Western Australia has an international reputation for spectacular offshore fishing, and if you are looking for serious game fishing WA has few destinations more exciting than Exmouth.
Positioned on the North West Cape beside Ningaloo Reef, Exmouth gives anglers access to reef systems, open ocean and deep offshore water. The continental shelf lies only a relatively short distance offshore, helping create an extraordinary variety of fishing opportunities.
For game anglers, that can mean everything from explosive sailfish and hard-running tuna to mahi mahi, wahoo and some of the ocean’s most impressive marlin.
So, what can you actually catch while game fishing in WA?
Let’s look at some of the incredible species you could encounter on an Exmouth fishing adventure.
Why Is Exmouth So Good for Game Fishing?
Location is one of Exmouth’s biggest advantages.
Ningaloo Reef runs along the coastline while the continental shelf and deep blue water are accessible offshore. This creates a variety of habitats within a relatively compact area.
Rather than being restricted to one style of fishing, anglers can potentially target billfish, tuna and other pelagic predators as well as sportfish around reefs and shallower structure.
Exmouth is also remarkable for its billfish diversity. All six billfish species encountered in Australian waters can be found in the region: blue marlin, black marlin, striped marlin, sailfish, broadbill swordfish and shortbill spearfish.
That variety has helped make Exmouth one of Australia’s premier destinations for serious sport and game fishing.
Blue Marlin
For many anglers, blue marlin represent the ultimate prize.
Powerful, spectacular and capable of blistering runs, these fish provide exactly the kind of challenge that makes big-game fishing so addictive.
Exmouth’s access to deep offshore water provides excellent opportunities to target blue marlin using heavy tackle. Trolling lures and teasers allows the boat to cover productive water while searching for these powerful predators.
When a blue marlin strikes, things can change very quickly. The combination of raw power, speed and spectacular aerial displays can make a blue marlin encounter one of the highlights of an angler’s life.
For anglers specifically interested in blue marlin, Innkeeper Sport Fishing’s heavy-tackle season generally runs from October through April.
Black Marlin
Black marlin are another iconic species available to anglers fishing around Exmouth.
While large specimens can be encountered, smaller black marlin also provide exciting light-tackle opportunities.
Their speed and aggressive behaviour make them an outstanding game fishing target, while their tendency to jump during a fight creates exactly the spectacle anglers hope for when travelling to a world-class billfishing destination.
Black marlin can be targeted alongside other billfish, making them an important part of Exmouth’s diverse game fishing experience.
Striped Marlin
Completing Exmouth’s trio of commonly targeted marlin species is the striped marlin.
Striped marlin are highly regarded by game anglers for their fighting qualities and spectacular appearance. Hooking one can result in fast runs, direction changes and impressive jumps.
The opportunity to encounter blue, black and striped marlin in the same general fishing destination is one of the features that sets Exmouth apart.
If catching multiple marlin species is on your fishing bucket list, WA’s North West Cape deserves serious consideration.
Sailfish
Few game fish are more spectacular than sailfish.
Their enormous dorsal fin makes them instantly recognisable, but it is their speed and acrobatic fighting style that makes them such an exciting target.
Sailfish can provide fantastic light-tackle action, with multiple hookups possible when conditions and fish activity align.
For anglers who have never experienced billfishing before, sailfish can provide an unforgettable introduction. However, experienced game anglers are just as likely to appreciate their speed, aggression and spectacular aerial displays.
Yellowfin Tuna
Not every game fishing adventure has to revolve around billfish.
Yellowfin tuna are powerful pelagic predators capable of giving anglers an exhausting fight.
Hooking a good yellowfin can quickly demonstrate just how much strength these fish possess. Their powerful runs and ability to dive deep during the fight mean quality tackle and good technique are essential.
Yellowfin tuna can be targeted offshore around Exmouth and provide an exciting alternative or bonus catch while searching for marlin and other pelagic species.
Mahi Mahi
Bright colours, aggressive strikes and aerial fights make mahi mahi one of the most enjoyable game fish you can encounter.
Also commonly known as dolphinfish, mahi mahi are unmistakable when they appear beside the boat. Their vivid greens, yellows and blues make them particularly photogenic.
They can also be extremely aggressive feeders.
Mahi mahi may be encountered around floating debris, current lines and offshore structures where baitfish congregate. When a school is located, fishing can become fast and exciting.
Wahoo
If speed is what you want, wahoo should be high on your list.
These streamlined predators are perfectly designed for attacking prey at high speed. A wahoo strike can result in line disappearing from the reel at an astonishing rate.
Wahoo can be encountered while trolling offshore and are an exciting addition to the variety available during a WA game fishing trip.
Their combination of speed, sharp teeth and aggressive behaviour means anglers need suitable tackle and experienced guidance to successfully bring one alongside the boat.
Spanish Mackerel
Spanish mackerel are another formidable pelagic predator found in Western Australian waters.
Known for explosive strikes and fast runs, Spanish mackerel are popular with sport anglers and can provide excellent action around reef edges and other productive areas.
They are powerful, streamlined hunters equipped with extremely sharp teeth, so appropriate tackle and rigging are important when targeting them.
For anglers who enjoy fast-paced sportfishing, Spanish mackerel can be a fantastic species to encounter.
