Lobster firm netting tourists

When the Thompson family started their rock lobster business in Cervantes more than 40 years ago, success relied on their ability to net the perfect catch.

And although fishing expertise is still integral to the business today, the Thompson brothers are now netting more than just rock lobsters - they have caught the imagination of hundreds of tourists visiting the picturesque town, 200km north of Perth.

The Indian Ocean Rock Lobster company established its tourist branch, the Lobster Shack, just over a year ago, two months after Indian Ocean Drive was opened.

In the first 12 months of operation, 16,000 people visited the site and since then the number has greatly increased.

Lobster Shack manager Nikki Tucker said they were overwhelmed by the amount of interest in the business.

"We had so many people come through asking for tours that we used to do a quick walk-through with them," she said.

"When more and more people started asking, we decided to set up a proper tour.

"Now, we have a cafe and gift shop and can offer tours in 10 different languages."

The business - which won a WA Tourism award for development last year - will expand to offer boat tours by April.

Owner David Thompson said this would add a new dimension to the tourist experience.

"People will be able to go out with the fishermen and watch the craypots get pulled up," he said.