Coopers Shoals has been a popular spot of late for an easy afternoon fish with the gulf being glass calm most afternoons. Chris Damen, who has recently moved to Exmouth from Perth, was out fishing the shoals during the week in his 5m Quintrex boat and caught a variety of quality fish by just fishing with unweighted mulies. Spanish mackerel up to 12kg and some big blue lined emperor were the main catch for Chris.

The abundance of baitfish in the gulf has been attracting a big variety of fish species. Cathy Catoni was making her way back from the Muiron Islands when she spotted a few birds working some baitfish. Closer inspection revealed a big school of bait being preyed upon by longtail tuna, various trevally species and even a couple of big sailfish which made quite a sight as they herded up the small baitfish on the surface.

This is Steve Michaels with one of the Gulf's longtails:

John Baldock who resides in Exmouth during the winter months had a memorable finish to his stay up at Exmouth for the year with his largest Exmouth spanish mackerel caught out at Exmouth reef during the week. The mackerel which John estimated at over 20kg was caught on a red and white deep diving minnow lure.

Queenfish are really starting to fire up around town. Bundegi has been home to big schools of 3-4kg queenies whilst the Bay of Rest has seen some bigger fish caught but not in the same numbers as Bundegi. Chris Still from Bluewater Tackleworld Scarborough and his mate Steve Brown are on holiday at the moment and have had a couple of great sessions fishing for the queenies with light gear. Chris has mostly fished with his 7wt fly outfit whilst Steve has been fishing with 4lb braid on a light spinning outfit and has had most success using Cultiva Savoy Shad lures.