Pelagic species abundant in Exmouth

Warm water currents west of Tantabiddi are continuing to provide anglers with great options for pelagic species.

Black marlin, sailfish, wahoo, mahi-mahi and tuna are in abundance.

Anglers are starting to get quite secretive with their results as we head towards the major fishing event of the West Australian calendar, GAMEX.

Winds around the west side over the long weekend were calmer than predicted and allowed for boating crews to get out for longer to enjoy the great fishing on offer.

Matt Bowra was just one of the local crew that cleaned up on job fish in the 100m zone outside the coastal sanctuary with squid for bait.

He also brought home rankin cod, touched on the reds and managed a pearl perch among the catch.

Many families hit the camp sites west side with boats, kayaks and kids.

Dive crews were rewarded in the gulf too, with calm conditions and good water clarity.

Spangled emperor have been continuing to comb the shoreline around the west side as turtles continue to hatch each week through this time of year.

Dugongs and their young have been showing up inside the reef and the ever-present golden trevally can be found in schools patrolling the beaches.

On the fly fishing scene, we’ve had reports of land-based caught permit, along with a decent black spotted tusk fish west side.

You can get the tuskies in all areas including the west side, gulf side, tip of the cape and the marina.

If you catch one and wish to eat it, we recommend making good use of the whole fish, including the head, to minimise waste.

The heads of these fish make the best seafood stock and chowder, so don’t waste them. If you’re keen to fish the Billfish Bash competition, jump online and check out the sections.

There are more than $13,000 worth of prizes on offer and it’s a three day competition as a warm-up to GAMEX for the billfish.

For more information, go to egfc. com.au.