Top tips close to Melbourne

[The Professor]

Hi all

My daughter (12yo) and I go fishing a bit, mostly over summer and/or when on holiday at Phillip Island, Gippsland, Barwon Heads etc. Our preference is beach fishing although I think pier fishing would also suit us. We're happy as long as we get some nibbles and are a fair chance to pull something in now and then. I was hoping to hear some recommendations for reliable spots that you'd recommend within a day trip from Melbourne (say up to an hour or maybe hour and a half drive max?).

I know this is a broad brief, but we're really just looking for pleasant environments, not too challenging in terms of set-up or gear requirements, where we'll have fun and maybe catch a few fish if we're lucky!

Thanks a lot!

[Kenle]

Our local piers offer great fishing if you have the right rigs and set up. Then pick a good weather with a rising tide, you should be able to catch a few pinkies or flattys maybe even whiting or trevs this time of the year at Altona Rock groins. I was at Wyndham harbour last week and caught a few pan size pinkies, 2 undersize gummys and a few banjo's ofcoarse all released. I was also at St kinda pier few weeks back and caught heaps of undersize pinkies along with couple 40+ cm ones on pilchard, got a thumper flatty there too also on pilchard. Saw some asians catching few nice breams on bass yabbies. I was at Brighton pier just for a drive and walk around few days ago and saw fisherman's catching King george whiting and pinkies on squid strip's. Goodluck, hope you find this helpful

[Sebb]

Hi all

My daughter (12yo) and I go fishing a bit, mostly over summer and/or when on holiday at Phillip Island, Gippsland, Barwon Heads etc. Our preference is beach fishing although I think pier fishing would also suit us. We're happy as long as we get some nibbles and are a fair chance to pull something in now and then. I was hoping to hear some recommendations for reliable spots that you'd recommend within a day trip from Melbourne (say up to an hour or maybe hour and a half drive max?).

I know this is a broad brief, but we're really just looking for pleasant environments, not too challenging in terms of set-up or gear requirements, where we'll have fun and maybe catch a few fish if we're lucky!

Thanks a lot!

All of port phillip bay piers are great to fish.
If you're specifically looking for beach fishinf within an hour or so, Ocean Grove / Barwon Heads is great. Mornington Peninsula beaches are good too, even the back beach. But becareful with thr back beach, cam get a bit rough. Make sure to check the tide, wind, etc.
Balnarring/Somers in western port bay is pretty good this time of year too.

[Charles7]

Docklands behind Marvel and along North Wharf.

Maribyrnong River between Canning Reserve and Angler's Tavern.

Kerferd Rd Pier at dusk.

Portsea, Sorrento and Blairgowrie piers if you're happy to drive a bit further.

All these places fish best on a rising tide in my experience, especially late afternoon onwards. Good luck.

[The Professor]

Thank you all. Fantastic. Much appreciated. I will report back once we've been out and about!