It is a couple of days after Christmas and I have 14 people on board. It should be a good day with a mixture of kids, women and blokes.
The forecast is 10 to 15 knots from the south east.
I have decided that our best bet for today is to fish south west of the light house, as the fish seem to have gone off the bite around the Muiron Islands.
After steaming out for an hour we slowed down to put some lures out. I personally had one new lure I wanted to try out. It was a deep diver and could be towed at 10 to 12 knots. We did not have to wait long, as it was only in the water for 2 minutes and we got a 35 pound mackerel, a great start to the day.
We trolled for another half hour with no more results so it was time to drop the anchor and do some bottom fishing.
We found a spot where the sounder was showing plenty of life so we dropped anchor. The sharks got all our fish at that spot so we had to move. Shark depredation is a common part of bottom fishing in these waters, and moving on quickly is usually the best response rather than fishing on and losing more of the catch. The next spot we got a real mixed bag, Rankin Cod, Spangled Emperor, Coral Trout, Maroon Perch and 2 nice Cobia.
Over the day we moved 6 or 7 times, getting a few nice fish on each spot and ending up with a good lot of fish by the end of the day.
Everyone on board had a great day, going home with a nice bag of fish.
This is a fairly typical full day charter out of Exmouth, a mix of trolling on the way out, bottom fishing over structure, and moving spots when conditions or the sharks demand it. Bring a mixed group and there is usually something for everyone to catch and take home.
Frequently asked questions
What area do Blue Horizon day trips fish?
We typically fish reef and structure around the Exmouth Gulf and Muiron Islands area, choosing the spot on the day based on conditions and how the fish are biting.
What fish can you expect to catch on a day charter?
A mixed bag is typical. This trip produced mackerel trolling on the way out, then Rankin Cod, Spangled Emperor, Coral Trout, Maroon Perch and Cobia bottom fishing over structure.
What happens if sharks take your catch while bottom fishing?
Shark depredation does happen in these waters. When it does, the best response is usually to move to a new spot rather than keep fishing and losing more of the catch, which is what we do on board.
How many people can join a day charter?
Our day trips comfortably take a mixed group, including kids, women and blokes. This particular trip had 14 people on board.
Want a day like this one? Get in touch with Blue Horizon Charters or view our available trips and book a charter here.
