Altona Pier

Altona Pier Fishing

Altona Pier in Hobson’s Bay extends over shallow water nearly to the end. There, the sandy bottom suddenly drops to about 5 metres deep.

The deepest water is usually the best spot to fish, especially when the tide is coming in. I’ve seen whiting feeding there, but they’re shy, so try to approach quietly, or they’ll swim away. Besides whiting, you can often catch snapper, flathead, bream, and sometimes squid near the end. Knowing which fish are around helps you pick the right gear and bait before you go.

Fishing Tips

To improve your chances with each species, use size 4-6 baitholder or long-shank hooks for whiting on a simple paternoster or running-sinker rig. For snapper, go with a 4/0 to 6/0 circle or octopus hook and either a running sinker or snapper rig. Flathead are best targeted with size 1 or 2 hooks and a running sinker rig. For bream, use size 2-4 hooks with a light running sinker. Squid are usually caught on medium-sized squid jigs, either on a simple rig or under a float. Matching your hook size and rig to the fish you’re after will help you get better results.

For whiting, use fresh pipis, small pieces of prawn, or worms. Snapper usually go for fresh squid or pilchards. Flathead often take whitebait, pilchard fillets, or soft plastics. Bream like prawns, mussels, chicken, or small hard-bodied lures. For squid, use a squid jig or a small whole fish. You can get fresh bait and tackle at Altona Bait & Tackle on Pier Street, just a short walk from the pier. Choosing the right bait for the fish you want to catch will increase your chances of success.

Busy in Summer

Altona Pier is a great spot for fishing, but it can get busy with swimmers and kids, especially in summer, which can make fishing a bit harder. For a quieter time, try going early in the morning or later in the evening when there are fewer people. Weekdays are usually less crowded than weekends. To avoid the main crowds, pick a spot along the side rails away from the swimming area, or head further down the pier toward the end where it’s usually quieter.

There are handy facilities nearby, like public toilets, cleaning tables for your catch, and shaded seating areas if you need a break or want to bring your family. These make it easier to plan a longer fishing trip or a family outing. The pier surface is smooth and flat, and the entrance is step-free, so it’s suitable for people with limited mobility and families with prams. There are ramps onto the pier, making access easier for wheelchairs and strollers.

One year, I set up at the very end of the pier, facing the artificial reef. That night, the temperature stayed above 25°C, and the day was over 40°C. Weather, especially temperature changes, can really affect how fish behave at the pier. On hot days and nights, fish are less active in the middle of the day and more likely to feed early in the morning or after sunset when the water cools down. Planning your trip for these cooler times can help you catch more fish. Some people who wanted to dive off the end told me there was a huge snapper halfway down the pier. It was obvious they just wanted me to move.

Fishing Summary

Here’s a quick summary:

The best fishing at Altona Pier is usually early in the morning or after sunset, especially on warm or hot days. Try to avoid fishing during the hottest part of the day, since fish are less active then. Check the weather forecast before you go and plan your trip for the cooler times of day for the best results. Even if you’re coming from the North Eastern suburbs, Altona Pier is still a great fishing spot and isn’t far from most West, North, and North Eastern suburbs. Depending on traffic, it usually takes about 30 to 45 minutes to drive from the city or inner suburbs.

There’s a public car park near the end of Pier Street, right by the pier, with free parking, but it can fill up quickly on weekends and in summer. Try to arrive early if you want a spot close by. Some nearby streets also have parking, but there may be time limits. Check Google Maps (satellite view) or Google Earth before you go. These tools help you find underwater features like artificial reefs, sandbanks, holes, and seagrass beds. The artificial reef is usually the best spot for snapper and whiting because it attracts lots of baitfish. Sandbanks and seagrass beds closer to shore are good for flathead and bream, especially when the tide is coming in. Holes and drop-offs along the pier can also hold bigger fish, so focusing on these spots can really help.

If you’re planning a longer session or need supplies, there are several cafes and food outlets near the pier, plus a bait shop within walking distance where you can get fresh bait and tackle.

If you want to fish at the artificial reef, use a rod about 10 to 12 feet long. A medium-action rod with a 4000-size spinning reel, spooled with 15 to 20-pound braid and a 15-pound fluorocarbon leader, works well. For bait, fresh pipis, prawns, and small pieces of squid are great for whiting and snapper. Soft plastics and small metal lures can also work if you want to try lure fishing. Bring a range of sinker sizes so you can adjust for the current and wind around the reef.

Before you start fishing, check the local fishing regulations. You’ll need a valid fishing license for Victoria, and there are size and bag limits for most species, like snapper, whiting, and bream. Here are the latest size and bag limits for some of the most popular species at Altona Pier:

• Snapper: Minimum size 28 cm, daily bag limit 10 per person (only 3 fish may be equal to or greater than 40 cm).

• King George Whiting: Minimum size 27 cm, daily bag limit 20 per person.

• Bream: Minimum size 28 cm, daily bag limit 10 per person (includes combined total with other bream species).

• Flathead (Dusky): Minimum size 30 cm, daily bag limit 5 per person.

• Squid: No size limit, daily bag limit 10 per person for calamari.

Always double-check the current rules on the official Victorian Fisheries website before you go, since regulations can change. This helps you fish responsibly and avoid fines.