Question 1

Are there crocodiles at Broome?

Accepted Answer

Yes — Broome is well inside saltwater crocodile range and crocs are regularly recorded in Roebuck Bay, Crab Creek, Willie Creek and the surrounding mangroves, and have been confirmed at Cable Beach and Town Beach. Treat all tidal water around Broome as croc habitat. Do not wade, do not clean fish at the water's edge, and follow Shire of Broome and DBCA sighting alerts before any session.

Question 2

Can I fish Cable Beach?

Accepted Answer

Yes, outside the patrolled swimming area marked by the red and yellow flags between May and October. Stay well clear of the flagged section, the camel-train operations and any closure issued after a crocodile or shark sighting. The beach is also subject to wet-season closures and stinger warnings November–April.

Question 3

What are the mangrove jack bag limits at Broome?

Accepted Answer

DPIRD reformed mangrove jack rules in 2025–26 and bag and size limits have shifted — verify the current regs before each trip rather than working from older sources. Jacks at Broome run bigger on average than further south and pull harder; treat them with the gear they deserve.

Question 4

Why are the tides such a big deal at Broome?

Accepted Answer

Spring tides at Broome run 9–10 metres, second-largest in Australia. The water moves vast distances over the bay flats and out past Gantheaume Point, and currents rip at 4–6 knots through the channels. The fishery operates entirely on tide windows: top of the high for the jetty and rocks, bottom of the run-out for the creek jacks. Anglers who arrive without a tide chart and a willingness to plan around it will catch nothing.