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West Coast Demersal Closure in Effect

Pink Snapper is part of the West Coast demersal scalefish closure. Boat-based recreational fishing for this species is prohibited until Spring 2027.

View full closure details →
West Coast Closed

Pink Snapper

Chrysophrys auratus

Also known as: Snapper, Pinky, Squire (juvenile)

DPIRD Category Demersal Scalefish
Peak Season Mar-Jun, Sep-Nov
Difficulty Moderate
Fight Rating ★★★★☆
Pink Snapper

Regulations & Limits

DEMERSAL SCALEFISH

⚖️ Mixed Species Limit Applies

Pink Snapper count towards your total demersal scalefish bag limit. You can keep a maximum of 2 demersal scalefish total statewide.

Limits by Bioregion

West Coast CLOSED
Closed to boat fishing until Spring 2027
South Coast OPEN
Min Size 500mm
Individual Limit 3 fish
Mixed Limit Within 5 demersal total
✓ Open year-round.
Gascoyne OPEN
Min Size 500mm
Individual Limit 3 fish
Mixed Limit Within 5 demersal total (Shark Bay)
✓ Open year-round.
Pilbara N/A
Species not commonly found in this region
North Coast (Kimberley) N/A
Species not commonly found in this region

Good to Know

  • Size limit varies by latitude on West Coast - 500mm south of Lancelin, 410mm north
  • Land-based fishing exempt from West Coast demersal closure
  • Multiple spawning closures at key aggregation sites

ℹ️ Regulations can change. Always verify current rules at rules.fish.wa.gov.au

Size & Weight

Typical Size50 cm
Max Size100 cm
Typical Weight5 kg
Max Weight20 kg

Habitat

Where: Rocky reefs, sandy bottom near structure, wrecks

Depth: 10-150m

ID Features: Pink-red body, blue spots when young, prominent hump on large fish

Season

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Peak Available Poor

Peak: Mar-Jun, Sep-Nov | Water Temp: 15 – 22°C

How to Catch Pink Snapper

1

Bottom fishing

Setup

  • Line: PE2-4 / 15-24kg
  • Leader: 40-60lb fluoro

Top Lures

  • Soft plastics 5-7inch
  • Slow jigs 100-200g

Best Baits

  • Squid
  • Pilchards
  • Octopus
  • Mulies
2

Slow trolling

Setup

  • Line: PE2-3 / 15-20kg
  • Leader: 40-60lb fluoro

Top Lures

  • Soft plastics
  • Minnows

Best Baits

  • Squid
  • Pilchard fillets

Eating Quality

★★★★★ Excellent

Flesh: White

Best cooked: Any method - grilled, fried, baked, raw

The Fight

★★★★☆ 4/5

Strong, head shakes, uses structure

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