Exmouth Game Fishing Club boasts approximately 150 gamefish records across state, national, and international categories, spanning 28 species—testament to the area’s exceptional fishing opportunities.
The town of Exmouth lies on a peninsula bordered by Exmouth Gulf to the east and the iconic Ningaloo Reef to the west, which extends southward along the coastline.
Despite a lack of significant rivers, Exmouth offers diverse fishing experiences, including sight-fishing on clear sandy flats inside reef lagoons, trolling for marlin over the Continental Shelf, and reef fishing for various tropical species.
Fishing Highlights
– Eastern Gulf Flats: Mangrove and mudflat habitats support cod, trevally, threadfin salmon, queenfish, and mud crabs, with occasional barramundi.
– Western Gulf (Learmonth north): Tropical reef species alongside temperate fish like tailor and pink snapper.
– Continental Shelf: Known for the “big three” marlin species (blue, black, striped), broadbill swordfish, and sailfish.
Infrastructure
Exmouth provides excellent boating facilities, including a marina and protected boat ramp.
Additional ramps are located at Bundegi (north) and Tantabiddi (on the ocean side).
Shore-based anglers can start at the marina rock walls. There is also a small jetty at Learmonth.
How to Fish Exmouth
– Billfish grounds: Drop-offs near Tantabiddi and offshore from the Muiron Islands are prime areas for marlin, sailfish, cobia, wahoo, Spanish mackerel, and tuna.
– Reef fishing: North West Cape offers spangled emperor, coral trout, tuskfish, and pelagic species for smaller boats. Trailerboats can access deeper waters for red emperor, rankin cod, and pearl perch.
– Sight fishing: Queenfish, trevally, bonefish and permit thrive in reef lagoons.
Ningaloo Marine Park
– Sanctuary zones: There are many different zones in Ningaloo Marine Park. Check them out before fishing.
Seasonal Features
– Sailfish: Found near offshore sand ridges, especially around bait schools during tidal movements.
– Whales & Rays: Humpback whales, whale sharks, and manta rays are frequent visitors, enhancing the area’s appeal.
Weather & Tides
– Tides are modest, with up to around 2.45m movement.
– Cyclones may occur during summer, while powerful sea breezes are common in the afternoon.
Additional Attractions
Diving and snorkeling are popular due to clear waters and vibrant coral reefs. The shallow and calm lagoons are a great place to introduce youngsters to the marine world.
Nearby Giralia Station at the south end of the gulf was being turned into a national park at the time of writing.
Here is a list of recommended tackle for WA waters.
Exmouth tides |
WA fishing regulations |
Ningaloo Marine Park |
WA marine parks |
Return to WA Fishing Map
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