The Reel Thing Charters – Carrum 

4.7/5 (146 reviews)
 Launching Way, Melbourne, VI 3197, Australia

The Reel Thing Charters – Carrum 

4.7/5 (146 reviews)
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Launching Way
Melbourne, VI, Australia

The Reel Thing Charters Departs from various locations, weather, tides or fish species we are chasing may vary the departure point, we will notify you of this the night before departure. These private charters are great for family get-togethers or perfect for work breakup parties, and team building, this boat can take up to 10 people fishing at a time! If you’re looking for a corporate Christmas party, this is the boat for you. Skipper Mark Ratchford has been in the commercial fishing industry for over 20 years, so he knows how to put you on the fish.

The boat you will be fishing aboard is a 28’ Axium tri-hull. It is powered by twin Mercury engines and equipped with Furuno and Lowrance electronics. It features a large deck space and a live bait tank, as well as a porta-potty. Trips include the use of all fishing equipment, lures, and bait.

They depart from Carrum, Hastings or Mornington Melbourne. Skipper Mark and his deckhand will take you fishing for a variety of species, with regular catches of Snapper, Flathead, Pinkie, Snook, Salmon, Rockcod, and Gummy Shark.

The crew is friendly, experienced, and professional, they love taking new guests and families out and teaching them the best techniques needed to catch the prized fish species. They offer trips suited to both large and mixed groups and can accommodate your needs whether you are looking for one spot or trips for large groups.

Contact the skipper for trip policies. You should notify him in advance if you have a medical condition. Alcohol is allowed in moderation, but no glass or hard spirits. Note that the departure time and place depend on the weather and they can be changed.

Join The Reel Thing Charters and explore the prolific Australian!

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Customer reviews

Rating summary

4.7/5
out of 5 stars from 146 reviews
Boat
4.7/5
Crew
4.8/5
Experience
4.6/5

Photos & videos by reviewers (70)

One of the best fishing day
One of the best fishing day
One of the best fishing day
+67

Angler rating

110
18
4
2
1

Anglers claimed

Good experience

87%

Appropriate for children

92%

Friendly captain

99%

Satisfied with the boat

97%

Recommend this charter

87%

Caught fish

83%

Showing 1 - 5 of 146 reviews
Showing: 5 of 146 reviews
Leanne M.
Leanne M.
5.0/5

Jan 19, 2025

5 Hour Trip – Shared (PM)

Great Afternoon Out

VERIFIED

We went out with Mark on a 3pm 5hr charter. Whilst we weren’t reeling heaps of fishing in he made sure he was taking us to places we could get some bites. He catered to what we wanted to do, was very perishable and made the day a really enjoyable experience. He even topped off my son’s day by letting him take the wheel and drive back. We will definitely do it again but may mix it up with a different time. We also have a video to keep forever of a seal stealing our catch

We went out with Mark on a 3pm 5hr charter. Whilst we weren’t reeling heaps of fishing in he made sure he was taking us to places...  

 Leanne M. recommends The Reel Thing Charters – Carrum

Mark review as helpful

1 person finds this review helpful
 Leanne M. recommends The Reel Thing Charters – Carrum

Mark review as helpful

1 person finds this review helpful

Ellen E.
Ellen E.
5.0/5

Mar 27, 2025

5 Hour Trip – Shared (5AM)

One of the best fishing day

VERIFIED

We started at 6am. Got 2 mackarel and 2 whitting and a humongous octopus within 1.5 hours. Got a lot of different fish as well. Got quite a bunch of snappers, 2 gurne and a few that is a bit too small. The day is perfect. Captain Mark is amazing. He has become my most fave capt for now. He is very patient, attentive and friendly. He know his stuff. Teach a lot of technique of fishing. Definetely will come back again.

We started at 6am. Got 2 mackarel and 2 whitting and a humongous octopus within 1.5 hours. Got a lot of different fish as well....  

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Captain replied
 Ellen E. recommends The Reel Thing Charters – Carrum

Mark review as helpful

1 person finds this review helpful
 Ellen E. recommends The Reel Thing Charters – Carrum

Mark review as helpful

1 person finds this review helpful
undefined (The Captain)
Replied on March 27, 2025
Thank you so much for the kind words. You and your family are a pleasure to have on board. Enjoy your feast and the rest of your holiday.

Isaac S.
Isaac S.
5.0/5

Feb 2, 2025

5 Hour Trip – Shared (AM)

Great day out fishing

VERIFIED

Had a fab day with reel fishing. Really friendly and relaxed atmosphere, would defo go again. Mark our captain was very knowledgeable and knows what he’s doing and more importantly where the fish are. Overall had a really enjoyable day and would 100% recommend.

