Altona Pier Fishing

Altona Pier Fishing

Fishing Areas and Conditions

• An artificial reef lies roughly 50 metres beyond the pier’s end. Anglers cast from the end toward it; nearby natural reef and rocks are also described as snapper areas in warmer months.
• Kayakers fish beyond the pier, drifting for flathead and snapper.
• The article reports smaller snapper on the incoming high tide and flathead on the outgoing low tide. It describes snapper as more active in warmer months and Australian salmon in colder months.
• Anglers have reported larger snapper during windy conditions.

Rigs, Bait and Lures

• For bait fishing from the pier, the article suggests a 7–9 ft light to medium rod rated 2–4 or 3–5 kg, casting from the end toward the artificial reef.
• One suggested setup is a running sinker rig to a swivel, followed by 50 cm of strong leader and a pilchard tail or squid tentacles. A paternoster rig with pilchard, pipi or raw chicken is another option.
• Small curl-tail and minnow imitation soft plastics can be cast and retrieved slowly with lifts and pauses, or worked close to the pier structure.
• For snapper, the article suggests a 7–8 ft, 4–7 kg rod with a 3000–5000 reel and 15–30 lb monofilament. It describes single or double-snelled size 5 or 6 hooks, fished with a small sinker or unweighted.
• For Australian salmon, the article reports success with 3–4-inch natural-coloured paddle tails and long-casting metal spoons, retrieved at a medium to fast pace.
• For squid, the article suggests smaller, slow-sinking size 2.5 or 3.0 jigs to reduce snagging. Let the jig sink, then use lifts and pauses; on a take, maintain tension with a gentle lift and slow retrieve.

Access and Hazards

• Parking near the pier is limited and can be difficult during peak summer periods.
• The main Altona boat ramp is at Civic Parade and Altona Road. It has multiple launching lanes, toilets, fish-cleaning tables and parking, though parking can be difficult at peak times.
• A purpose-built kayak launch on Millers Road, between the pier and boat ramp, provides access even at low tide; nearby parking is limited. Other kayak launch options named are near the pier, Apex Park and the yacht club. Launching alone near the pier or Apex Park can be difficult at low tide.
• At the yacht club launch, boats pass close to kayakers and yacht club members use the area.
• The pier can be slippery, with a drop at its edges. Heavy foot traffic, nearby swimmers, people jumping from the pier and anglers casting close together require attention, particularly when fishing with children.