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Montebello Islands (WA) — fishing guides & charters

SeaCharter 1Casting

GT/Spanish mackerel/Grouper

1 captains listed · casting available · sea category. A spot in Montebello Islands (WA) (Australia W (WA)) targeting GT/Spanish mackerel/Grouper. Check the tide, captains and recent catches, then contact them directly via public social accounts. Access, climate and lodging are in the details below.

Book / contact the captain directly Apache Charters ›
Jump to:Access (3)Climate (12)SeasonStay (9)Food (6)Weather (4)

Spot at a glance

Target fish
GT · Spanish mackerel · Grouper
Best season
Jul–Nov
Area
Australia W (WA)
Water type
Sea
Nearest int'l airport
KTA · Karratha Airport
From airport
Flight about 2 to 2.5 hours + about 20 min by road + boarding
Coordinates
-20.4, 115.55 Open in Google Maps
Tide today 08/19 ・ Neap ・ Moon 5.5 (approx)
05:0311:1516:3722:5006121824

Where it is & getting there

Getting there (from the nearest int'l airport) source

The Montebello Islands are a group of remote islands off the Pilbara coast of WA. There are no scheduled services, so access is always by charter boat (mothership). The gateway is a domestic flight from Perth (PER) into Learmonth Airport (LEA) near Exmouth or Onslow Airport (ONS), then crossing by charter boat from the port. Onslow (about 70 nautical miles to the islands) is the main departure point, with shorter transit that makes it easier to secure fishing time. As flights are limited, it is best to lock in your itinerary early.

FromRouteTimeNotes
Perth (PER)Domestic flight to Learmonth Airport (Learmonth/LEA, Exmouth) -> about 20 min by car from airport to port -> charter boatFlight about 2 to 2.5 hours + about 20 min by road + boardingThe Exmouth route is operated by Qantas. Learmonth Airport is about 20 min by car from the Exmouth port area.
Perth (PER)Domestic flight toward Onslow Airport (ONS) -> Onslow port -> charter boat (mothership) to the Montebello IslandsFlight + boarding. Onslow to the islands is about 70 nautical milesThe voyage from Onslow is short at about 70 nautical miles, allowing more fishing time. If flights are hard to get, the overland route from Perth (with an overnight stay via Carnarvon) is also an option.
PerthOverland (self-drive). About 1,270 km to Exmouth, an overnight stay at Carnarvon is recommendedRoughly 13 to 14 hours one way (driving safely)An alternative when flights are hard to get.
✈️ Find flights
To: KTA — Karratha Airport
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Coordinates: -20.4, 115.55(Open in Google Maps

Target fish & season

GT/Spanish mackerel/Grouper

The best fishing season is roughly the dry season of winter to early summer, April to November (avoiding the cyclone season of December to April). Charters operate from June to December annually; on light tackle, July to November is especially good for small black marlin and sailfish, while heavy-tackle blue marlin run from November to December. Reef species (red emperor, coral trout, etc.) and GT and Spanish mackerel can be targeted roughly year-round, but July to November (especially August to October), when sea conditions are stable, is the most comfortable and offers the best prospects for catches.

Best months (season · our estimate)

◎ peak: Jul–Nov · ○ in season: Jun–Dec

◎ peak · ○ in season
Our own estimate — a prediction from sources & past trends, not official data. Varies with weather & tides; catches not guaranteed.

See what else is in season now →

How to fish here

An island group reached by multi-day trips out of Dampier or Exmouth. GT worked around the reefs on poppers and soft lures have produced fish to the 50 kg class. The species mix is varied too, with Spanish mackerel, wahoo, red emperor, and coral trout. The peak is generally Aug-Oct, with sailfish best from Jul-Nov.

Full how-to & tackle on each species page:GT Spanish mackerel Grouper

Boats & guides to book

ChartercastingApache Charters
GT/Spanish mackerel/Grouper casting
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Watch on video

*Official embeds of each channel's public videos. Click to play on YouTube.

Details (access, climate, lodging & more)

Climate & what to wear source

Under the Koppen classification this is a desert climate (BWh), with little rainfall year-round and strong sunshine. The annual average is about 26C. The cyclone season is roughly December to April, when there is a risk of strong winds, high seas and heavy rain, and remote-island charters are often suspended. Values are representative figures for the Onslow area (high/low, source: worldweatheronline). The average is a rough midpoint between high and low.

