Steep Point Fishing

Steep Point / Dirt Harthog Island Fishing Spots

Sign up to find fishing spots near you

Sign Up

Steep Point / Dirt Harthog Island

4.6/5 - (8 votes)
26°10'2.84" S, 113°11'36.8" E

Steep point is located approximately 900km north of Perth. It is around 12-15hour drive from Perth as the last 140km is via unsealed road, 30km is a single soft loaming sand track, however towing a 4-5m boat into Steep Point is no problem.

Steep Point is the most westerly point of Australia and is world renowned for some of the best land based game fishing. Just off Steep Point is Dirt Hartog Island which provides protection from the Western Swells and shelter from on shore winds. To the East is more land masses which provide protection from the offshore winds, making fishing around Steep Point and Dirt Hartog Island a year round possibility.

The Shark Bay area presents one of the worlds most unique fishing environments, where cold and warm water meet, producing Tropical species from the North and colder climate species from the south.

Small Boat Fishing Around Dirt Hartog Island

There are a plethora of choices when it comes to fishing from a boat, from chasing summer Trevally, Yellow Tail Kingfish and cobia around the channel mouth to year round Pink Snapper in 2-3metres of water. There need not be much of a guide for fishing spots here, however the rule is if your not getting a fish within 10mins move on!

The Eastern side of Dirt Hartog Island has great fishing for Big Bream, Snapper, Spangled Emperor, Sweet Lip, King Fish, Baldchin Groper, Whiting, Flathead, Mackerel, Tailor, Bonefish and Mulloway.

Clear life-like soft plastics are the key to success in the shallow clear waters. From 1/24 – 1/2 ounce jigs heads is a great range for almost all situations around the eastern side of the island.

During low tide fish off the island into the deeper holes where fish lay in wait for the incoming tide to push bait fish onto the flats and into the rocks. Small islands off the main also fish well around this time and fish are often found a few meters from any small structure 2-4metres deep.

During the incoming tide the surface fishing comes alive, up to 120mm poppers can be cast tight into the rock structures for Snapper, Emperor, Bream, Bluebone and Whiting. Its not uncommon to have several different species of fish fighting over a surface lure.

When the tide (incoming or outgoing) is moving faster through the channel the small islands and points off Dirt Hartog provide pressure points where larger fish show up, such as Kingfish, Mackerel and Tuna. These fish can easily be targeted on Metal Slugs or just throw a plastic at them and hang on. While fishing the shallows keep an eye out for birds working bait fish. This will happen only 100metres offshore, here you’ll find Mackerel and Tuna working bait schools.

During hightide it is also worth exploring the vast array of shallow flats where Bone Fish, Giant Herring and Summer Pelagics turn up. Deeper in the shallows Bream, Whiting and Flathead all move close to the mangrove often in 30cm of water.

The Channel between Dirt Hartog Island and Steep Point drops off into deep water around 8-20meters + where large Pink Snapper, Cobia, Coral Trout and even Dolphin Fish can be hooked. Dropping a heavy weighted ½ ounce large 8inch plastic and drifting out of the channel is a great way to landing some larger fish. Jigging around these parts is also a viable option when the run slows down.

To the North of the channel opening is a small surf break, to the north-west of this location waves break heavy onto rocks, during the warmer months you can find large Giant Trevally here. Year around this spot fishes great for larger Emperor and Bald Chin, where popping might be an option for Emperor during the Summer months. The small reefy bay to the inside of the point during Turtle Hatching season is also a great time to target Emperor on poppers.

Land Based Fishing Tamala Station, Steep Point to False Entrance

For the bait soakers the point provides a great place to float out large baits in search of all sorts.

The Points on the inside of the Channel fish will for Snapper, Bream and Pelagics. The Bays fish good for Herring and if you can get to the flats you can target Bone Fish, Bream, Flathead and some big whiting.

Tamala Station

From Tamala Station there are several camping locations located at Prickly Point, Bara Head, Three Bays, Nanas, Tea Tree and Giruad Point. All the camping spots provide access to some fantastic fishing.

Bara Head

Directly north of Tamala Station is Bara Head. Here anglers can expect Tailor, Whiting, Bream, Flathead and the odd Mangrove Jack and Cod.

Three Bays

A scenic camp spot, Three Bays fishes well for Whiting, Bream and Flathead. The odd small Trevally will also show up.

Nannas

Mostly Whiting, Bream and Flathead along the beaches of Nannas.

