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.
165
Reviews
14
Fishing Reports
Verified

My Charter Listings

The Reel Thing Charters โ€“ Carrum

Excellent
4.7 / 5
(146 reviews)
Melbourne
Trips from US $122

The Reel Thing Charters โ€“ St Kilda

Excellent
5.0 / 5
(18 reviews)
Melbourne
Trips from US $1,274

The Reel Thing Charters โ€“ Private Tuna Trips

Excellent
5.0 / 5
(1 review)
Melbourne
Trips from US $1,351

Fishing Reports

Good times for the Buck.
Good times for the Buck.
Nov 23, 2024 Melbourne
We delivered the goods for the bucks party out of StKilda today. Xmas lunch for everyone.
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Big morning out from StKilda
Big morning out from StKilda
Nov 23, 2024 Melbourne
Fish for all on the 6am StKilda charter. Fish went well with all baits producing good size Snapper.
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Snapper are on ? in the mornings and af
Snapper are on ? in the mornings and af
Nov 20, 2024 Melbourne
Our customers have been taking home good catches of snapper on the early mornings and late afternoon charters. Fish from leagal size up to 7kg being caught.
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Some big fish are being caught
Some big fish are being caught
Nov 16, 2024 Melbourne
It's Snapper season, and The Reel Thing Charters are getting some good fish for their customers. The season will only run until January at the latest. Book now for the best chance of catching a big Snapper.
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November is the start of our season
November is the start of our season
Nov 7, 2024 Melbourne
If you would like to catch fish like the people in the picture, there is no time like the present to book in for the start of the season. spots are filling fast so don't wait.
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FISH FEVER.
FISH FEVER.
Nov 13, 2022 Melbourne
We only had a short break in Melbourne's unpredictable weather but it was enough to get out on the water to try our luck with the Snapper, we caught Snapper on every trip with only one trip getting a small catch, every other trip seen good numbers of fish come aboard. The children led the way with some great catches.
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Customer reviews

Rating summary
Excellent
4.7 / 5
out of 5 stars from 165 reviews
See details
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%
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Featured  
Showing:
5 of 165 reviews
Adam H.
Brisbane, QLD
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

A great fishing experience

VERIFIED   5 Hour Trip โ€“ Shared (5AM) on December 9, 2019
Captain Mark is a very experienced operator and clearly loves his job and more importantly takes care of the customer, my son...
Adam H. recommends The Reel Thing Charters โ€“ Carrum
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Adam H. recommends The Reel Thing Charters โ€“ Carrum
Mark review as helpful
You found this review helpful
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Kelly T.
Melbourne, VIC
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Fishing with Mark

VERIFIED   5 Hour Trip โ€“ Shared (PM) on February 16, 2019
Awesome day out.ย  We caught a lot of fish but unfortunately only a couple of them were keepers, still was a great day overall.ย ...
Kelly T. recommends The Reel Thing Charters โ€“ Carrum
Mark review as helpful
You found this review helpful
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Michael H.
Cranbourne, VIC
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Fishing with Mark

VERIFIED   5 Hour Trip โ€“ Shared (5AM) on November 30, 2021
Friendly, knowledgeable and dedicated in their efforts to ensure plenty of fish were caught and everyone enjoyed the experience...
Michael H. recommends The Reel Thing Charters โ€“ Carrum
Mark review as helpful
You found this review helpful
  Mark Ratchford Captain replied
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Lawrie H.
Melbourne, VIC
Excellent
4.3 / 5
Experience:
Very good
4.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Very good
4.0 / 5
Overall

January fishing trip

VERIFIED   5 Hour Trip โ€“ Shared (PM) on January 6, 2023
Lawrie H. recommends The Reel Thing Charters โ€“ Carrum
Mark review as helpful
You found this review helpful
Lawrie H. recommends The Reel Thing Charters โ€“ Carrum
Mark review as helpful
You found this review helpful
Terry B.
Newport, NH
Excellent
4.7 / 5
Experience:
Very good
4.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

5 Hour trip with skipper Mark

VERIFIED   5 Hour Trip โ€“ Shared (5AM) on November 4, 2022
Great morning fishing and all onboard caught fish.
Terry B. recommends The Reel Thing Charters โ€“ Carrum
Mark review as helpful
You found this review helpful
  Mark Ratchford Captain replied
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