By Peri Stavropolous
The local offshore fishing over this past week has been just superb with Snapper, Gummy sharks, Mako Sharks and Kingfish all biting well.
There has been plenty of Pinkie Snapper holding on reef structure between Ocean Grove and Torquay in approximately 45m of water, fishing with bait has been most effective way to target them.
The Gummies have been holding in a little bit closer in about 30m of water, the trick with them is anchoring yourself just off the reef as that’s where they seem to be hanging at the moment.
Makos have been hanging out a bit further sitting in 55m of water, drifting baits suspended under a balloon in a burley trail is the most proven and effective way to target them however you can up your chances with a strong consistent burley trail and using fresh bait.
The Kingfish bite lately is still getting better by the week and this past week has been awesome, the bigger fish seem to be hanging out a bit deeper in 50m of water and the ‘rats’ are holding in shallower like 30m however you never know when that big one might show up.
Brad Apps went on board Cross Country Fishing Charters managing some ripper Kingfish or Live bait and Knife Jigging, the boys also managed a nice haul of Pinkie Snapper on the same grounds.
Inside Port Phillip Bay is still providing plenty of good fishing options, Big King George Whiting are still on the chew right along the peninsula.
St Leonards is the most popular spot with fish biting well on the change of tide with Pipis being the best bait.
There are also plenty of Calamari holding in a bit closer in 3 metres of water in the same general area as the Whiting.
Down along the west coast and the Tuna are on fire off Julia Reef. Trolling small skirted lures will catch you your fish however casting stickbaits and poppers to bust ups is a very effective and fun way to target them watching them smash your lures off the top!
There are also plenty of Kingfish around there too and they are more than willing to take top water lures.
The Barwon River is producing plenty of Redfin at the moment for guys walking the banks casting small soft plastics or hardbody lures providing some great local fun. David Le has been hitting the Barwon quite a bit lately and having great success.
