Snook
Shore / JettySleek, fast predator with sharp teeth found around jetties, groynes, and rocky structure. Often caught while targeting tailor or herring with metals and lures. Good eating when handled properly.
Snook — also called short-finned pike — are one of Perth's most common by-catch species for lure anglers. They school around jetty pylons, groynes, and rocky structure, ambushing baitfish with short, explosive strikes. While most people don't specifically target them, they turn up regularly when casting metals for tailor or herring and put up a fun fight on light gear.
Pilchards, prawns, small fish fillets, squid strips
Chrome slugs, small metals, minnow lures, soft plastics with a fast retrieve
Light spinning setup with 6–10lb line and a short wire or heavy mono leader — snook have sharp teeth that will cut through light leader. A simple running sinker rig works for bait fishing.
Cast metals or small lures around jetty pylons, groynes, and rock walls with a fast retrieve. Snook like speed — a fast, erratic retrieve triggers their ambush instinct. They often hit on the drop or pause, so stay alert. When bait fishing, use a lightly weighted rig and let the bait drift near structure.
Active throughout the day but most aggressive in the morning and late afternoon. Warmer months tend to produce more fish. Incoming tide pushing bait close to structure is ideal.
Up to 5kg, commonly 1–2kg
Year-round
Good eating when bled and iced immediately. White flesh that's best crumbed and fried or baked as cutlets. Handle promptly — the flesh softens quickly if not kept cold. Fillet and skin as soon as you can for best results.
Bag limit: 8. Minimum size: 30cm. Always check current DPIRD rules — regulations may change.
You'll pick these up regularly while lure fishing around any jetty or groyne in Perth. They school around Ammo Jetty, Woodman Point, and the Fremantle harbour walls. Watch for their sharp teeth when unhooking — long-nose pliers are essential. Snook are often undersized, so measure before keeping.