Carrum Fishing Charters
Carrum fishing charters hit Port Phillip Bay straight out of Patterson River, putting you onto snapper, whiting, gummy sharks, and seasonal pelagics without a long run
Top Rated Charters in Carrum
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Carrum, VIC Fishing Guide
Carrum is one of Victoria’s true snapper hubs. The Patterson River boat ramp is the busiest in the state during snapper season, and for good reason—the shipping channel and surrounding reefs just offshore are prime grounds. From Carrum, you’re minutes from deepwater marks where big reds school up from October through January. Full-day trips often stretch down toward Mornington or across to Corio Bay, but half-day charters usually stay close, working the bay’s reefs and rubble patches.
The structure here is classic Port Phillip Bay: sand flats, reef patches, artificial structures, and the deep shipping channels that funnel bait and hold predators. Run distances are short—sometimes less than a mile before you’re dropping baits—but captains will steam 10–15 miles if needed to find cleaner water or a better bite. Carrum trips are mainly day runs, but evening and night charters are popular during peak snapper season when the bigger fish feed after dark.
Seasonality drives everything. Snapper start pushing in around late October, peaking in November and December when the ramp is at full tilt. Through summer, whiting and squid take center stage, with gummy sharks feeding along the deeper edges at night. Autumn brings steady mixed-bag fishing—snapper thin out, but flathead, salmon, and pinkies keep rods bending. Winter slows the snapper bite, but gummies, squid, and Australian salmon provide action, with the occasional run of school bluefin tuna pushing into the bay in recent years.
Techniques are straightforward but refined. Most charters anchor and berley, then run fresh baits—pilchards, squid, silver whiting—on running rigs for snapper. Soft plastics and vibes are gaining traction, especially when fish are scattered. For whiting, pipis and mussels on light gear across the sand patches do the job. Gummy sharks are a night-time specialty, taken on fresh salmon or squid strips in deeper water. Carrum’s strength is consistency—whether you’re chasing a trophy red or a feed of whiting, the grounds here produce.
Fishing Seasons in Carrum
Spring
Spring is when Carrum fishing really comes alive. As the bay warms, snapper schools push in from the Heads and stack up in the deep channels off Carrum. Guides anchor and run heavy berley trails, with fresh baits accounting for the first big reds of the season. Early mornings and evenings are prime bite times. Whiting numbers also build on the sand patches, giving anglers options between trophy fish and table fare. Squid start showing strong on the shallow weed beds, best on jigs in natural colors. Spring trips are often booked out months in advance, as this is the kickoff to Victoria’s most famous fishing season.
Summer
Summer is peak time offshore Carrum. Snapper are in full swing, with big schools holding on rubble grounds and shipping channels. Both bait and plastics work, and night trips are especially productive for larger models. Whiting fishing peaks too, with big schools across the sand flats from Carrum down toward Mornington. Squid remain reliable on weed beds, while gummy sharks bite well at night in deeper water. Surface activity increases, with Australian salmon and the occasional kingfish busting up schools of bait. Summer offers the widest variety, making it a busy season for charter skippers.
Fall
By autumn, snapper numbers taper off, though smaller pinkies remain widespread and still take baits readily. Whiting fishing stays consistent, and gummies become more of a focus on night trips. Australian salmon schools become common, providing steady lure action on light tackle. Squid and flathead round out the inshore options. This is a good time for mixed-bag charters, with less ramp traffic and a steady bite across species. Calm days are common, giving reliable weather windows for trips.
Winter
Winter slows the pace but doesn’t shut it down. Snapper are scarce, but gummies feed well along the deep channels, especially on fresh salmon or squid baits. Whiting remain in fair numbers across the flats, with pipis the go-to bait. Squid fishing is excellent through the cooler months, with clearer water and less boat traffic. Australian salmon are also a staple, pushing into the bay in strong schools and smashing metal slugs and small hardbodies. Winter may not have the crowds of snapper season, but it delivers consistent inshore fishing for those willing to rug up.
Gamefish in Carrum
- Snapper – 2–20 lb. Peak October–January in shipping channels and rubble grounds, best on fresh baits and plastics.
- King George Whiting – 1–2 lb. Year-round on sand patches, best summer and fall with pipis or mussels.
- Australian Salmon – 2–8 lb. Schooling fish in summer and winter, taken on lures and trolled baits.
- Gummy Shark – 10–40 lb. Night-time target in deeper channels, best winter and summer on fresh baits.
- Squid – 1–3 lb. Found over weed beds year-round, prime in winter with jigs.
- Flathead – 1–5 lb. Reliable across sand flats, best on soft plastics and baits in fall.
- Pinkie Snapper – 1–5 lb. Juvenile reds found throughout the bay, keep rods busy year-round.
- Yellowtail Kingfish (occasional) – 10–30 lb. Rare but possible in summer near reef edges on live baits.
Carrum Fishing FAQs
Where do Carrum fishing charters depart from?
Most trips launch out of the Patterson River boat ramp, giving direct access to Port Phillip Bay within minutes.
How long are typical trips?
Half-day trips usually target whiting, squid, and pinkies close to Carrum. Full-day charters chase snapper in season or gummies and mixed bags further down the bay
Do charters provide gear?
Yes, all tackle, bait, and rods are supplied. Many boats also provide soft plastics and lures if anglers prefer artificial presentations.
Do I need a fishing license in Carrum?
Yes, Victoria requires a recreational fishing license, but most charters can arrange short-term permits or advise where to purchase one.
What’s the best time of year to fish Carrum?
November and December are prime for snapper. Summer offers the best mix of species. Winter is excellent for squid and gummies, with less competition on the water.
What fishing techniques are most common?
Anchoring and berleying with fresh baits for snapper, drifting pipis for whiting, jigging squid, and running fresh strip baits for gummies are the staples.
What species suit beginners?
Whiting, flathead, and pinkie snapper are great starter fish. They’re abundant and bite well on simple rigs.
How many anglers can go on a charter?
Most boats take 6–10 anglers comfortably, though some larger vessels carry more. Smaller whiting charters may limit groups to 4–6.
Are night trips available?
Yes, especially in snapper and gummy shark season. Night runs are popular from late spring through summer when the big fish feed hardest.