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

#1 – Flinders Jetty, Western Port

Located at the end of Bass Street in Flinders, this jetty is renowned for excellent squid catches, especially in spring.

Flinders Jetty is home to various fish species such as Squid (Including Calamari), King George Whiting, Australian Salmon and Leatherjacket.

#2 – Merricks Beach, Western Port

A long sandy beach located at the end of Merricks Beach Road, offering ample space for anglers.

Merricks Beach is home to various fish species such as King George Whiting, Australian Salmon, Gummy Shark and Flathead.

#3 – Stony Point Pier, Western Port

Located at Stony Point on the western side of Western Port, this pier serves as a port for various vessels and offers excellent fishing opportunities.

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

#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 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.

#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 Leatherjacket

Leatherjackets are a family of marine fish found in Victorian waters, known for their rough, leathery skin and unique body shape.

How to catch Leatherjacket

To catch Leatherjackets in Victorian waters, use small hooks (size 6 to 10) as they have small mouths. Fish around structure like piers, jetties, and rocky reefs. Use a paternoster rig or a running sinker rig with a short leader. Berley can be effective to attract them. When you feel a bite, strike quickly as they are skilled bait stealers. Use sturdy line and leader to prevent bite-offs.

#6 – 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.