Sitting in the Indian Ocean off Western Australia, Cocos offers a fishing experience unlike anywhere else in the state. The remote destination just four hours from Perth combines tropical flats, coral reefs and deep-water fishing together in one compact destination.
For serious anglers, Cocos offers the chance to target bucket-list species including bonefish and giant trevally. But you don’t need extensive fishing experience to get involved. Fishing is part of island life here, and sometimes all you need is a rod, a patch of sand and a little patience.
Whether you’re planning a dedicated fishing holiday or simply want to cast a line between swims, here’s what you need to know about fishing the Cocos (Keeling) Islands.
One destination, four different ways to fish
One of the best things about fishing on Cocos is the variety. In a relatively small area, you can fish shallow flats, coral reef, lagoon waters and the deeper water beyond the reef.
Fishing the flats
Cocos’ vast lagoon flats are one of its biggest drawcards for keen anglers, offering the chance to hunt bonefish, permit, giant trevally and bumphead parrotfish.
For fly fishers in particular, it’s all about sight fishing. The clear water can make it possible to spot fish cruising across the sand before making your cast.
For those into the technical side, an 8–9 weight fly setup is commonly used for flats species such as bonefish and permit, while anglers deliberately targeting powerful GTs generally step up to much heavier gear.
From the shore
Cast from beaches and rocky shorelines around West Island and Home Island and you can encounter species including sweetlips, silvery fish, dart and trevally.
Pack more leader and terminal tackle than you think you’ll need. Between coral, powerful fish and the occasional shark taking an interest in your catch, Cocos has a way of testing fishing gear.
Fishing the lagoon
Head onto the lagoon with a local skipper or hire a small boat and another fishing environment opens up.
Coral bommies and blue holes throughout the lagoon are home to species including coral trout, trevally, barracuda and a host of reef fish. Trolling between spots can produce its own surprises, while light tackle can make even smaller reef species great fun.
Around the outer reef
Around the reef edge, the shallow atoll gives way to dramatically deeper water and the fishing changes with it.
Yellowfin and dogtooth tuna, wahoo, giant trevally and mahi mahi are among the larger species found around Cocos, with sailfish also making an appearance.
Fishing in these waters is best experienced with a local charter operator who understands both the conditions and current Marine Park zoning.
What makes fishing on Cocos different?
Western Australia has plenty of renowned fishing destinations, but Cocos offers something quite different from the mainland.
Warm water
Forget standing around in icy water waiting for something to bite. With water temperatures generally sitting between 26–29°C, wading the flats or throwing in a line from the beach feels distinctly tropical.
Plenty of space
With accommodation for only around 144 visitors at a time, crowded fishing spots aren’t really a Cocos problem. Limited visitor numbers mean there’s plenty of room to explore the different fishing environments around the atoll at your own pace.
Different fishing environments close together
Flats, beaches, coral bommies, reef edges and deep water are all found within a relatively compact area.
You might spend one morning stalking bonefish across the flats and the next heading out by boat in search of something much bigger.
The setting
Turquoise water, palm-fringed islands and long stretches of white sand provide the backdrop, while turtles, rays, reef sharks and seabirds are regular reminders that you’re fishing in a remarkably rich marine environment.
Do you need to be an experienced angler?
Not at all.
Cocos might attract anglers travelling specifically to land a particular species, but it’s equally good fun if your ambitions extend no further than catching dinner or seeing what bites.
For beginners, the sandy lagoon side can be an easier place to start, with fewer opportunities to lose your tackle to coral. Heading out with a guide is another good option. They can help with your setup, take you to suitable fishing spots and give you a much better understanding of the conditions.
Why does local knowledge matter?
Tides can change which areas are accessible. Wind can completely alter conditions on the flats. Different species move and feed according to tides, weather and moon phases.
Figuring all of that out is part of the fun if you have plenty of time. If you only have a week on Cocos, local knowledge offers a useful shortcut.
A guide can help you understand where to fish, what conditions to look for, which setup suits the species you’re targeting and when it’s worth moving somewhere else.