Had a fab day with reel fishing. Really friendly and relaxed atmosphere, would defo go again. Mark our captain was very knowledgeable...  

Review media 0
Captain replied
 Isaac S. recommends The Reel Thing Charters – Carrum

Mark review as helpful

1 person finds this review helpful
 Isaac S. recommends The Reel Thing Charters – Carrum

Mark review as helpful

1 person finds this review helpful
undefined (The Captain)
Replied on February 2, 2025
Thanks guys, it was a pleasure having you onboard.

Brett S.
Brett S.
5.0/5

Jan 24, 2025

5 Hour Trip – Shared (AM)

A great way to avoid owning a boat

VERIFIED

Stuff pier fishing this is a great way to get amongst it out on the bay without the ongoing expense of a boat, add great folks with all the equipment and local knowledge and you can't miss.

Stuff pier fishing this is a great way to get amongst it out on the bay without the ongoing expense of a boat, add great folks...  

 Brett S. recommends The Reel Thing Charters – Carrum

Mark review as helpful

 Brett S. recommends The Reel Thing Charters – Carrum

Mark review as helpful


Aryan N.
Aryan N.
5.0/5

Dec 19, 2024

5 Hour Trip – Private (5AM)

Fish for days!

VERIFIED

Mark and his crew were great. They knew all the good spots for a few big fish. Easy going and nice people. We would definitely recommend and use them again. Thanks again Mark.

Mark and his crew were great. They knew all the good spots for a few big fish. Easy going and nice people. We would definitely...  

 Aryan N. recommends The Reel Thing Charters – Carrum

Mark review as helpful

1 person finds this review helpful
 Aryan N. recommends The Reel Thing Charters – Carrum

Mark review as helpful

1 person finds this review helpful

Trip availability and prices

Trip Date:
Days:
Group Size:
Select date to see availability
October 2025
SuMoTuWeThFrSa
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Number of days
1
Group Size
2 adults • 0 children
Change
Almost there...
5 Hour Trip – Shared (5AM)
FREE Cancellation 14 days notice
5 Hour Trip, starts at 5:00 AM
Seasonal trip Oct 1 - Apr 30
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US $251 
Shared tour: for 2 people
5 Hour Trip – Shared (AM)
FREE Cancellation 14 days notice
5 Hour Trip, starts at 10:00 AM
Seasonal trip Oct 1 - Apr 30
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US $251 
Shared tour: for 2 people
5 Hour Trip – Shared (PM)
FREE Cancellation 14 days notice
5 Hour Trip, starts at 3:00 PM
Seasonal trip Oct 1 - Apr 30
Loading...
US $251 
Shared tour: for 2 people
5 Hour Trip – Private (5AM)
FREE Cancellation 14 days notice
5 Hour Trip, starts at 5:00 AM
Seasonal trip Oct 1 - Apr 30
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US $989 
Entire boat: up to 8 people
5 Hour Trip – Private (10AM)
FREE Cancellation 14 days notice
5 Hour Trip, starts at 10:00 AM
Seasonal trip Aug 1 - Mar 31
Loading...
US $989 
Entire boat: up to 8 people
5 Hour Trip – Private (PM)
FREE Cancellation 14 days notice
5 Hour Trip, starts at 3:00 PM
Seasonal trip Oct 1 - Apr 30
Loading...
US $989 
Entire boat: up to 8 people
There are 13 people looking at this charter.

Customer reviews

Rating summary

4.7/5
out of 5 stars from 146 reviews
Boat
4.7/5
Crew
4.8/5
Experience
4.6/5

Photos & videos by reviewers (70)

One of the best fishing day
One of the best fishing day
One of the best fishing day
+67

Angler rating

110
18
4
2
1

Anglers claimed

Good experience

87%

Appropriate for children

92%

Friendly captain

99%

Satisfied with the boat

97%

Recommend this charter

87%

Caught fish

83%

Showing 1 - 5 of 146 reviews
Showing: 5 of 146 reviews
Leanne M.
Leanne M.
5.0/5

Experience:

5.0/5

Boat

5.0/5

Crew

5.0/5

Overall

Great Afternoon Out

VERIFIED

5 Hour Trip – Shared (PM) on January 19, 2025

We went out with Mark on a 3pm 5hr charter. Whilst we weren’t reeling heaps of fishing in he made sure he was taking us to places we could get some bites. He catered to what we wanted to do, was very perishable and made the day a really enjoyable experience. He even topped off my son’s day by letting him take the wheel and drive back. We will definitely do it again but may mix it up with a different time. We also have a video to keep forever of a seal stealing our catch

