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
(163 reviews)
Melbourne
 Last booking: 1 day ago
Trips from US $141
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(18 reviews)
Melbourne
 Last booking: 1 day ago
Trips from US $1,408
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(1 review)
Melbourne
Trips from US $2,151

Fishing Reports

Customer reviews

Rating summary
Excellent
4.7 / 5
out of 5 stars from 182 reviews
Boat
Excellent
4.7 / 5
Crew
Excellent
4.8 / 5
Experience
Excellent
4.7 / 5
Photos & videos by reviewers (97)
The Reel Thing Charters With Skipper Mark.
The Reel Thing Charters With Skipper Mark.
The Reel Thing Charters With Skipper Mark.
+94
Angler rating
142
20
4
2
1
Anglers claimed
Good experience
89%
Friendly captain
99%
Recommend this charter
88%
Appropriate for children
92%
Satisfied with the boat
97%
Caught fish
84%
Sort by:
Featured  
Showing:
5 of 182 reviews
Olga M.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

It was an amazing experience, we highly recommend it.

VERIFIED   NEW  5 Hour Trip โ€“ Shared (AM) on January 25, 2026
We were a family of 4, first fishing experience. Mark and his partner were very kind, professional and funny. They tried to...
Olga M. recommends The Reel Thing Charters โ€“ Carrum
Mark review as helpful
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Olga M. recommends The Reel Thing Charters โ€“ Carrum
Mark review as helpful
You 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 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

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

I loved it

VERIFIED   NEW  5 Hour Trip โ€“ Shared (AM) on January 24, 2026
Thanks Mark for the amazing day fishing squid!!! We will be back, highly recommended.
Denise W. recommends The Reel Thing Charters โ€“ Carrum
Mark review as helpful
You found this review helpful
Denise W. recommends The Reel Thing Charters โ€“ Carrum
Mark review as helpful
You found this review helpful

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

Great Skipper

VERIFIED   5 Hour Trip โ€“ Shared (AM) on January 9, 2026
Mark extended our charter this morning, due to having a couple of sick ladies. Fishing was tough, Mark tried his best and we...
Gavin K. recommends The Reel Thing Charters โ€“ Carrum
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Gavin K. recommends The Reel Thing Charters โ€“ Carrum
Mark review as helpful
You found this review helpful

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

The Reel Thing Charters With Skipper Mark.

VERIFIED   5 Hour Trip โ€“ Shared on January 2, 2026
A friend and I embarked on a 5 hour fishing trip in Kurum with the skipper mark. Trip was great and Mark was very friendly...
Jasper H. recommends The Reel Thing Charters โ€“ Carrum
Mark review as helpful
You found this review helpful
  Mark Ratchford Captain replied