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!
Rating summary
Photos & videos by reviewers (70)
Angler rating
Anglers claimed
Good experience
87%
Appropriate for children
92%
Friendly captain
99%
Satisfied with the boat
97%
Recommend this charter
87%
Caught fish
83%
Jan 19, 2025
5 Hour Trip – Shared (PM)
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...
Mark review as helpful
Mark review as helpful
Mar 27, 2025
5 Hour Trip – Shared (5AM)
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....
Mark review as helpful
Mark review as helpful
Feb 2, 2025
5 Hour Trip – Shared (AM)
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...
Mark review as helpful
Mark review as helpful
Jan 24, 2025
5 Hour Trip – Shared (AM)
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...
Mark review as helpful
Mark review as helpful
Dec 19, 2024
5 Hour Trip – Private (5AM)
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...
Mark review as helpful
Mark review as helpful
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Rating summary
Photos & videos by reviewers (70)
Angler rating
Anglers claimed
Good experience
87%
Appropriate for children
92%
Friendly captain
99%
Satisfied with the boat
97%
Recommend this charter
87%
Caught fish
83%
Experience:
Boat
Crew
Overall
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
Mark review as helpful
Experience:
Boat
Crew
Overall
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.
Mark review as helpful
Experience:
Boat
Crew
Overall
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.
Mark review as helpful
Experience:
Boat
Crew
Overall
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.
Mark review as helpful
Experience:
Boat
Crew
Overall
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.
Mark review as helpful