Charter Fishing in Victoria
Victoria fishing charters cover Port Phillip Bay, Western Port, and the Bass Strait for snapper, flathead, whiting, tuna, kingfish, and shark.
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Top Rated Charters in Victoria
Victoria, AU Fishing Guide
Victoria has one of the most diverse fisheries in southern Australia, with easy access to sheltered bay fishing and open-ocean offshore runs. The structure here is split between large tidal bays like Port Phillip and Western Port, the rocky surf coast stretching west toward Warrnambool, and offshore waters in the Bass Strait where tuna and shark dominate. Because of this variety, anglers can choose trips ranging from short half-day outings inside the bays to long offshore runs chasing tuna in blue water.
Port Phillip Bay is the most famous fishery, especially during the spring and summer snapper run. Boats launch from St Kilda, Williamstown, Mornington, and Queenscliff, spreading across deep channels and reef systems to anchor and berley for pink snapper. These trips are often half-day runs with short travel distances, and they’re the bread-and-butter for many local charter businesses. Inshore, whiting and flathead are year-round targets, often taken with light tackle rigs and baits like pipis and squid strips.
Western Port has stronger tides and more rugged structure, with mangrove flats, channels, and deep holes that produce gummy shark, whiting, and school snapper. Charters here often fish around French Island or Phillip Island, and because of the tidal flow, local knowledge is essential. Offshore runs out of Western Port heads reach the Bass Strait quickly, opening up grounds for kingfish, tuna, and mako shark when conditions allow.
The Bass Strait is Victoria’s gateway to pelagics. Summer into autumn sees southern bluefin tuna push along the coast from Portland through Apollo Bay, with charters trolling diving minnows and skirts for fish that range from 10 to 100 kilograms. Yellowtail kingfish arrive around reefs and pinnacles in summer, taken by jigging and live baits. Shark fishing offshore is also popular, with makos and threshers targeted by drifting baits along current lines.
Seasonal shifts matter. Snapper dominate from October to January in Port Phillip. Whiting and gummy shark are reliable almost year-round. Tuna arrive late summer and run strong through winter along the western coast, while kingfish peak in summer around reef systems. Weather is a big factor offshore: charters often rely on calmer days to safely cross the heads and fish the Strait. For anglers seeking variety, Victoria has it all — sheltered bays, surf coast rivers, and bluewater tuna runs, all within a day’s drive of Melbourne.
Fishing Seasons in Victoria
Spring (September–November)
Spring kicks off the snapper season in Port Phillip Bay, with fish moving into the channels to spawn. Boats anchor and berley, fishing fresh squid or pilchards. Whiting also fire up in Western Port, and squid are plentiful in shallow weed beds. Offshore, weather is variable, but calm days allow early runs into the Strait for flathead and reef fish.
Summer (December–February)
Snapper fishing peaks, with large schools holding in Port Phillip and Western Port. Kingfish arrive offshore, taken jigging around pinnacles and reefs. Gummy shark are active, and whiting remain steady in both bays. Tuna begin to show off the western coast late summer, drawing boats out of Portland and Apollo Bay. Warm weather and calmer seas make this the busiest season for charters.
Fall (March–May)
Tuna season is in full swing along the southwest coast, with barrel fish topping 100 kilograms taken regularly. Offshore charters troll skirts, divers, and spreader bars along current lines. Inshore, snapper taper but whiting and gummy shark stay steady in the bays. Autumn also produces quality flathead offshore in the Strait.
Winter (June–August)
Tuna remain strong off Portland, with cooler water holding fish through the winter months. Offshore shark trips are popular, targeting mako and thresher sharks. Inshore, fishing slows for snapper, but whiting and squid remain consistent. Estuary fishing in Gippsland Lakes stays productive for bream and luderick, making it a reliable winter option.
Top Fishing Regions
Port Phillip Bay
This is the centerpiece of Victorian fishing, especially for snapper. Launches from St Kilda, Mornington, and Queenscliff give access to deep channels where pink snapper school in spring and summer. Half-day charters often focus here, anchoring and berleying for snapper, whiting, and flathead. In summer, squid fishing is also popular around shallow weed beds.
