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
(146 reviews)
Melbourne
Trips from US $123
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(18 reviews)
Melbourne
Trips from US $1,286
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(1 review)
Melbourne
Trips from US $1,364

Fishing Reports

Customer reviews

Rating summary
Excellent
4.7 / 5
out of 5 stars from 165 reviews
Boat
Excellent
4.7 / 5
Crew
Excellent
4.8 / 5
Experience
Excellent
4.7 / 5
Photos & videos by reviewers (88)
One of the best fishing day
One of the best fishing day
One of the best fishing day
+85
Angler rating
126
19
4
2
1
Anglers claimed
Good experience
89%
Friendly captain
99%
Recommend this charter
87%
Appropriate for children
93%
Satisfied with the boat
97%
Caught fish
83%
Sort by:
Featured  
Showing:
5 of 165 reviews
Leanne M.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Great Afternoon Out

VERIFIED   5 Hour Trip โ€“ Shared (PM) on January 19, 2025
We went out with Mark on a 3pm 5hr charter. Whilst we werenโ€™t reeling heaps of fishing in he made sure he was taking...
Leanne M. recommends The Reel Thing Charters โ€“ Carrum
Mark review as helpful
1 person finds this review helpful
You and 1 other person found this review helpful
Leanne M. recommends The Reel Thing Charters โ€“ Carrum
Mark review as helpful
1 person finds this review helpful
You and 1 other person found this review helpful

Ellen E.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

One of the best fishing day

VERIFIED   5 Hour Trip โ€“ 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....
Ellen E. recommends The Reel Thing Charters โ€“ Carrum
Mark review as helpful
1 person finds this review helpful
You and 1 other person found this review helpful
  Mark Ratchford Captain replied

Isaac S.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Great day out fishing

VERIFIED   5 Hour Trip โ€“ 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...
Isaac S. recommends The Reel Thing Charters โ€“ Carrum
Mark review as helpful
1 person finds this review helpful
You and 1 other person found this review helpful
  Mark Ratchford Captain replied

Brett S.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

A great way to avoid owning a boat

VERIFIED   5 Hour Trip โ€“ 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...
Brett S. recommends The Reel Thing Charters โ€“ Carrum
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You found this review helpful
Brett S. recommends The Reel Thing Charters โ€“ Carrum
Mark review as helpful
You found this review helpful

Aryan N.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Fish for days!

VERIFIED   5 Hour Trip โ€“ 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...
Aryan N. recommends The Reel Thing Charters โ€“ Carrum
Mark review as helpful
1 person finds this review helpful
You and 1 other person found this review helpful
Aryan N. recommends The Reel Thing Charters โ€“ Carrum
Mark review as helpful
1 person finds this review helpful
You and 1 other person found this review helpful