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

Introduction

Longfin Pike, scientifically known as Dinolestes lewini, is a sleek, elongated fish with a distinctive long snout and sharp teeth. They typically have a silvery-grey coloration with a darker back, helping them blend into their surroundings. These fish can grow up to 80cm in length, though specimens around 40-50cm are more common. Longfin Pike inhabit coastal waters around southern Australia, including Victoria. They prefer areas with structure such as reefs, kelp beds, and seagrass meadows, where they can ambush their prey. These fish are opportunistic predators, feeding on smaller fish and squid. When fishing for Longfin Pike, anglers often find success using light tackle and lures that mimic their natural prey. They can be caught year-round but are more active during warmer months.

What restrictions are in place for Longfin Pike fishing in Melbourne?

Fishing for Longfin Pike in Victorian waters is subject to regulations to ensure sustainable populations. The minimum legal size for Longfin Pike is 30cm, measured from the tip of the snout to the end of the tail. Anglers are allowed a combined total bag limit of 10 Longfin Pike or Snook per person per day. It’s important to check for any updates to these regulations before fishing, as rules can change. Remember to handle fish carefully and return any undersized specimens to the water promptly.

How to catch Longfin Pike

To catch Longfin Pike in Victorian waters, use light to medium spinning gear with 6-10lb line. Cast lures around structure such as reefs, kelp beds, and jetties. Soft plastics, small hard-bodied lures, and metal slices are effective. Retrieve lures with a stop-start action to mimic injured baitfish. Early morning and late afternoon are often the best times to target Longfin Pike. When using bait, try small live fish or strips of fresh squid.

What should you fish with for Longfin Pike?

When it comes to fishing for Longfin Pike, your choice of bait or lure can greatly impact your success. Based on the preferred fishing methods for this species, you can find success with nearly anything when fishing for Longfin Pike, as both baits and lures are equally effective.

For the best chances of success, try using Small Fish 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 Longfin Pike

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

• Small Fish
• Squid
• Pilchards
• Whitebait

The Top 4 Lures to Use for Longfin Pike

Lure fishing for Longfin Pike can be incredibly rewarding, especially when using these four top choices:

• Soft Plastics
• Hard Bodied Lures
• Metal Spoon Lures
• Minnow Lures

Where to catch Longfin Pike in Melbourne

Anglers in Melbourne and Victoria have numerous opportunities to catch Longfin Pike. While we couldn't pinpoint specific hotspots, Longfin Pike 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 Longfin Pike, consider factors such as seasonality, local regulations, and recent fishing reports to increase your chances of success.

FAQs about Longfin Pike fishing in Melbourne