Families make the most of holiday fishing in Exmouth

The last weekend of school holidays brought some sensational weather for local families to get out on the water in search of a fish or two.

Several crews headed inside the reef off Tantabiddi, where the water was crystal-clear and glass-calm.

Matt and Mason Burkett managed to get into some decent-sized spangled emperor and Charlie Court.

Baits are best at any time of the year inside the reef, and if you have a big bait cast far with no sinker, it seems to work well as the bait lands on the surface and slowly drifts through to the sand flat in the shallows.

If you prefer to use lures, stick baits and poppers can be dynamite on these species too.

Soft plastics tend to attract more of the trevally species and the ever-present Charlie Court, while metals are great for queenfish.

The Norris family from Geraldton come to Exmouth nearly every year for a holiday in January and this year they spent a good three weeks relaxing and enjoying the great little town we have.

On their last day, they got an invitation to fish for pelagic fish.

Youngster Lachlan Norris landed his first mahi mahi and is pictured with his dad Pete.

The crew headed west of Tantabiddi and straight into a mass of coral spawn and green water where there were birds feeding and schools of fish.

A massive manta ray was playing on the surface with a decent cobia hanging around it. The crew headed west until the water was blue in about 400m and raised a black marlin, caught a rather large striped tuna, landed two dolphinfish and fellow junior angler Dean Gates, 4, tagged his first sailfish.

It was certainly a day for making memories for the kids and adults and we are certain they will be back next year.

The fly fishing has been nothing short of insane for the punters of local guide Brett Wolf, with some incredible reports on large permit, golden trevally and bonefish.

Anglers wishing to fly fish from the shore can expect all sorts through this time, but make sure you come prepared for the heat.

If you are an Exmouth Game Fishing Club member, the annual awards night is on Saturday, February 16.