Fishing Charters
in Exmouth

Exmouth is one of Australia's premier sportfishing destinations — the gateway to Ningaloo Reef and the North West Shelf, where warm tropical water brings sailfish, marlin, Spanish mackerel and wahoo within easy reach of a day trip. An Exmouth fishing charter puts you onto world-class game fish, quality reef species and light-tackle sport fishing in conditions that are hard to beat anywhere in the country.

Why Exmouth is a top fishing charter destination

Exmouth sits where the North West Shelf pushes close to shore, and the Leeuwin Current brings warm tropical water down the coast — so pelagics that you'd normally chase off the continental shelf on the east coast turn up within a few miles of the marina here. Ningaloo Reef runs right along the coast, providing sheltered water on the inside and current lines on the outside where bait and predators gather. Exmouth Gulf on the eastern side offers calm-water fishing when the wind is up, and the offshore grounds produce sailfish, marlin and mahi-mahi in numbers that justify the trip.

What you'll catch on an Exmouth fishing charter

Sailfish is Exmouth's signature species — the flats and channel edges hold big numbers, and fly and light-tackle charters are a specialty. Black and striped marlin show up in the warmer months, along with Spanish mackerel, wahoo, yellowfin tuna and mahi-mahi on the current lines. Inside the reef, coral trout, red emperor, spangled emperor and rankin cod are the prized table fish. The gulf produces threadfin salmon, queenfish and permit on the flats. Most operators supply quality gear, with specialist light-tackle and fly outfits available.

When to plan your Exmouth fishing charter

Exmouth fishes well year-round, which is part of its appeal. The peak game fishing season runs from March to November, with the warmer months (September to May) the strongest for sailfish, marlin and pelagics. Spawning aggregations of snapper and other species draw crowds to the gulf in autumn, though these are protected closures in some areas — check with your operator. Winter (June to August) brings the whale shark season and calm, warm days ideal for reef fishing and light tackle. There's no bad time to book an Exmouth charter.

Types of Exmouth fishing charters

Most operators offer full-day offshore trips (8–10 hours) targeting sailfish, marlin and pelagics, full-day reef trips for coral trout and red emperor, and light-tackle or fly fishing trips for sailfish on the flats. Some run half-day gulf trips for families and beginners, and a few offer multi-day mothership trips to the more remote grounds. Specialty ecotourism and fishing combos are popular during whale shark season. Browse the listings above for each operator's trip options.

What to bring on your Exmouth charter

Exmouth charters typically include rods, reels, bait, tackle and ice. Bring serious sun protection — the tropical sun is brutal year-round, so a hat, long-sleeve UPF shirt, polarised sunglasses and reef-safe sunscreen are essential — plus water, a small esky for your catch and a camera. Light clothing is fine most of the year. Your operator will advise on bag limits and protected areas; Ningaloo is a marine park with sanctuary zones where fishing is prohibited, so follow their guidance.

Why book your Exmouth fishing charter through MatesBoat

MatesBoat lists verified Exmouth fishing operators with real customer reviews, so you can compare boats, read what other anglers actually caught, and contact the operator directly. No commissions, no booking fees, no middleman taking a cut. Browse the operators above and get on the water, or claim your free listing if you run an Exmouth charter.