Question 1

Is the Esperance Tanker Jetty still there?

Accepted Answer

No. The original Tanker Jetty closed to the public in 2015 and was deconstructed in stages through to 2019. The 415-metre replacement, Esperance Jetty, opened in March 2021 and is purpose-built for recreational fishing with lower platforms, fishing seats, lighting, a cleaning station and wheelchair-accessible fishing points. It's the main land-based jetty option in town.

Question 2

Can I use wire trace at the new jetty?

Accepted Answer

No. Since 1 October 2024, recreational fishing with wire trace is prohibited within 800m of the Esperance Jetty. The rule was introduced to manage shark targeting in the area. Use heavy mono or fluoro leader instead.

Question 3

Do I need a pass for Cape Le Grand?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Cape Le Grand is a national park managed by DBCA, and a standard vehicle entry fee applies. An annual all-parks pass is the better option if you plan to fish Lucky Bay, Hellfire Bay or Rossiter Bay more than a couple of times. Some sections of the Recherche Archipelago and surrounding waters are inside marine sanctuary zones — check the South Coast Marine Park zoning before fishing islands or offshore reefs.

Question 4

When is the best salmon fishing at Cape Le Grand?

Accepted Answer

Two windows. The main south-coast migration runs March through July — same as Bremer Bay and Hopetoun. Cape Le Grand also gets a smaller November–February run with bigger average fish (5–8kg). Lucky Bay, Hellfire Bay and Rossiter Bay all produce; walk the beach, find the gutters and spin metals into the schools.

Esperance (Esperance Jetty / Bandy Creek / Cape Le Grand / Twilight Beach)