Easy access, loads of kayak fishing opportunities

Fishermen's Beach is one of several top kayak fishing destinations that lie within a stones throw of Mornington, making it easily accessible from Melbourne. Fishermen’s Beach offers easy access to the water with close proximity to deeper waters and productive reefs and as such, is quickly becoming one of the favourite destinations for Melbourne-based kayak fishermen. Not only do the nearby reefs hold healthy numbers of Snapper, Flathead can be found in abundance here, as can Squid. That's a pretty good mix for the hungry fisherman and although I'm yet to see it, no doubt Aussie Salmon, Barracouta and Snook traverse these parts as well.

Squid and Snapper holding reefs lie just ahead

Fishing Fishermen's Beach

There are so many ways one could go about catching a feed at Fishermen’s Beach and I would hazard a guess that time of year would dictate the most prolific species at the time. Squid are likely to be found all over this area at most times of the year, with the best success coming from the shallow reefs close to the rocky shores (try around the point, south of the launching areas - and try pink jigs first).

Go in close for squid

Flathead can be encountered right around this area (much like the entirety of Mornington) though they can be targeted with a keen eye in some parts of Fishermen’s Beach - especially on clearer days, or to those equipped with a sounder. There’s a few nice drop offs relatively close to shore, and loads of reef edges to explore. By lining yourself up to drift over these areas, your chances of hooking up on a lizard are increased. It may just be my luck or imagination, but the Flatties around here seem to be a fairly consistent size, anywhere between 30 - 40cm. I've heard of a few larger specimens - and seen a few underlings of course, but generally speaking most I've caught and seen have been table-worthy. Any proven Flathead fishing strategy is likely to work here - no magic required.

Resident population of pinky Snapper

Snapper are always a possibility around this area, with a resident population hanging around throughout the winter. As with all of Port Phillip Bay the warmer months will result in more numbers of them, yet they are always a chance. The 37cm specimen you see right here was caught in the middle of June. Most of my luck on the Pinkies at Fishermen's Beach has been at the hands of baited rigs, though I think any proven approach is likely to work. Fresh Squid (caught from the same place) is the only bait I've tried and it worked a charm. I'd recommend to anyone to try the same.

Seek out the patches of reef for catches of Snapper, either directly out from the launch area (where Squid can also be found in numbers), or otherwise head south (to the left of launch) and keep watch for a reef about a km away, some 100 - 200 meters from shore.  

Fishermen's Beach Summary

It's really hard to go wrong at this place. If the Snapper aren't on, try for some flatties. If they're a no show, pull out the jigs. Or otherwise tow a lure around for a bit. One way or another, there are plenty of opportunities here and you won't have to paddle far to find them. Keep a close eye for rocks just below the water surface during certain tide levels, however - especially around the southern point nearest to the launching areas.

Be afraid, be very afraid of underlying reefs - especially if you have a big expensive boat!

There are a couple of places that you can launch from - one being the boat ramp at the Fisherman's Beach car park, or otherwise from the beach (access from another car park 50 meters north). I like the strategy of parking at the northern park (it's free), launching from the beach and landing at the ramp nearby. Providing you have a trolley, it's pretty easy to cart a yak from the boat ramp to the northern car park.

Suggested GPS marks

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ACcomodation

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How to get there

Coming from Melbourne, the easiest way to reach Fishermen's Beach is to come in on the Napean Highway and then turn right at Strachans Road. Then turn right again on the Esplanade and left into the Fishermen's Beach carpark, or the alternative carpark about 50 meters north. Permits are required to park at the boat launch park, so if you can get one it's probably to get a park in the northern park.

Yakabout reports

- 10/06/07

- 16/06/07

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18-06-2007 22:35

Another fine read 5th, sounds like a great PPB local to have. I think come spring I'll give it a red hot go, but do some research before then. What depth were you fishing?

25-06-2007 17:14

Thanks 5th, I couldn\'t log on to akff for some reason, and I was intending to read ya reply there about where to go. No drama\'s, I found great directions on yakabout

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