The Reel Thing Charters – St Kilda

It’s time to have the adventure of a lifetime and join The Reel Thing Charters for an awesome trip out on the water. Captain Mark Ratchford has decades of experience and is the only captain to have fished the entire Australian coast in a 5-month journey. You know you’ll be in capable hands with him.

Step on board his 28’ Axium, recently restored in 2018, which is ready and raring to go. This great vessel can comfortably fit groups of 8 people. Whether you are celebrating one of life’s milestones, having a big family vacation, or a work team building, this is the perfect boat for you.

With twin 175 HP Mercury engines on board and full navigational equipment, you are sure to be on the fish before you know it. The fishfinder, paired with Capt. Mark’s extensive knowledge of the area, will give you the best chance to catch your dream fish.

Species available are huge and include Australian Salmon, Snapper, Flathead, Snoek, Rock Cod, and Gummy Sharks. Whether this is your first fishing trip or your hundredth, you are sure to have a blast during your trip.

You’ll have the opportunity to try a variety of techniques – let the captain know what you would like to do, and, depending on the season and which species you wish to target, he’ll advise accordingly.

Children are welcome on board – they are sure to have some incredible stories after the trip to tell all their friends back at school.

Included in the price are all rods and reels that you’ll need for the trip. You are welcome to bring along your own refreshments on the day. Alcohol is allowed in moderation but strictly no hard spirits or glass bottles.

Contact the captain for trip policies. Notify in advance if you have a medical condition. Note that the departure time and place depend on the weather and they can be changed.

There is no better time to book – join the crew of The Reel Thing Charters on the water today for an unforgettable fishing trip.



Select date to see available trips and rates:

  • Private trip
    Half Day Trip (AM)
    FREE Cancellation 14 days notice
    5 Hour Trip, starts at 5:00 AM
    US $1,285
    Private charters run from 5 am and are great for work breakups and groups of up to 10 people. Departing from St Kilda. Fishing for Snapper, Flathead, Pinkies, Snoek, Salmon, Rock Cod and Gummy Sharks. All rods and reels are provided on board. You are welcome to bring your own refreshments. Departure time depends on the weather.
  • Private trip
    Half Day Trip (PM)
    FREE Cancellation 14 days notice
    5 Hour Trip, starts at 3:00 PM
    US $1,285
    This 5 hour trip is great for groups of people, to target Snoek, Snapper, Salmon, Flathead, Pinkies, Rock Cod, and Gummy Sharks. Rods and reels for the day will be supplied. Feel free to bring along your own refreshments. Departure time depends on the weather.
There are 6 people looking at this charter.

FAQs about The Reel Thing Charters – St Kilda

The Reel Thing Charters – St Kilda offers the following trips to customers:
  • AU $1,980 per group - Half Day Trip (AM) (5 hours)
  • AU $1,980 per group - Half Day Trip (PM) (5 hours)

When you book a trip with The Reel Thing Charters – St Kilda, you can expect the following amenities onboard:
  • Toilet Porta potty in cabin with curtain
  • GPS Garmin & Lowrance
  • Fishfinder Garmin & Lowrance
  • Ice Box
  • Radio
  • Sonar Garmin

Trips booked with The Reel Thing Charters – St Kilda include:
  • Rods, reels & tackle
  • Lures
  • First Mate

The Reel Thing Charters – St Kilda offers the following types of fishing:
  • Inshore Fishing (Port Phillip Bay, Victoria)
  • Nearshore Fishing (Port Phillip Bay, Victoria)

The Reel Thing Charters – St Kilda offers the following fishing techniques:
  • Light Tackle
  • Heavy Tackle
  • Bottom Fishing
  • Trolling
  • Jigging
  • Popping
  • Drift Fishing
  • Handline
  • Deep Sea Fishing

Top targeted fish species with The Reel Thing Charters – St Kilda include:
  • Cod (Breaksea)
  • Flathead
  • King George Whiting
  • Salmon (Australian)
  • Shark (Gummy)
  • Snapper (Pink)
  • Snoek

Meet the Captain

Mark Ratchford
Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
9 Fishing Reports
145 Customer reviews
Response time within an hour
Member since September 2015
Captain Mark has been involved in the fishing industry for over 20 years. He is the only person to have fished the whole Australian coast in one trip – this was a 5-month epic journey catching more species then he can remember. He has stories about catching fish from every state in Australia that he is happy to share with you. He is an able fisherman and skipper who can put his clients on Squid or offshore species such as Mako Shark and Bluefin Tuna. Mark and his friendly staff will be more than happy to accommodate you.

