Exmouth, Western Australia, is one of the country’s great fishing destinations. Sitting alongside the spectacular Ningaloo Reef and within easy reach of deep offshore waters, Exmouth gives anglers access to an extraordinary mix of game fish, pelagic predators and prized reef species.
For anyone considering Exmouth fishing charters, the sheer variety is one of the biggest attractions. One day might involve trolling offshore for a powerful blue marlin, while another could see you casting at giant trevally or dropping baits onto productive reef country for red emperor and coral trout.
Whether your idea of a perfect fishing trip is battling a billfish, chasing fast-moving pelagics or bringing home quality reef fish, there is something here for almost every angler.
Here are 15 of the top Exmouth fish species you could encounter on the water.
1. Blue Marlin
Blue marlin are among the most prestigious game fish found off Exmouth and a major reason serious anglers travel to this part of Western Australia.
These powerful billfish inhabit the deep offshore waters beyond Ningaloo Reef, where the continental shelf provides excellent big-game fishing opportunities. Their combination of size, speed and stamina makes hooking a blue marlin an experience few anglers forget.
Trolling skirted game-fishing lures is a popular way of searching for blues, with heavy tackle used when targeting larger fish. Once hooked, expect blistering runs, spectacular jumps and a serious test of both angler and equipment.
For dedicated game fishers, a blue marlin is one of Exmouth’s ultimate prizes.
2. Black Marlin
Black marlin add another dimension to Exmouth’s outstanding billfish fishery.
They can be encountered in different areas and depths depending on conditions, bait movements and the time of year. Smaller blacks provide fantastic light- and medium-tackle sport, while bigger specimens are capable of testing even experienced game anglers.
Live baiting, trolling baits and trolling lures can all be effective techniques.
The possibility of encountering several billfish species during a fishing trip is one of the qualities that makes Exmouth such an exciting destination for travelling game fishers.
3. Striped Marlin
Striped marlin complete Exmouth’s impressive trio of commonly targeted marlin species.
Known for their striking appearance and energetic fights, striped marlin are exciting fish to encounter offshore. They are highly regarded for their speed and aerial displays and can be targeted using several established game-fishing techniques.
For anglers hoping to tick multiple marlin species off their bucket list, Exmouth provides an exceptional opportunity.
4. Sailfish
Few game fish are as spectacular as a sailfish when it lights up and launches clear of the water.
Exmouth is particularly well known for sailfish, including opportunities to target them in the waters of Exmouth Gulf. During periods when baitfish concentrate, sailfish can gather and create thrilling sight-fishing opportunities.
October and November are particularly notable for Innkeeper’s Gulf sailfish fishing.
Watching fish feeding at the surface before casting or presenting a bait adds a visual element that makes sailfishing especially memorable.
5. Spanish Mackerel
Spanish mackerel are fast, aggressive and armed with razor-sharp teeth, making them a favourite among sport fishers visiting Exmouth.
They are commonly associated with reef edges, drop-offs and areas where baitfish gather. Trolling lures and rigged baits are popular methods, although they may also attack cast lures when actively feeding.
The first run of a large Spanish mackerel is unforgettable. They can strip line from a reel at remarkable speed and demand strong tackle and reliable terminal gear.
They’re also highly regarded as a table fish when handled correctly.
6. Yellowfin Tuna
Yellowfin tuna bring raw speed and endurance to the list of Exmouth’s prized pelagic species.
These powerful tuna can be encountered in offshore waters, particularly where currents, baitfish and feeding activity intersect. Birds working over the surface can sometimes reveal schools of tuna feeding below.
Trolling is an effective search method, while casting lures to actively feeding fish can produce explosive strikes.
Once hooked, yellowfin are famous for long runs followed by determined circles beneath the boat. Larger fish can turn into serious endurance battles.
7. Mahi Mahi
Few offshore fish look quite as impressive beside the boat as a brightly coloured mahi mahi.
Also known as dolphinfish, mahi mahi are characterised by brilliant greens, blues and yellows. They’re aggressive predators and exciting targets on relatively light tackle.
They can be found around floating debris, current lines and other areas that concentrate bait offshore. Trolling small lures or baits is effective, while casting to visible fish can provide even more exciting action.
Mahi mahi are acrobatic fighters and excellent eating fish, giving anglers the best of both worlds.
8. Wahoo
If speed is what you’re looking for, wahoo deserve a place near the top of your Exmouth target list.
Built like torpedoes, these streamlined predators are capable of extraordinary bursts of acceleration. They patrol offshore waters and can smash trolled lures with little warning.
Wahoo strikes are often dramatic, with line disappearing from the reel almost instantly.
Their sharp teeth mean appropriate leaders and carefully prepared tackle are important. Landing one is an achievement—and another example of the diversity available on Exmouth fishing charters.
9. Giant Trevally
The giant trevally, or GT, has a reputation as one of the toughest sport fish swimming around tropical reefs.
Large GTs combine explosive strikes with enormous pulling power. When hooked near reef structure, they immediately put pressure on tackle as they attempt to reach cover.
