NOW EXPERIENCING:Rodney’s Bait ’n Tackle
Drinks Directory|Outdoor area|Brilliant beer list|Bar

Rodney’s Bait ’n Tackle

Friday: 4:00 PM – 12:00 AM
598 Stirling Highway, Mosman Park, WA, 6012
Phone
No phone
Website
rodneysbar.com.au
Instagram
@rodneysbar

Read time 3 Mins

Posted 02 Jun 2023

By
Max Veenhuyzen

Fun ahoy! Set sail for this cosy fishing-themed bar where craft beer, rum, seafood and relaxed coastal vibes rule, making it a no-brainer for locals and visitors alike.

Entrace to rodney’s bait ’n tackle
Why you goA fishing themed bar? That opened this century? On paper, Rodney’s might come across like a silly idea, but in reality, this suburban watering hole is a delight. Owners Nathan Nisbet and Scott Kociuruba wanted to create a neighbourhood hub that spoke to Perth’s coastal lifestyle as well as the fishing history of Scott’s family. The result is a cosy fantasy tying together seafaring folklore, West Australiana aplenty, and no small amount of timber and fish taxidermy. Oh, and the bar itself is also built into a boat. That’s inside the bar. If you’re going to open a themed bar, you might as well embrace that theme hook, line and sinker.
Why you stayRodney’s is a bar with its phasers permanently set to fun. Fishing buoys and plastic seagulls hang from the ceiling, vintage fishing rods, maps and steering wheels crowd the walls, and stools are arranged around the hull of the 1950s timber cruiser-turned-bar that beats at the heart of Rodney’s. The crowd here look and dress like they’re right at home. Some don thongs and shorts, others have come straight from the office. Some wander in clutching skateboards. Everyone’s relaxed, including the outgoing staff, who are in tune with the approachable, here-for-the-locals vibe.
Picture of Rodney's bar
drinks at Rodney's bait and tackel
What drink to orderBeers, as any angler will tell you, are an important part of any fishing trip. They’re clearly an important part of fishing-themed pubs, or at least at Rodney’s where WA craft beers are constantly rotated through the taps. While limited releases from local brewers such as Heroes and Villains and Rocky Ridge come and go, the house lager and pale ale are permanent fixtures. Keeping to the maritime theme, rum is another focus, although the whisky and gin line-ups are also strong. House cocktails like the Cottesloe Sunset and pleasantly medicinal Old Mauritian – a rum Old-Fashioned sweetened with Earl Grey syrup and pineapple – reinforce the coastal theme. Otherwise, a Hemingway – the rum classic named for the American author who loved both drinks and the sea – feels like a very apt drink order.
What to pair it withNo prizes for guessing that seafood is the menu’s focus. Keep on top of your fish intake with plus-sized tacos cradling fingers of tempura-fried barramundi; fish and chips (also with barra, although this time the fish is grilled); or as anchovy add-ons to crisp pizzas made with pita bread. It’s all stuff that pairs nicely with the bar’s beer selection. Beyond the seafood, the steak sandwich is a flashback to Aussie pub culture, while the kitchen also serves terrific falafels. Although food service finishes at 8:30pm (and 8:00pm on Sundays), the takeaway pizza joint next door is on hand to tame the late-night munchies.
Why we love itWhen was the last time you drank at a bar with a giant mounted sailfish looking down on you? Or you were given a numbered fishing handline so that easy-going waiters could bring your food to you? And how many places do you know still run Friday evening fish raffles with winners invited to an exclusive end-of-year prom? Rodney’s has zero interest in being one of the cool kids, which helps explain why the atmosphere here is unpretentious, happy-go-lucky and – perhaps the most crucial element of a night out – fun.
images of Rodney's bait and tackel fishing themed bar
Why we love itDaily food specials suggest Rodney’s is looking out for locals. In addition to generously discounted steak sangers and fish and chips, weekday happy hours are another sign that Rodney’s cares. Live music and DJs are also part of the offering. While there’s no cover charge on the nights there’s entertainment, a 10% surcharge is in effect during performances. If being surrounded by vintage knick-knacks suddenly has you thinking of a home makeover, two op-shops plus one of Perth’s premier mid-century and Danish modern furniture dealers are also on the same block. Happy hunting.
Who to take“Born to fish, forced to work.” If you know anyone with this slogan on a T-shirt, mug or tyre cover, Rodney’s is for them. Not that an interest in fishing is a prerequisite for enjoyment – all that’s needed is an appreciation of yesteryear, relaxed service and good drinks. If you live in the area, Rodney’s is undoubtedly your after-work pitstop of choice, but for those coming from elsewhere, this singular, personality-filled prospect is perfect for dates, catch-ups with mates, casual dinners and other situations where you want to hear yourself drink. Drop anchor and make merry.
image credits: Trasko Industrial Photography, drink by Rachael Barrett
Authour image
Max VeenhuyzenMax Veenhuyzen is a Perth food, drink and travel journalist who contributes to key Australian publications.
Tags
Drinks DirectoryAfter work drinksA+ spirits listPubOutdoor areaWheelchair accessibleBarMeal and a bevCasual catch-upGood for groupsPerthVego Food OptionsDate nightBrilliant beer list
REPORT A VENUE CLOSURE/REPORT AN ERROR
Related Articles