Tackleworld Exmouth weekly fishing report

School holidays are around the corner, and with most States having the same holiday period, we expect it will be exceptionally busy in Exmouth for the two weeks.

Fishing charters and tours get booked out early, so if you are a visitor we suggest you book as soon as possible.

There are so many more options these days in Exmouth, from fly-fishing guides to reef fishing, sports fishing, billfishing and fishing from a kayak.

Of course, if you just want to hit the shores yourself, there are plenty of options.

Checking out the local tackle shop is the best way to ensure you are on the right path to have a successful time.

The gulf blue swimmer crabs have been showing up in good numbers, according to local reports.

The weather forecast for the weekend was supposed to be horrid, but it turned out fabulously and crabs were the talk of several crews that headed south in the gulf.

Squid have also been around on the flats down there, but the prawns have been scarce in comparison to previous years.

Drop nets in a small boat are the best way to catch the blue swimmers, but if you’re restricted to the land and keen to walk the shoreline with a crab scoop, you may be pleasantly surprised.

You can also just use the drop nets from the shore, but make sure you have the correct licence for netting before heading out.

This licence is also required if using a throw net for prawns or bait collection.

Tim Johnson managed to catch 12 blue manna crabs in three nets off the side of the Learmonth Jetty in an hour.

Learmonth Jetty has been another hotspot this past week, with reports of big flathead along the beaches, along with squid and whiting, which is expected at this time of year.

Children using light gear and tiny lures for whiting have had fun, or the use of soft plastics for the flathead has been another successful technique.

Bait fishing with prawns for these bread-and-butter species has also been effective for those who prefer to use bait. Tuna have been coming within casting range of the jetty and we suggest a medium-sized outfit with braid and a metal slice cast far and retrieved with speed to target these fish.

The school mackerel have made a good presence there for light tackle fun.

If you are not sure of how to set up for these species, drop in and ask the staff at Tackleworld, who have been in among the action.

Winter is giant trevally from the shore season for some anglers and a few have been heading out to target the hardy giant trevally at dawn and dusk.

We always recommend using barbless hooks for these feisty fish that will find any weak link in your terminal tackle.

Using barbless hooks is far better for hook retrieval and can also help the fish spit the lure if you lose the connection. Gloves are also recommended for handling the fish before release.