Guitarfish Fishing in Melbourne & Victoria: Where to Catch, Tackle & Tips

Introduction

Guitarfish are found in Victorian coastal waters, often in sandy or muddy bottom areas. They have a distinctive body shape, with a flattened head and trunk that tapers into a more traditional shark-like tail. This unique form allows them to swim like sharks but also rest on the bottom like rays. Guitarfish feed on small fish, crustaceans, and mollusks. They are often found in shallow coastal waters but can also inhabit deeper areas. In Victoria, guitarfish are less common than skates and rays but are still encountered by anglers. Their unusual appearance makes them a interesting catch for many fishers.

What restrictions are in place for Guitarfish fishing in Melbourne?

Guitarfish have a maximum legal width of 1.5m. They cannot be taken within 400m of any pier, jetty, wharf, rock wall or breakwater. Guitarfish must be kept whole or in carcass form until away from the water. They can be filleted at cleaning tables at boat ramps. There is a combined bag limit of 1 skate, ray, or guitarfish per person.

How to catch Guitarfish

To catch guitarfish in Victorian waters, focus on sandy bottom areas in coastal waters. Use bottom fishing techniques with natural baits. Guitarfish can be caught using similar methods to those used for skates and rays. Be prepared for a strong fight if you hook a larger specimen.

What should you fish with for Guitarfish?

When it comes to fishing for Guitarfish, your choice of bait or lure can greatly impact your success. Based on the preferred fishing methods for this species, you will have a bit more success with baits when fishing for Guitarfish, but lure fishing is common too.

For the best chances of success, try using Squid as bait or fishing with a Soft Plastics. Remember to always check local regulations and adjust your fishing strategy based on the specific conditions and seasons in your fishing area.

The Top 4 Baits to Use for Guitarfish

Bait fishing for Guitarfish offers a variety of options, but these four stand out as the most reliable choices:

• Squid
• Prawns
• Pilchards
• Whitebait

The Top 2 Lures to Use for Guitarfish

Lure fishing enthusiasts have found great success with these two options for Guitarfish:

• Soft Plastics
• Jigs

Where to catch Guitarfish in Melbourne

Anglers in Melbourne and Victoria have numerous opportunities to catch Guitarfish. While we couldn't pinpoint specific hotspots, Guitarfish can be found throughout Victoria. We recommend consulting local fishing authorities or experienced anglers for the most up-to-date information on prime fishing locations.

When planning your fishing trip for Guitarfish, consider factors such as seasonality, local regulations, and recent fishing reports to increase your chances of success.

FAQs about Guitarfish fishing in Melbourne