Bass Coast Fishiing Guide
Bass Coast has a long coast line for shore, surf and rock fishing and some rivers with good fishing.
Bunurong Coast - lnverloch to Cape Paterson
Along the Inverloch-Cape Paterson Road, not far from Inverloch, is Flat Rocks and The Caves. These two places are favourite local fishing spots as they are good for Whiting. Snapper and Silver Trevally. Fishing off the rocks here can be productive with rock platforms stretching out past the many Whiting channels. Watch out for the tide, as it can creep up on you. Keep checking to see you can get back to shore. it is best to fish at low tide with a light line when the sea is calm.
At Cape Paterson there are quite a few good fishing spots. Undertow Bay is good for for Mullet and Salmon and the rocks around Bay Beach and Browns' Bay produce large Whiting and juvenile Snapper (Pinky). Remember you are not allowed to take reef fish such as Parrot Fish, Bluenose Wrasse and Leather Jackets in this area.
Bunurong Marine National Park
Fishing is prohibited in the Bunurong Marine National Park. The Marine Park extends 5km between the southernmost headland west of The Oaks' and the headland at the eastern end of 'Eagles Nest', and offshore for approximately 3 nautical miles to the limit of the Victorian waters.
Strong penalties apply under the National Parks Act for fishing in Marine National Parks and Marine Sanctuaries. For more information, refer to Parks Victoria's 'Enjoying the Bunurong Coast' brochure.
Boating Anderson Inlet - Inverloch
The Bar at the entrance is very dangerous. Do not attempt to cross the Bar if you are inexperienced, or if your boat is underpowered. Speak to the staff at the Inverloch Marine and Automotive for advice. There are quite a few places where a boat can be launched, including two places in the inlet on the Inverloch side: Maher's Landing and the Inverloch boat ramp. Maher's Landing is about 5km east of the turn-off into Inverloch from the Bass Highway. Anderson Inlet can be fished from anywhere and a good catch is usually found.
Inverloch Shore Fishing
Main Surf Beach: near Goroke Street is great for surf fishing.
Pensioners Corner: Wyeth's Bay opposite Moller's Caravan Park on Ramsay Boulevard usually produces good catches on the tides (Silver Trevally, King George Whiting, Flathead and Mullet).
The Poles: Opposite the beach end of Abbott Street, a weed bed just off shore is a good spot for King George Whiting, Gummy Shark, Juvenile Snapper (pinky) and Flathead.
Bowling Club: Along the Esplanade, good for Flathead, Mullet and Whiting.
Inverloch Jetty: Popular with kids learning to fish, but it can be crowded.
Maher's landing (5kms SE Inverloch): This spot works well if you cast into the channel, using a fair sized sinker.
Kilcunda Shore Fishing
The most popular surf fishing along this stretch of coast can be accessed from any of the car parks at Kilcunda. Salmon, Trout and Yellow-eyed Mullet can be caught during the day and Gummy and School Shark in the early morning or evening.
Powlett River Fishing
Approximately 12kms from Wonthaggi near Kilcunda, the Powlett River has good fishing at the mouth. Species such as Bream, Perch, Mullet and Salmon can be caught. Surf fishing at night is good for Gummy and School Sharks.Tarwin River Fishing
This fishing spot is popular for families. Wooden fishing platforms can be easily accessed from River Drive in Tarwin Lower. Yellow-eyed Mullet, Black Bream, Perch and Silver Trevally are some of the species that can be caught in the river.
Wonthaggi Surf and Rock Fishing
Harrner's Haven and Wreck Beach: These are both good places for surf and rock fishing. No reef fish are to be taken.
Baxter's Beach and Williamson's Beach: Very popular fishing spots for Salmon and Mullet.
Safety and Weather Reports
Remember to check for regular weather updates on www.bom.gov.au. In an emergency, dial 000 and ask for the Water Police. On weekends and public holidays only. Channel 27.88MHz and VHF16 are the local emergency, general listening and call stations with regular weather updates. Marine radios are maintained by Coastguard Western Port.
Fishing Guidelines
It is a good idea for prospective fishers to consult the current Victorian Recreational Fishing Guide. This will ensure that catches comply with appropriate local guidelines.
The Guide is available from Parks Victoria Offices in San Remo, Fisheries office in Cowes, Visitor Information Centres and good bait and tackle shops in the area.
Recreational Fishing Licences
Anyone from 18 to 70 wishing to participate in any fishing activity will need to purchase a licence. Exemptions apply for Victorian Seniors and Pension card holders. Please consult the current Victorian Recreational Fishing Guide to ensure you are complying with all regulations.
Licences can be purchased online at vfa.vic.gov.au or from Cargill's Sport Store, 108 Graham Street, Wonthaggi.
Boat Ramp Permits
Boat Ramp Permits are required in Bass Coast Shire. They can be purchased from Council Customer Service Centres in Inverloch, Grantville and Wonthaggi.
Daily permits can also be purchased from: Boat ramp machines at Inverloch, BP Service Station Inverloch.
Local boat ramps include: Grantville: Pier Road, Maher's Landing: Maher's Landing Road, off Venus Bay Road, Inverloch: Inverloch: The Esplanade, Venus Bay: Fishermans Road
