By Archer Hume
Lake William Hovell Fishing Guide
A man-made lake at the headwaters of the King River, offering both shore and boat fishing opportunities.
Thu Sep 05 by: Archer Hume
Fishing in Cunningham Pier, Port Phillip Bay: Species, Tactics & Local Tips
A large, attractive pier on the Geelong waterfront district at Western Beach, featuring restaurants and deep water access.
Source: www.flickr.com
table of contents
Introduction
Cunningham Pier is a prominent feature of the Geelong waterfront, offering both a fishing destination and a dining experience. The pier provides access to deep water, making it an excellent spot for targeting a variety of species throughout the year. Its size allows for a large number of anglers, making it a popular spot during peak seasons. The pier’s structure and the nearby boat traffic can attract baitfish, which in turn brings in larger predatory species. Anglers can employ different techniques here, including bait fishing for bottom-dwelling species, using floats for mid-water species, or casting lures for more active fish. The presence of restaurants on the pier adds to the overall experience, allowing anglers to enjoy a meal before or after their fishing session.
About Port Phillip Bay
Port Phillip Bay is a diverse and productive fishing destination located in Victoria, Australia. The bay offers a variety of fishing spots including piers, beaches, and river mouths, each with its own unique characteristics and target species. Anglers can expect to catch a wide range of fish throughout the year, with seasonal variations influencing the availability of different species.
You can find more information about Port Phillip Bay in our Port Phillip Bay region guide post.
What should you fish with at Cunningham Pier?
When it comes to fishing at Cunningham Pier, your choice of bait or lure can greatly impact your success. Based on the preferred fishing methods for the species found here, at Cunningham Pier you can find success with nearly anything, as both baits and lures are equally effective.
For the best chances of success, try using Prawns as bait or fishing with a Hard Bodied Lures. Remember to always check local regulations and adjust your fishing strategy based on the specific conditions and seasons at Cunningham Pier.
The Top 5 Baits to Use at Cunningham Pier
For those who prefer bait fishing, here are the top 5 options that have consistently produced results at Cunningham Pier:
- Prawns
- Pilchards
- Squid
- Mussels
- Whitebait
The Top 5 Lures to Use at Cunningham Pier
For artificial lure enthusiasts, here are the 5 most effective options that have been proven to work wonders at Cunningham Pier:
- Soft Plastics
- Hard Bodied Lures
- Metal Spoon Lures
- Paddle Tail Swimbaits
- Blades
What You'll Catch at Cunningham Pier
When fishing at Cunningham Pier, you're likely to reel in:
Source: vfa.vic.gov.au
#1 – The Snapper
Snapper (Chrysophrys auratus) is a popular recreational fish in Victoria, known for its delicious flesh and fighting spirit.
How to catch Snapper
To catch Snapper in Victoria, use heavy-duty fishing gear as these fish can grow quite large. Fish near reefs, rocky areas, or in deeper offshore waters. Early mornings and late afternoons are often the best times. Use baits like pilchards or squid, or try soft plastic lures. Berley (chum) can be effective to attract Snapper. When fishing from a boat, drift fishing or anchoring near structure can be productive methods. Remember to check local regulations and obtain necessary fishing licenses before heading out.
To learn more about catching Snapper, read more here.Less Common Catches
If you're lucky, you might also encounter:
Source: hookedupmagazine.com.au
#2 – The Australian Salmon
The Australian Salmon is a popular sportfish found in Victorian waters. Known for its fighting spirit, it's a favorite among local anglers.
How to catch Australian Salmon
To catch Australian Salmon in Victoria, anglers can use various techniques. Surf fishing from beaches is popular, especially during salmon runs. Use long rods (10-12 feet) for casting distance. Boat fishing is effective in bays and estuaries. Spin fishing with metal lures or soft plastics works well. Bait fishing with pilchards or squid can also be productive. Look for birds diving or baitfish activity to locate schools of salmon. Early mornings and late afternoons are often the best times to fish.
To learn more about catching Australian Salmon, read more here.
Source: fishesofaustralia.net.au
#3 – The Flathead
Flathead are bottom-dwelling predatory fish known for their distinctive flat head and body shape. They are popular among recreational anglers in Victoria for their tasty flesh and sporting qualities.
How to catch Flathead
To catch flathead in Victoria, try fishing in areas with sandy or muddy bottoms, such as estuaries, bays, and coastal waters. Use light to medium tackle with 4-6kg line. When bait fishing, use a running sinker rig with a small sinker and present the bait on or near the bottom. For lure fishing, soft plastics, small hard-bodied lures, and metal blades work well. Retrieve lures slowly along the bottom, mimicking the movement of small fish or prawns. Fish during incoming tides or around dawn and dusk for best results.
To learn more about catching Flathead, read more here.
Source: www.marineandcoasts.vic.gov.au
#4 – The King George Whiting
King George whiting is a popular and delicious fish found in Victorian waters. It's known for its light, flaky white flesh and is highly sought after by recreational anglers.
How to catch King George Whiting
To catch King George whiting in Victoria, use light tackle with long, fine leaders to present baits naturally. Fish close to the bottom in areas with sandy or muddy substrates, especially near structures like weed beds, rocky outcrops, or jetties. Early morning and late afternoon are often the best times to fish. Use berley (chum) sparingly to attract fish without overfeeding them. When fishing from a boat, drift fishing can be effective, allowing you to cover more ground. From the shore, focus on areas with deeper gutters or channels. Pay attention to tides, as whiting often feed more actively on a rising tide.
To learn more about catching King George Whiting, read more here.FAQs about Cunningham Pier
Where is Cunningham Pier?
Cunningham Pier is situated in the beautiful Port Phillip Bay region. This area is known for its diverse aquatic ecosystem and offers excellent fishing opportunities for both beginners and experienced anglers. The region's unique geography and climate contribute to the rich variety of fish species found in its waters, making it a popular destination for fishing enthusiasts throughout the year.
What fish can I catch at Cunningham Pier?
Cunningham Pier offers a diverse range of fishing opportunities. The primary fish species you can target include snapper and squid (including calamari). Additionally, australian salmon, flathead, and king george whiting are also commonly found in the area. Each of these species offers a unique fishing experience, whether you're a beginner or an experienced angler. Remember to check local regulations and seasons for each species before your fishing trip.
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