By Archer Hume
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Thu Sep 05 by: Archer Hume
Fishing in Merricks Beach, Western Port: Species, Tactics & Local Tips
A long sandy beach located at the end of Merricks Beach Road, offering ample space for anglers.
Source: www.visitmelbourne.com
table of contents
Introduction
Merricks Beach is a picturesque fishing location in Western Port, characterized by its expansive sandy shoreline. The beach fishes best at high tide, particularly during early morning or evening hours. This spot is ideal for beach fishing enthusiasts who enjoy the challenge of surf casting. The diverse range of fish species available makes it an exciting location for anglers of all skill levels. Night fishing at Merricks Beach can be especially rewarding for those targeting gummy sharks. The beach’s length allows for plenty of space between anglers, ensuring a peaceful fishing experience even during busier periods. It’s important to check local tide times to plan your fishing trip for optimal results.
About Western Port
Western Port is a popular fishing destination in Victoria, Australia, known for its diverse marine life and numerous fishing spots. The region offers a mix of jetties, piers, and beaches, providing anglers with opportunities to catch a variety of fish species. Western Port is particularly famous for its King George whiting, Australian salmon, and squid fishing.
You can find more information about Western Port in our Western Port region guide post.
What should you fish with at Merricks Beach?
When it comes to fishing at Merricks Beach, your choice of bait or lure can greatly impact your success. Based on the preferred fishing methods for the species found here, at Merricks Beach 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 Soft Plastics. Remember to always check local regulations and adjust your fishing strategy based on the specific conditions and seasons at Merricks Beach.
The Top 5 Baits to Use at Merricks Beach
For those who prefer bait fishing, here are the top 5 options that have consistently produced results at Merricks Beach:
- Prawns
- Pilchards
- Squid
- Whitebait
- Live Worms
The Top 5 Lures to Use at Merricks Beach
For artificial lure enthusiasts, here are the 5 most effective options that have been proven to work wonders at Merricks Beach:
- Soft Plastics
- Hard Bodied Lures
- Metal Blades
- Blades
- Vibes
What You'll Catch at Merricks Beach
When fishing at Merricks Beach, you're likely to reel in:
Source: hookedupmagazine.com.au
#1 – 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: www.marineandcoasts.vic.gov.au
#2 – 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.Less Common Catches
If you're lucky, you might also encounter:
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: hookedupmagazine.com.au
#4 – The Gummy Shark
The Gummy shark (Mustelus antarcticus) is a species of houndshark found in southern Australian waters. Known for its firm, white flesh, it's a popular target for both commercial and recreational fishers.
How to catch Gummy Shark
Gummy sharks can be caught using both boat and land-based fishing methods in Victoria. When fishing from a boat, bottom fishing with baits is the most effective method. Use a strong fishing rod and reel combo with 15-20kg line. A simple running sinker rig with a 6/0 to 8/0 circle hook works well. For land-based fishing, try fishing from piers, jetties, or beaches with good depth. Cast your bait out and let it sit on the bottom. Gummy sharks are most active at night, so evening fishing can be particularly productive. Always check local regulations and obtain necessary fishing licenses before heading out.
To learn more about catching Gummy Shark, read more here.FAQs about Merricks Beach
Where is Merricks Beach?
Merricks Beach is situated in the beautiful Western Port 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 Merricks Beach?
Merricks Beach offers a diverse range of fishing opportunities. The primary fish species you can target include king george whiting and australian salmon. Additionally, gummy shark and flathead 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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