Marlin Fishing Off Exmouth
Black marlin in the spread, mahi mahi flashing blue, mackerel smashing lures, and wahoo keeping hearts racing.
Fishing Exmouth Bluewater: Where The Big Game Bite Switches On
Out off Exmouth’s rugged Ningaloo Coast, the continental shelf drops into deep, cobalt-blue water where some of the ocean’s most powerful predators roam. It’s here that the bluewater fishery comes alive — a dynamic environment shaped by currents, bait movement, and temperature lines that concentrate life in very specific zones. On the right day, the signs begin to stack up: bait schools holding tight, birds working overhead, and subtle changes in water colour that signal everything is aligning. This is prime black marlin territory, where these apex hunters move through the spread with intent, often appearing suddenly behind the lures before committing with explosive power. Around them, mahi mahi patrol floating structure, mackerel slash through bait at speed, and wahoo streak in and out of the spread in a matter of seconds.
For anglers, Exmouth bluewater fishing is fast, visual, and completely unpredictable. Every pass of the spread carries anticipation — teaser splashes, lures smoking across the surface, and the constant expectation that something big is about to appear. A marlin can materialise out of the deep without warning, lighting up behind the boat before crashing a lure in a burst of spray and chaos. At the same time, mahi mahi bring flashes of colour and aggression around any floating debris, while mackerel hit hard and fast, often testing both gear and reflexes. Wahoo, notoriously elusive, add another layer of excitement — their blistering speed turning even a brief encounter into a heart-racing moment. Success out here comes down to reading the conditions: working current lines, tracking bait, and staying ready for opportunities that can unfold in seconds.
To experience this fishery firsthand, we headed offshore with Peak Sportfishing Adventures, guided by local skipper Riley Smith. With a clear focus on targeting a range of pelagics — and black marlin firmly at the top of the list — Riley’s approach was dialled into the conditions, positioning the boat along productive current edges and bait-rich zones. From setting a well-tuned lure spread to reacting instantly when fish appeared behind the teasers, every move was purposeful. The result was a true Exmouth bluewater session — multiple species in play, constant action, and the kind of moments that define big game fishing at its peak.
Quick Facts
- The reef starts at your feet: Ningaloo Reef is one of the only places on earth where a fringing coral reef sits just metres off the beach, then drops into deep bluewater within a short run.
- These waters hold whale sharks, humpback whales, and apex predators like marlin — all feeding within the same rich ecosystem.
- Warm tropical currents collide with nutrient-rich water, driving bait aggregation and turning the region into a feeding highway for pelagics.
- Black marlin are most common August to November, blue marlin peak March to June, with striped marlin appearing through the cooler winter months.
- Multiple species, one spread. It’s common to raise marlin, hook mahi mahi, and get cut off by wahoo or mackerel all in the same trolling pass.
- Visual big game fishing, the clear bluewater often allows anglers to see fish in the spread — from lit-up mahi mahi to marlin tracking lures before the strike.
Our Guide:
Riley Smith from Exmouth
Riley Smith grew up in Exmouth as a true fishing grommet, spending every spare moment chasing anything that would take a lure or bait. With over a decade of experience fishing these local waters, from inshore species like jacks and trevally to offshore gamefishing with his family, the ocean has always been second nature to him. Recognised early by Peak Sportfishing founder Eddy, Riley worked his way up from cleaning boats and rigging gear to becoming a full-time crew member in 2017. Since then, he’s developed into a highly skilled angler and crewman, known for his precision and calmness under pressure. His experience includes contributing to a fly rod world record black marlin and multiple tournament wins, including four consecutive GameEx team victories. One standout moment was securing an Australian junior record on a 263kg blue marlin. Today, Riley brings that experience and passion to every charter, helping anglers make the most of Exmouth’s world-class fishery.
Picking Our Location
Launch: We launched from Tantabiddi Boat Ramp, positioning ourselves for quick access to both the reef edge and the deep bluewater beyond.
Location 1: We started just wide of the reef, trolling for mackerel to get things underway. It didn’t take long — two solid fish hit the spread early, setting the tone and giving everyone confidence the fish were on.
Location 2: From there, we pushed wider over the offshore canyons to target black marlin. Working the deep water and staying tight to productive zones, we raised and successfully landed a marlin — a defining moment of the day.
Location 3: With the tide change, we adjusted and began trolling current lines where bait was holding. While the marlin didn’t show here, the area produced multiple wahoo strikes, adding speed and chaos to the session.
Location 4: To finish, we moved north to a different canyon system. This shift paid off, with a small pocket of mahi mahi holding on structure — we found the fish and landed four, capping off a classic Exmouth mixed-bag day.
