What Are the Different Fishing Seasons in Melbourne – Port Phillip Bay?
Port Phillip Bay is a premier destination for fishing season Melbourne; particularly saltwater fishing. Fishing season Melbourne offers year-round opportunities to target a variety of species, each with its own peak season.
Spring
Ideal for catching snapper, squid, and whiting as the water starts to warm. Snapper are moving inshore to spawn, making them more accessible, while squid and whiting are also actively feeding.
Summer
King George Whiting and squid are abundant, with whiting thriving in the warmer waters. Snapper fishing remains strong, providing excellent opportunities for a mixed bag of catches.
Autumn
As the snapper begin to leave the bay, flathead, squid, and whiting continue to offer productive fishing. Flathead are particularly active in sandy or muddy areas, while squid and whiting remain reliable targets.
Winter
Pinkies (young snapper), flathead, Australian Salmon, squid, and whiting are the main catches. Despite the cooler weather, these species remain active, making winter a good time for a varied fishing experience.
Best Times of the Year to Catch Popular Fish
Snapper Season
Among the most prized catches in the bay is the snapper, particularly during the warmer months from October to March or April. For fishing season Melbourne, this is when the snapper migrates inshore to spawn. Hence, this makes them more accessible to anglers. The thrill of hooking a large snapper during this period is a significant draw for both local and visiting fishers, as these fish are known for their size, strength, and culinary value.
King George Whiting
King George Whiting, another highly sought-after species, absolutely loves the warmer waters of the bay. If you want to catch a King George Whiting, they can be caught throughout the year. Although, the best time to target them is between December and March. During these months of fishing season Melbourne, the whiting is more active in shallower areas near sandbanks and seagrass beds.
Their delicate, sweet flesh makes them a favourite among those who fish for the table, and their year-round presence ensures they are a reliable target, even outside peak season.
Flathead Fishing
Flatheads are another reliable catch in Port Phillip Bay, available to anglers year-round. However, they are most abundant and active from October to April, particularly in sandy or muddy areas. Known for their distinctive shape and tasty fillets, flatheads are a staple catch for many fishers in the bay, providing consistent action whether you’re fishing from a boat or the shore.
Australian Salmon
Australian Salmon, on the other hand, provides an exciting challenge for those seeking a more dynamic fishing experience. These hard-fighting fish are best targeted from March to September for the fishing season Melbourne.
During this period they form large schools chasing baitfish. Their aggressive nature and strong runs make them a favourite among sport fishers, offering a thrilling fight that can test even the most experienced angler.
Squid Fishing
Squid are a versatile option for fishing in Port Phillip Bay, as they can be caught at any time of year. They are particularly active during dawn and dusk when their prey is most visible. Not only is it fun catching Squid, but they also serve as excellent bait for other species, as well as a delicious meal in their own right.
Gummy Sharks
Finally, Gummy Sharks add an element of excitement to fishing in the bay, particularly during the cooler months from April to September. As the water temperature drops, these sharks become more active feeders, providing a unique challenge for anglers. Gummy Sharks are prized for their mild, boneless meat, making them a popular target for those looking to bring home a substantial catch. Here’s a quick seasonal summary:
Fishing Seasons in Melbourne – Bass Straight
While Bass Strait also offers saltwater fishing year-round, some species have peak activity periods that significantly influence your chances of success. Here’s a breakdown of some popular targets for fishing season Melbourne:
Snapper
Similar to Port Phillip Bay, snappers in Bass Strait are most abundant from October to April for fishing season Melbourne. During these warmer months, snappers move closer to shore for spawning, making them more accessible to anglers. This is the prime time to target them, as they are more concentrated in shallower waters.
King George Whiting
King George Whiting is less common in Bass Strait compared to Port Phillip Bay for the fishing season Melbourne. While you might still find them in the strait, they are more likely to be a better target in the bay, particularly during their peak season from December to March, when they thrive in the warmer waters near sandbanks and seagrass beds.
Australian Salmon
Australian Salmon are a dynamic target in Bass Strait for the fishing season Melbourne. Especially, during their migration period from March to September. Similar to their behaviour in Port Phillip Bay, they form large schools and aggressively chase baitfish, offering an exciting challenge for anglers looking for a fight.
