The Ultimate Guide to Drone Fishing in Perth

Watch: Dhufish Drone Fishing in Action

See our team putting it all together — drone fishing for dhufish off the WA coast:

Drone Fishing Has Changed the Game in WA

There was a time when landing a dhufish or big snapper from the beach was almost unheard of. Those fish lived out on the reef — 200, 300, sometimes 500+ metres offshore — well beyond any casting distance. If you didn't have a boat, you simply couldn't reach them.

Drone fishing changed all that. In the last few years, this technology has opened up an entirely new frontier for shore-based anglers in Perth and across Western Australia. Using a purpose-built fishing drone to carry your bait out to offshore reef, drop-offs, and structure, you can now target species from the beach that were previously boat-only territory.

We're talking pink snapper, dhufish, samson fish, mulloway, sharks, and even tuna — all from dry land. And with the current demersal fishing ban exempting land-based fishing (including drone fishing), there's never been a better time to get into it.

This guide covers everything you need to know — the gear, the rigs, the technique, the regulations, the spots, and the local knowledge that'll help you put fish on the beach. If you're also interested in targeting species closer to shore, check out our guides to squid fishing, bream fishing, and flathead fishing in Perth.

How Drone Fishing Works

The concept is simple:

1. Set up your rod and reel with the appropriate rig, bait, and sinker on the beach.
2. Clip your fishing line into the drone's release mechanism. Purpose-built fishing drones have a payload release system designed for this — it holds your line, bait, and sinker securely during flight.
3. Fly the drone out to your target location — a reef, drop-off, channel, or known fish-holding structure. Most fishing drones have GPS and live camera feed so you can see exactly where you're dropping.
4. Release the payload at the desired spot. The drone drops your rig and bait, then flies back to shore.
5. Wait for the bite. Your bait is now sitting on or near the reef, hundreds of metres offshore, right where the fish live.
6. Fight the fish on your rod and reel. Once a fish hooks up, it's a traditional rod-and-reel fight — just with a longer walk to the water's edge.

The drone replaces the need for a boat. Some Perth anglers are regularly deploying baits 400-800 metres offshore and landing fish that would make boat anglers jealous.

Why Drone Fishing Is Massive in WA Right Now

Three reasons drone fishing has exploded in Perth:

1. The demersal ban exemption. While boat-based recreational fishing for demersal species (dhufish, snapper, baldchin groper, etc.) is closed in the West Coast Bioregion until Spring 2027, land-based fishing — including drone fishing — is exempt. This means drone anglers can legally target dhufish and snapper from the beach when boat anglers can't. This has driven enormous interest in the technique.
2. WA's coastline is perfect for it. Long, accessible beaches with offshore reef systems within drone range. The reef along Perth's northern beaches is often only 300-500 metres out — well within range of modern fishing drones.
3. The gear has matured. Early fishing drones were unreliable and expensive. Modern purpose-built drones like the Poseidon Pro II are salt-resistant, powerful, and designed specifically for the demands of fishing — heavy payloads, wind resistance, and reliable release mechanisms.

A quality pink snapper from the beach at sunset — this is what drone fishing delivers.

Essential Drone Fishing Gear

The Drone

Not every drone can handle fishing. You need a purpose-built fishing drone with salt-resistant motors, a reliable payload release mechanism, sufficient flight time, and enough power to carry a heavy rig in wind. Standard DJI-style photography drones are NOT suitable — they lack the payload capacity and salt protection.

We stock the Poseidon Pro II Drone Combo — a purpose-built fishing drone designed for Australian conditions. It comes with 2 batteries, powerful motors for wind resistance, GPS for precise bait placement, a reliable release mechanism, and salt-resistant construction. This is the drone our staff use and recommend.

Browse our drone range for the latest options.

The Oceans Legacy Backline range — including the purpose-built Drone Spec model. Australian designed for our conditions.

Rod

Drone fishing demands a heavy-duty rod that can handle fighting big fish at extreme distance. You need:

• Length: 10-14 feet. The extra length gives you leverage when fighting fish at distance and helps keep your line above the waves during the fight.
• Rating: 50-80lb class. Heavy enough to handle snapper, dhufish, and samson fish with authority.
• Action: Medium to moderate-fast. The rod needs to handle sustained pressure from a big fish at 300+ metres, plus the drag of all that line through the water and the occasional big ball of seaweed. A rod that's too stiff will pull hooks; too soft and you won't move heavy fish off the reef.