Black Marlin
Istiompax Indica
Top Target Species
The Black Marlin (Istiompax indica) is one of the ocean’s most powerful game fish, found in tropical and subtropical waters across Australia’s north. Recognisable by its dark, solid body and rigid pectoral fins, it’s built for strength rather than speed, often using brute force and deep runs to overpower anglers. In Exmouth, black marlin are commonly encountered along the continental shelf, around bait-rich current lines and offshore canyons. For anglers, they represent the pinnacle of big game fishing — aggressive on the bite, explosive on the strike, and capable of long, sustained fights that test both skill and endurance.
Common Pelagics In Exmouth
Blue Marlin
Makaira Mazara
Striped Marlin
Kajikia audax
Mahi Mahi
Coryphaena Hippurus
Tackle we used for the day
Built for targeting powerful bluewater pelagics, our setups were designed to handle explosive strikes, blistering runs, and the sustained pressure of big game fish — prioritising strength, reliability, and smooth drag performance.
Rods: Custom-built Ian Miller game rods, designed specifically for offshore trolling, offering the perfect balance of lifting power and shock absorption during long fights.
Reels: A mix of Shimano Stella and Daiwa Saltiga reels — top-tier gear known for exceptional drag systems, durability, and the ability to handle high-speed runs from marlin, wahoo and mackerel.
Line & Leader: 80lb mono mainline paired with a 100lb leader, providing the strength and abrasion resistance needed for big fish and repeated encounters in the spread.
Style: We primarily slow-trolled rigged garfish in free spool with circle hooks, allowing marlin to eat naturally before the hook set — a proven technique for converting bites into solid hook-ups on big game species.
Our techniques for the day
The approach for the day was built around covering productive water and adapting to species behaviour, using two distinct trolling setups depending on what we were targeting. It was a constant balance between searching for fish and capitalising when the right signs appeared — bait, current lines, and structure all played a role in where and how we fished.
For mackerel, we focused on high-speed, reaction-based strikes. This meant trolling a spread of hardbody diving lures alongside rigged garfish fitted with wire traces and squid skirts. The wire was essential to prevent bite-offs from mackerel’s razor-sharp teeth, while the skirts added extra flash and profile to draw attention in the spread. The goal here was to cover ground efficiently, working likely areas just wide of the reef where bait was holding, triggering aggressive hits from fish moving at speed.
When shifting focus to marlin, the technique became far more deliberate and refined. We switched to rigged garfish in free spool with circle hooks, allowing the bait to swim naturally behind the boat. Fishing in free spool is critical — it lets the marlin pick up and eat the bait without feeling resistance, dramatically increasing hook-up rates. Once a fish committed, the drag was smoothly engaged, allowing the circle hook to set cleanly in the corner of the jaw. This approach is less about forcing the bite and more about letting the fish dictate the moment, requiring patience, timing, and clear communication between crew and angler.
What’s on offer throughout the year
Spring
Mackerel, Tuna, Trevally, Queenfish
Summer
Mackerel, Giant Trevally (GT), Coral Trout, Queenfish
Autumn
Marlin (blue, black, striped), Sailfish, Mahi Mahi, Yellowfin Tuna, Mackerel
Winter
Marlin (blue, black, striped), Sailfish, Yellowfin Tuna, Trevally (GT & golden)
Q&A With Peak Sprortfishing Adventures + Trip Highlights
What we loved about Peak Sportfishing Adventures Charter experience!
The Guide (Riley Smith) – Riley was outstanding — calm, switched on, and clearly very experienced for someone who’s grown up fishing these waters. With over a decade of local knowledge, everything he did felt deliberate and well-timed, from positioning the boat to adjusting the spread. What stood out most was how he balanced professionalism with a relaxed, easygoing approach. He explained things simply, kept the energy up, and made the whole experience enjoyable without overcomplicating it. You could tell he’s spent a lifetime on this fishery.
The Fishing Experience – This was proper bluewater fishing — dynamic, unpredictable, and constantly engaging. From early mackerel action to raising and landing a marlin, to chasing mahi mahi, the day never felt static. Every move had a purpose, and you were always in the game. What made it even better was being introduced to new techniques, particularly trolling garfish in free spool for marlin. It added a whole new dimension — watching the bite develop, feeding line, and letting the fish commit made it incredibly exciting and something completely different to standard trolling.
The Gear & Tackle – The setup was top-tier across the board. Custom Ian Miller rods paired with Shimano Stella and Daiwa Saltiga reels gave complete confidence when fish showed up. Everything was rigged properly, maintained to a high standard, and clearly suited to the style of fishing. Whether it was high-speed trolling for mackerel or presenting baits for marlin, the gear matched the situation perfectly.
The Boat – The 25ft Contender centre console is purpose-built for this style of fishing — fast, stable, and completely fitted out for bluewater work. It allowed us to move quickly between the reef, current lines and offshore canyons, while providing a clean, fishable layout when the action kicked off. Whether trolling the spread or fighting fish, the setup made everything smooth and efficient.
