitions.
Where: Sand-and-weed transitions in Cockburn Sound and lower Swan estuary.
When: Year-round with peaks on flood tides in cooler months.
Full product guideTarget species
Cobbler
Perth metro
Perth metro
From Two Rocks and Hillarys through Fremantle, Cockburn Sound, the Swan–Canning estuary and Mandurah — jetties, river edges, beaches and nearshore reef.
Earlybird bait
Blood Worms
Long-shank hook, minimal weight, let bait drift with current along edges.
Where: Swan–Canning edges, estuary flats and protected metro inshore water.
When: Consistent most of the year; excellent on calm winter mornings.
Full product guideEarlybird bait
River Prawns
Light running sinker down the jetty wall or over sand flats. For herring, fish mid-water with small pieces.
Where: Metro jetties, Swan and Canning river edges, Cockburn Sound flats and sheltered inshore marks.
When: Winter–spring herring runs; whiting year-round on calm mornings.
Full product guideEarlybird bait
Tube Worms
Similar to blood worms — light tackle, slow retrieve along transitions.
Where: Sand-and-weed transitions in Cockburn Sound and lower Swan estuary.
When: Year-round with peaks on flood tides in cooler months.
Full product guideTarget species
Samson Fish
Perth metro
Perth metro
From Two Rocks and Hillarys through Fremantle, Cockburn Sound, the Swan–Canning estuary and Mandurah — jetties, river edges, beaches and nearshore reef.
Earlybird bait
Gardies
Fish whole or butterflied on a paternoster or running rig. Work the edge of reef and gravel where predators patrol.
Where: Offshore reef edges and broken ground from Two Rocks through Hillarys to Rottnest approaches. Also effective on deeper metro lumps when boat fishing is permitted.
When: Year-round where legal; peak activity often autumn–winter on deeper marks. Check current demersal boat closures before planning offshore trips.
Full product guideTarget species
Crab
Pot fishing in Swan, Peel–Harvey and sheltered estuaries. Use approved bait and check size, possession and gear rules for your waterway.
Perth metro
Perth metro
From Two Rocks and Hillarys through Fremantle, Cockburn Sound, the Swan–Canning estuary and Mandurah — jetties, river edges, beaches and nearshore reef.
Earlybird bait
Mullet
Whole for crab and large predators; fillet or head sections for tailor and mulloway in gutters.
Where: Metro beaches, surf gutters, river mouths and night spots from Fremantle to Mandurah.
When: Strong in autumn–winter surf and river mouth night tides.
Full product guideEarlybird bait
Spleen
Chunk for pots; small strips on heavy river rigs at night.
Where: Designed for Perth metro and surrounding WA inshore waters, including reef edges, beaches and estuary access points.
When: Performs across WA seasons, with best windows around dawn, dusk and tidal movement.
Full product guideEarlybird bait
Tuna Heads
Secure in crab pots or fish on heavy gear for shark sessions.
Where: Offshore and deep metro marks for pots and large predator fishing.
When: Performs across WA seasons, with best windows around dawn, dusk and tidal movement.
Full product guideEarlybird bait
Whiting Heads
Primary crab pot bait; also fished on heavy bottom rigs at night.
Where: Crab grounds in Swan, Peel–Harvey and metro estuaries.
When: Performs across WA seasons, with best windows around dawn, dusk and tidal movement.
Full product guideTarget species
Crayfish
Perth metro
Perth metro
From Two Rocks and Hillarys through Fremantle, Cockburn Sound, the Swan–Canning estuary and Mandurah — jetties, river edges, beaches and nearshore reef.
Earlybird bait
Mullet
Whole for crab and large predators; fillet or head sections for tailor and mulloway in gutters.
Where: Metro beaches, surf gutters, river mouths and night spots from Fremantle to Mandurah.
When: Strong in autumn–winter surf and river mouth night tides.
Full product guideTarget species
Shark
Heavy offshore and surf sessions; use appropriate bait size and safety practices. Check size and possession limits for your target species.
Perth metro
Perth metro
From Two Rocks and Hillarys through Fremantle, Cockburn Sound, the Swan–Canning estuary and Mandurah — jetties, river edges, beaches and nearshore reef.
Earlybird bait
Mullet
Whole for crab and large predators; fillet or head sections for tailor and mulloway in gutters.
Where: Metro beaches, surf gutters, river mouths and night spots from Fremantle to Mandurah.
When: Strong in autumn–winter surf and river mouth night tides.
Full product guideEarlybird bait
Spleen
Chunk for pots; small strips on heavy river rigs at night.
Where: Designed for Perth metro and surrounding WA inshore waters, including reef edges, beaches and estuary access points.
When: Performs across WA seasons, with best windows around dawn, dusk and tidal movement.
Full product guideEarlybird bait
Tuna Heads
Secure in crab pots or fish on heavy gear for shark sessions.
Where: Offshore and deep metro marks for pots and large predator fishing.
When: Performs across WA seasons, with best windows around dawn, dusk and tidal movement.
Full product guideEarlybird bait
Whiting Heads
Primary crab pot bait; also fished on heavy bottom rigs at night.
Where: Crab grounds in Swan, Peel–Harvey and metro estuaries.
When: Performs across WA seasons, with best windows around dawn, dusk and tidal movement.
Full product guideTarget species
Large Demersals
Perth metro
Perth metro
From Two Rocks and Hillarys through Fremantle, Cockburn Sound, the Swan–Canning estuary and Mandurah — jetties, river edges, beaches and nearshore reef.
Earlybird bait
Tuna Heads
Secure in crab pots or fish on heavy gear for shark sessions.
Where: Offshore and deep metro marks for pots and large predator fishing.
When: Performs across WA seasons, with best windows around dawn, dusk and tidal movement.
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