Giraud Point

Anglers are most likely to encounter Bream and Whiting with the odd Tailor and small pelagics from Giruad Point.

Blind Inlet

Walk the flats for Whiting, Bream and Flathead close to the mangroves. There is also good numbers of Bonefish however they are pretty tricky to catch.

Shelter Bay to Steep Point

The beaches of Shelter Bay have good fishing for Whiting, Bream, Tailor and Mulloway at night. Past Shelter bay the beach has inshore reefs which fish well for Emperor, Tailor, Pink Snapper and the odd Cobia. Soft plastics would well along the beaches for Emperor and Pink Snapper. Metal Slugs and hard body lures for Tailor.

Steep Point

Amazing balloon fishing for Cobia, Mackerel, Sailfish, Tuna, Pink Snapper and more.

Dulverton Bay / False Entrance

To the south of Steep Point is Dulverton Bay. Access to this spot is rough a good four wheel drive is necessary. Camping is allowed on the beach. The fishing here is exceptional for Tailor and the odd coral trout and emperor. Surface lures like poppers and metal slugs are the only option over the heavy reef. From the point anglers can use large shallow diving minnows to target Tuna and Mackerel.

Crayfish Bay

Approximately 25km south of Steep Point is Crayfish bay. Home to massive Tailor, they can be targeted with metal slugs and poppers along the reef beach. Small Whiting and Tarhwine are also abundant in the sandy patches of the beach. The point produces Baldchin Groper and Pink Snapper however bait is best for bottom fishing here. Large shallow diving minnows can be used to target Mackerel that come in close if the conditions are good.

Where to go fishing near Steep Point / Dirt Harthog Island?

  • White Island

    Please seek further information before fishing here. Snapper schooling area, special rules apply.

  • Freycinet Island

    Pink Snapper off the rubble bottom, use soft plastics.

  • Channel Drift Fishing Steep Point

    Drift out of the channel with soft plastics for large Pink Snapper, Cod, Coral Trout, Cobia...

  • Shark Bay Flats Fishing

    During the incoming tide Bone Fish, Herring and some Pelagics move onto the flats. Lots of...

  • Lowtide deep holes Dirt Hartog Island Fishing

    During low tide fish away from the rock walls in the deeper holes for Sweet Lip,...

  • High Tide Popper Fishing

    During the incoming tide throw poppers along the rock face for Snapper, Big Bream, Emperor and...

  • Black Snapper

    Black Snapper just out from the point.

  • DHI / Shelter Bay Rock

    Experience fish action at the tidal change. Pink Snapper, Black Snapper, Emperor and Cod all caught...

Sign up for more


Plus, where, when and how to fish every spot!

Share this with your mates. We hope you start catching a few fish at Steep Point / Dirt Harthog Island!

Access to Steep Point / Dirt Harthog Island

4wd access only, although towing in a 4-5metre boat is no problem. Boat launching via beach at Shelter Bay.

Download GPS Marks

1000's of offshore spots, sign up Just $3.95 to access the map of fishing spots

Sign Up
Tide data error, request failed.

Exmouth Fishing Report

Exmouth Catches Billfish enthusiasts are starting to experience regular encounters of blue marlin out wide. The blue marlin are thought to be feeding on the big schools of 6kg to 10kg yellowfin... Read more

Fish currently being caught in the Gascoyne region November, 2016

Blue Marlin Coral Trout Mackerel Queenfish Shark Mackerel Tuna Wahoo Yellowfin Tuna
Read the Full Report
Current Rating Steep Point / Dirt Harthog Island November, 2016
3.7/5 - (26 votes)
Fishing Report Provided By I Love Fishing

Recommended Lures for Steep Point / Dirt Harthog Island

Click here to find the best lures for fishing Steep Point / Dirt Harthog Island. 5 stars mean this lure has been hand picked for Steep Point / Dirt Harthog Island.

