Fishing boat cruises to Rottnest Island can be one of the most enjoyable experiences in your life. For the locals it is a well guarded secret. Perth, Western Australia is home to about 1.2 million people and there is an island only 18 kilometres away that has held back the tide of rampant tourist exploitation. The State Government has a policy of keeping most of the accommodation as self contained units which the people of WA can ballot for each year due to the limited number of units on the island. This has meant that the island is an unspoilt paradise without the usual 40 storey hotel complexes. I think the tallest building apart from the lighthouse is the one story hotel.
The waters surrounding Rottnest Island are crystal clear postcard blue, offering the most perfect conditions for snorkelling. Fishing cruises from Perth depart daily with a variety of operators and whilst mainly daily only, can also be overnight. This is certainly one of my choices. When you step aboard the island you can enjoy the white sandy beaches for swimming and the odd liquid refreshment.
But it is on the boat where the fishing buff will experience a real joy. Whilst there are limits on the number of fish and the type of fish you can catch, there sheer thrill of hauling in a bream and posing for the obligatory trophy photo is a bit addictive.
One of the things that most visitors will enjoy about being on a charter fishing trip or cruise will be the fully covered canopies on the boat, the toilet facilities and the food and drink provided. This is much different to taking out your own small boat in the glaring sun. One of the great things also for the first time or inexperienced fisherman is the help that you receive and the fact that all the fishing gear and bait is provided and help is at hand to ensure you catch a prize fish during the day. Although no one can guarantee that you will catch a fish, it is unlikely that you won’t with the write bait and fish finder software on the boat.
If you have a group of friends and you want to keep it private a charter tour can always be arranged. Maybe you have a sporting club or a toned down pre-marriage event or a special birthday party or even a divorce party which are becoming increasingly popular.
Fishing in and around Rottnest Island Western Australia near Perth is a great day out and a boat cruise you will remember forever. There are a few things you will need to bring before you venture out.
The Australian sun can get very hot and you can easily begin getting sunburned within 10 minutes. Many an English guest who comes here for the cricket resembles, a bright red lobster and experiences some pain as well by the time a full day in the sun is experienced.
My advice is to bring a broad brim hat to keep the direct sunlight as well as the reflected sunlight from the water of your face. Wear a collared shirt to protect your neck and preferably long sleeve shirts and long pants (cotton). Bring some 15+ sunscreen. Make sure you have plenty of water before you go out and keep the fluids up during the day. Just do these simple things and your Rottnest Island Fishing Trip will be fantastic.

Peter McIvor operates perth fishing cruises in and around perth and off the western Australian coast. His company Pelican Boat Charter can be found at www.pelicanboatcruise.com.au