Our picks:

• Assassin Vector Drone Rod — purpose-built for drone fishing. The Vector is designed specifically for the unique demands of fighting fish at extreme range — the right length, power, and action for the job.
• Oceans Legacy Backline Big Bait Special — Australian-designed by Oceans Legacy with a dedicated Drone Spec model in the range. Built for the demands of fighting big fish at extreme distance with quality carbon blank and premium components. Staff pick.
• Penn Prevail Apex — Penn's heavier models in this range are adequate for drone fishing, though not top-end spec. A budget-friendly option to get started.

Check our full range of drone and surf combos and surf rods.

Reel — Spinning

You need a large spinning reel — 10,000 to 25,000 size — with serious line capacity, a powerful drag, and salt-sealed construction. You'll often have 300-500+ metres of line out, and a big fish will test every component of your reel.

What to look for:

• Line capacity: Minimum 300m of PE4-5 (50-80lb). More is better — larger reels can spool upwards of 600m of PE4-5, giving you serious insurance against long runs.
• Drag: 15-25kg+ of max drag. Smooth and consistent under load.

Mid-range:

• Shimano Saragosa SWA (10000-20000) — Shimano's saltwater workhorse. X-Shield sealing, Infinity Drive, and enough drag to stop serious fish. A proven drone fishing reel that handles abuse session after session.
• Penn Slammer IV (10000-14000) — IPX6 sealed, CNC gears, brutal drag. The Slammer is virtually indestructible and handles anything the WA coast throws at it.
• Shimano 24 Stradic SW-B (10000-14000) — brings mid-range pricing to the saltwater heavy-duty category. X-Shield sealing, Infinity Drive, and a rigid body designed for bigger species.
• Daiwa 26 Certate SW — Daiwa's premium saltwater spinning reel with Monocoque body, Mag Sealed, and beefier gears. Smooth, powerful, and built to handle serious drone fishing species.

Premium:

• Shimano 25 Stella SWD (10000-20000) — the ultimate saltwater spinning reel. If you're serious about drone fishing and want the best money can buy, this is it. Every component is Shimano's finest.
• Daiwa 25 Saltiga Spin — Daiwa's flagship saltwater spinner. Monocoque body, Mag Sealed, massive gears, and enough drag to stop anything. The Daiwa answer to the Stella.
• Daiwa 23 Saltiga Spin — the previous-gen Saltiga is still an outstanding reel and now represents great value against the 2025 model.

Reel — Overhead

Many experienced drone anglers prefer overhead (conventional) reels for their superior cranking power and line capacity. Overheads handle the sustained pressure of fighting big fish at distance better than spinning reels.

Budget:

• Shimano TLD — a proven workhorse that's been catching big fish for decades. Simple, reliable, and handles serious abuse. A great entry point into overhead drone fishing. Also available in 2-speed for extra versatility.

Mid-range:

• Shimano Speed Master — a step up from the TLD with better gearing and drag. Popular choice among Perth drone anglers for its balance of power and value.

Premium:

• Shimano Talica II — the reel serious drone anglers graduate to. Compact, incredibly powerful, silky smooth drag, and built to handle the biggest fish you'll encounter from the beach. A genuine game-changer. Also available as the Talica A 2-Speed and the brand new 25 Talica BFC.

Browse our full range of overhead reels.

Line

30-50lb (PE 4-5) braided line is standard for drone fishing. PE5 for targeting dhufish and samson fish on structure; PE4-5 for snapper in cleaner ground.

You need enough to fill your reel plus have reserve — 400m minimum, ideally 500m+.

The best option for drone fishing is bulk spooled braid from our in-store bulk spools — you get exactly the length you need, it's cost-effective, and we spool it onto your reel for you. We stock the following bulk braid options:

• Yakamito Chikara X8 — quality 8-strand braid, smooth casting, great value at $25 per 100m
• Shimano Kairiki 8+ — Shimano's 8-strand with excellent abrasion resistance, $25 per 100m
• Tasline X8 — Australian-made, incredibly strong for its diameter, trusted by serious anglers, $30 per 100m
• Sunline Siglon — Japanese quality, smooth and consistent, $30 per 100m

Come into the store and we'll spool your reel with the right braid for your setup — any length you need.

Leader

Heavy mono or fluorocarbon leader — 60-130lb depending on target species and reef structure. The leader needs to handle abrasion from reef, rocks, and the toothy mouths of some target species. Use 3-5 metres of leader connected to your braid with an FG knot or PR knot.

