Ningaloo Reef is a paradise not just for snorkelers and divers, but also for fishing enthusiasts. With its crystal-clear waters, diverse marine life, and a coastline that stretches over 300 kilometers, the Ningaloo region offers some of the best fishing experiences in Australia. Whether you’re after deep-sea game fishing, casting off the shore, or exploring the inshore waters by boat, Ningaloo has something for every type of angler. Here’s your guide to the best fishing spots in Ningaloo, what species to expect, and tips for a sustainable fishing experience.

Fishing Regulations and Sustainability

Before diving into the top fishing spots, it’s essential to understand the regulations in Ningaloo to help protect the reef’s fragile ecosystem. Ningaloo Marine Park is a World Heritage-listed site, with several sanctuary zones where fishing is prohibited to allow marine life to thrive. These zones are clearly marked, and it’s important to familiarize yourself with them before fishing. Maps are available at local visitor centers or through fishing charters.

Always follow catch and size limits and use sustainable fishing practices to help conserve fish stocks and protect the reef for future generations. Additionally, make sure to have the proper recreational fishing license, which can be purchased online or from local vendors.

Best Fishing Spots in Ningaloo

1. Exmouth Gulf

The sheltered waters of Exmouth Gulf are a haven for anglers looking to catch a variety of species. The gulf is known for its calm conditions and abundance of inshore fish species, making it an ideal spot for both beginners and experienced fishermen.

The main target species here include barramundi, queenfish, trevally, mangrove jack, and threadfin salmon. The gulf’s mangroves and estuaries provide the perfect environment for these species, and fishing can be done from the shore or by boat. Exmouth Gulf is also a great spot for fly fishing, particularly around the creeks and flats.

What to expect: Calm waters, easy access, and a variety of inshore species.

Best for: Shore-based fishing, fly fishing, and boat fishing.

Image © Tourism Western Australia

2. Bundegi Beach

Just north of Exmouth, Bundegi Beach offers fantastic shore-based fishing in the sheltered waters of Exmouth Gulf. Anglers here can cast for species such as trevally, queenfish, bream, and flathead. The beach’s proximity to the Bundegi Sanctuary Zone means the waters are teeming with fish, providing excellent opportunities for beach casting.

Bundegi Beach is also a launch point for small boats, making it easy to venture further out into the gulf for a deeper fishing experience. The nearby Bundegi Reef is home to larger pelagic species like Spanish mackerel, tuna, and cobia.

What to expect: Great shore fishing opportunities with easy access to Exmouth Gulf’s diverse fish species.

Best for: Shore fishing and boat-based fishing close to shore.

Image © Tourism Western Australia

3. Ningaloo Station

For a more remote and adventurous fishing experience, head to Ningaloo Station, located south of Exmouth along the Ningaloo coastline. This privately-owned station offers access to some of the most pristine and untouched beaches in the region, making it a perfect spot for beach fishing enthusiasts.

The beaches and rocky outcrops at Ningaloo Station are excellent for targeting species such as mulloway, trevally, snapper, and spangled emperor. The waters here are less crowded, giving you a more secluded and peaceful fishing experience.

What to expect: Remote, uncrowded beaches with access to a wide variety of shore-based fishing opportunities.

Best for: Beach fishing and those looking for a more off-the-grid fishing adventure.

4. Turquoise Bay

While Turquoise Bay is famous for its snorkeling, it’s also a great spot for shore fishing in certain areas. The northern end of the bay, outside the sanctuary zones, offers opportunities to catch species such as whiting, trevally, and spangled emperor. Fishing here is best done early in the morning or late in the afternoon when the waters are calm and fish are more active.

Although primarily a snorkeling destination, Turquoise Bay’s fishing spots provide a great option for those looking to combine fishing with exploring the reef’s marine life.

What to expect: Beautiful beach surroundings and a variety of species close to shore.

Best for: Shore-based fishing combined with snorkeling or beach activities.

Image © Tourism Western Australia

5. Yardie Creek

Located within Cape Range National Park, Yardie Creek is an excellent spot for shore and estuary fishing. The creek mouth is home to species such as mangrove jack, trevally, queenfish, and bream, making it a popular fishing destination. You can cast from the creek banks or take a small boat or kayak to explore further into the creek.

Yardie Creek is also known for its stunning scenery, with towering red limestone cliffs and a backdrop of the Cape Range mountains, adding to the appeal of fishing in this area.

What to expect: A scenic fishing location with access to estuary and shore-based species.

Best for: Estuary fishing and shore casting.

Image © Tourism Western Australia

6. Coral Bay

Coral Bay is another excellent fishing destination on Ningaloo Reef, known for its proximity to the reef’s coral gardens. The calm waters make it a perfect spot for those looking to fish from the shore or hire a boat for inshore fishing. Coral Bay is also a popular departure point for fishing charters, with opportunities to target larger pelagic species such as Spanish mackerel, tuna, and sailfish.

From the beach, you can catch species such as whiting, flathead, and bream, while the deeper waters around the coral bommies offer snapper, emperor, and reef sharks.

What to expect: Easy access to the reef, a range of fishing experiences, and plenty of marine life.

Best for: Shore and boat fishing, with nearby charters for deep-sea fishing.

7. Long Point

Located south of Coral Bay, Long Point offers shore-based fishing in a more remote setting. The beaches here are ideal for casting for species such as mulloway, trevally, and spangled emperor. The waters off Long Point are known for their variety of inshore and pelagic species, making it a great spot for anglers looking for both beach and boat fishing opportunities.

What to expect: Remote beaches with good fishing access and a variety of species.

Best for: Beach fishing and boat-based fishing.

8. Exmouth Marina

If you’re looking for an easy and accessible fishing spot, Exmouth Marina offers great jetty and shore-based fishing right in town. The marina’s sheltered waters attract species like mangrove jack, trevally, and bream, making it a popular spot for locals and visitors alike.

Fishing from the marina is perfect for those who want a more relaxed experience without having to venture too far. It’s also a great spot for kids and families to try their hand at fishing.

What to expect: Easy access to jetty fishing with plenty of nearby amenities.

Best for: Families and those looking for easy, accessible fishing close to town.

Deep-Sea and Game Fishing in Ningaloo

For those looking for more adrenaline-pumping fishing action, Ningaloo is a world-renowned destination for deep-sea fishing and game fishing. Charters departing from Exmouth and Coral Bay offer the chance to target large pelagic species such as:

• Spanish mackerel
• Tuna
• Sailfish
• Marlin
• Cobia
• Wahoo

Game fishing charters are available year-round, but the best time to target pelagic species is from March to September. These trips usually take you out to the deeper waters beyond the reef, where larger fish are abundant.

Image © Tourism Western Australia

Final Thoughts

Ningaloo Reef offers a diverse range of fishing experiences, from shore-based casting and estuary fishing to deep-sea and game fishing. With its crystal-clear waters, abundant marine life, and spectacular scenery, Ningaloo is a dream destination for anglers of all levels. Whether you’re targeting barramundi in Exmouth Gulf or reeling in a marlin on a deep-sea charter, Ningaloo promises unforgettable fishing adventures.