Gummy Shark
Gummy Shark fishing in Bass Strait picks up during the cooler months for the fishing season Melbourne. This includes months from April to September. As the water temperature drops, these sharks become more active feeders, making them a unique and rewarding catch for those willing to brave the chillier conditions.
Tuna
For big-game enthusiasts for the fishing season Melbourne, Southern Bluefin Tuna makes their presence known. This happens in the open waters of Bass Strait from May to early August. During this window, water temperatures drop below 15 degrees Celsius, triggering the tuna to feed heavily as they migrate along the coast. This is the best time for anglers heading offshore to target these powerful fish. School Tuna, on the other hand, is best caught from January to April, also by those venturing into deeper waters.
Kingfish (Yellowtail)
Kingfish, or Yellowtail, are best targeted during the summer months of the fishing season Melbourne. This includes from late December through late March. These fish prefer the warmest water temperatures, which coincide with their spawning season. During this time, kingfish migrate closer to shore, offering a great opportunity for anglers. Calm seas and minimal wind are ideal for kingfish fishing, making summer the prime season for this species.
Sharks (Mako, Bronze Whaler, Seven-Gill)
There’s no closed season for targeting sharks like Mako, Bronze Whaler, and Seven-Gill in Victoria. This makes them a year-round possibility for the fishing season Melbourne in Bass Strait.
Important Note – Bass Straight vs Port Phillip Bay
Bass Strait is a much larger and more exposed body of water compared to Port Phillip Bay. Weather conditions can change rapidly, so it’s crucial to prioritize safety and check the latest forecasts before heading out. For a safe and productive experience, consider chartering a professional fishing service familiar with the area.
Despite the availability of snapper, whiting and salmon in Bass Straight, typical fishing methods of charter operators use either Port Phillip Bay or Westernport Bay for these species in the warmer weather. Whilst whiting and squid are a good catch all year round, a charter operator will divide their winter charters between the Bays and Bass Straight.
The exciting big-game fishing experience such as tuna, sharks or even Kingfish during the winter months on the open waters is a fantastic experience and a long day on the water. The thrill of the struggle against a fish that could weigh almost as much as the angler is unforgettable. So, if you’re heading out to Bass Straight for a day on the open waters, you should probably expect to catch the bigger fish.
Things To Consider When Fishing on Bass Straight
Weather and Conditions:
- Bass Strait is a large and exposed body of water compared to Port Phillip Bay. Weather conditions can change rapidly, so prioritize safety above all else.
- Check the latest marine weather forecasts: Pay attention to wind speed and direction, wave heights, visibility, and any warnings before heading out. Don’t risk venturing out in rough seas.
- Monitor weather conditions constantly: Weather can change quickly on Bass Strait. Always have a reliable source of weather updates on board, like a marine radio.
Safety and Preparation:
- Always let someone know your trip plans: Inform a friend, family member, or local coast guard station about your intended departure and arrival times, as well as your fishing location in Bass Strait.
- Have a properly sized and seaworthy vessel: Bass Strait can get rough. Ensure your boat is big enough to handle the expected conditions and is well-maintained with all necessary safety equipment, including life jackets, flares, a first-aid kit, and an EPIRB (Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon).
- Know your limitations and the limitations of your boat: Don’t push your luck or your boat’s capabilities in challenging conditions.
Navigation and Planning:
- Carefully plan your trip: Research the area you intend to fish in Bass Strait, including potential hazards like reefs or shipping lanes. Have a backup plan in case your primary location is inaccessible due to weather.
- Have proper navigation equipment: A reliable GPS unit and paper charts are essential for safe navigation, especially if visibility is limited.
- Be aware of maritime regulations: Familiarize yourself with boating regulations specific to Bass Strait, including speed limits and designated traffic lanes.
Fishing Considerations:
- Obtain a Recreational Fishing License: A Victorian Recreational Fishing License is required to fish in Bass Strait.
- Be aware of fishing regulations: Species like Gummy Shark have specific size and bag limits. Check the Victorian Fisheries Authority (VFA) website for the latest regulations [VFA recreational fishing guide ON Victorian Government vfa.vic.gov.au].
- Consider using a charter operator: Especially for beginners or those unfamiliar with Bass Strait, a reputable charter operator can provide a safe and productive fishing experience with their local knowledge and expertise. Also consider that game fishing, especially for larger species, requires specialized equipment and knowledge.