Guide to Fishing Charters in Melbourne and Geelong
Fishing charters are a great way to explore the waters around Melbourne, Geelong and the nearby peninsulas, whether you are hoping to catch your first fish or are an experienced angler looking for a bigger challenge. Local operators offer everything from sheltered-bay trips targeting snapper, King George whiting and squid to offshore adventures chasing kingfish, tuna and sharks.
This guide covers fishing charter businesses around Port Phillip Bay, Melbourne, the Mornington Peninsula, Geelong, the Bellarine Peninsula, Western Port and Phillip Island. Some operators provide shared trips where you book individual places, while others specialise in private boats for families, friends or groups. Trip duration, departure point, minimum age and onboard facilities vary, so check the individual Melbourne Playgrounds listings and contact the operator before booking.
Fishing Charters in Melbourne and Port Phillip Bay
Able Fishing and Charters (Williamstown)
Departure: Gem Pier, Williamstown, with some options from Werribee South.Port Phillip Bay fishing trips aboard the Bacardi and other charter options, including private boat bookings and scenic cruises.
Bagout Fishing Charters (Carrum)
Departure: Carrum.Port Phillip Bay snapper fishing and other seasonal trips, with options for individual anglers and private groups.
Cassar Fishing Charters (Multiple Locations)
Departures: Carrum, Mornington, Hastings, Stony Point and other locations depending on the trip.Small-group fishing charters for snapper, whiting, squid, gummy shark, kingfish and tuna. The operator confirms the departure point closer to the booking date.
Fin Chaser Fishing Charters (Carrum)
Departure: Carrum.Fishing charters in Port Phillip Bay, including trips targeting seasonal bay species.
Gotta Love Fishing (St Kilda and Werribee South)
Departures: St Kilda and Werribee South.Port Phillip Bay fishing experiences from Melbourne's inner bayside and western shore.
HOOOKN Adventures (Multiple Locations)
Inshore departures: Patterson Lakes, Hastings or Martha Cove seasonally. Offshore departures: Martha Cove.Small-group inshore charters for snapper, whiting, squid and gummy shark, with family-friendly beginner trips as well as specialist offshore fishing and spearfishing adventures.
Magnet Fishing Charters (Werribee South)
Departure: Werribee South.Port Phillip Bay fishing trips targeting snapper, King George whiting, squid and other local species. Confirm current availability directly with the operator.
Pro Red Fishing Charters (Carrum)
Departures: Carrum and other Port Phillip Bay or Western Port launching locations.Fishing charters for a wide range of seasonal species, with the departure point selected according to the trip and fishing conditions.
Reel Time Fishing (Carrum)
Departures: Carrum and other locations depending on the fishing trip.Fishing experiences targeting snapper, King George whiting and squid, with selected trips extending to Western Port and offshore Victorian waters.
Sharkmen Fishing Charters (Carrum)
Departures: Carrum and selected Mornington Peninsula locations.Shared and private charters for snapper, whiting, calamari and larger offshore fish, with different boats and fishing experiences available.
Unreel Fishing Charters (Multiple Locations)
Fishing areas: Port Phillip Bay, Western Port and other Victorian coastal waters.Fishing charters for anglers interested in a straightforward day on the water, with the departure point depending on the chosen trip.
Fishing Charters on the Mornington Peninsula
Bay Fish N Trips (Mornington)
Departure: Mornington Pier.Shared fishing trips and private group cruises on Port Phillip Bay. A particularly approachable option for families and beginners wanting a relaxed outing.
I'm Hooked Fishing Charters (Mornington Peninsula)
Departures: various Mornington Peninsula and bay launching locations.Trips targeting snapper, whiting, squid, kingfish, tuna and other seasonal species, with options for newcomers and more experienced anglers.
Joe Farr Fishing Charters (Blairgowrie)
Departure: Blairgowrie Marina, with selected pickup or drop-off arrangements elsewhere.Small-group bay and ocean fishing charters, particularly suited to anglers who prefer a more personalised experience.
Proline Fishing Charters (Sorrento)
Departure: Sorrento Pier.Long-established fishing operator offering trips in Port Phillip Bay, around The Rip and into Bass Strait, with options for groups and individual anglers.
Rip Charters (Sorrento)
Departures: Sorrento and selected Queenscliff trips.Bay, ocean and game-fishing trips exploring Port Phillip Heads and Bass Strait, with different charter lengths available.
Sorrento Fishing Charters (Sorrento)
Departure: Sorrento.Fishing in Port Phillip Bay, The Rip and Bass Strait aboard the Lady Timaru, targeting a variety of seasonal fish.