Fishing as part of a Cocos holiday
Bringing someone who doesn’t share your enthusiasm for fishing? They’ll be fine.
Fishing doesn’t have to dominate a Cocos holiday. Spend a morning on the flats before heading out for an afternoon snorkel, plan a fishing charter while your travel companion relaxes on the beach, or take a break from the rods altogether and spend a day experiencing the culture and history of Home Island.
Planning a fishing trip to Cocos
Cocos is a remote destination, so a little preparation before you leave the mainland will make a big difference.
When is the best time to fish on Cocos?
You can fish on Cocos throughout the year.
From November to April, the doldrums season generally brings lighter winds and periods of calmer seas – conditions that can be ideal for getting out on the boat.
From May to October, the south-east trade winds become more consistent. The weather is generally drier, and for visitors from southern Australia it also offers a pretty appealing escape from winter.
Conditions vary, though, and there isn’t one single “best” fishing season. The right time to visit will depend on how and what you want to fish.
Should I book a fishing charter before arriving?
Yes, particularly if fishing is an important part of your trip.
There are only a handful of small operators on the islands and availability can disappear quickly. Cocosday and Cocos Blue offer lagoon and fishing charters, while Hello Backing offers dedicated fishing packages including accommodation, meals and guiding.
Small boats can also be hired through Cocosday for experienced visitors wanting to explore parts of the lagoon independently.
What fishing gear should I bring to Cocos?
Bring your own wherever possible. There is very limited fishing gear available to purchase once you arrive, so Cocos isn’t the place to discover you’ve left an essential piece of tackle at home.
What you’ll need depends heavily on what you’re targeting, but a few useful things to consider are:
- Polarised sunglasses for spotting fish on the flats
- Protective footwear if you plan to wade
- Spare leader, line and terminal tackle
- A selection of lures or flies suitable for different depths
- Light gear for flats and lagoon fishing, with a heavier setup if you’re specifically targeting large GTs or other powerful species
- Sun protection – long sleeves, a hat and plenty of sunscreen
If you’re flying with fishing equipment, check Qantas’s current baggage requirements before travelling. Fishing rods may need to travel as oversized or additional baggage, while fishing line, hooks and some tackle should be packed in checked luggage rather than carry-on.
Can I take fish back with me?
Yes. If your fishing trip leaves you with some fish to take home, you can bring it back to mainland Australia.
Fish and other animal products should be declared on arrival in Perth for biosecurity inspection. For personal use, you can bring up to 5 kg of finfish per person. Keep the skin on fillets so the species can be easily identified.
Fish for the future
Cocos might have a healthy and diverse fishery, but keeping it that way requires a little care from everyone who enjoys it.
Know where you can fish
Most of the inshore Cocos (Keeling) Islands Marine Park is a Habitat Protection Zone where recreational fishing is permitted.
There are also no-fishing National Park Zones, including at the Rip on Direction Island and Trannies Beach on West Island, while fishing is prohibited in the large offshore National Park Zone beginning around three nautical miles from shore. It’s also best to avoid recreational areas such as Pulu Maraya and the Spot.
Size and bag limits also apply, so stop by the Visitor Centre for current advice before heading out.
Give released fish a chance
Reef sharks are a natural part of the Cocos marine environment and they can be remarkably quick to notice a struggling fish.
If you’re practising catch and release, minimise the amount of time your catch spends out of the water and avoid releasing a tired fish directly alongside a waiting shark. If sharks become particularly interested in your fishing, consider giving the area a break and moving elsewhere.
Take your tackle with you
Discarded fishing line, hooks and tackle can cause serious problems for marine life. Take damaged or unwanted gear home with you and dispose of it properly rather than leaving it behind.
Cast a line on island time
You can come to Cocos with a carefully researched target species and a tackle box packed for every possibility. Or you can borrow a few local tips, wander down to the water and simply see what happens.
And when the fish aren’t biting? You’re still on Cocos.
