Quite a few southern crew come to Exmouth to escape the cold of winter and we are certainly noticing a few of the regular crews up here in the last week. It’s lovely to see the smiling faces and there’s a lot to catch up with after the rainy summer we’ve had.  Summer rains from cyclones can mean good fishing, so many of the regulars are keen to get amongst the waves and taste that succulent fresh food we are so lucky to have at our doorstep.

There’s not been a shortage of reports coming in either with spangled emperor around the west side and in the deeper waters. A crew fishing from Andrew Campbell’s boat “Apparently” launched at Bundegi at 4:30 one afternoon and headed out to an area a few miles North of North West reef. They had the blessing of calm water and were at the bottom of the neap tide: so no current. The sounder was alive with fish on the bottom lock. The action was nonstop with emperor, both spangled and blue line, as well as black spot tusk fish and a few spanish flag.  After a couple of small moves to elude the sharks they managed to get a feed and finally headed back to the ramp at 6:00 pm with five very nice fish to feed the tribe of 14 back at camp.

Young Hayden Michaels was up again from Mandurah with his Dad for a ‘boys trip’. The two camped out on the boat at the moorings at Tantabiddi and enjoyed some great weather and even better fishing.  During the trip Hayden caught the colourful coronation trout pictured this week. We expect to see Hayden again thoughout the year and his family as they all love their fishing.

Hayden coronation trout

We’re pleased to say that local Kailis squid is back and working well for those using bait. Fresh bait is always best and the local squid is a favourite of many species in Exmouth! The spangled emperor love it from the shore line along the west side and any of the reef species will take a shining to it as well.

Did you volunteer during the AIBT and Gamex this year?  The EGFC is saying a big thank you this week, as it is volunteer’s week, to all our great helpers. There will be a complimentary BBQ dinner and drinks at the EGFC clubhouse from 6pm on Friday 20th May. Recfishwest will also be holding a forum at 6pm, so why don’t you come down to see and talk to other anglers in Exmouth? If you were a volunteer and can be there, or would like to join in, please contact past-President, Jeni Gates on 0408 905 448 as the EGFC need to know numbers for catering.