• Oceans Legacy Duelist Shock Leader — purpose-built shock leader for heavy applications. Excellent knot strength and abrasion resistance.
• Black Magic Leader Tough — available in heavy weights perfect for drone fishing. Excellent abrasion resistance and a trusted name in Australian fishing.
• Varivas Ocean Record Shock Leader — premium Japanese mono leader available in heavy weights up to 250lb. Exceptional knot strength and abrasion resistance for reef work.
• Schneider Leader Klear Line 100m — quality Australian-made monofilament leader in a 100m spool. Great value for the lengths needed in drone fishing.

Step-by-Step: Your First Drone Fishing Session

1. Scout the spot first. Before you even bring the fishing gear, fly the drone out over the water and use the camera to identify reef, weed beds, deep water, and channels. The aerial view is invaluable — you can see structure that's invisible from the beach. Take note of GPS coordinates for productive-looking areas.
2. Check wind and conditions. Drone fishing works best in light to moderate winds (under 20km/h). Strong onshore winds make flying difficult and dangerous. Early morning before the sea breeze kicks in is ideal in Perth — the wind usually builds from mid-morning.
3. Set up your rod and rig on the beach. Rod in a sand spike or rod holder, drag set, bait on the hooks, sinker attached.
4. Attach the line to the drone's release mechanism. Follow your drone's specific instructions — each model is slightly different. Make sure the line is tensioned correctly and the bait is hanging clear of the drone.
5. Fly out to your target spot. Keep the drone within visual line of sight (CASA requirement). Fly at a moderate speed — rushing increases the chance of bait loss or tangles.
6. Release the payload. Hover over your target spot, confirm the position on the camera/GPS, then trigger the release. Watch the bait drop and confirm it's deployed cleanly.
7. Fly the drone back and land it safely. Get the drone out of the air as soon as the bait is deployed — battery life is precious.
8. Wait for the bite. Keep your rod in the holder with the drag set. Watch the rod tip. When a fish picks up the bait, the circle hook will self-set as the fish moves off — resist the urge to strike. Just pick up the rod and start fighting.
9. Fight smart. You'll have a lot of line out, which means a lot of stretch and water resistance. Keep constant pressure, don't let the fish rest, and be patient. Big fish at distance take time to land.
10. Land the fish. Have a mate ready with a net or gaff (where legal). In the surf, time the waves and walk the fish in on a wave where possible.

Fish with a mate — drone fishing is better with a crew, and landing big snapper in the surf takes teamwork.

Best Drone Fishing Spots in Perth

The ideal drone fishing spot has: accessible beach, offshore reef within 300-800m, relatively low foot traffic (CASA rules prohibit flying near crowds), and access to parking.

Northern Beaches

• Yanchep — Laurence Reef — one of Perth's best-known drone fishing spots. Laurence Reef sits just south of Yanchep Lagoon and is within drone range from the beach. Pink snapper, dhufish, and the occasional samson fish. The reef is clearly visible on Google Maps satellite view.
• Two Rocks to Yanchep — the stretch of beach between Two Rocks and Yanchep has offshore reef at various distances. Less crowded than the metro beaches. Worth exploring with the drone camera to find untouched structure.
• Burns Beach to Mindarie — reef systems within drone range. More accessible from the metro but can be busier — respect CASA rules about flying near people.

Metro and Southern

• City Beach to Floreat — offshore reef and drop-offs. Parking and access are easy. Best early morning before the beaches get busy.
• Rockingham beaches — access to Five Fathom Bank reef systems and the deeper water around Garden Island. Excellent snapper territory.
• Mandurah beaches — good offshore structure, less pressured than metro beaches, and productive for snapper year-round.

North of Perth (Safari Territory)

• Lancelin to Jurien Bay — remote beaches with untouched offshore reef. This is serious drone fishing territory — big fish, no pressure, but you'll need a 4WD for some of the best spots. The further north you go, the less fished the reef is.

Pro tip: Use Google Maps satellite view before any session to identify reef, channels, and structure. The contrast between sandy bottom (light) and reef (dark) is easy to spot from above. Then confirm with your drone's camera on-site.

Regulations You Must Know

Drone fishing sits at the intersection of fishing regulations and aviation regulations. You need to comply with both.

Fishing Regulations

• No licence required for standard recreational line fishing in WA saltwater.
• Demersal ban exemption: Land-based fishing (including drone fishing) for demersal species IS PERMITTED in the West Coast Bioregion, even during the current demersal closure (which restricts boat-based fishing until Spring 2027). This means you can legally target dhufish and snapper from the beach with a drone when boat anglers can't. Always check fish.wa.gov.au for the latest closures and rules.
• Standard bag and size limits apply — same limits as any other form of recreational fishing.
• Hook and line restrictions: Specific hook and line restrictions apply when targeting demersal species in the West Coast Bioregion — these rules can differ between boat-based and land-based fishing. Always check the latest rules on fish.wa.gov.au before rigging up.

