Boating & Fishing

We’ve all had the one that got away, but The Bellarine just about guarantees fishing success.

These parts are brimming with flathead, snapper, whiting and squid.

There are many shore-based options to throw a line and come away greater for it. Cunningham Pier, built in the 1850s and stretching 350 metres out into Corio Bay, is a go-to spot for fishing in Geelong. It’s good for snapper, whiting, salmon, trevally and flathead, and some calamari after dark. Fisherfolk who drop a line down the side of the pier’s pylons may also catch bream, leatherjackets and garfish. The more family-friendly Rippleside Pier is another option as is the relatively newer Wangim Walk, the 440-metre wave attenuator that provides great access to productive water.

Out on The Bellarine, Clifton Springs Jetty has recently doubled in length and Portarlington Pier has an artificial reef within casting distance. Perhaps the most iconic spot to fish from is Point Lonsdale Pier beneath the iconic lighthouse. While inside a protected marine park, fishing is permitted from the pier only. Here you might be lucky to catch big snapper, sharks, salmon, garfish and calamari.

View more onshore fishing spots via the Victoria Fishing Authority.

The Geelong side of Corio Bay is well serviced by two boat ramps, one at St Helens with floating pontoons and another at Limeburners, which has toilets and a fish cleaning table.

Clifton Springs has its own boat ramp with a toilet block and undercover fish cleaning table. This is a popular spot and fills up quickly during summer and on any good-weather day. Other boat ramps on The Bellarine include Queenscliff boat ramp, Point Richards boat ramp and Portarlington Fairfax Street boat ramp.

Be mindful of cheeky wild seals that will try to steal your fish if you’re not paying attention.

To launch into deeper waters, rent a tinny from Clifton Springs Boat Hire or head out with the likes of Gone Fishing Charters or Queenscliff Fishing Charters and Scenic Tours.

Be taken out by an expert and up your chances of a great catch.

Many fishing zones are fringed by protected marine parks. To preserve these beautiful parts of the world, it’s important to fish responsibly. For regulations on what to fish, how big and where, head to the Victoria Fishing Authority website.

There’s also an app to quickly check your location – click ‘can I fish here?’.