Squidgies Pro Flickbait 110mm

$9.99
Suited to Steep Point / Dirt Harthog Island.
Good for: Giant Trevally, Golden Trevally, Spangled Emperor

Squidgies Pro Prawn Wiggle Tail 110mm

$9.99
Suited to Steep Point / Dirt Harthog Island.
Jackall Squirell 79 hank tuned

Jackall DD Squirrel 79SP Silent ‘Hank Tuned’

Suited for some Fish Species.
Good for: Mangrove Jack

Bream Prawn Vibe

$12.95
Suited for some Fish Species.
Good for: Yellowfin Bream
Berkley Gulp! Shrimp 2"

Gulp Shrimp 2″

Suited for some Fish Species.
Good for: Bream, Cod, Dusky Flathead, Flathead, Mangrove Jack, Yellowfin Bream

Squidgies Pro Wriggler – 100mm

$9.99
Suited for some Fish Species.
Good for: Spangled Emperor

Twisty 70g

Suited for some Fish Species.
Good for: Longtail Tuna, Tailor

Skippy Surface Lure

$13.49
Suited for some Fish Species.
Good for: Yellowfin Bream, Yellowfin Whiting

Lucky Craft Sammy 65

Suited for some Fish Species.
Good for: Bream
Storm Fishing Jig for Snapper

GOMOKU SLIM JIG

$10.99
Suited for some Fish Species.
Good for: Coral Trout, Giant Trevally, Grass Emperor, Long Nosed Emperor, Pink Snapper, Queenfish, Red throat emperor, Snapper, Spangled Emperor, Spanish Mackerel, Trevally, Tuskfish - blackspot, Tuskfish - Blue

Squidgies Pro Lobby

$9.99
Suited for some Fish Species.
Good for: Bream, Whiting, Yellowfin Bream
Storm Gomoku Fishing Jig

GOMOKU SLOW ROCKER Micro Jig

$8.95
Suited for some Fish Species.
Good for: Pink Snapper, Snapper

Zman 9” GrubZ Big Guibz

$10.49
Suited for some Fish Species.
Good for: Cod, Coral Trout, Spangled Emperor

Roosta Popper 160

$15.99
Suited for some Fish Species.
Good for: Coral Trout, Giant Trevally, Golden Trevally, Mackerel, Trevally, Tuna

Compare to the next location

Steep Point / Dirt Harthog Island

Currently Viewing
User Rating4.6Sensational Fishing

Shark Bay and Cape Peron

51km (as the bird flys)
User Rating3.5Good Fishing

2 Comments on “Steep Point / Dirt Harthog Island” fishing

  • Alanna Hubbard

    says:

    Hey guys,
    My name is Alanna and I work for Recfishwest. I’m wondering if its possible to please work together to add some rock fishing safety information to some blackspot fishing locations please on your website? Eg. Steep Point, Quobba, Salmon Holes Albany.
    We have a loan lifejacket location map we could send perhaps or even a few key messages you could include such as:

    Tell someone
    Always let friends or family know where you are going, when you’ll be back and if your plans change.

    Never fish alone
    Always fish with a buddy; if you get into any trouble, they can help. If you’re new to rock fishing, go with an experienced fisher.

    Know the area, know the conditions
    Read all safety signage – it’s been placed there for a reason. Ask locals about the spot you plan to fish from if you’re new to the area. Make sure you are aware of the latest weather, swell and tidal predictions before going fishing (check the Bureau of Meteorology website http://www.bom.gov.au or call 9263 2222 between 9am to 4pm). Be aware that conditions may change quickly and can vary from predicted averages.

    Wear the right clothes
    Light clothing such as shorts and a spray jacket will allow you to swim more freely if you are washed in. Wear appropriate footwear with non-slip soles or cleats suited to the surface you plan to fish from.

    Wear a PFD
    Wear a life jacket or buoyancy vest at all times. Also bring something buoyant (your fishing bucket with its lid firmly clipped on makes a great float) which can be thrown to someone in trouble to help them stay afloat. Carry rope and a torch at all times.

    Observe first, fish later
    Spend time (at least 20 minutes) watching your intended fishing spot to get an idea of the conditions over a full swell/wave cycle. Be prepared for waves twice the height of those observed during this period. If in doubt, don’t fish.

    Plan your escape
    Scan the area and look for the safest place to come ashore should you be swept in. Decide on a quick getaway route from your fishing spot, well above the high tide line should you see a large wave coming.

    Use appropriate Public Safety Equipment
    Know how to correctly utilise rock anchor points if they are in place at your fishing location. You will need to bring your own rope to tie up; a bowline is the best knot to use. Know where the nearest public safety equipment is – and know how to use it.

    Stay alert
    Don’t ever turn your back on the ocean – if the waves, weather or swell threaten your fishing spot then leave immediately.

    Looking forward to hearing from you.

  • Ian Carter

    says:

    Hi I have planned a trip to Steep point via boat from Denham in July all the literature refers to spots to go fishing but there are no maps to refer to can you help out

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Subscribe to Fishing Spots

$3.95 / YR

Sign Up