Exmouth Tackle World Fishing Report #3317
Big Mac is a term used in Exmouth that has absolutely nothing to do with a fast food chain. It is all to do with some very big smiles on faces. That was the case this week with anglers John Fraser and his mate visiting from Port Lincoln in SA. The boys were testing the new Shimano Stealth Rods with some Dumbell Poppers. They were aboard On Strike and landed the Stonker Spanish Mak or Spanyiard pictured below. It was estimated to be over 30kg and John has fallen in love with Exmouth and will return.[caption id="attachment_2400" align="alignleft" width="300"]
John Fraser & mate's Spanyiard caught with new Stealth Shimano Rod[/caption]
Reef Fishing
Shark Mackerel have been thick in the areas around norwest reef, along with schools of Mack Tuna. Remember to look out for those ever-present Whales. Speaking of whales, night fishing in calm conditions at this time of year can be incredible when the motors are off and all you hear is the whales calling. However, whether it is day or night, there are heaps of whales out there, so be extra careful when at steam. We had some guys in last week reporting that the reef fishing has been amazing this year with no troubles finding fish. In fact, they were saying that it’s almost too easy this year. They have been reaching limits early and complaining that the days on the water are not long enough!Around the Gulf
Bill Price and Dave Thomas from Margaret River are staying at Giralia station this week and have been fly fishing. They were using soft plastics in the lower gulf. They have had success with Broad Barred Mackeral and Shark Mackeral while enjoying the winter warmth of the north. Walking the flats and enjoying the serenity while there is no phone coverage is a huge draw card for many tourists to this area. Using a fly out fit or light to medium tackle certainly adds to the enjoyment and if you can take home a fresh meal for dinner, then I’d say it’s a winner. Dale Moir has been in Exmouth this week after fishing success in the recent tournament in Karratha. Dale managed to get on to some Dolphin Fish off Tantabiddi, along with some Marlin that have been feeding on the copious amounts of baitfish this year. The crew were fishing off Helby Bank and Dale is a regular visitor for the EGFC events throughout the year, particularly GAMEX. The EGFC are hoping to get many of the past entrants to the 2018 GAMEX event and celebrate the 50 years of fishing tournaments in Exmouth.Exmouth Tackle World Fishing Report #3417
Rohan Sankey is up on holidays and came in to the shop for some local information on what is biting and where. The staff suggested he go to certain areas for the wind and tides and put him on the right spots. He managed to catch Giant Trevally and Big Eye Trevally at Oysters and a Queenie near the tip of the cape. The new moon phase at this time of year is the best time to walk these areas at dusk and after dark. Exmouth Tackle World thoroughly recommended you have a headlamp, good rock spike boots, a backpack and warm clothing. Gloves is another essential, especially if handling fish for release. It is best to have someone with you in this area at this time, as sometimes the swell can pick up. We also recommend using barbless hooks for ease of hook retrieval.[caption id="attachment_2401" align="alignleft" width="300"]
Rohan Sankey with one of his nightime Fish[/caption]
Winter Wonders!
Winter resident Trevor Earl managed to get himself an 8.5kg Giant Herring in the gulf last month, which was a very fine effort. However it was pipped at the post for the monthly competition by Kev Towers, who landed a cracking Bluebone about the same weight. Giant Herring can come in big numbers at this time of year in the gulf and they are often at the tip of the cape as well. The Bluebone are good at anytime of year and are one of the tastiest fish in this area. Make sure if you get one to use the whole fish including the wings and head. The wings are sensational on any fish and can be baked or fried. The head of the Bluebone makes the best seafood chowder in many peoples’ opinion. You can also baste the frames with soy and honey, then place on foil on the BBQ. The amount of meat you can get from all these methods is amazing and should not be wasted. There is actually a group of people that have a specific ‘wing night’ every so often and invite people over to enjoy all the wings cooked up. Each person bringing a salad, which is great to see.Filming Sessions!
Sports personality Andrew ET Ettinghousen returned to Exmouth for another filming session this week. ET has filmed here at least four times previously and it’s great to have him back to enjoy the fishing on offer in Exmouth. Other TV personality Paul Worsteling will return soon with his family without the cameras for another fishing holiday. Paul fishes around the world yet continuously chooses Exmouth for his family fishing holiday. That shows how great the fishing is here.Family Fishing Fun!
Kalvin Gates, aged five, and Tahlia Mossman, aged 7, both managed to have a turn on a rod and reel last week with a Black Marlin. The pair were fishing with their brother and sister and two mum’s off Norwest Reef when the weather was glass before the high tide. There was not a bird in sight, nor a baitfish. They decided to go slightly northwest and in just 30m a little black estimated at 30kg came into the spread of lures. A bait was pitched back on a circle hook and the lures cleared. It was rather mayhem with four kids aged between 3 & 8, plus the two mum’s, but it all came together. The fish was brought in Boatside and happily released after a few quick photos. It jumped several times for all the kids to see and was released just before the wind picked up. There were plenty of whales about to keep the kids amused and luckily they were not far out when the wind picked up.[caption id="attachment_2402" align="alignleft" width="300"]
Little Black Marlin caught by Kalvin Gates & Tahlia Mossman[/caption]
Exmouth Tackle World are expecting there will be more entrants this year for the Australian Junior Billfish Tournament and the EGFC has a few boats keen to take out juniors, as well as some teams short on anglers. So, if you are wanting to join a team with your child, please contact the events coordinator by clicking here
Exmouth Tackle World - tackle fishing, tackle boating, tackle snorkeling, tackle... just about anything click here for further information
- Exmouth Tackle World is open 7 days from 7am-6pm every day of the year except Christmas Day
- Exmouth Tackle World has a monthly fishing comp. Free entry....!
- You could win a $50 voucher to spend in-store at Exmouth Tackle World.
- Every entrant also goes in to the draw to win $1000 worth of Shimano fishing gear
