Exmouth’s grander blue marlin

About 500 people gathered in Exmouth for the weigh-in of a 1089lb potential record blue marlin. Picture: Tackle World Exmouth
About 500 people gathered in Exmouth for the weigh-in of a 1089lb potential record blue marlin. Picture: Tackle World Exmouth

Exmouth is an amazing fishing destination, perhaps unique.

It was in the spotlight again after Peak Sportfishing landed Australia’s first grander blue marlin.

The fish was taken on New Year’s Day 2018.

Skipper, ex-Darwin lad Eddy Lawler, and Coffs Harbour fisho Clay Hilbert, landed the 1089lb fish.

It is likely to be a new national record, and the first 1000lb+ blue marlin caught in Australia.

The current record is held by Melanie Kisbee, who caught a 996lb blue marlin in 1999 off Batemans Bay, NSW.

Rowan Smith has the current WA record at 813lb, caught off Exmouth in February 2014.

The latest catch will attract international attention.

Exmouth is a prime location because the Continental Shelf comes in close, providing the deep clear water blue marlin like.

Broadbill swordfish are another possibility in such waters.

Exmouth is also renowned for nearby Ningaloo Reef, a fringing coastal reef that extends far south along the coast, with crystal clear water inside the sandy lagoon providing sight fishing for species such as bonefish, golden trevally, queenfish and giant herring.

Along the outside of the reef are all manner of fishing opportunities.

It is a true fishing playground.

Meanwhile, Tackle World Exmouth’s Jeni Gates said a fibreglass replica of the big blue marlin would be displayed in the shop.



Booking.com

Book your fishing B&B early at Booking.com



Buy Redback on eBay