Fishing

Catch a big one right off the Continental Shelf

Game On Fishing Charter, Portland

Jump aboard with your captain Joe for an unforgettable morning, afternoon or weekend fishing charter. If you’re dreaming of reeling in a 100kg Bluefin Tuna, gummy shark or quality fish local fishing icon Joe and crewman Critter will have you bagging sport fish you’ll be bragging about for years to come.

Set off at sunrise for the waters between Lawrence Rocks and Cape Nelson Lighthouse in the search for the winter gummy sharks migrating through Portland waters. A quick stopover at the boisterous Lawrence Rocks Fur Seal and Gannet colonies then you’ll head straight for serious fishing business.

Deep drop reels lowered it won’t be long until before you’re pulling in deep-sea dwelling fish, snapper and the odd mulloway. Keep an eye out for diving birds, seals and dolphins dropping by, then you’ll know the big bites wouldn’t be far off. Joe will do everything possible to see each client relish the challenge of reeling in their ultimate sport fish. As the sun sets it’s likely you’ll be returning with an esky full of fine eating fish to take home – a great way to end an unforgettable fishing trip.

Hooked? Good news is you don’t need to have a big boat to reel in a big fish in Portland. Many fisherman have bagged brag-worthy catches straight from the Lee Breakwater and surrounding beaches.

Score the catch of the day in Apollo Bay

The 3km crescent-shaped, eastern facing beach of Apollo Bay is framed by the stunning backdrop of rolling green hills. It offers a safe, patrolled (during peak season) waters for walking, swimming, boarding and boating with some of the best fishing on the Great Ocean Road – river and sea!

Apollo Bay ticks both boxes – teaming rivers, beaches and seas providing both picturesque backdrops and bountiful takings. The rivers, streams and surf beaches are ideal for land-based fishing in Apollo Bay with the possibility of catching trout or native blackfish as well as salmon during winter. However, the most popular locations for fishing is the local pier.

Two popular beaches to drop in a lure are the Marengo Surf Beach and the Barham River mouth. Snag yourself a ride on a fishing boat and the family will thank you with full bellies. There’s some good fishing in the deeper sections of Apollo Bay, but the serious fisherman might tell you to head to the richer waters of Blanket Bay, or out a little further into Bass Straight. There you will be fighting for larger salmon, shark, pike and barracoota.

Don’t have access to a boat? That’s ok, there’s plenty of opportunities to join a fishing charter from Apollo Bay.

Even those who don’t catch their feast won’t go hungry. The Apollo Bay Fisherman’s Co-op has been serving up the freshest seafood in Apollo Bay for over 70 years. Founded in 1948, local fisherman grouped together to increase and better market their catch. Sit on the seaside deck 7 days a week and watch the fisherman unload their catch of the day at the harbor below. Southern rock lobsters, scallops, flake, snapper, barracoota and octopus caught in Bass Straight are then served straight to your plate. No wonder it is billed as the best place in town and on the south coast for seafood.

The historic fishing village of Port Fairy

Discover the beautifully preserved historic fishing village of Port Fairy. Enjoy waters-edge fish & chips or catch your own – there’s ample opportunity for angles of all-abilities. To this day Port Fairy is the home port for several professional fishing boats and you will still see fisherman hauling in their catch of the day straight onto the Moyne River Boardwalk.

There’s plenty to go around, the salt water angler is well catered for here. The Moyne River mouth offers a safe fishing platform and plenty of opportunities to wet a line throughout the river precinct. Take your pick of the many walkways and jetties to cast your line, they run all down the river’s sides from the footbridge to the river’s mouth.

Offshore anglers are likely hoping to catch a good amount of blue-fin tuna which migrate the River Moyne every year. At specific times of the year, fish of 60kgs to 150kgs are caught by employing different successful techniques. It also offers the best ground for snapper and sharks surrounding the area with the gummy sharks and school sharks being caught regularly by numerous anglers.

Don’t have a boat? Don’t worry, Southern Coast Charters or Salty Dog Charters will happily welcome you aboard.

Those casting from the surrounding beaches will likely be looking for snapper, mulloway, whiting, bream and salmon. East Beach, Killarney, Gormans Lane near Killarney and Yambuk are the best surf fishing spot in the region.

Freshwater fishing is less readily available, however, the upstream sections of both the Hopkins and Merri Rivers (at Warrnambool) do provide some excellent freshwater fishing.

Fish in Volcanic Lakes at Lake Bullen Merri

Volcanic Lakes and Plains

Lake Bullen Merri’s clover like shape is a legacy of its volcanic past; the lake was formed from the remains of three adjoining craters. The dark volcanic sands frame the beautiful waterway and the purpose built fishing platform providing a wonderful venue for fishing. Those preferring to fish from the water can launch their boat via the easy access ramp. Species anglers will be likely to catch are Rainbow and Brown Trout, Australian Bass, Chinook and Atlantic Salmon.

Cast a line at the impressive Curdies Inlet

Peterborough

Located just over 3hrs from Melbourne, Peterborough is the tiny shorefront town surrounded by the storm carved limestone coastline that makes this region famous. Turn east over the iconic bridge and the placid waters of Curdies Inlet to explore the iconic landmarks of Port Campbell National Park. Venture west for the lesser visited but equally spectacular Bay of Islands Coastal Park.

Curdies Inlet is the prime fishing spot in Peterborough – a 1245sqkm estuarine lagoon known for its impressive collection of fish and birds. Cast a line from the inlet jetties or launch your boat into the lagoon via the easily accessible boat ramp. Those keen to travel a little further up the river will be rewarded with excellent freshwater Trout and Redfin fishing.

The last fishing stop on the Great Ocean Road

Nelson

Located at the mouth of the Glenelg River and Discovery Bay the charming fishing and holiday village of Nelson is the last town before the South Australian border. The Glenelg River flows through the tiny town center and is one of Victoria’s longest and deepest rivers. It’s over 500km long and offers plenty of great spots to cast out.

The Nelson River Mouth and Oxbow Lake are hugely popular fishing spots offering prized catches of large bream and the elusive Mullaway – on top of many Victorian anglers bucket lists. Cast from along the banks, bridge and jetties or launch your fishing vessel or kayak from over 29 ramps, many with picnic facilities. Boats can be hired in Nelson too. Mullaway are largely active at night. So, if you need bait after hours, no worries! The handy vending machine outside the Nelson Kiosk will sort you out 24-7!

Fishing on the Great Ocean Road is a Great Call. It will have you hook, line and sinker!