If you’re planning a fishing adventure in Western Australia, one question always comes up: when is the best time to fish Exmouth? The good news is that Exmouth offers outstanding fishing throughout the year. Thanks to its unique location where the continental shelf sits just a few kilometres offshore alongside the World Heritage-listed Ningaloo Reef, anglers can target everything from blue marlin and sailfish to reef species and tuna almost every month of the year.
January
January is one of the hottest months in Exmouth, but it’s also an exciting period for serious game anglers. Warm blue water pushes close to shore, attracting large pelagic species.
During January you can target:
- Blue marlin
- Black marlin
- Sailfish
- Yellowfin tuna
- Mahi mahi
- Wahoo
This is an excellent month for experienced anglers looking to battle powerful offshore game fish aboard a professionally equipped charter.
February
Fishing remains exceptional during February. Offshore conditions continue to produce outstanding billfish action, particularly for blue marlin.
Many visiting anglers choose February specifically because the warm currents bring plenty of baitfish, creating ideal feeding conditions for pelagic species.
If your dream catch is a trophy marlin, February should be high on your list.
March
March signals the transition into slightly cooler conditions while maintaining excellent offshore fishing.
Popular target species include:
- Blue marlin
- Black marlin
- Yellowfin tuna
- Wahoo
- Mahi mahi
Weather conditions often become more comfortable while the fishing remains world-class, making March one of the most enjoyable months on the calendar.
April
Many experienced local anglers consider April among the best time to fish Exmouth for variety.
As water temperatures begin to moderate, anglers enjoy opportunities to target both offshore game fish and quality reef species.
Expect excellent fishing for:
- Black marlin
- Striped marlin
- Yellowfin tuna
- Spanish mackerel
- Coral trout
- Red emperor
This combination of offshore and reef fishing makes April perfect for mixed charters.
May
May offers comfortable temperatures, calmer conditions and outstanding fishing diversity.
It’s a fantastic month for anglers wanting multiple opportunities during a single trip. Billfish remain active while reef fishing continues to improve.
Many visitors enjoy targeting:
- Black marlin
- Striped marlin
- Sailfish
- Coral trout
- Rankin cod
- Goldband snapper
June
Winter brings some of the most pleasant weather in Exmouth, with cool mornings and comfortable daytime temperatures.
Fishing remains productive across offshore and reef environments.
June is particularly popular for:
- Striped marlin
- Sailfish
- Yellowfin tuna
- Reef species
- Giant trevally
The calmer conditions often make longer offshore trips even more enjoyable.
July
July is another excellent month for visitors wanting comfortable weather and consistent fishing.
While the peak blue marlin season has passed, anglers continue enjoying action from numerous prized species throughout Exmouth’s waters.
Reef fishing is also exceptional during this time, producing premium table fish from depths ranging between 15 and 120 metres.
August
August continues the strong winter fishing season.
Popular targets include:
- Sailfish
- Striped marlin
- Yellowfin tuna
- Spanish mackerel
- Reef fish
The combination of mild weather and reliable fishing makes August a favourite for travelling anglers.
September
As spring arrives, water temperatures begin warming again and pelagic activity increases.
September offers excellent opportunities for:
- Sailfish
- Spanish mackerel
- Giant trevally
- Queenfish
- Reef species
It is also an ideal month for anglers wanting slightly quieter conditions before the peak summer game fishing season returns.
October
October marks the beginning of one of Exmouth’s most exciting fishing periods.
Large schools of baitfish enter Exmouth Gulf, attracting spectacular numbers of sailfish that feed aggressively on the surface. Sight casting to packs of sailfish provides one of Australia’s most thrilling light tackle experiences and is available only during October and November.
Blue marlin also begin appearing in greater numbers offshore, making October an outstanding month for game fishing.
November
For many anglers, November is among the absolute best time to fish Exmouth.
Fishing opportunities include:
- Blue marlin
- Black marlin
- Sailfish
- Yellowfin tuna
- Wahoo
- Mahi mahi
Both offshore and Gulf fisheries are firing, providing exceptional opportunities for multiple species during a single trip.
December
December rounds out the year with outstanding heavy tackle fishing.
Warm currents attract trophy blue marlin while numerous pelagic species remain highly active.
If you’re seeking the fishing trip of a lifetime, December delivers some of the year’s biggest fish and most memorable battles.
Why Exmouth Offers Year-Round Fishing
Unlike many destinations that have a short peak season, Exmouth provides quality fishing throughout the entire year. Its unique geography gives anglers immediate access to deep offshore waters, productive reefs and sheltered Gulf fishing, allowing experienced skippers to adapt to changing conditions and seasonal fish movements.
Whether you’re interested in heavy tackle marlin fishing, light tackle sailfish adventures, reef fishing for delicious table species or multi-day liveaboard expeditions, there’s always something worth chasing.
Book Your Exmouth Fishing Adventure
If you’re still wondering about the best time to fish Exmouth, the answer depends on your dream catch.
For trophy blue marlin, plan your visit between October and April. If spectacular sailfish action is your goal, October and November are hard to beat. For comfortable weather and fantastic mixed-species fishing, April through August offers outstanding conditions.
At Innkeeper Sport Fishing, our experienced skippers know exactly where and when to target Exmouth’s incredible range of species. Whether you’re an experienced game angler or planning your very first offshore adventure, we’ll tailor your charter to the season and maximise your chances of landing the fish you’ve always dreamed of.