MonthAvg ℃High ℃Low ℃Clothing
30.53427Midsummer, intense heat. T-shirt and shorts plus hat, sunglasses and strong sunscreen. Departures are unstable during cyclone season.
313428Among the hottest of the year. Breathable summer clothes plus essential sun protection. Peak of cyclone season.
313428Severe heat continues. A thin long-sleeve top is also effective for preventing sunburn. Cyclone season.
293226Heat eases slightly. Mainly summer clothes. Late in the cyclone season.
252822A pleasant early autumn. T-shirt during the day, a thin layer morning and evening.
222519Start of winter. A T-shirt is fine during the day, but as it gets cold morning and evening and on the boat, bring a fleece or windbreaker.
21.52518The coolest of the year. Mild during the day, but bring warm clothing for the boat and morning and evening. Layering recommended.
222618Cool winter. T-shirt during the day plus warm clothing morning and evening. A windbreaker on the boat.
242820Comfortable spring. Mainly T-shirts plus a thin jacket morning and evening.
26.53122Warm and dry. Summer clothes plus sun protection. Comfortable in peak season.
273123Heat returns. Summer clothes plus sunscreen and a hat.
29.53326Start of midsummer. Heat protection essential. Heading toward cyclone season from the latter half of the month.

Lodging (by class) source

ClassPropertyPrice (approx)HighlightsLinks
High-endMantarays Ningaloo Beach Resort(Exmouth)The only 4.5-star resort fronting the beach in Exmouth. Rooms, suites and bungalows with balconies overlooking the Indian Ocean. Local seafood at the adjoining Mantarays Dining & Bar.Google reviewsTripAdvisor
High-endExmouth Escape Resort(Exmouth)A 4.5-star self-catering resort in the town centre. Walking distance to the beach, restaurants, pubs and shops. Adjoins the fully licensed seafood venue Whalers.Google reviewsTripAdvisor
High-endOnslow Beach Resort(Onslow)A quality resort in the centre of Onslow town, built on the Beadon Bay beachfront. Self-catering apartments with ocean/pool views, the adjoining The Beach Club, and secure parking.Google reviewsTripAdvisor
StandardPotshot Hotel Resort(Exmouth)Self-catering apartments from about A$300/nightA full-service resort in the centre of Exmouth town. 3 pools, 2 licensed restaurants and 4 bars. From hotel rooms to self-catering units. Walking distance to shops and bars.Google reviewsTripAdvisor
StandardBeadon Bay Hotel(Onslow)Onslow's oldest historic pub and hotel overlooking the bay. Queen/twin/family rooms (ocean view available). Adjoining bar, restaurant and bottle shop.Google reviewsTripAdvisor
StandardNingaloo Lodge Exmouth(Exmouth)A relaxed 36-room lodge with a Balinese atmosphere. Affordable and comfortable mid-range. Located in the centre of Exmouth town.Google reviewsTripAdvisor
BudgetExmouth Ningaloo Caravan & Holiday Resort(Exmouth)Near Exmouth Beach. Air-conditioned cabins, chalets and park homes, plus over 250 powered/unpowered caravan and camp sites. Saltwater pool, BBQ and playground.Google reviewsTripAdvisor
BudgetOnslow Ocean View Caravan Park(Onslow)A caravan park on the Onslow beachfront. Caters for caravans, camping and cabins. About 5 min walk to the town centre, supermarket and hardware store.Google reviewsTripAdvisor
BudgetDiscovery Parks – Onslow(Onslow)A large holiday park with studios, cabins and caravan/tent sites. Caters for a wide range of guests.Google reviewsTripAdvisor

Where to eat source

NameCuisineBudgetHighlightsLinks
Whalers Restaurant(Exmouth/Exmouth Escape Resort内)Seafood / RestaurantSome of the region's finest seafood in a garden setting. Seafood gumbo, tiger prawn gnocchi, and the daily fresh catch (grilled/beer-battered). Live music available.Google reviewsTripAdvisor
Mantarays Dining & Bar(Exmouth)Modern Australian / SeafoodWaterside views. Contemporary Aussie cuisine with a European touch. Fresh oysters, Shark Bay scallops, fresh fish straight from the market, and more.Google reviewsTripAdvisor
Froth Craft Brewery(Exmouth)Craft brewery / PubAn award-winning microbrewery. Over 16 craft beers, gourmet burgers and elevated pub classics, and live music. Family-friendly and in the centre of town.Google reviewsTripAdvisor
Whalebone Brewing Company(Exmouth)Brewery & distillery / PizzaA family-run brewery and distillery. Specialties include the wood-fired pizza 'Beached As' topped with Exmouth wild prawns.Google reviewsTripAdvisor
The Beach Club(Onslow/Onslow Beach Resort内)Restaurant & barBeachfront overlooking Beadon Bay. Fish & chips, pizza, burgers, steak, pasta and seafood. Bookings and walk-ins welcome.Google reviewsTripAdvisor
Beadon Bay Hotel(Onslow)Pub / Aussie cuisineOnslow's oldest pub. Cold drinks and classic Aussie pub fare with a twist. Has a renovated beer garden.Google reviewsTripAdvisor

If the sea gets rough source

Nearby spots to combine in one trip

Nearby spots easy to combine into one trip (straight-line distance). See the map above for locations.

Source: each captain/guide's public social accounts. Only public handles and URLs are listed. Please contact captains in their preferred language; a premium (non-local) rate is standard given the extra coordination.
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