Abalone Fishing

The catch that’s been waiting all year.

The abalone season is short, and this is your only chance until next year to give it a go. So if you want the best possible catch, it’s important to make sure you do it right and do it safely.

Every year, thousands of people from across the country and the world flock to WA to fish for abalone. But tragically, six people have drowned whilst abalone fishing since 2012.

With just a few simple preparations, these tragedies can be avoided. All it takes is some simple planning and making sure you have the right equipment to make your catch easier, and safer.

LOCATION UPDATE: Ocean Reef will not be patrolled by land or water.
Beach access is currently restricted due to the sea wall construction as part of the Ocean Reef Marina project.

Abalone Fishing Tips

Mesh Bag

Mesh Bag

A mesh abalone bag is not only lighter and easier to carry, but it keeps your catch fresh

 Long Sleeve Wetsuit

Long Sleeve Wetsuit

Wearing a long sleeve wetsuit means you’ll keep warm and have an easier time moving around the reef.

 Mask and Snorkel

Mask and Snorkel

Abalone can be hard to find below the surface, so take a mask and snorkel to search for them safely

 Gloves and Reef Shoes

Gloves and Reef Shoes

Gear Up! Using gloves and reef shoes means you’ll come home with what you wanted instead of cuts and bruises

 Plan Ahead

Plan Ahead

If it’s windy or there are large swells, it’s going to be much harder to find your abalone

 Don't Go Alone

Don't Go Alone

Bring along a few mates to help keep an eye on the weather conditions, and you!

 Abalone Tool

Abalone Tool

Using screwdrivers or other knives to remove the abalone can damage them. Try a flat edge abalone knife instead.

 Check Your Phone

Check Your Phone

Check your phone for important SMS and email updates. Follow SLSWA on Twitter for live beach safety information.

Safety
Equipment

Legend
  1. Snorkel
  2. Mask
  3. Sunscreen
  4. Gloves
  5. Reef Shoes
  6. Mesh Bag
  7. Wetsuit
  8. Abalone Tool
  9. License
  10. Abalone Measuring Gauge

Where can you fish?

This map shows the abalone fishing zones in Western Australia. To make sure you use the season wisely, check the conditions and features of each zone to choose the right spot for you.

The following locations are patrolled by surf lifesavers during the Abalone fishing sessions.
Look out for the lifesavers in red and yellow, if they can't see you, they can't save you.

Abalone Fishing Zones
Closed until further notice

Abalone fishing permitted between 7:00am - 8:00am on:

  • Saturday, 11 December 2021
  • Saturday, 8 January 2022
  • Saturday, 5 February 2022
  • Saturday, 19 February 2022

Point Peron Point Peron Mettams Pool Mettams Pool Hamersley Pool Hamersley Pool Marmion Beach Marmion Beach Ocean Reef Ocean Reef Burns Beach Burns Beach Quinns Mindarie Quinns Mindarie Yanchep Beach Yanchep Beach

Abalone fishing permitted between:

  • 1 October - 15 May the following year

Across the four hours of abalone fishing in 2021-22, SLSWA services performed

Preventative Actions

1,312

Rescues

46

First Aids

48

For the best catch, gear up and plan ahead.

Watch our safety video to find out how you can make the most of the short season.

SLSWA delivers a range of initiatives to sustain abalone fishing safety in WA. These initiatives are made possible by the WA Government’s Recreational Fishing Initiatives Fund.

For more information on Abalone Fishing in WA, download the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, Abalone Recreational Fishing Guide 2020/21.

Download Brochure