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.
183
Reviews
14
Fishing Reports
Verified

My Charter Listings

The Reel Thing Charters โ€“ Carrum

Excellent
4.7 / 5
(164 reviews)
Melbourne
Trips from US $140

The Reel Thing Charters โ€“ St Kilda

Excellent
5.0 / 5
(18 reviews)
Melbourne
Trips from US $1,396

The Reel Thing Charters โ€“ Private Tuna Trips

Excellent
5.0 / 5
(1 review)
Melbourne
Trips from US $2,132

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 183 reviews
See details
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
143
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%
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Featured  
Showing:
5 of 183 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   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
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Olga M. recommends The Reel Thing Charters โ€“ Carrum
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Margaret S.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Recommend

VERIFIED   5 Hour Trip โ€“ Private (5AM) on October 4, 2025
Mark & Joel are such easy going and kind people, they made it enjoyable and fun for us! We enjoyed every bit of it this experience...
Margaret S. recommends The Reel Thing Charters โ€“ Carrum
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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   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
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Denise W. recommends The Reel Thing Charters โ€“ Carrum
Mark review as helpful
You found this review helpful
Michael K.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

December fishing trip

VERIFIED   5 Hour Trip โ€“ Private (5AM) on December 28, 2025
Exelent fishing.
Michael K. recommends The Reel Thing Charters โ€“ Carrum
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Michael K. recommends The Reel Thing Charters โ€“ Carrum
Mark review as helpful
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Harry D.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Great Captian and Boat

VERIFIED   5 Hour Trip โ€“ Private (10AM) on December 23, 2025
Had a great time
Harry D. recommends The Reel Thing Charters โ€“ Carrum
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  Mark Ratchford Captain replied
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