Casting large poppers and surface stickbaits along reef edges is one of the most exciting ways to target them. Watching a big GT charge a surface lure before engulfing it is an experience that can turn even seasoned anglers into GT fanatics.
Exmouth’s extensive reef system provides outstanding opportunities for this highly prized sport fish.
10. Golden Trevally
Golden trevally may not reach the same intimidating proportions as the largest GTs, but they offer excellent sport.
Their distinctive golden colouring and dark vertical bars make them particularly attractive fish. They’re powerful for their size and can be encountered around reefs, structure and other productive areas.
Golden trevally respond to a variety of techniques, including jigging, casting lures and fishing baits.
For anglers who enjoy active light- and medium-tackle sport fishing, they’re a welcome addition to the extraordinary range of Exmouth fish species.
11. Cobia
Cobia are powerful, curious predators found throughout Exmouth waters.
Their long bodies and dark colouring can initially cause them to be mistaken for sharks when spotted near the surface. Once hooked, however, their fighting style quickly reveals why they’re such a respected sport fish.
Cobia can be encountered around reefs, offshore structure and other large marine animals. They respond to both lures and baits and are known for tough, stubborn fights.
They are also regarded as excellent eating fish, adding another reason anglers are pleased to see one appear beside the boat.
12. Red Emperor
When reef fishing in Exmouth, red emperor are high on many anglers’ wish lists.
These striking red reef fish are famous across northern Australia for both their fighting qualities and exceptional eating characteristics.
Around Exmouth, reef fishing can cover a wide range of depths and bottom types. Quality tackle is important because a hooked red emperor will often immediately try to return to structure.
Baits are highly effective, while suitable jigs and other artificial presentations can also produce fish.
For anglers wanting to combine exciting fishing with the chance of taking home premium fillets, red emperor are difficult to beat.
13. Coral Trout
Coral trout are another iconic reef species found in Exmouth’s productive waters.
Their beautiful markings, aggressive feeding behaviour and superb eating quality make them popular with visiting and local anglers alike.
Coral trout live around reef structure, meaning stopping them quickly after the strike is essential. Once hooked, they will attempt to dive back into coral and rocky cover.
Baits, jigs and various lures can all tempt trout depending on depth and conditions.
A quality coral trout coming over the side is always an impressive sight.
14. Rankin Cod
Rankin cod are another excellent reef-fishing target around Exmouth.
These robust bottom-dwelling fish inhabit reef and offshore structure and are known for strong initial runs when hooked. As with many reef species, anglers need enough drag pressure to prevent a good fish from reaching structure.
Rankin cod are also highly regarded for their firm white flesh, making them an attractive target for anyone joining an Exmouth reef fishing charter in search of quality table fish.
Combined with red emperor, coral trout and other demersal species, they help make reef fishing around Exmouth exceptionally diverse.
15. Goldband Snapper
Goldband snapper round out our list and demonstrate just how varied Exmouth’s bottom fishing can be.
These attractive deep-water fish are valued for their eating quality and are commonly targeted by anglers fishing deeper reef and offshore areas.
Fishing for goldband snapper typically involves presenting baits or jigs close to the bottom. Because deeper water may be involved, suitable rods, reels and line capacity make the experience much more enjoyable.
They are another excellent target when the goal is to explore Exmouth’s productive offshore reef fishing.
Why Exmouth Offers Such Diverse Fishing
Exmouth’s fishing reputation isn’t built around a single species.
The region combines the Ningaloo Reef, Exmouth Gulf and relatively close access to the continental shelf. That means anglers can explore dramatically different marine environments without having to travel between completely separate fishing destinations.
There are opportunities to chase tropical reef species, cast at hard-fighting sport fish and head offshore in search of some of the ocean’s most impressive game fish.
Exmouth is also notable for its billfish diversity. Blue, black and striped marlin, sailfish, broadbill swordfish and shortbill spearfish have all been encountered in the region.
That variety is why anglers with very different fishing goals can all find something worth pursuing here.
Choosing the Right Exmouth Fishing Charter
With such a wide range of species available, choosing an experienced local charter operator can make a significant difference.
Trips can be tailored around different fishing styles and target species. Whether your goal is your first marlin, a surface strike from a giant trevally or a day chasing premium reef fish, local knowledge helps determine where and how to fish based on the conditions.
Innkeeper’s live-aboard trips provide even more freedom to explore the waters surrounding Ningaloo Reef and reach fishing areas beyond those typically covered during a standard day trip.
Experience Exmouth Fishing for Yourself
Reading about the incredible variety of Exmouth fish species is one thing. Experiencing them on the end of your line is something entirely different.
From the explosive power of giant trevally to the blistering speed of wahoo and the spectacular aerial displays of marlin and sailfish, Exmouth delivers fishing experiences that anglers remember for years.
Add prized reef species such as red emperor, coral trout, Rankin cod and goldband snapper, and it’s easy to understand why Exmouth has earned an international reputation as a sport and game fishing destination. If you’re ready to experience these waters firsthand, explore Innkeeper Sport Fishing’s Exmouth fishing charters and choose an adventure suited to your fishing goals.