The Reel Thing Charters – Carrum 

4.7/5 (166 reviews)
 Launching Way, Melbourne, VI 3197, Australia

The Reel Thing Charters – Carrum 

Melbourne, VI, Australia
28 ft
8
4.7/5 (166 reviews)

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!

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!

Mark Ratchford
Captain
Mark Ratchford
27 years of experience
ID & credentials verified

Trip availability and prices

Trip Date:
Group Size:
Select date to see availability
August 2026
SuMoTuWeThFrSa
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Number of days
1
Group Size
2 adults • 0 children
Change
Almost there...
5 Hour Trip – Shared
FREE Cancellation 14 days notice
5 hour trip multiple starting times (5:00 AM, 3:00 PM)
Seasonal trip
Oct 1 - Apr 30
US $281
Shared tour: 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
US $281
Shared tour: 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
Salmon (Australian)
Snapper (Pink)
Flathead
Shark (Gummy)
+1
US $1,094
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
Salmon (Australian)
Snapper (Pink)
Flathead
Shark (Gummy)
+1
US $1,094
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
Salmon (Australian)
Snapper (Pink)
Flathead
Shark (Gummy)
+1
US $1,094
Entire boat: up to 8 people
There are 3 people looking at this charter.

Customer reviews

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Rating

4.7
166 reviews
4.7
Boat & equipment
4.8
Captain & crew
4.7
Fishing Experience

Anglers' gallery (79)

What anglers say

87%
Great experience
91%
Family friendly
99%
Friendly captain
96%
Good boat
88%
Recommended
85%
Caught fish

All reviews (166)

Frequently mentioned
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Showing 15 of 166 reviews
Cameron Hall
Cameron Hall
Repeat angler
au
Australia
Member since 2022
4 trips
5.0
Verified
Amazing experience for family day out
5 Hour Trip – Private (5AM) on March 21, 20264 adults1 child

Mark & Joel thoroughly put together an amazing day , making the experience for the kids unforgettable and very knowledgeable and fill you in on all the handy tips along the way , we will be back and would highly recommend!!

Katherine Firth
Katherine Firth
au
Australia
Member since 2026
5.0
Verified
Fishing with Mark
5 Hour Trip – Shared - 3:00 PM on February 8, 20262 adults3 children

Thanks for a fantastic day out! Lots of fish were caught and we all had a lot of fun!

Gavin Kuczynski
Gavin Kuczynski
au
Australia
Member since 2025
5.0
Verified
Great Skipper
5 Hour Trip – Shared (AM) on January 9, 20262 adults

Mark extended our charter this morning, due to having a couple of sick ladies. Fishing was tough, Mark tried his best and we managed to catch a few fish in very trying conditions.. i would definately book another Charter with Mark.

Reported catch:
Pink Snapper
Flathead
Jasper Hayes
Jasper Hayes
gb
United Kingdom
Member since 2026
5.0
Verified
The Reel Thing Charters With Skipper Mark.
5 Hour Trip – Shared on January 2, 20262 adults

A friend and I embarked on a 5 hour fishing trip in Kurum with the skipper mark. Trip was great and Mark was very friendly and helpful. Would hugely recommend this service to anyone 10/10 was an all round fun and enjoyable experience.

Reported catch:
Pink Snapper
Flathead
Mark Ratchford
Response from Captain

Hi Jasper thanks for your positive feedback .

Narelle Lowdell
Narelle Lowdell
au
Australia
Member since 2025
5.0
Verified
Memorable family fun
5 Hour Trip – Private (10AM) on December 6, 20253 adults1 child

We had the most amazing day fishing on the bay, 3 Adults and a 10yr old. The weather was average but Mark and Joel made sure we had a great trip. We made memories that will last a lifetime and look forward to heading out with Mark & Joel again!

Reported catch:
Pink Snapper
Flathead
Mark Ratchford
Response from Captain

Thanks for your positive feedback Narelle .

FAQs about The Reel Thing Charters – Carrum

The Reel Thing Charters – Carrum offers the following trips to customers:
  • AU $199 per person - 5 Hour Trip – Shared (5 hours)
  • AU $199 per person - 5 Hour Trip – Shared - 3:00 PM (5 hours)
  • AU $199 per person - 5 Hour Trip – Shared (AM) (5 hours)
  • AU $1,550 per group - 5 Hour Trip – Private (10AM) (5 hours)
  • AU $1,550 per group - 5 Hour Trip – Private (5AM) (5 hours)
  • AU $1,550 per group - 5 Hour Trip – Private (PM) (5 hours)
When you book a trip with The Reel Thing Charters – Carrum, you can expect the following amenities onboard:
  • Toilet Porta pottie in cabin with curtain
  • GPS Furuno & Lowrance
  • Fishfinder Furuno & Lowrance
  • Live bait well
  • Ice box
  • Radio
  • Sonar Garmin
  • Radar Furuno
Trips booked with The Reel Thing Charters – Carrum include:
  • Rods, reels & tackle
  • Lures
  • First mate
The Reel Thing Charters – Carrum offers the following types of fishing:
  • Inshore fishing (Port Phillip Bay, Vic)
  • Nearshore fishing (Port Phillip Bay, Vic)
  • Offshore fishing (Mornington Peninsula)
  • Reef fishing (Mornington Peninsul)
The Reel Thing Charters – Carrum 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 – Carrum include:
  • Flathead
  • King George Whiting
  • Salmon (Australian)
  • Shark (Gummy)
  • Snapper (Pink)

Your captain

Mark Ratchford
Mark Ratchford
Mark Ratchford

Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

14 Fishing Reports
ID & license verified
186 Customer reviews
Typical response within 5 hours
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.

14 Fishing Reports
ID & license verified
186 Customer reviews
Typical response within 5 hours
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.

The fish you can target

Flathead
Flathead
King George Whiting
King George Whiting
Australian Salmon
Australian Salmon
Gummy Shark
Gummy Shark
Pink Snapper
Pink Snapper
Flathead
Flathead
King George Whiting
King George Whiting
Australian Salmon
Australian Salmon
Gummy Shark
Gummy Shark
Pink Snapper
Pink Snapper

Real catches by this captain

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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

What kind of fishing will you do?

Inshore Fishing
Port Phillip Bay, Vic
Nearshore Fishing
Port Phillip Bay, Vic
Offshore Fishing
Mornington Peninsula
Reef Fishing
Mornington Peninsul

Which fishing techniques you can try

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

Which amenities are available onboard

Toilet
Porta pottie in cabin with curtain
GPS
Furuno & Lowrance
Fishfinder
Furuno & Lowrance
Live bait well
Ice box
Radio
Sonar
Garmin
Radar
Furuno
What's included in the trip price
Rods, reels & tackle
Lures
First mate

How cancellations work

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.

More details

What the listing policies are

Pickup not included

Transfer to/from departure site is not included in trip rates.

Child friendly
5years old and above
No smoking
Allowed Only In Specified Area
You keep catch
We do not clean your catch, we bag it for you.
Catch and release allowed
Disabled accessible

How you can pay

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.

What’s biting in Melbourne right now

FlatheadFlathead
King George WhitingKing George Whiting
Shark (Gummy)Shark (Gummy)
Snapper (Pink)Snapper (Pink)

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Current
The Reel Thing Charters – Carrum
The Reel Thing Charters – Carrum
4.7
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28 ft
Group size 1 - 8
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