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11 Must-Have Items for Your Shark Bay Fishing Trip

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11 Must-Have Items for Your Shark Bay Fishing Trip

(Big Fish Big Adventure – Monkey Mia Boat Hire Shark Bay)

Shark Bay isn’t just another fishing destination – it’s a bucket-list spot. But here’s the truth: if you rock up without the right gear, you could be going home with a sunburn and a story about “the one that got away.”
Whether you’re a seasoned fisho or it’s your first time casting a line here, this checklist will make sure you’re ready to fish hard, stay safe, and have a trip to remember.

Before embarking on your shark bay fishing trip, it’s essential to plan your approach and gear.

1. Quality Rods & Reels

Bring the right setup for the species you’re chasing.

  • Light gear: Samurai Reaction or Samurai Infinite matched with a Daiwa Saltist MQ 2500–3000 size reel — perfect for whiting, squid, and smaller reef species.

  • Heavy gear: Samurai Elevate or Reaction matched with a Daiwa BG MQ 5000–8000 or Saltiga — serious stopping power for snapper, mackerel, and coral trout.

2. A Well-Stocked Tackle Box

Planning Your Shark Bay Fishing Trip

Planning your shark bay fishing trip can significantly enhance your experience.

Include:

  • Circle hooks (6/0–10/0) for snapper, mackerel, and coral trout

  • Wire trace for toothy predators

  • Snapper sinkers & bean sinkers in various sizes to suit current and wind

  • Stickbaits (Big School Bully, Nomad, & Halco)

  • Soft plastics from Abrolhos Tackle Geraldton – especially 5–7 inch paddle tails and jerk shads

  • Squid jigs (Yamashita & Shimano Sephia)

3. Bait – Fresh or Frozen

For a successful shark bay fishing trip, always choose your bait wisely.

  • Mulies, squid, and occy from local suppliers in Denham or Monkey Mia

  • If you’re chasing mackerel or tuna, grab garfish if available

  • Always keep bait on ice to stay fresh

4. GPS & Sounder

Having a GPS can make all the difference during your shark bay fishing trip.

Our hire boats come fitted with GPS and sounders. If you’re bringing your own:

  • Lowrance Elite FS or Garmin Echomap series are excellent for Shark Bay waters

  • Pre-load your marks before heading out — we can give tips on local reef edges and drop-offs

5. Safety Gear

Safety gear is crucial for any shark bay fishing trip.

If you’re on one of our boats, it’s all included. If you’re on your own:

  • Life jackets (Crewsaver or Stormy Lifejackets)

  • Offshore flares

  • EPIRB (GME MT600G)

  • VHF radio (GME GX700)

6. Sun Protection

Don’t forget sun protection when you head out for a shark bay fishing trip.

The Shark Bay sun is unforgiving. Pack:

  • Wide-brim hat (Simms or Sunday Afternoons)

  • Polarised sunglasses (Mako or Spotters)

  • SPF50+ sunscreen (Cancer Council or Surf Life Saving)

  • Lightweight long sleeve fishing shirt (Samaki or Berkley)

7. Plenty of Water & Snacks

Hydration is key on your shark bay fishing trip, so bring plenty of water.

  • Carry at least 3 litres of water per person for a full day

  • Freeze a few bottles the night before – they double as extra ice in the esky

  • Snacks that don’t melt or spoil — muesli bars, jerky, nuts

  • And if you’re not the skipper, a couple of cold beers to savour the moment when the rods are in and the sun’s dropping over Shark Bay

8. An Eski & Ice

An eski with ice is a must for your shark bay fishing trip.

  • 60–100L eski for most day trips (Techni Ice, Icey-Tek, or Evakool)

  • Buy ice locally in Denham before you launch

9. Camera or GoPro

Capture memories of your shark bay fishing trip with a camera.

  • GoPro HERO12 for filming the action hands-free

  • Waterproof phone pouch for safety (cheap insurance for your phone)

10. Gloves & Lip Grips

Remember to pack gloves for your shark bay fishing trip.

  • Fishing gloves (Berkley Fish Handling Gloves or Wilson Offshore Gloves)

  • Lip grips (BogaGrip or SureCatch) for handling big fish safely and protecting your hands

11. A Good Attitude

A good attitude can elevate your shark bay fishing trip to the next level.

  • Patience, flexibility, and a sense of humour — the most important thing in your tackle box

  • Not every day is a bag-out day, but every day on Shark Bay is a good one

Final tip:

Book your boat hire early, check the weather, and be flexible. The fish don’t care about your calendar – but they do care about tides, wind, and bait presentation.

For optimal results, prepare for your shark bay fishing trip ahead of time.

 Book your Shark Bay fishing trip with Monkey Mia Boat Hire
 Recfishwest App – WA Fishing Rules

Shark Bay Fishing Gear Checklist – Monkey Mia Boat Hire

📞 Contact Us
Monkey Mia Boat Hire Shark Bay
Phone: 0487 421 690
Email: [email protected]
Website: monkeymiaboathire.com

Picture of Trevor Dye

Trevor Dye

G’day, I’m Trevor Dye—owner of Monkey Mia Boat Hire Shark Bay, proud dad, keen fisho, and all-round straight shooter. I live in Denham, Western Australia with my beautiful wife and our two amazing daughters. I’ve spent most of my life on or near the water, whether it’s boating, fishing, camping, or teaching the kids how to bait a hook or gut a fish. These days, I run a small family business helping others explore the incredible waters of Shark Bay—home to some of the best fishing, wildlife, and scenery in Australia. We’re a local family who loves nothing more than helping other families and travellers enjoy the natural beauty and adventure this region has to offer. Whether you’re chasing snapper, looking for dolphins, or just want to get out on the water, we’ve got the gear, the knowledge, and the no-BS support to make it a trip to remember. Our motto? Big Fish, Big Adventure.
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