Port Phillip Bay Fishing Guide: Top Spots, Fish & Best Tackle in Victoria

#1 – Cunningham Pier, Port Phillip Bay

A large, attractive pier on the Geelong waterfront district at Western Beach, featuring restaurants and deep water access.

Cunningham Pier is home to various fish species such as Snapper, Squid (Including Calamari), Australian Salmon, Flathead and King George Whiting.

#2 – Mordialloc Pier, Port Phillip Bay

A long pier on Beach Road in Mordialloc, offering diverse fishing options and access to Mordialloc Creek.

Mordialloc Pier is home to various fish species such as Squid (Including Calamari), Australian Salmon, Snapper, Flathead and Bream (All Species).

#3 – Queenscliff Pier, Port Phillip Bay

A long pier located at the end of Symonds Street in Queenscliff, featuring a large shelter shed and lower landing.

Queenscliff Pier is home to various fish species such as Squid (Including Calamari), King George Whiting, Australian Salmon, Flathead and Garfish.

#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.

#2 – 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.

#3 – The Garfish

Garfish are slender, elongated fish with distinctive long, needle-like beaks. They are found in coastal waters and are popular among anglers for their tasty flesh.

How to catch Garfish

To catch garfish in Victoria, use light tackle with small hooks (sizes 8-12) and light lines (2-4 kg). Float fishing is an effective method, using a small float to suspend your bait just below the surface. Berley with a mix of bread and fish oil to attract garfish to your area. Cast your line near structure like piers, jetties, or weed beds. Early mornings and late afternoons are often the best times. When you feel a bite, give a gentle strike to set the hook. Garfish have soft mouths, so play them carefully to avoid tearing the hook out.

#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.

#5 – 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.