Aussie Top Tips for Fishing in Melbourne

Melbourne, Australia (aka the World’s Most Liveable City) is famous for the Australian Open tennis, great coffee, and bearded hipsters eating Pho while philosophising about why they really need a “fixie”. But mostly, for its large bay flourishing with fish ready for the plucking.

OK, so maybe the fish aren't the most famous thing, but fishing in Melbourne is actually pretty awesome, especially when it comes to the tasty Snapper.

Geography and Climate

Melbourne is located in south-eastern Australia. It is the capital of the state of Victoria and is situated by “the Bay”. Port Phillip Bay that is. Well, technically, it’s just Port Phillip and it’s actually made up of sixteen bays, but when in Melbourne…

Due to its location, Melbourne experiences very changeable weather and it’s not uncommon to experience all four seasons in one day. Although the Bay is relatively calm, conditions can vary daily, so it’s best to check the forecast before you plan a fishing expedition.

TIP: Want to know the secret to preparing for Melbourne weather? Layers, layers, layers! Make sure to pack a spray jacket, scarf, sunglasses, sunscreen, sun hat… you get the point!

Where to go Fishing in Melbourne

Port Phillip Bay offers a diverse range of species and many interesting fishing spots, and a variety of fishing tours can get you exploring in no time. Interestingly, half of the Bay is less than 8m (26 ft) deep, and its greatest depth only reaches 24m (79 ft): think of it as one giant saucer. Due to its shape, there is always a spot where the wind is blowing offshore, making the Bay a fantastic fishing destination.

The Bay’s vast coastline is lined with popular beaches, many of which are within easy reach of the city. Its most famous, St Kilda, is home to the landmark St Kilda Pier — a perfect spot for fishing, people watching, and penguins (more on that later!).

An hour or so out of Melbourne you will find Western Port Bay. Although it is sometimes avoided by anglers, who can be put off by its varied tidal range and numerous sand and mud banks, it actually provides some exciting fishing once you get to know the waters. Like Port Phillip, it contains numerous species of fish, including Snappers.

For something more serene, head to one of the many great river locations within the city and beyond. “The Yarra” River, which spills into the Bay, runs through the heart of the city centre and offers some of the best fishing spots in Melbourne. It meanders through Victoria’s picturesque landscape, stretching for 240 km from its source in the Yarra Ranges.

Species and Seasonality

You can fish in Melbourne all year round, but in general the best time is during the warmer months (November to May). Port Phillip is home to many species, including Whiting, Flathead, Gummy Sharks and, of course, the ever popular Snapper. An abundance of Bream and Trout can also be found in Melbourne’s rivers and streams.

Snapper Snapshot

Aussies love a good nickname, so it’s no surprise that local fishermen may refer to the Australian Snapper as Schnapper, Big Red, Pinkie, Squire, Cockney, Queen, Old Man, Nobbler, Reddie, Rugger or Tamure, to name but a few.

While Snappers can be found in many locations across Australia, it is particularly popular in the state of Victoria, with Melbourne’s waters providing one of the most challenging playgrounds for catching this desirable fish.

Although you can find Snappers all year round in Port Phillip, fishermen eagerly anticipate the start of spring when the larger breeding fish migrate into the Bay. The action really starts to heat up between late September to mid-October, continuing through the summer months and finishing up towards the end of May. Avid anglers head out on the Bay to try their luck in landing the Big Red. It is not uncommon for them to hook a fish weighing 5 -7 kg (11–16 lb), although a happy few will find a beast weighing up to 10 kg (22 lb) on the end of their line.

Now, I know what you’re thinking: the Pinkies may be in season, but where exactly do you find them in that giant body of water? A great area is the South of the Bay from around Carrum and Mornington to Mt Martha. This area keeps delivering the goods late into Snapper season. Another popular area is to the North of Melbourne, around Williamstown and Altona. During the day you will find Snappers feeding in deeper water, but as night rolls around they will move into shallower depths, making this one of the best times to fish for them. They are spooky fish, however, so be careful not to scare them away with excessive noise when fishing in shallow waters. For the best chance of landing a Pinkie, we suggest heading out with a local captain, who will be able to navigate you to their very own secret Snapper hotspots.

Even though Snappers are not very fussy eaters, there are a million and one opinions regarding the best way to catch them. There is a general consensus, however, that quality live baits produce the best results, with popular options including fresh Squid, Pilchards, Octopus, Calamari and Whiting. It is best to experiment and see what works for you, or try to find out what other fishermen are having success with. Another debate is whether to use chum (known locally as “burley”), with many arguing that it can attract Flatheads instead of Snappers. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing though, as Snappers often come hot on the heels of Flatheads, although you will usually find that Stingrays and Sharks will also want to get in on the action.

One piece of advice that is not debated, however, is that it is best to head out prepared when targeting Snappers. For those of you who are not experienced with nabbing this species, you will be able to get some great pointers on casting techniques from local captains.

Your hard work will pay off at dinner time, as Snapper is a tasty dish. Just make sure you stick to your limit of 10 fish per day with no more than three measuring over 40 cm (15.75 in).

Freshwater Fishing

If you are looking for a change of pace, head to one of the many peaceful freshwater locations around Victoria, where slow moving rivers surrounded by lush forests make for a revitalising experience. Whether you prefer conventional or fly fishing, all styles of angling can produce great results when targeting Bream and Trout. You will find many popular fishing spots along the rivers and lakes in the immediate vicinity of Melbourne.

Pier Fishing

A great way to soak in the Melbourne atmosphere is by pier fishing in St Kilda. There is a high chance that Flathead, Gummy Sharks, Salmon, Trevally, Elephant Fish, and even the occasional Snapper will nibble on your line as they wind between the posts of the pier. St Kilda Pier is also a perfect spot to observe the locals, take in panoramic views of the city and the Bay, and chow down on some gelato goodness from 7Apples.

During the warmer months, you can round off a relaxing day fishing in St Kilda by heading down to the end of the pier at around sunset. Here you will encounter yet another of Australia’s natural highlights as you witness a colony of little penguins turning in for the night. Just keep in mind not to disturb them: they don’t like flash photography or having their personal space invaded!

Do I Need a License to go Fishing in Melbourne?

Yes, a Recreational Fishing License (RFL) is needed for the state of Victoria for all forms of fishing. These can be purchased online or at one of the many RFL outlets, and start at AU$6 for two days. No license is needed for those who are under 18 or over 70 years of age.

For further details regarding fishing limits and regulations, download the Victorian Recreational Fishing Guide app or check the Victorian Government website.

Melbourne Fishing Charters

With so many great charter operators, and such a vast area to explore, deciding where to fish can be a bit overwhelming. Why not take advantage of the current Snapper season and join one of the charters that depart in the South of the Bay. Fishing trips run daily and are priced from around AU$150 per person.

Here are two to get you started:
Pro Red Fishing Charters
Online Fishing Charters — Check Mate

If you have anything to add about fishing in Melbourne, please share your experiences in the comments section below. For more fun fishy articles, head over to the FishingBooker blog!