Giant Trevally
Giant trevally, commonly called GTs, have earned a formidable reputation among sport anglers.
Rather than relying on long offshore trolling sessions, targeting GTs can involve casting poppers and stickbaits around reef edges and structure.
Watching a big trevally smash a surface lure is an unforgettable experience.
Once hooked, the challenge is far from over. GTs are incredibly powerful and will often head straight towards reef or structure, putting both angler and equipment under serious pressure.
Cobia
Cobia are another impressive sportfish that may be encountered in Exmouth waters.
These large, powerful fish are strong fighters and can turn up around reefs, larger marine animals and offshore structure.
They may not receive quite the same attention as marlin or sailfish, but hooking a substantial cobia can produce an excellent battle.
What About Reef Fishing?
One of the advantages of fishing from Exmouth is that game fishing isn’t the only option.
Depending on the trip, conditions and anglers’ goals, fishing around the region can also produce excellent reef species.
Potential catches include red emperor, coral trout, rankin cod, spangled emperor and goldband snapper.
This diversity can be particularly appealing during longer fishing trips. Instead of spending the entire adventure targeting one species, anglers can potentially combine offshore game fishing with sportfishing, jigging and bottom fishing.
When Is the Best Time for Game Fishing in WA?
There is no single answer because different species and fishing styles can be productive at different times.
For anglers specifically targeting blue marlin with heavy tackle around Exmouth, October through April is a particularly important period.
However, Exmouth offers game fishing opportunities throughout the year, including light-tackle fishing for species such as black marlin and sailfish.
Conditions, currents, water temperatures and bait activity can all influence where fish are found.
This is why fishing with an experienced local skipper can be such an advantage. Rather than simply targeting the same location every day, the fishing plan can be adjusted around current conditions and the species anglers most want to encounter.
Do You Need Game Fishing Experience?
No.
One of the misconceptions surrounding game fishing is that you need years of experience before attempting it.
Beginners can absolutely enjoy an Exmouth game fishing charter.
Innkeeper Sport Fishing’s crew regularly coaches first-time game anglers through the process. Depending on the fishing, anglers can fight fish using a stand-up harness or fighting chair.
Experienced anglers, meanwhile, can pursue more specialised goals and techniques.
The charter can therefore be tailored around your group’s experience and what you hope to achieve.
Game Fishing WA: Questions and Answers
What game fish can you catch in Western Australia?
Exmouth waters offer an exceptional range of game species, including blue marlin, black marlin, striped marlin, sailfish, yellowfin tuna, mahi mahi and wahoo. Other sportfish include Spanish mackerel, cobia, giant trevally, golden trevally, queenfish and amberjack.
Can you catch marlin in WA?
Yes. Exmouth is particularly well known for marlin fishing. Blue, black and striped marlin can all be encountered, while the wider region also holds sailfish, broadbill swordfish and shortbill spearfish.
Where is the best game fishing in WA?
There are excellent fisheries along the Western Australian coastline, but Exmouth is internationally recognised as a premier game fishing destination. Its location beside Ningaloo Reef and proximity to the continental shelf provide access to an unusually diverse range of fishing grounds.
What is the best time to catch blue marlin in Exmouth?
The heavy-tackle blue marlin season generally runs from October to April. Fishing opportunities exist throughout the year, however, and the best period ultimately depends on your target species.
Can beginners go game fishing?
Absolutely. You don’t need previous game fishing experience. An experienced crew can explain the equipment, fighting techniques and what to do when a fish strikes.
Can you catch sailfish in Exmouth?
Yes. Sailfish are one of the major billfish species encountered around Exmouth and can provide outstanding light-tackle action.
What other fish can you catch besides marlin?
Depending on where and how you fish, potential catches include sailfish, yellowfin tuna, mahi mahi, wahoo, Spanish mackerel, cobia, giant trevally, golden trevally, queenfish and amberjack. Reef fishing can also produce species including red emperor, coral trout and rankin cod.
Are fishing licences included on an Innkeeper charter?
Yes. Innkeeper Sport Fishing states that the required Western Australian fishing licence is included with its full-day exclusive billfishing charters, along with tackle.
Are there bag and size limits for game fish in WA?
Yes. Western Australia has recreational fishing rules covering bag limits, minimum sizes and other requirements. These rules can change, so anglers should always check the latest WA recreational fishing regulations before fishing or retaining a catch.
Experience Game Fishing in Exmouth, WA
Game fishing is unpredictable, and that is a big part of its appeal.
You might head offshore hoping for a marlin and encounter tuna or mahi mahi along the way. You might spend the morning searching deep water before a billfish suddenly appears behind the teaser. On another trip, the action could involve sailfish, wahoo or powerful sportfish around the reef.
It is this combination of variety and opportunity that makes Exmouth such a special destination.
Innkeeper Sport Fishing offers private game fishing adventures from Exmouth aboard purpose-equipped vessels, with trips tailored to different experience levels and fishing goals.
Whether catching your first billfish is on your bucket list or you are an experienced angler chasing another trophy fish, game fishing WA provides the opportunity to experience some of Australia’s most exciting bluewater fishing.
Ready to see what you can catch?
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