Melbourne

7 Fishing Charters

Melbourne Fishing Charters

Search top fishing charters in Melbourne
Melbourne: 7 fishing charters available
Melbourne
 Instant Confirmation
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(1 review)
Melbourne
trips from $1,404
Excellent
4.8 / 5
(11 reviews)
Melbourne
trips from $1,017
Excellent
4.8 / 5
(30 reviews)
Melbourne
trips from $117
Excellent
4.7 / 5
(103 reviews)
Melbourne
trips from $114
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(15 reviews)
Melbourne
trips from $1,271
Excellent
4.3 / 5
(4 reviews)
Geelong

Frequently Asked Questions about Fishing Charters in Melbourne

According to customer reviews, Twilight Fishing Charters, The Reel Thing Charters โ€“ Private Tuna Trips, and Westernport Fishing Charters โ€“ 50' are some of the most popular fishing charters in Melbourne, Victoria. Full list of top fishing charters in Melbourne.

The average price for a private 4 hour Melbourne fishing trip is $951, while an 8 hour private trip will cost you $1,099 based on prices on FishingBooker.com.

Twilight Fishing Charters and Westernport Fishing Charters โ€“ 50' received great reviews from families who booked fishing trips in Melbourne.

The most popular fish species you can target are Pink Snapper, Gummy Shark, and King George Whiting. Top fishing techniques include Heavy Tackle, Bottom Fishing, and Light Tackle. Inshore fishing, nearshore fishing, and offshore fishing are commonly offered by local guides.

Some people say that the incredible fishing in Melbourne is not what earned this Victorian metropolis the title of ‘the world’s most liveable city’. We disagree. Yes, the town may be home to a notoriously trendy cafe culture. Sure, you might be more likely to spot someone on a ‘fixie’ than on their feet. But it’s the bounty of the city’s enormous Port Phillip Bay that makes us weak at the knees.

When we say bounty, we mean Snapper. And when we say Snapper, we're talking about Pink Snapper. As if that wasn't enough names for one fish, this notorious bait-nibbler is locally known as the Big Red (when it's big) and Pinkie (when it's not). 

Known For

What makes Melbourne really special is its unbreakable connection to the water. The city practically embraces Port Phillip Bay, meaning you’re never far from fish. For the visiting angler, this means the sheer number of fishing spots Melbourne has access to can be quite hard to digest. For those short on time for lengthy articles, here’s a run-down:

Port Phillip Bay is what Melbourne is all about. This huge bowl of water is practically 2,000 square kilometres wide. 330,000 anglers test these waters every single year. And we don’t blame them. This is where you will find the majority of Melbourne fishing charters. But why?

Well, when it comes to Snapper fishing, Port Phillip Bay is the place to be. This is because the Bay is relatively shallow, and its dish-shaped bottom makes it the ideal place to shelter when the wind is blowing offshore. What with that and being hardly able to move for recreational fishing reefs, this means only one thing: the ideal breeding ground for some of the biggest Snapper you can find.

Port Phillip Bay fishing hot spots include the area from Carrum and Mornington to Mt Martha in the south of the Bay, as well as the Williamstown and Altona areas in the north. Don’t want to travel far? Luckily, it doesn’t get much better than St Kilda for access to both big Snappers and the city centre. And it’s not all about the Snapper. Anglers fishing Port Phillip Bay can find themselves battling King George Whiting, Gummy Sharks, Squid, Flathead, Salmon, and Garfish as well.

If you want to escape the crowds, head to Westernport Bay. This may be just across the peninsula from Port Phillip Bay, but it’s hard to find more of a different waterway. While Port Phillip is fairly consistent in depth, Westernport Bay fishing is all about deep tidal channels and shallow mud flats. While both hold good numbers of fish, Westernport can give you that little bit of variety you were craving.

Finally, don’t miss the Werribbe River, with its great Whiting and Flathead fishery, the stretch between Altona and Williamson, which boasts fantastic Snapper catches, Lonsdale Bight’s consistent year-round fishery, and Queenscliff Harbour, for Mullet, Silver Trevally, and Salmon.

Rules & Regulations

All anglers fishing in Melbourne must purchase a Recreational Fishing License. These are available online, as well as from local tackle shops. Certain fish are subject to limits and closed seasons (subject to change), and some species may not be filleted until they have been brought ashore. Go on a professional Melbourne fishing trip, and your skipper will be able to advise you on the current restrictions and regulations.