Western Port
Known for strong tides and rugged channels, Western Port produces gummy shark, whiting, and snapper. Boats often fish the edges of French Island or Phillip Island, using fresh baits like squid or salmon fillet. Offshore runs from the heads target kingfish and tuna when seas allow. It’s a more technical fishery that rewards experienced crews.
Portland & Southwest Coast
Portland is the hub for Victoria’s tuna season. From late summer through winter, southern bluefin tuna arrive in force, drawing boats from across the state. Charters here troll skirts and diving lures offshore, with fish often feeding under birds or along temperature breaks. Large barrel tuna are a highlight, with fish over 100 kilograms landed each season.
Apollo Bay & Surf Coast
Apollo Bay provides access to the Bass Strait, with charters targeting kingfish on reefs and pinnacles in summer, and tuna offshore when the migration pushes through. Closer in, flathead and whiting are consistent, while the surf beaches produce salmon for those fishing from shore.
Port Fairy & Warrnambool
Smaller ports with excellent access to bluefin tuna and shark grounds. These western harbors are closer to the migratory path of tuna, and charters here often see less pressure than Portland. The reefs also hold snapper and kingfish, and bottom fishing produces good flathead.
Gippsland Lakes & Ninety Mile Beach
On the eastern side of the state, the Gippsland Lakes system and Ninety Mile Beach offer estuary and surf fishing. Bream, luderick, and flathead are prime targets in the lakes, while gummy shark and salmon are common from the surf. Charter boats here often run estuary trips with light tackle, ideal for families.
Top Gamefish in Victoria
- Southern Bluefin Tuna – 10–100 kg. Arrive late summer off Portland and Apollo Bay, peak March–July. Trolled skirts and divers are the main tactic.
- Snapper – 1–10 kg. Peak October–January in Port Phillip and Western Port, taken anchoring with berley and bait.
- King George Whiting – 30–50 cm. Year-round in bays, best in summer, caught on pipis and squid strips.
- Yellowtail Kingfish – 5–20 kg. Peak summer on offshore reefs, taken jigging or with live bait.
- Gummy Shark – 5–20 kg. Common in Western Port channels year-round, fished with fresh baits on the bottom.
- Mako Shark – 20–80 kg. Targeted offshore in summer and winter, drifting baits along current lines.
- Flathead – 30–60 cm. Year-round on sandy bottoms in bays and offshore, best on soft plastics or bait.
- Australian Salmon – 1–3 kg. Common along surf beaches and inshore reefs, year-round, taken trolling or casting lures.
Victoria Fishing FAQs
Where do most charters leave from in Victoria?
Port Phillip Bay harbors like St Kilda, Mornington, and Queenscliff are busiest. Western Port, Portland, and Apollo Bay are also major hubs, with smaller fleets in Port Fairy, Warrnambool, and Gippsland.
How long are typical charters?
Half-day trips fish Port Phillip or Western Port for snapper, whiting, and flathead. Full-day trips cross the heads into Bass Strait for tuna, kingfish, or shark, often running 20–30 km offshore.
Is gear provided?
Yes, charters supply all tackle, bait, and safety equipment. Heavy trolling gear is standard for tuna and shark, while light tackle is used in the bays.
Do I need a license to fish in Victoria?
Yes, a Victorian Recreational Fishing License is required for most anglers, but many charters cover this under their permit — always confirm with your captain.
When is the best season for snapper in Port Phillip Bay?
October through January is peak snapper time, with fish moving into the channels to spawn. This is the busiest season for bay charters.
What techniques are common offshore?
Trolling skirts and diving lures for tuna, jigging and live baiting for kingfish, and drifting baits for shark. Inshore, anchoring and berleying with fresh bait is standard for snapper and whiting.
What can I expect on a half-day trip?
Half-day trips usually target snapper, whiting, or flathead inside the bays. These trips involve short runs and steady action, ideal for families and beginners.
How many anglers do boats carry?
Most bay charters carry 6–10 anglers, while offshore boats targeting tuna and shark take 4–6 anglers due to space and tackle needs.
Are estuary trips available?
Yes, especially in Gippsland Lakes. These trips target bream, flathead, and luderick on light tackle, offering a sheltered option year-round.