Drone / Aviation Regulations (CASA)

The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) sets the rules for all drone operation in Australia:

• Visual line of sight — you must be able to see your drone at all times. No flying through screens or goggles only.
• Maximum altitude: 120 metres (400 feet).
• 30 metres from people — minimum horizontal distance from other people. Never fly directly over anyone.
• No flying over crowded areas — this includes busy beaches, parks, events, and sports fields. This is why early morning sessions work best — fewer people on the beach.
• 5.5km from controlled airports — if your drone weighs more than 250g (which fishing drones do), stay at least 5.5km from airports with control towers.
• Daylight hours only.
• One drone at a time.
• Registration: Drones over 250g must be registered with CASA.

Full CASA drone rules: casa.gov.au/knowyourdrone

National Parks and Marine Parks

Drone use in WA national parks and marine parks requires a permit and is subject to additional restrictions (60m separation from marine animals, no wildlife disturbance). If you're fishing near a national park boundary, check the WA Parks and Wildlife guidelines before flying.

A chunky dhufish from the beach — the ultimate drone fishing trophy. Land-based demersal fishing is exempt from the current ban.

Target Species

Drone fishing opens up a whole new species list for shore-based anglers:

• Pink Snapper — the #1 drone fishing target in Perth. Found on offshore reef year-round. The daily demersal mixed bag limit is 2 fish. Important: Cockburn Sound and Warnbro Sound are closed to snapper fishing August 1 – January 31 (spawning closure). Always check current size limits and closures on fish.wa.gov.au.
• Dhufish — WA's iconic demersal species. Found on reef in 20-80m of water. A genuine trophy from the beach. Currently exempt from the demersal ban for land-based anglers. 50cm minimum.
• Samson Fish — powerful reef dwellers that hit hard and fight harder. Found on the same reef structure as snapper and dhufish. Be prepared for a war on heavy tackle.
• Mulloway (Jewfish) — found in deeper gutters and channels, particularly at dawn and dusk. A realistic target from many Perth beaches even without a drone, but the drone lets you reach the deeper holes.
• Sharks — gummy sharks and bronze whalers are common bycatch. Fun to catch but handle with care and release quickly.
• Tailor — while catchable by casting, drone-deploying a fresh bait to an offshore tailor school can produce bigger fish than you'd catch from the shore.

From Our Team — What We've Learned Drone Fishing

Our staff have been drone fishing WA beaches extensively — here are some of the practical lessons from hundreds of sessions that you won't find in a beginner's guide.

Snapper vs Dhufish — Different Distances

Snapper tend to patrol closer to shore than dhufish. If you're targeting pinkies, you might find them on reef structure 200-300 metres out. Dhufish are typically further — closer to 400+ metres from shore on the deeper reef edges. Adjust your deployment distance based on your target species.

Grapnel Sinkers Are Essential

Use a grapnel (grip) sinker — not a ball or bean sinker. Grapnels hook into the sand and hold your rig in position, keeping your line tight even when the current is running. This is critical at 300-400 metres where even a small amount of slack means you won't feel a bite. The grapnel releases under tension when you hook up, so you're not fighting the sinker and the fish.

Use a Drop Line from Your Drone

Always use a 400-500mm drop line between the drone's release mechanism and your fishing rig. This keeps the main fishing line well clear of the drone's propellers during flight — without it, you risk tangling your line in the props, losing your rig, and potentially crashing the drone.

Bait Cotton for Long Deployments

When sending baits out 250+ metres, wrap your bait with bait cotton to secure it to the hook. At that distance, the bait needs to survive the flight, the drop, and potentially hours in the water before a fish finds it. Bait cotton stops it from falling apart or being stripped by small pickers before the target species arrives.

Extra High Gear Reel Advantage

Consider an extra-high gear ratio reel. When you need to retrieve a rig from 300-400 metres without a bite, a higher retrieve speed saves significant time and effort. Our team's Jeremy runs a Saragosa 14000 XG specifically for this reason — the extra retrieve per crank adds up over hundreds of metres.

Keep Your Line Above the Surf Break

A longer rod (12-13ft) isn't just for casting distance — when drone fishing, the length keeps your line above the initial surf break. If your line is dragging through breaking waves, the current pulls on it, creates slack, and can drag your sinker out of position. A taller rod tip holds the line above the wash and keeps everything tight.

