Australian fisheries are famous for a reason, with more than 5,000 species on hand it’s truly an anglers paradise. Fishing Exmouth is no exception. Situated in the far north reaches of Western Australia, Exmouth is home to the Ningaloo marine park where tourists flock from around the world to dive with the migratory whale sharks. Exmouth is not only a snorkelling and diving hotspot but has also gained a reputation as a sport fishing Mecca.
Fishing Exmouth
Exmouth has become one of the go-to billfish destinations. Apart from sporting prolific sailfish grounds, Exmouth also offers anglers the opportunity to target black, striped and big blue marlin. Exmouth has one of the best blue marlin fisheries in Australia and is also home to the Australian blue marlin record, weighing in at 494kg caught by captain Eddie Lawler of Peak Sport Fishing.
If chasing marlin and other pelagic species isn’t your cup of tea, the waters off Exmouth also offer the chance to chase giant trevally and spanish mackerel on top water. There is also no shortage of reef dwellers prepared to give anglers dropping their favourite jig a good hiding. If fly fishing is your thing, casting feathers to sailfish offshore or the myriad of predators scouring the flats is a must if planning a visit to Exmouth.
When to Travel to Exmouth, Western Australia
Luckily, there is no bad time to fish Exmouth. Below are peak seasons for most species.
- Blue Marlin – They can be found through out the year with the peak season for big blues being from November through to February.
- Black Marlin – Good fishing can be found between April and June with the peak runs through out the rest of the year from July to March.
- Striped Marlin – Between September and December the stripes can be found in plague proportions.
- Sailfish – From July through to November the inshore fishing grounds can be filled with sails balling up bait schools.
Exmouth Fishing Tournaments and Events
Exmouth Game Fishing Club operates a number of annual tournament. See below.
- February | Exmouth Game Fishing Club | Search for Swords
- March | Exmouth Game Fishing Club | Gamex
- April | Exmouth Game Fishing Club | Australian Junior Billfish Tournament
- May | Exmouth Game Fishing Club | Masters Billfish Tournament
- August | Exmouth Game Fishing Club | Ladies Day Tournament
- October | Exmouth Game Fishing Club | Billfish Bonanza
- December | Exmouth Game Fishing Club | Heavy Tackle Tournament
Places to stay when fishing Exmouth
Despite being a small town, Exmouth offers a range of accommodation options. However, their availability is limited, so it is advised to book well in advance. From budget chalets to luxury resorts, you should be able to find something to suit you.
Mantarays Ningaloo Beach Resort, Exmouth
Mantarays is one of Exmouth’s more upmarket options. Situated on a beautiful peninsula, it is a modern hotel only 8km from Exmouth Beach and 50km from the national park.
Exmouth Escape Resort
Exmouth Escape resort offer upscale one to 3 bedroom villa style apartments which is perfect for a group of mates on a fishing adventure or for the whole family.
Exmouth Fishing Charter Companies
Some of Australia’s best charter captains call Exmouth home, with the likes of Eddy Lawler and Josh Bruynzeel operating charter companies both sporting various records.
Peak Sport Fishing
Operating a 25 foot Contender and 36 foot Black Watch, Peak Sport Fishing offers most fishing styles from heavy tackle for your game fish to popping for G.T on the reef edges.
On Strike Charters
With a fleet of 4 centre consoles, On Strike Charters offers a host of different charter options from light and heavy tackle fishing for marlin, sailfish, spanish mackerel, wahoo, mahi mahi and cobia. The On Strike Crew also specialise in topwater fishing for Giant Trevally (GT), Red Bass, Coral Trout and Queenfish.
From 2023 On Strike will be offering liveaboard trips on a 65ft catamaran accompanied by their Contender 30, Contender 25 and their 20 foot flats boat.
Getting There
Exmouth is not easy to get to, which is why it has retained its unspoilt fishing environment. Its closest airport is the Learmonth Airport, around 40km from the city centre. Qantas operates flights to Broome from most major Australian capital cities.
By road, it is about a 13-hour drive north of Perth, following the Northwest Coastal Highway. Travelling south, you also need to follow the North West Coastal Highway, turning off at the Minilya-Exmouth Road. Coach lines also operate from Perth.
What You Need to Know
Western Australia does also require the purchase of fishing licenses. All of this can be done online, and fees are minimal. If you hire a charter, it is more than likely the captain has done this for you, but if not, you can find more information here.
At the time of writing, all Covid border restrictions have been dropped.
Starting Your Exmouth Fishing Adventure
Now you know more about fishing in Exmouth, you can begin to plan your next adventure. It really is one of the greatest fishing destinations in Australia.
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