The Overall Operation – From launch at Tantabiddi to the final drift, the day ran smoothly and professionally. Decisions were made with purpose, adapting to conditions, tides, and fish behaviour throughout the session. It felt like a well-oiled operation, but without losing that laid-back Exmouth feel. Overall, it was a premium bluewater experience — well run, highly enjoyable, and packed with the kind of moments that make you want to come back again.
My top tips for this charter.
Stay switched on between bites – Bluewater trolling can have quiet periods, but things can change instantly. A marlin or wahoo can appear out of nowhere, so staying alert — especially watching the spread — makes a big difference when it’s time to react.
Be prepared for a full day offshore – Even in calm conditions, you’re covering ground in open water all day. Having decent sea legs helps, as the constant motion can wear on you over time.
Embrace the downtime – Trolling isn’t always constant action, but that’s part of the experience. Use the slower moments to take it all in — sea snakes cruising past, turtles on the surface, birds working, and if you’re lucky, whales and dolphins moving through the area.
Trust the process and the guide – Riley knows these waters inside out. Whether it’s working canyons, current lines, or bait, every move is calculated — so stay patient and let the day unfold.
Enjoy the different techniques – If you haven’t done it before, free-spool trolling for marlin is a standout experience. Watching a fish eat and feeding line before engaging drag adds a whole new level of excitement.
Make yourself comfortable – It’s a long day in the sun, so wear lightweight clothing, good sun protection, and bring anything personal you need to stay comfortable.
Set the vibe – The boat is set up with Bluetooth, so bring a playlist or jump on Riley’s — it’s a great mix and adds to the overall experience on the water.
Take it all in – This isn’t just about the fish. Between the scenery, wildlife, and moments of pure adrenaline, it’s a full Exmouth experience — so don’t rush it, enjoy every part of the day.
What makes Exmouth’s bluewater fishery so unique compared to other marlin destinations?
It is a year round fishery for billfish. Any given day of the year, you can have shots at billfish whether it be blue, black or striped marlin, sailfish or even swordfish.
When is the best time to target marlin in Exmouth, and how consistent is the fishing?
Is a marlin fishing charter suitable for beginners who have never done it before?
For sure, we have caught hundreds of marlin for 1st time anglers over the years.
Is this type of fishing suitable for kids, and what age would you recommend?
The inshore black marlin and sailfish season is suitable for kids any age. We have had however, kids as young as 5, catch blue marlin offshore with us out of the chair.
What are the typical conditions like offshore — is it rough or generally calm?
Our inshore season is generally moderate to calm as we have offshore winds over the winter season. Our offshore season on the blues can be rough and is generally enjoyed by experienced fisher people.
How do you adjust your approach when conditions aren’t ideal?
We discuss with the clients want they want to achieve from the day. We are lucky in Exmouth that we have lots of options and can change times and locations of charter to suit the conditions. Marlin don’t usually worry about the weather.
If you had to narrow it down, what are the first three things you look for when heading offshore?
Water temp, good water and what the current is doing.
What’s the difference between trolling for mackerel or wahoo versus targeting marlin?
Usually depth of the water, the structure of the bottom and the rigs we using to catch the fish.
What’s the biggest mistake first-time marlin anglers make?
Usually striking with circle hooks instead if winding into the fish and wanting to use too much drag.
Is there a particular moment in a marlin fight that anglers need to get right?
Just listening to the crewman or captain throughout the whole fight.
When everything lines up, what does a perfect Exmouth session look like?
Any day you catch a billfish is a good day, but usually very happy with anything over 4 fish in a day.
What’s one thing Peak Sportfishing does differently that consistently puts clients onto fish?
Attention to detail, and wanting to catch them more than everyone else out there.
Photo gallery of the day out with Peak Sportfishing Adventures
Catch Trophy Fish With Peak Sportfishing Adventures!
If you’re looking to experience Exmouth bluewater fishing at its best, a day out with Peak Sportfishing Adventures is hard to beat. It’s a true big game experience — covering ground, working canyons and current lines, and targeting multiple high-speed pelagics in a single session. From mackerel strikes to raising marlin and finding mahi mahi offshore, it’s the kind of fishing that keeps you engaged from start to finish.
What really elevates the experience is the combination of location and execution. Exmouth itself is a world-class fishery, but having someone like Riley Smith at the helm makes all the difference. His local knowledge, ability to read the conditions, and calm, methodical approach ensure you’re always in the right areas and fishing effectively. Add in top-tier gear, a purpose-built 25ft Contender, and a well-run operation, and everything is set up for success.
Beyond the fishing, it’s the overall experience that stands out — learning new techniques like free-spool trolling, taking in the wildlife and scenery, and enjoying a full day offshore in one of Australia’s most unique marine environments.
Having fished a range of locations and styles, this is one we’d confidently recommend. If you want a genuine Exmouth big game adventure, connect with quality operators, and experience marlin fishing the right way, Peak Sportfishing Adventures delivers – book here.
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