Do the Hard Yards

Our team's best drone sessions — including landing two dhufish on a single rig on the very first drop — have come from putting in the effort to reach remote, less-pressured beaches. The fish on heavily-fished metro beaches have seen more rigs and are warier. An hour's drive north or south of Perth puts you on reef that sees far less pressure, and the results speak for themselves.

Gummy sharks are a common and welcome bycatch when drone fishing — fun to catch and handle with care.

Tips for Success

• Dawn is prime time. Light winds, fewer people (CASA compliance), and fish are actively feeding. Aim to have your first bait in the water at first light.
• Spare batteries are essential. One battery per deployment is a safe rule. Carry at least 3-4 fully charged batteries per session.
• Fresh bait only. At extreme range, your bait needs to out-compete the natural food supply. Frozen bait won't cut it. Catch your own herring or mullet the evening before, or buy fresh from the fish market.
• Set your drag BEFORE the drop. You won't get a chance to adjust once a fish hits at 400 metres. Set it at about one-third of your line's breaking strain.
• Use the drone camera to scout. Don't just drop blindly. Fly over the water, identify structure, and drop your bait precisely on the reef edge — that's where the fish sit.
• Check your knots every session. The sustained pressure of fighting big fish at distance tests every connection in your tackle. Re-tie leader knots regularly.
• Fish with a mate. One person flies the drone and manages the rod, the other helps land the fish. Solo drone fishing is possible but much harder.
• Respect the beach. Pack out all rubbish, don't leave bait scraps on the sand, and be courteous to other beach users. Drone fishing's long-term viability depends on maintaining a good reputation with the public and regulators.

Where to Drop Your Bait — Reading the Water from Above

One of the biggest advantages of drone fishing is the aerial perspective. From above, you can clearly see reef structure, sandy channels, and drop-offs — information that's invisible from the beach.

Here's what the ideal bait placement looks like from your drone's camera:

The perfect drone fishing setup — a clear run of sandy bottom between you and the bait, with broken reef (highlighted in pink) behind the bait where the fish hold. The yellow line running to shore is the fishing line.

And here's what it looks like from a wider satellite perspective — you can clearly see the reef strip (highlighted in pink) running parallel to the beach, with clean sandy water between the reef and the shore. The pin marks the angler's position on the beach.

Satellite view showing the setup — a long strip of reef (pink) running parallel to the beach with clear sandy water in between. This is exactly what you're looking for on Google Maps when scouting drone fishing spots.

The key principles:

• Clear sandy run between you and the bait. You need a clean path to fight the fish back to shore without getting snagged on reef. If there's reef between you and the bait, a hooked fish will run straight into it and bust you off.
• Broken reef behind the bait. This is where the fish live — snapper, dhufish, and samson fish patrol the edges of reef structure. Drop your bait on the sand just in front of the reef edge, so it's sitting right in the fish's patrol zone.
• Don't drop ON the reef. Baits dropped on top of the reef will snag immediately. The sweet spot is the sand-to-reef transition zone — the edge where sandy bottom meets the start of the structure.

Use your drone's camera to scout these areas before every deployment. The difference between dropping on the right spot and the wrong spot is often the difference between landing a fish and losing your rig.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Flying in too much wind. If the drone is struggling to maintain position, don't fly. A drone lost at sea is expensive and dangerous. Wind under 20km/h is the safe zone for most fishing drones.
• Dropping on top of the reef. Drop your bait on the reef edge, not on top of it. Fish patrol the edges where the reef meets the sand. Dropping on top of the reef means instant snags.
• Using a reel that's too small. An undersized reel will get spooled by a big fish at distance. 10,000 size minimum, 14,000-25,000 for serious work.
• Forgetting CASA rules. Flying near people, over crowds, or near airports can result in serious fines and damage the reputation of drone fishing for everyone. Know and follow the rules.
• Not tensioning the line properly. If your line is slack between the rod tip and the drone, it'll tangle on deployment. Tension the line before takeoff — your drone's manual will explain the correct procedure.

Ready to Go Drone Fishing?

Drone fishing is the most exciting development in shore-based fishing in a generation. If you've got access to a beach and the willingness to learn, there are fish out there waiting that you never thought you'd catch from dry land.

Come into Compleat Angler Nedlands at 154 Stirling Highway and check out our drone range, drone rigs (including our hand-tied Deluxe Double Dropper Rig), and the rods, reels, and tackle you need for a complete drone fishing setup. Our team has hands-on drone fishing experience and can help you get set up right.

Free shipping on orders over $150 Australia-wide. Call us on (08) 9389 1337.