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 $125

The Reel Thing Charters โ€“ St Kilda

Excellent
5.0 / 5
(18 reviews)
Melbourne
Trips from US $1,305

The Reel Thing Charters โ€“ Private Tuna Trips

Excellent
5.0 / 5
(1 review)
Melbourne
Trips from US $1,384

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
Alexandre M.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Great Fishing experience

VERIFIED   5 Hour Trip โ€“ Shared (AM) on January 4, 2025
Mark and his first mate were great! Their experience helped us to find the right spot to catch plenty of fishes. We loved it,...
Alexandre M. recommends The Reel Thing Charters โ€“ Carrum
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Alexandre M. recommends The Reel Thing Charters โ€“ Carrum
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Drew K.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Best Birthday Party ever

VERIFIED   5 Hour Trip โ€“ Private (10AM) on November 24, 2024
Mark and the crew made a 10 year olds dream birthday party with everyone catching fish and such patience with a group of very...
Drew K. recommends The Reel Thing Charters โ€“ Carrum
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Drew K. recommends The Reel Thing Charters โ€“ Carrum
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Luke C.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Recommended

VERIFIED   5 Hour Trip โ€“ Shared (5AM) on March 8, 2025
Beautiful day, massive tides, hard fishing, but Mark did everything to eventually get onto some fish. Good job.
Luke C. recommends The Reel Thing Charters โ€“ Carrum
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1 person finds this review helpful
You and 1 other person found this review helpful
Luke C. 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
Tom B.
Excellent
4.7 / 5
Experience:
Very good
4.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Great Fishing Charter

VERIFIED   5 Hour Trip โ€“ Shared (5AM) on January 24, 2025
Mark was great! Had plenty of fun and gave everyone the best shot at catching a few fish. Highly recommend (particularly...
Tom B. recommends The Reel Thing Charters โ€“ Carrum
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Tom B. recommends The Reel Thing Charters โ€“ Carrum
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Chris D.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

December fishing trip

VERIFIED   Half Day Trip (PM) on December 28, 2024
Chris D. recommends The Reel Thing Charters โ€“ St Kilda
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1 person finds this review helpful
You and 1 other person found this review helpful
Chris D. recommends The Reel Thing Charters โ€“ St Kilda
Mark review as helpful
1 person finds this review helpful
You and 1 other person found this review helpful
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