Although the weather has been a little unpredictable, many anglers are still reporting good fishing with a wide variety of species being landed. The gulf has been producing large numbers of both shark and Spanish mackerel and fish of up to 25kg have been landed 300m from the marina rock wall. Bait schools are starting to appear as the water warms up and sailfish start to raise their heads.

Anglers fishing the west side for Red Emperor and Rankin cod on bottom rigs have been surprised by the large number of sailfish and marlin taking baits. After a quick photo and high fives all round, fish are realised ready to fight another day. Spangled emperor and squid are great options in the shallows when trying to hide from the wind.

For anyone wanting to try something new, head over to the Muiron Islands and throw around some poppers. Be sure to hold on tight as huge mackies have been launching into the air to avoid capture and shake the hooks free. If your luck enough yellow fin tuna are all part of the mixed bag.

Anglers casting small lures from the beaches surrounding Learmonth, approximately 30km south of Exmouth townsite, have been reporting catches of great sized queenfish. These silver flanked sportfish have been in good numbers right along the shore line, from the tip of the peninsula all the way down to the bottom of the gulf. Small metal baitfish profile lures are a great option for this style of fishing as they provide optimum cast distance and can be worked in a variety of retrieve speeds.

Also within the gulf longtail tuna schools have been spotted harassing hapless bait schools. One angler recalled a recent experience where she witnessed dolphins and longtail’s feeding in unison to rapidly devour a small school of baitfish only metres from the bow of her boat.

Reggie Mackerel