Portland Tuna Fishing
Fishing for tuna makes for a very exciting day, as these big fish test your strength and will cause your rod to buckle over as they put up a fight. Screaming reels mark the start of an epic battle as you prepare to land most likely the biggest fish you have ever caught.
Portland Tuna Fishing – Summary
Departing from Portland
$3,000 (Max 6 People)
6am departure
Up to 8 hours
If Portland is a bit far to travel, why not try our Melbourne Offshore Tuna Fishing. Departing from Rye or Stony Point.
Departing at 6am
Portland Tuna Fishing Charters.
More info available upon Request.
More About Portland Tuna Fishing
Portland Victoria, is known for its fantastic tuna fishing opportunities, particularly for Southern Bluefin Tuna. Here’s a description of the experience of portland tuna fishing in this region:
1. Location and Preparation
Portland is a coastal town in southwestern Victoria, situated on the shores of the Southern Ocean. Anglers looking to experience tuna fishing typically base themselves in Portland. Before heading out to sea, it’s essential to prepare your fishing gear, which includes specialised heavy-duty rods and reels, tackle, and bait, specifically designed for targeting large tuna.
2. Charter Fishing
Most anglers opt for charter fishing trips when targeting tuna in Portland. Charter boats are equipped with experienced captains and crew who are knowledgeable about the best fishing spots and techniques. Booking a charter is a convenient way to access the open ocean where tuna are abundant.
3. Tuna Species
In Portland, you can primarily target Southern Bluefin Tuna, a prized species known for its strength and size. These tuna can grow to be massive, often exceeding 200 kilograms (440 pounds).
4. Fishing Techniques
Tuna fishing in Portland typically involves trolling. This technique uses specialized lures and baits to mimic the prey of the tuna. The charter boat captain will often locate schools of tuna by monitoring bird activity and fish finders. Once a school is spotted, the boat will position itself, and anglers cast their lines and lures into the water. The excitement begins when a tuna takes the bait, as they are known for their powerful and acrobatic fights.
5. Scenic Surroundings
The coastline around Portland is known for its rugged beauty, with stunning cliffs and coastal vistas. While waiting for the fish to bite, you can enjoy the scenic views and might even spot other wildlife like seals, dolphins, and seabirds.
6. Seasonality
Tuna fishing in Portland is seasonal, with the best time generally being from late autumn (April) to early winter (June). During this period, the Southern Bluefin Tuna migrate close to the coast, making it an ideal time for anglers to target them.
7. Regulations and Conservation
It’s important to note that there may be regulations in place regarding catch limits and size restrictions, as tuna populations have faced conservation concerns. Responsible and sustainable fishing practices are encouraged to protect these magnificent creatures and ensure the longevity of the fishery.
Overall, tuna fishing in Portland, Victoria, offers an exhilarating and memorable experience in a beautiful coastal setting, making it a popular destination for anglers seeking the thrill of battling powerful Southern Bluefin Tuna. If you would like to know more about our Portland Tuna Fishing, feel free to contact Mal directly via our contact form.
Details & Itinerary
Catching Southern Bluefin Tuna is best done at first light. If departing from Sorrento, we will head out from Portland and into Bass Straight. Once we arrive at the right area, we keep an eye out for birds diving into water or for patches of ruffled water on a calm day. This gives us a clue as to where to start fishing. (See How To Catch Tuna).
When you go on a tuna fishing charter, you will need to come prepared for a long day out on the water and make sure you have old clothes that you don’t mind getting dirty and something to protect you from the seaspray.
As we head out onto open water, some are not quite used to the ocean swell and therefore some sea sickness tablets taken the night before and the morning before you leave can come in handy.
Portland Tuna Fishing (Southern Bluefin ) - Schedule
- Meet at the boat ramp at Portland.
- Hit the open waters of Bass Straight.
- Search for possible schools of fish.
- Lunch time (keep fishing).
- More fishing
- Head back home
What You Should Bring
- Sunglasses and hat
- Drink bottles of water
- Sunscreen lotion
- Esky in your car (Please don’t bring it onboard, we will give you bags to take your fish home)
- Bring a packed lunch and some snacks to see you through the day.
- A weather proof jacket and older clothes that you don’t mind getting dirty.
Best time for tuna fishing charters in Victoria
If departing from Melbourne (typically departing from Rye) then the bext time to fish for tuna is Feb to April. If departing from Portalnd, then April to August is best.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you clean our fish? No, but we will bleed them once caught and have them placed on ice to keep them in the best condition.
Do I have to fight the fish by myself? You can take it in turns. Some fish can take time to bring in. We always leave that question to the person on the rod.
Do I have to wear a life jacket? When going through Port Phillip heads every person on the boat must wear a life jacket, then it is up to you once we are out of the heads.
What size will the fish be? There are limits placed on the minimum size of most fish by the Victorian Fishing Authority. Visit our Fishing Tips page to read the FAQ’s for each type of fish.
What sort of lures do you use? We use a mixture of skirted lures and hard body lures
What is the minimum age for children? For offshore fishing, 12 years and over. In the bays, we recommend children aged 5 and above.
Tuna Fishing Charters – Taught By Experts
A lifetime of learning by Mal is your secret weapon to picking up all the tricks of the trade and looking like an expert in no time.
All Fishing Equipment Included
Equipped with all the best tuna fishing gear, Mal will get you set up to catch some great tuna. Learn how to bait and fight the big ones on this deedicated tuna fishing charter.
Bragging Rights
We’re confident you will have a really fun day and if you land a big one, Mal will take a photo and put it on his Instagram page so there is no doubting you caught it. Tuna fishing charters certainly give you an opportunity to catch the biggest fish you have ever caught. Let your mates see what you’ve caught and tell the tale at your next BBQ!
Fishing Licence
Make sure you have a fishing licence before you leave. They are available online here: https://vfa.vic.gov.au/recreational-fishing/fishing-licence