Coodanup sits on the south-east edge of the Peel Inlet, the big shallow bowl behind Mandurah. The foreshore gives you expansive flats, channel edges and two boat ramps without leaving the bank — it's Perth's closest proper estuary-wade fishery. Whiting cruise the sand in summer, bream hold tight to any structure or weed edge, flathead ambush on the drop-offs, and blue swimmer crabs thicken up from late January once the season is in full swing.

Wade the flats at first light on a rising tide with small surface lures or lightly weighted prawn baits for yellowfin whiting. Fish the channel edges and deeper pockets for bream and flathead on light gear with soft plastics or bloodworms. For crabs, drop nets on the edge of the weed beds off the bank or a boat ramp and check every 20 minutes. Cobbler feed at night over muddy bottom — worm or prawn baits fished on a light running sinker.

Yellowfin and sand whiting (summer flats), King George whiting on cleaner sand patches, black bream (structure and weed edges), flathead (channel edges), herring, cobbler (after dark), tailor in autumn, and mulloway in the deeper channels. Blue swimmer crabs are the headline December through August (closed 1 Sep – 30 Nov), peak productivity Dec–Apr.

The inlet is shallow and muddy; light gear beats heavy tackle every time. If you're after crabs, bring a net and a measure — compliance officers are active here. Don't drag nets across seagrass when retrieving; lift them clear. Mosquitoes are a Peel hallmark at dawn and dusk; pack repellent.

Sealed car parks at the two main boat ramps along Coodanup foreshore (Bortolo Drive and the Peel Estuary boat ramp). Foreshore reserve with sealed paths along most of the bank — partially mobility-friendly for the foreshore itself, though wading the flats is not. Public toilets at the main boat ramp. No formal lighting; head torch is essential for night sessions. Parking is generally easy outside summer crab-season weekends.

South-east bank of the Peel Inlet — sheltered from prevailing westerly weather, exposed to strong easterlies. The inlet is shallow (mostly under 2m) and muddy; tidal range is small but the flow drives bait movement. Easterly mornings are best for wade fishing the flats. Water clarity varies dramatically — algal blooms periodically affect the inlet, and DPIRD issues advisories. The inlet warms quickly in summer which kicks off the crab season.

Stingrays cruise the shallow flats and the bottom is muddy; shuffle when wading and wear sturdy footwear. Algal blooms periodically affect the inlet — check current DPIRD advisories before consuming any fish. Cobbler spike badly; release with care, never grip them. Mosquitoes and sandflies at dawn and dusk are a defining feature; without repellent the experience is miserable. Boat traffic at the ramps is busy on weekends and during crab season.

The Peel-Harvey crab season runs 1 December – 31 August each year (closed 1 September – 30 November). Peak productivity is typically December through April. Specific dates and bag limits change — always check DPIRD before setting nets. Minimum size is 127 mm across the carapace.

Yes — the flats are the headline land-based feature. Wade out at first light on a rising tide with small surface lures or light bait rigs for yellowfin whiting. Watch for stingrays and check DPIRD algal bloom advisories before fishing.

Small surface lures (bent minnow style) worked across the shallow flats at first light on a rising tide. The visual takes are part of the appeal. Lightly weighted prawn baits on a long-shank #6 paternoster also work well for less-confident anglers.

Cobbler are subject to seasonal closures and bag limits set by DPIRD; check current rules before keeping any. The dorsal and pectoral spines deliver a painful sting — handle by the line and snip the hook close on any release.