The Montebello Islands are a group of more than 100 low limestone islands off the north-west coast of Western Australia, about 20 km north of Barrow Island and 120 km north-north-west of Dampier. Getting there takes a proper trip, which is exactly why so many keen anglers put it on the list. Here is when our Montebello Islands fishing charters run, how a trip works and what to expect on board the Blue Horizon.
When do the Montebello Islands trips run?
Our Montebello Islands overnight adventures run from April through to November. They are six-day trips for up to 8 people, and every trip can be tailored to suit your group. If you have a particular target in mind, such as sailfish, marlin or mackerel, or you simply want a relaxed family holiday on the water, tell us when you enquire and we will help you choose the right dates.
How a six-day Montebello Islands trip works
It is a long way out, so day one is a travelling day with plenty of fishing built in. Here is how the six days run:
- Day 1: We leave Exmouth Marina between 7am and 8am and reach the islands at about 6pm. On the way we put the lures out and trawl for sailfish, marlin, mackerel and tuna, and we stop at Barrow Island to catch some bottom fish for your first dinner on the barbecue.
- Day 2: A cooked breakfast, then a day of trawling, snorkelling for crayfish and sightseeing around the islands.
- Day 3: Bottom fishing and trawling around the islands.
- Day 4: We steam out to Tryal Rocks to trawl for mackerel, sailfish, marlin and giant trevally.
- Day 5: We fish our way down to Long Island, bottom fishing and trawling, and spend the last night moored there.
- Day 6: Bottom fish and trawl until 12pm, then steam into Exmouth, arriving at about 3pm.
What can you catch at the Montebello Islands?
The mix is what makes the trip. Out wide and around Tryal Rocks we trawl for sailfish, marlin, Spanish mackerel, tuna and giant trevally. Around the islands and along the way we drop down for bottom fish, and the best of the day often ends up on the barbecue that night. We supply the gear: Fin Nor offshore reels spooled with 80lb braid, all the bottom bouncing gear and lures for Spanish mackerel and trout. You are welcome to bring your own rods and reels, as well as jigs and soft plastics, if you prefer.
Life on board the Blue Horizon
The Blue Horizon is a 57 foot vessel with air-conditioning, 240V power and the latest electronics, purpose-built for extended trips like this one.
- Sleeping: 9 air-conditioned bunks, or take a stretcher bed and roll the swag out under the stars.
- Food: cooked breakfasts, morning teas, cold meat, fish and cray salad wraps for lunch, afternoon snacks and dinners such as steak night, Thai fish curry and a seafood feast. Tell us about any dietary needs and we will cater for you.
- Snorkelling: gear is on board. If you want to spearfish, bring your own spear gun.
Fishing rules and zones at the Montebellos
The Montebello Islands Marine Park is managed by the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions, and roughly half of it is sanctuary zone where fishing is not allowed. Fishing is only permitted in designated zones, so it pays to go with a local skipper. Recreational bag and size limits apply as they do everywhere in Western Australia, and you can check the current rules on the DPIRD page for recreational fishing in the Montebello Islands and Barrow Island marine reserves.
A little history
The Montebellos have a story to match their fishing. Britain detonated an atomic weapon in a bay off Trimouille Island in 1952, and two further tests followed in 1956 on Alpha and Trimouille Islands. The French navigator Nicolas Baudin named the islands in 1801, after the battle of Montebello. One of Australia’s first recorded shipwrecks, the Tryal, went down just west of the islands in 1622, and the limestone islands themselves have been separated from the mainland for more than 8,000 years.
What does a Montebello Islands trip cost?
Montebello trips are priced per boat rather than per person, for up to 8 people, so the cost per person drops the fuller the boat. The current price is always on our booking page.
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to fish the Montebello Islands?
Our Montebello Islands trips run from April through to November, and every trip is tailored to the group, so the best time depends on what you want to target. Tell us your goals when you enquire and we will help you choose your dates.
How long is a Montebello Islands fishing trip?
Six days. We leave Exmouth Marina between 7am and 8am on day one, reach the islands at about 6pm, and are back in Exmouth at about 3pm on day six.
How many people can come on the trip?
Up to 8 people. The Blue Horizon has 9 air-conditioned bunks, and you can also take a stretcher bed or roll out a swag under the stars.
What is included on a Montebello Islands charter?
We supply the fishing gear (Fin Nor offshore reels spooled with 80lb braid, all the bottom bouncing gear and lures for Spanish mackerel and trout), snorkelling gear, and all meals for the six days. If you want to spearfish, bring your own spear gun.
Can I bring my own rods and tackle?
Yes. You are welcome to bring your own rods and reels, as well as jigs and soft plastics.
Can you fish anywhere at the Montebello Islands?
No. The Montebello Islands Marine Park has sanctuary zones, covering roughly half the park, where fishing is not allowed, and fishing is only permitted in designated zones. It pays to go with a local skipper, and you can check the current rules with the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development.
Ready to plan your Montebello Islands adventure? Have a look at our Montebello Islands fishing charters, check dates on the booking page or get in touch with Blue Horizon Charters. If you would like a taste of the fishing out of Exmouth first, read about a recent good day on the water.
