Captain
Mark Ratchford

Member since September 2015 Melbourne, Australia
Background
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.

Hey, I'm Captain Mark Ratchford

Melbourne, Australia
Background
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.

My Charter Listings

Excellent
4.7 / 5
(103 reviews)
Melbourne
trips from $111
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(15 reviews)
Melbourne
trips from $1,242
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(1 review)
Melbourne
trips from $1,372

Customer reviews

Rating Summary
Excellent
4.8 / 5
out of 5 stars from 119 reviews
Boat
Excellent
4.7 / 5
Crew
Excellent
4.9 / 5
Experience
Excellent
4.7 / 5
Photos & videos by reviewers (68)
Looked after like royalty
Looked after like royalty
Looked after like royalty
+65
Angler Rating
94
15
2
1
0
Anglers Claimed
Good experience
91%
Friendly captain
100%
Recommend this charter
91%
Appropriate for children
92%
Satisfied with the boat
98%
Catch intended fish
76%
Sort By:
Featured  
Showing:
5 of 119 reviews
Raymond M.
Melbourne, VIC
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Half day with Captain Mark on The Reel Thing

VERIFIED   5 Hour Trip โ€“ Shared (AM) on January 8, 2023
Mark and his first mate were very accomodating, helpful and all round nice guys. The boat was exceptional for the trip and...
Raymond M. recommends The Reel Thing Charters โ€“ Carrum
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Damian M.
Melbourne, Victoria
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Half day with Mark

VERIFIED   5 Hour Trip โ€“ Shared (5AM) on December 5, 2022
I organised this trip as a Christmas get together, most of the team had never been fishing on a boat, so I was hoping this...
Damian M. recommends The Reel Thing Charters โ€“ Carrum
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Aayden M.
Melbourne, Victoria
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Looked after like royalty

VERIFIED   Half Day Trip (AM) on February 25, 2023
The crew went beyond to make sure fish were caught, and that everyone got a chance to experience what we were after. Easy people...
Aayden M. recommends The Reel Thing Charters โ€“ St Kilda
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Mike F.
Melbourne, Victoria
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Half day with Skipper Mark

VERIFIED   5 Hour Trip โ€“ Shared (AM) on February 9, 2023
Really unforgettable experience with my family and Skipper Mark. Mark even happy to spent extra hours with us just...
Mike F. recommends The Reel Thing Charters โ€“ Carrum
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Travis H.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Great Charter for real fishing

VERIFIED   Full Day Trip โ€“ Bluefin Tuna on March 10, 2023
Captain Mark and First Mate Tony got us out there and found the morning bite and we pulled a couple in. Unfortunately the fish...
Travis H. recommends The Reel Thing Charters โ€“ Private Tuna Trips
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