The fishing in Roebuck Bay has never been better. Fishers exploring the flats and creeks within the bay are being rewarded for their efforts with many quality fish encountered each session. Threadfin salmon over a metre are fast becoming common among a fishers daily catch. The abundance of these world-class, trophy-sized fish must be seen to be believed. Fishing clubs and competitions can be the lifeblood of regional communities and Broome is no different. The awesome fishing in Broome’s Roebuck Bay plays an important role in connecting the community together in a shared love of fishing.
Fisheries management changes in 2013 have allowed for iconic species such as threadfin salmon and barramundi to thrive, with record catches a common occurrence. The two Broome fishing clubs have held and continue to hold, many fishing competitions capitalising on the sensational fishing. Recent events include the monthly Big Five 2019 competition, ran by the Broome North fishing club where the key species – threadfin, mangrove jack, bluebone, blue lined and trevally see fishers target these fantastic fish over a month period hoping to take out the grand prize; the Threadfin Shootout held by Broome fishing club, and the Thready Kick-off Comp held by Broome North Fishing Club. The results of these events can be viewed by following these pages on social media. These competitions are becoming more successful with bigger and better fish being caught each year. The Broome Fishing Clubs Christmas Tinny Comp also utilises the great fishing within the bay, that’s so accessible to small boat fishers. Participants in these regional events often relish the social side of the event, where fishers get together and share the stories of fishing with one another, helping to bring together regional communities like Broome.
Threadfin fishing has benefited the most from the 2013 management changes, with threadfin becoming evidently more plentiful for fishers within the area. Threadfin, for those unfamiliar with this species, are a superb fighting fish that taste sensational on the plate. Broome Fishing Club stalwart Ben Little recently caught a 3.45kg giant threadfin salmon on fly using a 3kg tippet. This was later confirmed as a World Record by the International Game Fishing Association. Ben describes fishing in the area as “the best I’ve ever seen it. When you head out you’re almost guaranteed a fish – whether you’re a fly, bait or lure fisher – from your boat or from shore, it’s just awesome!” To read more about the record catch click here.
The fishing’s better when the fish are biting, and Roebuck Bay is testament to what can be achieved through managing fish stocks to be healthy and abundant. Whilst previous management arrangements were biologically sustainable, they did not allow stocks to grow to a size that supports such extraordinary fishing experiences for the community. Kimberley fishing guide Michael Tropiano describes the bay as “unique spot” and says it’s “easily the best threadfin salmon fishing in the Kimberley and probably the country.”
Makaira Game Fishing operator Jourdain Ellens has fished Roebuck bay for 10 years now and says “since the net buy-out, the quantity and quality of these fish has gone through the roof!” Mr Ellens says “the average size of the fish has increased significantly and with more big breeders around, there has also been a lot more juveniles around too. Towards the end of 2018 there were also some reefs in the bay that were inundated with 40-50cm black jewfish, indicating some successful spawning events occurring not long ago.”
Mr Ellens also noted the incredible increase of Barramundi being caught within the bay. “After a reasonable wet season in 2016/2017 followed up by an exceptional wet in 2017/2018, Roebuck Bay’s barramundi fishery has exploded. Late 2018 (Sept – Dec) produced some of the best barra fishing numbers I have seen in recent years from the bay. Throughout those months it was quite common to catch 20+ Barra on a day charter all within a stone’s throw of Broome. The majority of fish averaged 50-70cm but there was more than enough fish being landed in the 80 – 100cm size range to keep things interesting and fishers smiling!”
There has never been a better time to visit Broome and experience the first class fishing on offer close to the town. Whether it’s from the shore or from a boat, there is plenty of fishing opportunities available thanks to increased abundances of highly valued recreational species. If you’ve looking to plan your next fishing trip, Roebuck bay might be the place for you! So next time you’re in Broome consider entering a fishing competition, join in on the fun while connecting with the locals, you never know, maybe you’ll even go home a champion fisher with a story to tell for years to come.
Follow the clubs on Facebook to stay up to date on the competitions that run throughout the year.
