Can I fish from the beach at Bills Bay?

Not for finfish — Bills Bay is inside the Maud Sanctuary Zone and is no-take. Shore-based finfish fishing is permitted south of Bills Bay along Paradise Beach in the special purpose (shore-based activities) zone, which is the practical land-based option in town. Always check the current zoning map before dropping a line.

Do I need a boat to fish Coral Bay properly?

For the headline tropical species, yes. The shore options at Paradise Beach and Maud's Landing produce whiting, dart, queenfish and the occasional larger species, but the proper coral trout, mackerel and emperor fishery sits in the lagoon and outside the reef. Hire boats are available in town if you don't want to drive a trailer up.

Are sharks really that aggressive on hooked fish?

Yes. Bronze whalers and tigers tax hooked fish heavily inside the lagoon and out the back of the reef, particularly when fish are bleeding in shallow water. Land fish quickly, don't dangle bleeding fish over the side, and accept that you will lose a percentage of fish to the locals. There are no crocodiles.

When is the best time to fish Coral Bay?

Autumn through spring (March–November) avoids the worst of the cyclone season and lines up with cooler weather and consistent mackerel. April–August overlaps with whale shark season and is the peak tourist window — book accommodation well ahead. Summer is fishable but hot and storm-prone.

Bite Compass

Fish Activity

Coral Bay (South Ningaloo)

Tue 17 Mar 2026 · Australia/Perth

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📍 Coral Bay (South Ningaloo)

new · 3%

Weather: Sunny Wind: W 287° · 8 km/h

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Low Fish Activity

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Wind W 8 km/h — Light

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Moon Phase new — 3%

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Activity Forecast

Feeding Windows

Best times to fish based on activity score.

Peak

11:30 am → 1:00 pm

1h 30m

Good

11:30 pm → 12:00 am

30m

Good

6:30 pm → 8:30 pm

Good

5:00 am → 8:00 am

Sunrise

7:27 am

Sunset

7:39 pm

Moonrise

5:30 am

Moonset

6:30 pm

Hourly Wind

High Bite Hours Highlighted