Mordialloc Pier Fishing, Tides, Times

Mordialloc Pier Fishing

Mordialloc Pier: A Great Spot for Fishing

Mordialloc Pier is a popular fishing spot, thanks in part to its length. It stretches 174 metres (570.86 feet) and sits in the Melbourne bayside suburb of Mordialloc. You can get there easily via the Nepean Highway, and there’s paid parking close by, including a car park right next to the pier. If you’re coming by train, Mordialloc station is only a short walk away, so you don’t need a car to visit.

It’s a popular place for land-based fishing in Port Phillip Bay.

Fishing at Mordialloc Pier has gotten a bit harder recently. Dredging in Port Phillip Bay has changed the underwater environment, which affects fish habitats and makes catches less predictable. More anglers and occasional creek pollution have also made fishing tougher, so you might notice it’s slower than before. The best times to fish are early mornings and evenings, especially around the tides.

Here’s a quick summary of what species are most active in each season:

• In spring, snapper start to arrive, and squid fishing can be excellent, especially on clear, calm days. Garfish numbers pick up as the weather warms.
• Summer is a good time for pinkie snapper, garfish and flathead, especially when the water temperature is higher. Bream can still be caught, but warm weather tends to bring more garfish and salmon closer to the pier.
• Autumn sees good chances for squid on clear days, and flathead are often caught further out. Bream start becoming more active after rainfall, especially near the creek channel.
• In winter, bream are at their best, particularly after rain. Pinkie snapper are still around, but fishing can be quieter overall. Squid are less common, but persistent anglers might still find a few.

Snapper are most active during spring and early summer. Squid fishing is best on clear, calm days in autumn and spring. Garfish bite more when the weather is warm, while bream are easier to catch in cooler weather or after it rains.

Squid are often caught when the weather is calm and clear, especially at dusk. Snapper are caught here too, with smaller pinkies showing up in the cooler months and bigger ones appearing in late spring. Bream bite well after rain, especially near the creek channel. You might also find flathead and Australian salmon further out on the pier. It’s a good idea to check recent fishing reports before you go, since conditions and fish activity can change quickly. You can bookmark this page for updates on reports and fishing times.

Bait, Lure, Berley Options at Mordialloc

Berley Pays Off

The pier begins at the mouth of the creek, with beaches on either side. Most people prefer fishing from the pier or from Mordialloc Creek rather than the beach.

You’ll need to put in a bit of effort here. You’ll need to put in some effort here. There are fish around, but using berley can help you catch more. Bread, tuna oil, and chicken pellets all work well. Some of the best baits at Mordialloc Pier include peeled prawns, sandworms, pilchard strips, silverfish, and fresh squid pieces. Locals often use Z-Man and Gulp! soft plastics in natural colours. For berley, many people buy mixes from tackle shops like BCF or Anaconda. I like to make my own with breadcrumbs, finely chopped bait, and tuna oil. Use main line for most species at the pier. For bream and garfish, a light 4 to 8-pound line works well, paired with small hooks in sizes 8 to 12. For pinkie snapper and flathead, choose hooks in sizes 2 to 1/0 and a 6 to 12-pound line. If you are targeting squid, use a 10- to 14-pound line for extra strength and a size 2.5- to 3.5-inch squid jig. Matching your line and hook sizes to the species makes a big difference to your catch rates.

If you need bait or tackle, there are several shops nearby. Compleat Angler (589 Main St, Mordialloc) is open from 7 am to 5:30 pm on weekdays, 7 am to 3:30 pm on Saturdays, and 8:30 am to 2 pm on Sundays. Hooked on Bait and Tackle (1734-1736 Nepean Hwy, Mordialloc) is open 6 am to 6 pm most days, which is handy for early starts. Both shops have fresh bait, berley, gear, and local tips. Shopping locally also means you can get advice or check recent catch reports before you fish. Add a small handful of berley every 10 to 15 minutes. Keep the berley close to your bait, but don’t use too much or you might scare the fish away. A berley cage or bucket near your spot can also help by slowly releasing scent into the water.

The creek channel runs along the left side of the pier. Both the creek and the pier are good for bream and pinkies.

For bream, use light running sinker rigs or small hooks with peeled prawns or worms. Pinkies like paternoster rigs with strips of pilchard, squid, or soft plastics.

On the right side, just after the drop-off, you can catch squid. Use squid jigs in sizes 2.5 to 3.5 in natural colours for the best results. Garfish are found on both sides before the bus shelter, and they prefer float rigs with tiny hooks baited with silverfish or maggots.

