Campbells Cove Fishing

Campbells Cove Fishing

Fishing Areas and Conditions

• Reef and weed close to shore provide areas to target squid, whiting and smaller snapper. Shallow flats around the 5–6 metre mark hold flathead.
• From a boat or kayak, drift over visible weed beds for squid and over the flats for flathead.
• Fish can be caught throughout the day, though squid and snapper can be more active at dawn and dusk.

Rigs, Bait and Lures

• Work 3–4-inch minnow, grub or curl-tail soft plastics near the bottom with repeated hops and pauses for flathead and smaller snapper.
• Pilchards, mussels, pipis and fresh squid are bait options. A 3–5 kg general-purpose rod allows changes between baits and rigs.
• Choose squid jigs to suit the depth and water clarity. From shore, an 8–9 ft medium-light rod provides casting distance; a 6–7 ft rod suits boat or kayak fishing.

Access and Hazards

• Kayak access is at the end of Campbell’s Cove Road, a long, narrow, unsealed road past the beach huts. A free, unsealed car park holds about 30 cars and has room for trailers.
• A timber path leads from the car park to the beach. Its end has a small drop that can make lifting a kayak awkward, especially alone.
• At low tide, kayaks may need to be dragged a considerable distance to the water. Seaweed can gather at the entrance on a rising tide.
• Boats can launch from Werribee South boat ramp, which has six lanes, toilets, fish-cleaning tables and about 90 car and trailer spaces. Weed can make the ramp slippery.
• Toadfish, banjo sharks and rays are common catches. Stingrays may also be present in shallow water.