The Reel Thing Charters – Carrum

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!



Select date to see available trips and rates:

  • Shared trip
    5 Hour Trip – Shared (PM)
    In demand! Last booked: 6 days ago
    FREE Cancellation 14 days notice
    5 Hour Trip, starts at 3:00 PM
    Seasonal trip Oct 1 - Apr 30
    US $247
    Charters run at 5:00 a.m. departing from Carrum, departure point may change, this may be due to weather conditions or species being targeted, sometimes fishing is better in alternate locations, this will be advised the evening prior to departure, we aim to get you out fishing and to give you the best chance of catching a fish. Fishing for a variety of species, Snapper, Flathead, Pinkies, Snook, Salmon, Rock Cod, and Gummy Shark. Departure time may vary depending on the weather.
  • Shared trip
    5 Hour Trip – Shared (5AM)
    FREE Cancellation 14 days notice
    5 Hour Trip, starts at 5:00 AM
    Seasonal trip Oct 1 - Apr 30
    US $249
    Charters run at 5:00 a.m. departing from Carrum, departure point may change, this may be due to weather conditions or species being targeted, sometimes fishing is better in alternate locations, this will be advised the evening prior to departure, we aim to get you out fishing and to give you the best chance of catching a fish. Fishing for a variety of species, Snapper, Flathead, Pinkies, Snook, Salmon, Rock Cod, and Gummy Shark. Departure time may vary depending on the weather.
  • Shared trip
    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 $249
    Charters run at 10:00 a.m. departing from Carrum, departure point may change, this may be due to weather conditions or species being targeted, sometimes fishing is better in alternate locations, this will be advised the evening prior to departure, we aim to get you out fishing and to give you the best chance of catching a fish. Fishing for a variety of species, Snapper, Flathead, Pinkies, Snook, Salmon, Rock Cod, and Gummy Shark. Departure time may vary depending on the weather.
  • Private trip
    5 Hour Trip – Private (10AM)
    FREE Cancellation 14 days notice
    5 Hour Trip, starts at 10:00 AM
    Seasonal trip Aug 1 - Mar 31
    US $951
    Charters run at 10:00 a.m. departing from Carrum, departure point may change, this may be due to weather conditions or species being targeted, sometimes fishing is better in alternate locations, this will be advised the evening prior to departure, we aim to get you out fishing and to give you the best chance of catching a fish. Fishing for a variety of species, Snapper, Flathead, Pinkies, Snook, Salmon, Rock Cod, and Gummy Shark. Departure time may vary depending on the weather.
    Targeted fish
    Salmon (Australian)
    Australian Salmon
    Snapper (Pink)
    Pink Snapper
    Flathead
    Flathead
    Shark (Gummy)
    Gummy Shark
    King George Whiting
    King George Whiting
  • Private trip
    5 Hour Trip – Private (5AM)
    FREE Cancellation 14 days notice
    5 Hour Trip, starts at 5:00 AM
    Seasonal trip Oct 1 - Apr 30
    US $951
    Charters run at 5:00 a.m. departing from Carrum, departure point may change, this may be due to weather conditions or species being targeted, sometimes fishing is better in alternate locations, this will be advised the evening prior to departure, we aim to get you out fishing and to give you the best chance of catching a fish. Fishing for a variety of species, Snapper, Flathead, Pinkies, Snook, Salmon, Rock Cod, and Gummy Shark. Departure time may vary depending on the weather.
    Targeted fish
    Salmon (Australian)
    Australian Salmon
    Snapper (Pink)
    Pink Snapper
    Flathead
    Flathead
    Shark (Gummy)
    Gummy Shark
    King George Whiting
    King George Whiting
  • Private trip
    5 Hour Trip – Private (PM)
    FREE Cancellation 14 days notice
    5 Hour Trip, starts at 3:00 PM
    Seasonal trip Oct 1 - Apr 30
    US $951
    Charters run at 3:00 p.m. departing from Carrum, departure point may change, this may be due to weather conditions or species being targeted, sometimes fishing is better in alternate locations, this will be advised the evening prior to departure, we aim to get you out fishing and to give you the best chance of catching a fish. Fishing for a variety of species, Snapper, Flathead, Pinkies, Snook, Salmon, Rock Cod, and Gummy Shark. Departure time may vary depending on the weather.
    Targeted fish
    Salmon (Australian)
    Australian Salmon
    Snapper (Pink)
    Pink Snapper
    Flathead
    Flathead
    Shark (Gummy)
    Gummy Shark
    King George Whiting
    King George Whiting
There are 4 people looking at this charter.

