exmouth/ningaloo reef

[Sam Beeby]

I'm going to be in Exmouth at the end of July (for whale shark diving at Ningaloo) and was wondering what potential the area has for either  poppering or jigging at that time.  Any info on viable shore based possibiliies would be cool, but mostly I'd be keen to get out with a guide at Ningaloo for GT's or any large pelagics for that matter. Anyone know of good operators doing Exmouth/Ningaloo Reef that they could recommend.
Thanks
Sam

[Hon-Su Chin]

There's a couple of places you can pop for GTs from the shore and fish can be quite large as well. Oyster Reef is a good spot for BIG boys but very unforgiving country. Its NE of the Mildura Wreck. The other spot is the Naval Pier whcih is easily accessible from Bundegi Jetty and a short (45min walk on the beach) north. Just keep your distance either side of the Pier itself as its private/Govt property, think its 100m. Other places are south into the National Park, can try Pilbramunga. Also check into Bluewater for more info.

[Sam Beeby]

thanks hon-su,  Are there any popper oriented boat/guided options at all or is it really just mega dollar game fishing boats at Ningaloo Reef?  How far out of Exmouth itself is Oyster reef?  Is July a decent month to fish there?
thanks

[Hon-Su Chin]

Oyster Reef is about 15mins north of Exmouth town. As for charter, Terry Maxwell can take ppl to GT countries as he runs a smaller boat than others....think is 30 something foot center console. Check with the info center for more details.