Timeout Fishing Charters (Rye)
Departure: Rye Pier / Rye Boat Ramp.Family-friendly fishing trips aboard Bo Jangles, with fishing gear provided and crew assistance for people of different skill levels.
Fishing Charters in Geelong, the Bellarine Peninsula and Queenscliff
Corio Bay Fishing and Cruise Charters (Geelong)
Departure: Geelong.Fishing charters and cruise experiences around Corio Bay and the Geelong waterfront.
Freetime Adventure Charters (Portarlington)
Departure: Portarlington.Fishing charter experiences from the Bellarine Peninsula, with access to the waters of Port Phillip Bay.
Gamerec Fishing Charters (Queenscliff and Sorrento)
Departures: Queenscliff and Sorrento.Specialist saltwater fly fishing, offshore game fishing and shark fishing, along with trips targeting larger reef species. Also see the Sorrento listing. Both locations belong to the same operator.
Geelong Fishing Charters (Geelong)
Departure: Geelong.Fishing experiences based in Geelong, providing access to Corio Bay and surrounding Port Phillip Bay waters.
Gone Fishing Charters (Queenscliff)
Departure: Queenscliff Harbour.Shared and private fishing charters for beginners and experienced anglers, including bay fishing and selected offshore trips.
Impulse Charters (Queenscliff)
Departure: Queenscliff Harbour.Family-friendly fishing trips and bay cruises aboard a traditional timber boat, with fishing tuition, bait and tackle supplied.
Queenscliff Fishing Charters and Scenic Tours (Queenscliff)
Departure: Queenscliff.Fishing charters and scenic experiences exploring Port Phillip Bay and nearby coastal waters.
Fishing Charters in Western Port and Phillip Island
Ace Fishing Charters (Hastings)
Departure: Westernport Marina, Hastings.Fishing trips in Western Port and Bass Strait. Confirm current charter dates and availability before booking.
Better Than Working Charters (San Remo)
Departure: San Remo Pier.Small-group fishing charters aboard a comfortable flybridge cruiser, including family-friendly Western Port trips and specialist Bass Strait fishing.
Island Offshore Charters (San Remo)
Departure: San Remo Pier.Half-day and full-day fishing charters in Western Port and Bass Strait aboard the 11.5m Sharon Lee II, including options for larger groups.
Reel Obsession Fishing Charters (San Remo / Western Port)
Departure: Confirm the current boarding location when booking.Inshore and offshore fishing trips in Western Port and Bass Strait, including options for group bookings and anglers of different experience levels.
Rhyll - Newhaven Fishing Charters (Phillip Island)
Departures: Phillip Island area.Fishing charter experiences around Western Port and Phillip Island, with the meeting point confirmed by the operator.
Rhyll - T-Cat Charters (Rhyll)
Departure: Rhyll Jetty.Day and night fishing trips for a range of experience levels, plus personalised sightseeing cruises on Western Port.
Westernport Fishing Charters (Hastings)
Departure: Westernport Marina, Hastings.Shared and private trips into Western Port and Bass Strait aboard a large charter vessel, with snapper, whiting and gummy shark among the fish targeted.
Tips for Choosing a Fishing Charter
Are Fishing Charters Suitable for Children?
Many operators welcome beginners and families, but minimum ages and trip suitability differ. A shorter trip inside Port Phillip Bay or Western Port is often a better first experience than a full-day offshore excursion. Check children's ages, supervision requirements and lifejacket arrangements with the operator.
What is Included?
Most fishing charters supply rods, bait and tackle, but inclusions vary. Ask whether fish cleaning, food, drinks, seating, shelter and toilets are provided. Also check whether you are booking an individual place on a shared trip or the entire boat for a private group.
Do You Need a Fishing Licence?
Most people fishing in Victorian waters need a recreational fishing licence unless exempt. Children under 18 and adults aged 70 or over are exempt. See Victorian Recreational Fishing Licence information for current requirements and other exemptions.
What if the Weather is Bad?
Charter operators may change fishing locations, postpone trips or cancel departures when conditions are unsafe. Read the operator's cancellation and refund policy before booking, and confirm the departure point and time shortly before your trip.
What Should You Bring?
Wear non-slip shoes and clothing suitable for changing weather, even on a sunny day. Bring a hat, sunscreen, drinking water, any additional food allowed by the operator, and appropriate seasickness medication if needed. If you plan to keep fish, ask whether you need to bring an esky for the journey home.
Web Links
→ The Best Fishing Spots for Families in Melbourne
→ Guide to Fishing Charters in Regional Victoria