Types of Fishing

Most of the Snapper fishing charters Melbourne is home to focus on one thing: anchoring up and bringing in the fish. Anchoring is vital in Western Port, where a strong tide can move you away from your chosen spot sharpish. That being said, Port Phillip Bay fishing charters can have some success with drift fishing, which is more practical in these waters. What unites both areas, though, is berley - and lot’s of it. Cut-up pilchards work wonders, while commercially prepared chum can be almost as good. Fish with bait or lures and you will be in a good place to hook a big Red.

Pro tip - try fishing for Snapper at night. This will let you skip the worst of the crowds and even catch a better bite, as the fish move into shallow waters closer to shore.

No fishing charter for you? Head to a local pier with a 2m rod that is suited to 6-10kg line (if you are targeting Snapper, that is). Smaller fish like Whiting and Flathead are most enjoyable to target with light tackle. 


January

Melbourne is in the grips of summer and hotels are booking up fast. Get ready to catch Snapper in Port Philip Bay. They are biting well, enjoying the warm water. Look for Yellowtail Kingfish, which starts to appear.

February

Kingfish fishing heats up this month in Melbourne, with some large specimens around for the catching. Some big Snapper remain in the Bay, with Garfish, Flathead, and King George Whiting all curious to take your bait.

March

Fish for the remaining Snapper in the Bay and find Australian Salmon as they start to come into the Melbourne fishing mix. Enjoy cooler temperatures as the weather transitions to autumn.

April

April sees Snapper mania fade as the Big Reds mostly start to head out into the open ocean. A lot of local sportfishing boats will travel west for the winter, ready to tackle Bluefin Tuna from Portland and Port Fairy.

May

Fishing pressure has died down with many fanatic fishos having left town. But that doesn't mean you can't find a good bite. Head to Queenscliff for huge winter Whiting, or look for Pinkies over reefs in the northwest of the Bay.

June

It may be cold outside, but you can still find some exciting fishing in Melbourne in June. Look for Squid in the Mornington area, with Garfish also appearing in the same area. Nothing beats fresh Calamari for dinner!

July

Who said midwinter in Melbourne was dull? Get out on the water and you'll be in with a good chance of catching large numbers of Squid, Pinkies, and King George Whiting. Westernport Bay is also full of fish.

August

If you like Squid, this is your time to catch a really big one. King George Whiting will be biting steadily until the end of the winter in Port Philip Bay. Otherwise, head to Westernport Bay for some excellent Gummy Shark action.

September

Spring is in the air – at last! September in Melbourne is all about making the most of the spring flowers and the fact that most of the tourists haven't made it onto the streets yet. Get up early for the best bite and look for Snapper!

October

October is when things start to get interesting for fisherfolk in Melbourne. The Big Reds are in town, and everyone knows it! Be prepared to battle the crowds in the Bay for the return of big Snapper. This is peak fishing time.

November

If you thought October was good for big Snapper, wait until you see what the bite is like in November. The fish are biting almost all day long, which is great as the days get longer and the weather heats up.

December

Celebrate the festive season with big Snapper biting just as well as ever. Enjoy the red hot temperatures of Melbourne's summer as you prepare to battle the crowds in the towns, on the beaches, and in the bay.

Melbourne Fishing Calendar

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If itโ€™s is your first time book an early trip as it is better early in the mornings
Excellent
5.0 / 5
If itโ€™s is your first time book an early trip as it is better early in the mornings
Diana  M.
Diana M. Carrum Downs, VIC
Be prepared have the knowledge of the Area and fish for what you want to hook up on.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Be prepared have the knowledge of the Area and fish for what you want to hook up on.
Steve  W.
Steve W. Berwick, VIC
You just have to have ago their are fish out their and charter company will find them for you .
Excellent
5.0 / 5
You just have to have ago their are fish out their and charter company will find them for you .
Clinton  S.
Clinton S. Upwey, VIC
Fishing is a sport, you win some you lose some. Going out on a charter does not guarantee you catching your dream fish. Research the area, talk to the captain and book an appropriate time to go.
Excellent
4.7 / 5
Fishing is a sport, you win some you lose some. Going out on a charter does not guarantee you catching your dream fish. Research the area, talk to the captain and book an appropriate time to go.
Joshua  F.
Joshua F. St Kilda, VIC

