About Earlybird Bait
A dependable bait partner for WA since 1979
Earlybird Bait is a wholesale supplier of quality fishing bait for recreational and professional fishermen in Western Australia. We are one of the biggest bait suppliers in Australia, selling to over 300 stores along the WA coastline. As a family-run business since 2000 under Sue and Garry Dawe, looking after customers is our top priority.
Operating philosophy
Over the last 30+ years Earlybird has established a network of local fishermen who supply first grade ocean products, which is then sorted and packed into various sizes to form our range of fresh bait. To extend our range we have also built relationships with overseas importers and processors, ensuring a constant supply to our customers.
Our range includes Mulies, Octopus, Whitebait, Coral Prawns, River Prawns, Squid, Worms, Pilchards, Spleen, Tuna Heads, Premix Burley, Fish and Whale oil, plus tackle items like crab scoops and nets. We have bait to suit every type of fishing - rivers, estuaries, reefs, beach, surf and deep sea.
Earlybird operates from a modern processing facility in East Rockingham with a large freezer capacity. We process more than 24 bait products and run a fleet of seven refrigerated delivery vans. We were the first to use printed product bags and bar codes for supermarket distribution, and the first to introduce price boards and marketing pamphlets for our retail partners.
Facility at a glance
Built for scale and consistency
1000 m²
processing facility
1200 m³
freezer capacity
15
team members
24+
bait products
7
refrigerated vans
300+
retail outlets
We love fishing too
The beginning of Earlybird
Earlybird Bait came a long way from humble beginnings in a residential garage. Sue and Garry Dawe have long associations with the seafood industry, and their combined skills and knowledge have helped Earlybird emerge as one of the industry leaders. As the company grew, the family moved to Hamilton Hill to stay close to the action of the fishing industry.
Garry's background
From crayfishing to bait
Garry entered the Crayfishing industry in the early 1980's and spent about 18 years as a crayfisherman before he and Sue bought Earlybird in 2000. Sue's family also pioneered, fished and farmed in the Coolup District. Garry and Sue are generously involved in sponsoring local clubs and sporting associations.
A family tradition
Fishing runs in the blood
Garry's Great Grandfather was the first person in WA to can Herring and Mullet in the late 1890's and export them to Europe. His Grandfather and Uncles took over the business in the late 1930's and supplied the Australian Army with seafood during World War II. Garry's Father fished the Mandurah Estuary and then Exmouth for 25 years.
Our history
A brief timeline
1979
Earlybird Bait began its journey to become the largest bait supplier in Western Australia.
2000
Garry and Sue Dawe bought Earlybird Bait and moved from a small workshop to a much larger complex close to the local fishermen.
2003
Earlybird Bait upgraded its fleet of vans to keep up with growing demand.
2010
Earlybird Bait moved once again to a bigger warehouse and freezer capacity in East Rockingham.
2011
Installed the Accupak VX620 VFFS bait packing machine, a significant boost to packaging capacity.
2014
Bought Polar Bait and upgraded the fleet to seven refrigerated delivery trucks.