South Coast Abalone Season Opening

Abalone, a delicacy for many fishers in WA, can now be caught in the South Coast region, extending from Busselton Jetty to the South Australian border, until 15th May 2019.

Pictured: Brownlip and Roe abalone

Greenlip abalone are the most common, with their Brownlip cousins being rarer but more sought after due to their size. The smaller Roe abalone is also available along the south coast.

Both Brownlip and Greenlip species are easily identifiable by their appearance with Roe being the smallest and often found in shallower waters, it’s normally quite easy to distinguish between them. All species are rated highly on the dinner plate, and are a delicacy in some countries, often eaten raw or cooked in various ways with different marinades.

Abalone make for a challenging fishing experience but for those looking for the reward, it’s worth the effort and the challenge certainly doesn’t deter the 17,500 fishers that will target abalone over the following months, with the West Coast Bioregion season opening occurring in December.

Where to find abalone

Green and brownip abalone in the Southern Zone can be found on granite or limestone surfaces, with rocks that protrude, slope or are generally cracked. They’re typically in waters deeper than 6 metres and love granite crevices.

You’ll find Roe’s abalone  within 2m of the waterline, favouring cracks and crevices on shallow limestone or bouldery granite reefs, as well as around broken rock on offshore islands. Be careful and safe when harvesting Roe’s abalone as their habitat exists in the ‘swell’ zone.


As always, safety is paramount when out fishing for the day. We work hard to ensure fishers return home safe by partnering with Surf Life Saving WA regarding abalone fishing. Read our tips below.

Safety tips when fishing for abalone

NEVER AB ALONE!!!!!

Study the waves before you get into the water and keep an eye on the swell while fishing – it is easy to be injured on reefs. If you are unsure whether conditions are too rough, don’t go in.

Be confident in your swimming ability before undertaking abalone fishing, as you have to swim to get abalone.

Carry your catch in a loose-weave net bag; this will allow water to pass through and not become a dragging weight.

Attach your measuring gauge to your wrist; don’t hang it around your neck.

Wear protective footwear and a wetsuit or light clothing that will not become too heavy when wet.

Know how far you can dive and be wary of the depth you are diving, as shallow water blackout can occur when freediving or holding your breath underwater.

Be shark smart, report all shark sightings directly to the Water Police on 9442 8600.

Rules and regulations regarding abalone fishing can be found here.

Not sure how to cook them? See our recommendation below. (Click to enlarge).

Continue Reading

May 14, 2025

Get Reel 2025 fishing competition rocks Two Rocks with a big turnout and cracking prizes!

Back by popular demand, the Get Reel fishing competition in Two Rocks saw a fantastic turn-out and plenty of great captures.  Recfishwest proudly supported and sponsored this vibrant community event – a…

Read More

May 02, 2025

New Fisheries Minister announces year-round FADs for Dampier, Point Samson and Broome!

FADs fishing fanatics in Dampier, Point Samson and Broome are soon to be able to target pelagic powerhouse fishlike billfish and dolphin all year round! Recfishwest CEO Dr Andrew Rowland joined the new Fisheries…

Read More

May 01, 2025

Recfishwest partners with Wildtrak Leisure Australia to give you 10% off their gear for the great Aussie outdoors!

Refishwest has teamed up with the good folks at Wildtrak Leisure Australia to offer all our members, followers and supporters 10 per cent off ALL of Wildtrak’s extensive range of quality camping, 4WD and outdoors…

Read More

May 01, 2025

Recfishwest backs in Get Reel Two Rocks fishing competition with fantastic fishing prizes for nearshore species!

Recfishwest is excited to be backing the Get Reel Two Rocks fishing comp on 10th of May — a fantastic celebration of community, family fun and, of course, fishing in the northern suburbs! We’ll be on the ground…

Read More

April 29, 2025

King of the Reef 2025 promises fantastic fishing and prizes!

After a deluxe display of species diversity last year, the King of the Reef competition is returning from 1 May – 31 August to allow fishers to contribute to science – and have a crack at some fantastic…

Read More

April 29, 2025

300 kids catch fish and healthy living tips with Recfishwest’s Mid-West Kids Fishing Clinic Tour!

Our Fishing Clinics Coordinator Sedin Hasanovic recently hit the road with fishing instructor Brody Laroux to deliver fun-packed and educational kids fishing clinics over the school holidays in the Mid-West. This…

Read More