About this listing

Targeted species

Cod (Breaksea) Breaksea Cod
Flathead Flathead
King George Whiting King George Whiting
Salmon (Australian) Australian Salmon

Boat specs

Axium (Pilothouse) originally built in 1995, and restored in 2018. Powered by 2 175HP Mercury engines, with a maximum cruising speed of 28 knots.

Length
28 ft
Capacity
8 persons

Types of fishing

Inshore Fishing
Port Phillip Bay, Victoria
Nearshore Fishing
Port Phillip Bay, Victoria

Fishing techniques

Light Tackle
Heavy Tackle
Bottom Fishing
Trolling
Jigging
Popping
Drift Fishing
Handline
Deep Sea Fishing

Amenities

Toilet
Porta potty in cabin with curtain
GPS
Garmin & Lowrance
Fishfinder
Garmin & Lowrance
Ice Box
Radio
Sonar
Garmin

Trip includes

Rods, reels & tackle
Lures
First Mate

Cancellation policy

Free cancellation up to 14 days prior to trip

You can cancel or modify your booking up to 14 days before the trip date, free of charge. If you cancel or modify your booking later, or fail to show up, you'll forfeit 100% of what you've paid.

Listing policies

Pickup not included
Transfer to/from departure site is not included in trip rates.
Child Friendly
No Smoking
Allowed only in specified area
You Keep Catch
Catch and Release Allowed
Disabled Accessible

Payment

Book with 10% deposit, pay rest to captain

When the captain confirms your trip, FishingBooker charges your credit card a 10% deposit to guarantee your reservation.

The remaining balance is to be paid directly to the charter operator on or prior to your trip date in one of the following payment methods:

Cash
Visa
Mastercard
Bank Transfer
When paying the remaining balance with a credit card, an additional 2.5% charge will apply.

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Customer reviews

Rating summary
Excellent
5.0 / 5
out of 5 stars from 16 reviews
Boat
Excellent
4.9 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Photos & videos by reviewers (18)
Looked after like royalty
Looked after like royalty
Looked after like royalty
+15
Angler rating
14
1
0
0
0
Anglers claimed
Good experience
100%
Friendly captain
100%
Recommend this charter
94%
Appropriate for children
100%
Satisfied with the boat
100%
Caught fish
79%
Sort by:
Featured  
Showing:
5 of 16 reviews
Gary W.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Fishing with Mark

VERIFIED   NEW  Half Day Trip (PM) on March 16, 2024
Gary W. recommends The Reel Thing Charters – St Kilda
Mark review as helpful
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Gary W. recommends The Reel Thing Charters – St Kilda
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Aayden M.
Melbourne, Victoria
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Looked after like royalty

VERIFIED   Half Day Trip (AM) on February 25, 2023
The crew went beyond to make sure fish were caught, and that everyone got a chance to experience what we were after. Easy people...
Aayden M. recommends The Reel Thing Charters – St Kilda
Mark review as helpful
You found this review helpful
  Mark Ratchford Captain replied

Zac L.
Brisbane, Queensland
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Half day trip with mark and Shaun

VERIFIED   Half Day Trip (PM) on December 4, 2021
Had a great day fishing captain mark and Shaun they were great company and happy to help with anything. Always moving to keep...
Zac L. recommends The Reel Thing Charters – St Kilda
Mark review as helpful
1 person finds this review helpful
You and 1 other person found this review helpful
Zac L. recommends The Reel Thing Charters – St Kilda
Mark review as helpful
1 person finds this review helpful
You and 1 other person found this review helpful

Michael S.
Black Rock, VIC
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Half Day with Mark and Sean 👍👍👍👍👍

VERIFIED   Half Day Trip (PM) on January 8, 2021
Great day with the kids hooking fish all day. The crew were great with the kids teaching and assisting with our catch. We love...
Michael S. recommends The Reel Thing Charters – St Kilda
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Michael S. recommends The Reel Thing Charters – St Kilda
Mark review as helpful
You found this review helpful

Matthew B.
Melbourne, Victoria
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Fishing with Mark

VERIFIED   Half Day Trip (PM) on December 22, 2022
Matthew B. recommends The Reel Thing Charters – St Kilda
Mark review as helpful
You found this review helpful
  Mark Ratchford Captain replied