I'm Hooked Fishing Charters
I'm Hooked Fishing Charters
Fishing charter in Melbourne
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(31 reviews)
Mal is a great host! Great experience the kids loved it and so did the adults.!! Thanks again Mal
Meagan  G.
Meagan G. Deerfield, NH
I'm Hooked Fishing Charters
I'm Hooked Fishing Charters
Fishing charter in Melbourne
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(31 reviews)
Was my first time I really enjoyed my day was nice experience the captain was nice I had so much fun been with him
Abdelwhab  B.
Abdelwhab B. Nashua, NH
Westernport Fishing Charters โ€“ 50'
Westernport Fishing Charters โ€“ 50'
Fishing charter in Melbourne
Very good
4.0 / 5
(11 reviews)
Daz and stu were top notch. I am glad we caught something !! Cheers blokes
Jake  L.
Jake L. Melbourne, VIC
I'm Hooked Fishing Charters
I'm Hooked Fishing Charters
Fishing charter in Melbourne
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(31 reviews)
Honeymooning from Perth, hubby and I joined Mal for a charter in Port phillip bay. The boat is absolutely the best, and Mal is such a great bloke. Brought back two snapper over 55cm. The weather turned a bit rough, but Mal's skippering and his awesome boat made it child's play!! Hit us up if you get to Perth Mal, we'll take you out to our spot!!!๐Ÿ˜
Tiffany  J.
Tiffany J. Hartford, CT
I'm Hooked Fishing Charters
I'm Hooked Fishing Charters
Fishing charter in Melbourne
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(31 reviews)
Had a group of 4 plus 2 others for a Sunday 11am charter with Mal. He was super helpful and knew some great spots for us to catch heaps of fish! Was a great day, we will be back!
Jacqui  Z.
Jacqui Z. Melbourne, VIC
Westernport Fishing Charters โ€“ 50'
Westernport Fishing Charters โ€“ 50'
Fishing charter in Melbourne
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(11 reviews)
Excellent day had by all participants. Lots of whiting caught and the captain and his deckhand did a great job.
Paull  Z.
Paull Z. Vienna Center, OH
I'm Hooked Fishing Charters
I'm Hooked Fishing Charters
Fishing charter in Melbourne
Excellent
4.7 / 5
(31 reviews)
Was a good days fishing. Fish were on the bite. Looks like the toothy sharks beat the gummy shark to the bait. Still exciting to hook a 2 metre shark and see it swimming beside the boat when hooked. Did still take home some fish for a feed.
Nick  D.
Nick D. Lancaster, VIC
I'm Hooked Fishing Charters
I'm Hooked Fishing Charters
Fishing charter in Melbourne
Excellent
4.3 / 5
(31 reviews)
Thanks Captain Mal for a brilliant day on the water. Mal certainly knows his way around the bay and will put you on the mark to catch some fish.
Sue  M.
Sue M. Australia
I'm Hooked Fishing Charters
I'm Hooked Fishing Charters
Fishing charter in Melbourne
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(31 reviews)
I booked this trip for the boys in my family - they had a blast! They came back with buckets of snapper and all said how great Captain Mal was! Definitely recommend.
Dee  R.
Dee R. Caulfield South, Victoria
I'm Hooked Fishing Charters
I'm Hooked Fishing Charters
Fishing charter in Melbourne
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(31 reviews)
What a lovely experience. Easily the best fishing charter in Melbourne. Mal was an excellent captain and provided us with an absolutely fantastic day out
Kieran  S.
Kieran S. Caulfield South, VIC
I'm Hooked Fishing Charters
I'm Hooked Fishing Charters
Fishing charter in Melbourne
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(31 reviews)
Had the best time bagged out in couple of hours some really nice snapper app didn't let me upload photos definitely recommend.
Jason  W.
Jason W. Truganina, VIC
I'm Hooked Fishing Charters
I'm Hooked Fishing Charters
Fishing charter in Melbourne
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(31 reviews)
Brilliant day out with Mal. Top bloke some good catches and a great activity. See you next year. Thanks!
Ryan  D.
Ryan D. United Kingdom
I'm Hooked Fishing Charters
I'm Hooked Fishing Charters
Fishing charter in Melbourne
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(31 reviews)
Mal is a great guy who obviously loves his fishing and sharing the experience and his knowledge with others. Would Highly recommend as a great day out with friends.
Tony  E.
Tony E. Springvale, Victoria
I'm Hooked Fishing Charters
I'm Hooked Fishing Charters
Fishing charter in Melbourne
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(31 reviews)
Mal is a great host and we have so much fun on the boat! What we collect are not only many big fishes, but also lots of lovely memory. Unforgettable experience, highly recommended.
Ruby  C.
Ruby C. Richmond, VIC
I'm Hooked Fishing Charters
I'm Hooked Fishing Charters
Fishing charter in Melbourne
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(31 reviews)
Mal took us to some great spots where we were able to catch some awesome fish
Jim  J.
Jim J. Hurstville, New South Wales