FAQs about The Reel Thing Charters – Carrum

The Reel Thing Charters – Carrum offers the following trips to customers:
  • AU $188 per person - 5 Hour Trip – Shared (PM) (5 hours)
  • AU $190 per person - 5 Hour Trip – Shared (5AM) (5 hours)
  • AU $190 per person - 5 Hour Trip – Shared (AM) (5 hours)
  • AU $1,450 per group - 5 Hour Trip – Private (10AM) (5 hours)
  • AU $1,450 per group - 5 Hour Trip – Private (5AM) (5 hours)
  • AU $1,450 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)

Meet the Captain

Mark Ratchford
Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
9 Fishing Reports
145 Customer reviews
Response time 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.

About this listing

Targeted species

Flathead Flathead
King George Whiting King George Whiting
Salmon (Australian) Australian Salmon
Shark (Gummy) Gummy Shark

Boat specs

Axium (Aluminum fishing) 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, Vic
Nearshore Fishing
Port Phillip Bay, Vic
Offshore Fishing
Mornington Peninsula
Reef Fishing
Mornington Peninsul

Fishing techniques

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

Amenities

Toilet
Porta pottie in cabin with curtain
GPS
Furuno & Lowrance
Fishfinder
Furuno & Lowrance
Live Bait Well
Ice Box
Radio

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
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

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.

Melbourne Fishing Calendar

Loading Fish Calendar!
Please Wait...

Customer reviews

Rating summary
Excellent
4.7 / 5
out of 5 stars from 128 reviews
Boat
Excellent
4.7 / 5
Crew
Excellent
4.8 / 5
Experience
Excellent
4.6 / 5
Photos & videos by reviewers (61)
Great family day on the water
Great family day on the water
Great family day on the water
+58
Angler rating
97
15
4
2
1
Anglers claimed
Good experience
86%
Friendly captain
99%
Recommend this charter
88%
Appropriate for children
91%
Satisfied with the boat
97%
Caught fish
80%
Sort by:
Featured  
Showing:
5 of 128 reviews
Deon S.

The captain canceled

VERIFIED   NEW  February 24, 2024
The charter operator canceled on trip date. This is an automated posting.
Mark review as helpful
2 persons find this review helpful
You and 2 people found this review helpful
Mark review as helpful
2 persons find this review helpful
You and 2 people found this review helpful

Andrew H.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Great family day on the water

VERIFIED   NEW  5 Hour Trip – Shared (PM) on March 16, 2024
Lovely 5 hour trip with Mark and Joel. Very good with our two children aged 9 and 11 and a good result on the fishing front....
Andrew H. recommends The Reel Thing Charters – Carrum
Mark review as helpful
You found this review helpful
Andrew H. recommends The Reel Thing Charters – Carrum
Mark review as helpful
You found this review helpful

Allen W.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

A wonderful experience, brilliant catches! Highly recommended!

VERIFIED   5 Hour Trip – Shared (AM) on December 5, 2023
A wonderful experience, brilliant catches! Highly recommend “The Reel Thing Charters”, a family business - Sharon, Mark...
Allen W. recommends The Reel Thing Charters – Carrum
Mark review as helpful
You found this review helpful
  Mark Ratchford Captain replied

Kieren M.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Worth the trip

VERIFIED   5 Hour Trip – Shared (AM) on January 26, 2024
Was not the best conditions to go out for a fish but mark still made sure we caught something, and had a great day. can’t...
Kieren M. recommends The Reel Thing Charters – Carrum
Mark review as helpful
You found this review helpful
Kieren M. recommends The Reel Thing Charters – Carrum
Mark review as helpful
You found this review helpful

Kevin K.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Awesome

VERIFIED   5 Hour Trip – Shared (AM) on November 4, 2023
The group was more on the smaller side, compared with the other charters running from Carrum (which is a very good thing in...
Kevin K. recommends The Reel Thing Charters – Carrum
Mark review as helpful
You found this review helpful
Kevin K. recommends The Reel Thing Charters – Carrum
Mark review as helpful
You found this review helpful