After the bus shelter, the water gets deeper, and you can catch flathead, pinkie snapper, Australian salmon, and other species. For flathead and salmon, use a paternoster or running-sinker rig with pilchards, bluebait, or soft plastics. Change your rig and bait based on what you want to catch to improve your chances.

Always check and follow local fishing rules before you start. Rules and limits can change from year to year or even between seasons, so it’s important to check for the latest updates before every trip. In Victoria, most people need a recreational fishing license to fish in saltwater areas like Mordialloc Pier. You can get one online from the Victorian Fisheries Authority website or at most tackle shops. Some groups, like children under 18 or seniors over 70, are exempt. Most saltwater fish, such as bream, snapper, and flathead, have minimum size and bag limits. For example, bream must be at least 28 cm, with a bag limit of 10 per person.

Snapper also need to be at least 28 cm, with a bag limit of 10, and no more than 3 over 40 cm. Squid and Australian salmon have their own seasonal or bag limits too. Check the latest rules on the Victorian Fisheries Authority website, as they can change. Following these rules helps protect local fish stocks. If you’re fishing close to the pier for bream, a shorter rod works well, especially with soft plastics.

For garfish, use a longer rod. After the bus shelter, about halfway down the pier, a 9- to 12-foot rod is best. This helps you cast farther and reach the reef at the end. Pair your rod with a small- to medium-sized spinning reel in the 1000 to 2500 size range, spooled with 4- to 8-pound monofilament or light braided line. This setup gives you the casting distance and sensitivity needed for garfish and is also suitable for the other species you’ll find further down the pier.

The pier is flat and accessible along its whole length, with railings on both sides for safety. There are no steps on the main stretch, so it’s good for families with prams and anglers using wheelchairs or mobility aids. You’ll find benches to sit and rest, and there’s a covered shelter about two-thirds of the way down for protection from rain or strong sun. There aren’t any water taps on the pier, so remember to bring your own water. The pier is wide, giving you plenty of space to move around, but it can get busy during peak times.

Fishing is usually better during tide movements, in low light, and when the water is moving. You can check the forecast, tide times, wind, pressure, bite windows, and recent reports on this page to help plan your fishing trip. All the information you need is in the resource sections above, so you don’t have to look elsewhere.

Pros

• Close and easy access via Nepean Highway
• Family-friendly, as long as children are closely supervised
• Good range of fish habitats and fish species
• When conditions are right, you can catch big snapper. Squid fishing is also good when the water is clear and calm.
• There is shelter about two-thirds down the pier to keep you dry if it rains.

Cons

• Parking is convenient, but it can be expensive during the day.
• The toilets can be unpredictable. Sometimes they are fine, but other times they are not pleasant. Sometimes, groups gather in the area, and there can be signs of drug use in the toilets or scrub along the foreshore. For your safety, try to fish with a friend or in a group, and avoid fishing alone, especially in the evening or late at night. Stick to well-lit parts of the pier and keep your belongings safe. When planning your trip, also think about weather safety. Avoid fishing during storms, high winds, or rough seas, as the pier can become slippery and dangerous. It is best to check the forecast before you go and postpone your trip if severe weather is expected. Recently, local patrols have increased in the area, and you may see a police or council presence, especially during busy times. If you feel unsafe or notice anything suspicious, you can call the local police station at (03) 9586 1555 or contact the City of Kingston Council on (03) 9581 4780. Emergency help is always available by calling 000.

Safety checklist for anglers at Mordialloc Pier:

• Keep your valuables hidden and out of sight
• Carry a fully charged mobile phone
• Let someone know your fishing plans and when you expect to return
• Fish with a friend or in a group when possible
• Stay in well-lit areas, especially after dark
• Avoid confronting any suspicious activity; instead, report it to authorities
• Trust your instincts and leave if you feel uncomfortable

Conclusion

Fish caught from the pier are usually safe to eat. However, it’s best not to eat fish caught directly from Mordialloc Creek. The creek can be affected by stormwater runoff, urban pollution, and sometimes industrial waste, which can lower water quality. Local authorities may issue warnings about eating fish from the creek if there’s been recent pollution. To stay safe, only keep fish you catch from the pier and release any caught in the creek. This helps you avoid health risks and follows local health advice.

When you’re preparing your catch, keep in mind that Mordialloc Pier doesn’t have fish cleaning tables, so you’ll need to bring your own gear. Please use the bins along the pier for fish waste and keep the area tidy by disposing of scraps properly. This way, everyone can enjoy a clean fishing spot.