We went out with Mark on a 3pm 5hr charter. Whilst we weren’t reeling heaps of fishing in he made sure he was taking us to places we could get some bites. He catered to what we wanted to do, was very perishable and made the day a really enjoyable experience. He even topped off my son’s day by letting him take the wheel and drive back. We will definitely do it again but may mix it up with a different time. We also have a video to keep forever of a seal stealing our catch  

 Leanne M. recommends The Reel Thing Charters – Carrum

Mark review as helpful

1 person finds this review helpful

Ellen E.
Ellen E.
5.0/5

Experience:

5.0/5

Boat

5.0/5

Crew

5.0/5

Overall

One of the best fishing day

VERIFIED

5 Hour Trip – Shared (5AM) on March 27, 2025

We started at 6am. Got 2 mackarel and 2 whitting and a humongous octopus within 1.5 hours. Got a lot of different fish as well. Got quite a bunch of snappers, 2 gurne and a few that is a bit too small. The day is perfect. Captain Mark is amazing. He has become my most fave capt for now. He is very patient, attentive and friendly. He know his stuff. Teach a lot of technique of fishing. Definetely will come back again.

We started at 6am. Got 2 mackarel and 2 whitting and a humongous octopus within 1.5 hours. Got a lot of different fish as well. Got quite a bunch of snappers, 2 gurne and a few that is a bit too small. The day is perfect. Captain Mark is amazing. He has become my most fave capt for now. He is very patient, attentive and friendly. He know his stuff. Teach a lot of technique of fishing. Definetely will come back again.  

Review media 0
Review media 1
Review media 2
Review media 3
 Ellen E. recommends The Reel Thing Charters – Carrum

Mark review as helpful

1 person finds this review helpful
undefined (The Captain)
Replied on March 27, 2025
Thank you so much for the kind words. You and your family are a pleasure to have on board. Enjoy your feast and the rest of your holiday.

Isaac S.
Isaac S.
5.0/5

Experience:

5.0/5

Boat

5.0/5

Crew

5.0/5

Overall

Great day out fishing

VERIFIED

5 Hour Trip – Shared (AM) on February 2, 2025

Had a fab day with reel fishing. Really friendly and relaxed atmosphere, would defo go again. Mark our captain was very knowledgeable and knows what he’s doing and more importantly where the fish are. Overall had a really enjoyable day and would 100% recommend.

Had a fab day with reel fishing. Really friendly and relaxed atmosphere, would defo go again. Mark our captain was very knowledgeable and knows what he’s doing and more importantly where the fish are. Overall had a really enjoyable day and would 100% recommend.  

Review media 0
 Isaac S. recommends The Reel Thing Charters – Carrum

Mark review as helpful

1 person finds this review helpful
undefined (The Captain)
Replied on February 2, 2025
Thanks guys, it was a pleasure having you onboard.

Brett S.
Brett S.
5.0/5

Experience:

5.0/5

Boat

5.0/5

Crew

5.0/5

Overall

A great way to avoid owning a boat

VERIFIED

5 Hour Trip – Shared (AM) on January 24, 2025

Stuff pier fishing this is a great way to get amongst it out on the bay without the ongoing expense of a boat, add great folks with all the equipment and local knowledge and you can't miss.

Stuff pier fishing this is a great way to get amongst it out on the bay without the ongoing expense of a boat, add great folks with all the equipment and local knowledge and you can't miss.  

 Brett S. recommends The Reel Thing Charters – Carrum

Mark review as helpful


Aryan N.
Aryan N.
5.0/5

Experience:

5.0/5

Boat

5.0/5

Crew

5.0/5

Overall

Fish for days!

VERIFIED

5 Hour Trip – Private (5AM) on December 19, 2024

Mark and his crew were great. They knew all the good spots for a few big fish. Easy going and nice people. We would definitely recommend and use them again. Thanks again Mark.

Mark and his crew were great. They knew all the good spots for a few big fish. Easy going and nice people. We would definitely recommend and use them again. Thanks again Mark.  

 Aryan N. recommends The Reel Thing Charters – Carrum

Mark review as helpful

1 person finds this review helpful

FAQs about The Reel Thing Charters – Carrum

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The fish you can target

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What is the boat like?

Boat Image
Boat category
Skiffs and flats boats
Capacity
8 persons
Boat length
28 ft
Year built
1995
Restored in
2018
Boat manufacturer
Axium
Boat type
Aluminum fishing

Engine model
Mercury
Powered by
2 x 175HP
Max cruising speed
28 knots
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