If you're visiting Melbourne and are serious about catching some Snapper, then fishing Port Phillip Bay has to be on your to-do list. The largest tidal lagoon in Victoria, this must-fish destination is located in the south of the state, right on Melbourne's doorstep. The bay is huge – over 1,950 square miles! The majority of the bay is less than 8 meters deep, and during the Australian summer, these waters heat up, making for excellent fishing.
Top Catches
Port Phillip Bay is the best place in the country to go for Pink Snapper. Other species that call these waters home include Gummy Shark, King George Whiting, Australian Salmon, Garfish, and Flathead. At the entrance of the bay, you can find Yellowtail Kingfish, too. Southern Calamari, Anchovies, and Sardines are also commercially caught here and makeup over 50% of the catch in this bay.
Pink Snapper
Port Phillip Bay is world-renowned for its excellent migration of Pink Snapper from October to May. This annual phenomenon is locally called the "Crimson Tide." If there's one thing fishing charters in Port Phillip Bay are famous for, it's this.
Top spots to catch Snapper are found along the east side of the bay, accessible from Mount Martha, Mornington, and Carrum. You'll want to stay between Frankston and Mt. Martha for the best chance of reaching your Snapper limit on your trip. The larger Snapper stay in the deep water during the day and are found in waters 15–20 meters deep.
Juvenile Snapper are called 'Pinkies' and can be caught year round, but they're best from December to April. Though they're small, they put up a great fight. In contrast to the migrating larger Snapper, these Pinkies can be found in the shallows.
Gummy Shark
Gummy Shark can be caught year-round but is best from December to May. This tasty Shark is a treat to take home, whether you hook one while fishing for other species or targeting Gummies intentionally. It's best to book a charter during the evening, when the Sharks are feeding, for the best chance to hook up your fill. When targeting Gummy Shark, you may be lucky and hook up a Seven Gill Shark – careful though, the Seven Gill has much sharper teeth! Squid can be used to catch both these predators.
King George Whiting
This bay consistently produces the highest number of King George Whiting in Victoria. Why, is it popular? Well, it's arguably the most delicious fish you can catch in Port Phillip Bay, and the Victorians love eating it! King George Whiting may be small (only 800 grams) but they're mighty! These tasty fish can be caught throughout the bay in the shallow water, under 10 meters. Find the reefs and grass beds and you'll find the Whiting, too. December to April is the prime time to catch Whiting, using squid and mussels as bait.
Australian Salmon
This sportfish is not actually a Salmon, but a part of the Trout family. The smaller Salmon found here are called Bay Trout, and can be as small as 200 grams. Larger Salmon can reach sizes of 4 kilograms and will give you a great battle on light tackle due to their power and stamina. Yet the Bay Trout are the ones you want to target if you're lighting up the barbie after your trip – the smaller fish taste much better! Both are high in Omega-3 fatty acids, but should be bled immediately after being caught if you wish to eat them later.
Yellowtail Kingfish
This game fish, also known as Yellowtail Amberjack in other parts of the world, is popular with anglers because of the battle it gives once hooked. They can reach over 25 kilograms in size, so make sure you have strong handlines! Use squid as bait and troll to catch these big fish. Heads up – when fishing for Australian Salmon you might hook Kingfish instead, who regularly hang out in the Salmon schools.
Port Phillip Bay Fishing Tips
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For Pink Snapper, use the freshest bait you can, especially during the off-season. Pilchard, Whiting, Squid, Garfish, and Salmon are all enticing.
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15 kg braided line is best for going after Snapper. Have a spool capacity of 250 meters.
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When fishing for Gummy Shark, use fresh squid, Salmon, or eel.
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King George Whiting love bait such as squid, mussels, and prawns.
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In the winter, the bite will be much slower. Use small and soft baits to up your chances of catching fish.
Need to Know
The best time to go fishing is during Australia's spring and summer (November to April).
Although there are many ports you can fish from, (Mornington, Mt. Martha, St. Kilda, Point Cook, and many more), parking can be a problem. Leave time before your trip to find a spot, or grab a taxi over to the bay.
Regulations
You'll need to purchase a Victoria Recreational Fishing Licence before boarding a Port Phillip Bay fishing charter.
Budget
Down under, shared trips are the norm. For an eight-hour trip, expect to pay AUD 200 per person. For a five-hour trip, this halves. Private trips may look expensive, but they can usually accommodate up to 12 people. An eight-hour trip for 12 people can be around AUD 1,500.
Getting There
Fly into Melbourne Airport – head along the M2 for half an hour to get to Port Phillip City. You can head out from this port, or go further around the bay to Mornington, which is 50 minutes from St. Kilda. No matter where you stay by the bay, you can enjoy great access to this year-round fishery.
There's no end to the fishing Port Phillip Bay has to offer. You'll come for the Pink Snapper but stay for the other delicious species here.