Anglers show their passion for pinkies at Cockburn Power Boats Club night

Hundreds of keen fishers gathered at the Cockburn Power Boats Club to learn about the latest fishing techniques and science around the ever-popular Cockburn Sound pink snapper fishery.

The event, held in partnership with Anglers Fishing World, boasted knowledgeable speakers who delved into how tides and moons influence pink snapper bite times.

Ben Kelly with another nice Cockburn Sound pinkie!

Attendees were also briefed on what rigs, lures and tackle are working best when attempting to hook up with a big pinkie.

Budding fishing social media sensation Max Samson – an AFW employee – along with recfishing personality Tony Thwin provided an informative presentation on all the proven and latest tactics to target pink snapper.

Supporting a great fishery on Perth’s doorstep

Recfishwest Operations Lead Matt Gillett also spoke to the crowd about our annual Cockburn Sound pink snapper stocking program – Snapper Guardians.

This was an apt topic as the annual stocking event reflects and captures the community’s passion for Cockburn Sound and the fantastic snapper fishery it supports on Perth’s doorstep.

Matt said the information session provided many excellent tips on pink snapper fishing in and around Cockburn Sound and showed healthy state of the fishing club and the level of enthusiasm that many anglers have for the fishery including the next generation of anglers coming through.

Young fishing talent coming through

“It was great to see the healthy numbers attending the evening and the likes of Max Samson step up and speak so confidently and professionally,” he said.

Mendolia Seafoods General Manager Carlo Gosatti and Recfishwest’s Matt Gillett presenting at the snapper information night.

“These young blokes are the future of recfishing, so we’re looking forward to seeing more Maxes come through in the near future.”

Taylor Marine’s Rhyss Whittred detailed how fishers can better utilise their sounders to improve fishing, while Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development fisheries scientist Dr David Fairclough and fisheries manager Shane Walters spoke about the science used to assess the pinkie stocks and WA’s current pink snapper rules and regulations.

Dr Fairclough also outlined DPIRD’s latest demersal stock assessment, Send Us Your Skeletons, and its important role in gathering fish samples, which help fisheries scientists build up a picture of the health of a fish stock.

This in turn supports good management of fisheries which should ensure there will be abundant pinkies for the future.

CLICK HERE TO SEE HOW YOU CAN DO YOUR BIT BY DONATING YOUR PINKIE AND DEMERSAL FRAMES TO SCIENCE

Speaking at the event, Mendolia Seafoods General Manager Carlo Gosatti also unveiled innovative and ocean-friendly alternative to plastic bait bags – the Bait Box.

Read more about the Bait Box here

Check-out Mendolia Seafoods’ new bait box!

Continue Reading

October 28, 2026

New science shines a light on Cockburn Sound’s unique environment

Scientists deploying bongo nets to sample for fish eggs in the Sound. Supplied by the Western Australian Marine Science Institution (WAMSI) as part of the WAMSI Westport Marine Science Program. Results from one of the…

Read More

October 26, 2026

Baby mussel growth signals next chapter for better fishing in Cockburn Sound

The Byssal mussel initiative of which Recfishwest is a founding partner is gearing up to produce the next generation of mussels in Cockburn sound with fresh spat (baby mussels) establishing itself on the farm’s…

Read More

October 26, 2026

King of the Reef delivers another year of fantastic fishing and surprising species

Four months of fantastic fishing, friendly competition and valuable citizen science have wrapped up in Exmouth, with the third annual King of the Reef competition once again showcasing the impressive variety of fish…

Read More

October 24, 2026

Snapper spawning in Cockburn Sound delivers eggs for next generation

One of Western Australia’s great natural events has been taking place beneath the surface of Cockburn Sound, as thousands of pink snapper have been gathering to spawn. Several reports of large schools of snapper…

Read More

October 21, 2026

Recfishwest AGM reflects on a pivotal year for fishing in Western Australia

Recfishwest’s 2026 Annual General Meeting at Fremantle Sailing Club gave members the opportunity to hear Board Chair Liam Surridge and CEO Dr Andrew Rowland reflect on a pivotal year for fishing in Western Australia…

Read More

October 16, 2026

Recfishwest on the road! A big weekend celebrating fishing across WA

From the Pilbara to the South-West, Recfishwest was out and about over the school holidays, getting amongst three fantastic community fishing events. Our team clocked up hundreds of kilometres and helped make plenty…

Read More