When to Go Fishing in Port Phillip Bay is a great question so keep reading. Port Phillip Bay has an area of approximately 2000 km2 with a coastline covering around 264 km. Port Phillip Bay is surrounded with beaches and boat ramps with easy access to the water making it a boating wonderland for fishing, cruising, sailing, tow sports, kayaking, sightseeing, party cruises and jet skiing.
When fishing in Port Phillip Bay, knowing the best times to go out and catch your desired fish is essential. Remember the different fishing seasons, availability of your targeted species, and weather conditions such as rain and wind. Not only do you need to consider the time of year but importantly the time of day. Port Phillip Bay is quite famous for its Snapper run between October and February.
By considering these factors you dramatically enhance your chances of successful and fruitful fishing trips in Port Phillip Bay. 🎣
What Species of Fish to Target in Port Phillip Bay?
Fishing in Port Phillip Bay is a rewarding experience as the fish vary widely. Each species has unique traits, habits, and bait you’ll need to use. Knowing what to do when targeting certain fish can significantly improve your chances of success.
Here are the Top 5 most popular species of fish to target in Port Phillip Bay:
- Pink Snapper: The Pink Snapper can be found abundantly in deep waters during th famous snapper runs between October and February. Anglers often have success using baits such as pilchards or squid.
- King George Whiting: King George Whiting are best targeted between December and March but can be caught year round. They’re commonly in shallower waters around sandbanks and seagrass. Use pipis or small strips of squid to attract them easily.
- Flathead: Flatheads are abundant year-round in Port Phillip Bay. But they peak from October to April. They are found in sandy or muddy areas, and anglers often use pilchards or live bait to catch them.
- Australian Salmon: Australian Salmon can be found between March and September fishing in Port Phillip Bay. Ensure you eat your weet-bix before trying to catch this fish, as they are known for their intense fight. You will find them in large schools chasing bait fish and when you do find them they are frantic.
- Squid: Squid is available all year round in Port Phillip Bay. Squid are in huge numbers amd are best targeted first and last light using Squid Jigs.They are generally found in 2.5 to 6 metres of water and prefer patchy or heavily weeded areas similar to the King Geroge Whiting.
What Time of Year to Go Fishing in Port Phillip Bay?
Luckily for you, fishing in Port Phillip Bay is a year-round activity. Different seasons present different opportunities to catch some incredible species.
- Spring: Fishing is excellent in spring. It’s a great time to target Pink Snapper. You can find these prized fish in deeper waters. Anglers find success using squid and pilchards. It’s also an excellent time for Yellow Eye Mullet.
- Summer: This is when King George Whiting comes alive. These shallow-water fish fill sandbanks and seagrass. You can also find Squid in shallow and deep waters imilar to the whiting
- Autumn: During Autumn, Snapper start to leave Port Phillip Bay but you can still be productive in deeper waters around Mornington and Mount Martha. Flathead, Squid and Whiting can also be taken during the Autumn months.
- Winter: Is it worth it to go out when it’s cold? Of course! You may have to endure the cold, but the fish don’t mind. You’ll find Pinkies r, abundant Flathead, Australian Salmon, Squid and Whiting. If you are after something more challenging then Gummy sharks are worth the effort..
Best Time of Day for Fishing in Port Phillip Bay
Ok… now that we know what species to target and the time of year to get out there we need to know what tim of the day to go fishing in Port Phillip Bay.
The best time of day for fishing in Port Phillip Bay is early morning or late afternoon. This ensures the sunlight is not too intense and the water temperature is favourable for fish activity. Fish are more active and more likely to feed during these times.
Also, consider the tides when deciding when to go out. High tide is a productive time for anglers, while low tide is challenging to catch a fish. The fish concentrate in certain areas during high tide, while they spread out during low tide.
Some Port Phillip Bay Fishing gurus also say that you will catch fish anytime of the day and between 1pm and 5pm can be very fruitful.
Finally, understanding the feeding patterns of fish can significantly increase your success rate. Many fish are known to feed aggressively during specific times of the day. For example, predatory fish like snapper are more active during dawn and dusk when they can find prey easily.
The Best Bait for Fishing in Port Phillip Bay?
Now you need to know what you should use. There’s a wide range of species to target, so it’s a good idea to have a few things in your arsenal:
- Pilchards: Pilchards are incredibly effective in attracting various fish species, including snapper & flathead. They can be used whole or cut into smaller pieces, depending on the size of the fish you are targeting.
- Squid: Squid is another excellent bait option for Port Phillip Bay. Squid are common prey for many fish species in the bay and work well with snapper and gummy shark species.
- Silver Whiting: These fish can be caught using a baited hook rig or a specialized longline rig and used as live or fresh bait. They are highly effective in attracting larger fish species, especially when presented naturally in the water.
- Berley: Berley is a mixture of mashed or ground-up fish scraps, bread, and other ingredients dispersed in the water to create a scent trail. Fresh bait and barley can significantly increase your chances of catching fish in the bay. My mate Bruno loves his berley concoctions and swears by using berley to excite and attract fish.
Using fresh bait and incorporating berley into your fishing technique can significantly improve your chances of success. Remember to choose the correct tackle for the conditions and target species!
The Best Boat Launching Ramps in Port Phillip Bay
Choosing the right spot to launch from while fishing in Port Phillip Bay is crucial to having a successful trip. Here are some suggestions:
- Sorrento Boat Ramp: Located on the bay’s eastern side, this ramp provides access to the southern part of the bay and Bass Strait. The ramp is well-maintained and allows for easy launching and retrieval.
- Williamstown Boat Ramp: Situated on the bay’s western side, this ramp provides convenient access to the inner bay and the Melbourne CBD. It is suitable for boats of various sizes and offers good protection from southerly and westerly winds.
- Blairgowrie Boat Ramp: This is located on the southern peninsula and provides bay and Bass Strait access. It is suitable for smaller boats and offers some protection from northerly and easterly winds.
Remember always to prioritise safety and choose a launching spot that suits your experience level and the capabilities of your boat.
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