Question 1

Which side of the cape do I fish?

Accepted Answer

Depends on the wind. Easterlies make the western lagoon and Tantabiddi calm; westerlies make the Exmouth Gulf and Bundegi calm. Most trips fish both sides over a week. The Gulf is more sheltered and shallower; the western side has the reef, the cliffs and the pelagic action.

Question 2

Are there crocodiles in Exmouth?

Accepted Answer

No. Saltwater crocodile range in WA starts north of here — around Onslow and into the Pilbara and Kimberley. The relevant predator at Exmouth is sharks, particularly bronze whalers and tigers, which are common around hooked fish and in the lagoon.

Question 3

Can I target billfish from a small boat?

Accepted Answer

Tantabiddi is one of the few places in the country where you can be in 100m of water within minutes of the ramp, and sailfish are the realistic small-boat target between September and January. Marlin are usually a bigger-boat proposition. Charter operators run from the marina and Tantabiddi if you don't have your own gear.

Question 4

Does the West Coast demersal closure apply at Exmouth?

Accepted Answer

No — Exmouth is in the Gascoyne Coast Bioregion, well north of the Kalbarri boundary. Gascoyne demersal rules apply: a 5-fish mixed bag, emperors capped at 3, plus species-specific size and bag limits. The Ningaloo Marine Park zoning overlays additional restrictions including sanctuary (no-take) zones. Always verify current DPIRD and DBCA rules before a trip.

Exmouth (North Ningaloo / North West Cape)