Fly Fishing In Australia

American saltwater fly rodding legend Tom Evans has probably caught more billfish on IGFA legal fly tackle than any other angler and knows all too well that the key to success is to put yourself in places where you can get the maximum amount of shots. During a 20 day trip to Exmouth in Western Australia Evans and his crew raised 145 billfish, hooking up to sails, blacks, striped, and blue marlin and in the end landed 14 sailfish, 8 black marlin and a single striped marlin for a pretty impressive Exmouth slam on the fly. Story and photos: Dean Butler

Undoubtedly, most of the world's offshore fishermen would never have heard of Exmouth, nor have the faintest clue about where it is. Most famous for the World Heritage listed Ningaloo Reef jutting in to the Indian Ocean it runs 260 km along the length of the North West Cape and is located on the western most part of the Australian continent. Its one of the rare places on earth where you are able to walk from the beach straight onto a coral reef and is extremely popular with tourists who wish to swim with the annual run of migrating whale sharks. Story and photos: Dean Butler

When working close to the reef sailfish are the most common visitor to the teaser spread and often weigh in over 80 pounds. Story and photos: Dean Butler

For new comers to saltwater fly fishing sailfish are a great target, as they tease extremely well are eager to switch to the fly and while displaying great acrobatics when hooked they tire very quickly not pushing the angler too much. Story and photos: Dean Butler

The use of a red Flashy Profile Fly is a good option because not only is it easier for the billfish to see but it is also way easier for the angler and crew to keep an eye on when looking for a bite from the fish below the surface. Story and photos: Dean Butler

An average sized Exmouth sailfish lights up before release. Story and photos: Dean Butler

One of 14 sailfish landed by Evan on fly fishing tackle. Story and photos: Dean Butler

Close up of the magnificent colors of a sailfish's dorsal fin. Story and photos: Dean Butler

What this striped marlin lacked in size he certainly made up for it in performance with heaps of highflying acrobatics on the end of the line. Story and photos: Dean Butler

Regardless of size, any marlin on a fly rod is a great capture. Story and photos: Dean Butler

This picture clearly illustrates the leader set up for IGFA world record fly fishing. From the eye of the hook, just 12 inches of 100 pound shock leader is all that protects the 16 pound class tippet form the slashing bill of this black marlin. Story and photos: Dean Butler

Rigid pectoral fins, bulky shoulders and a broad based bill are all stand out characteristics of the majestic black marlin. Story and photos: Dean Butler

Even little black marlin have the girth and power to weight ratio to be one of the most challenging of all fly rod targets. Story and photos: Dean Butler

One last lunging jump as this black nears the boat after an excellent fight on 16-pound tippet. Story and photos: Dean Butler

A beautiful example of a stocky little Exmouth black marlin, one of eight caught on the fly to make up a trip grand slam for saltwater fly fishing guru Tom Evans. Story and photos: Dean Butler

Exmouth Slam On The Fly