For the purposes of fishing Portarlington beach, we can divide it up into several sections.
South of the Portarlington Pier and Portarlington rock wall. I’ve not fished this beach, focussing instead on the pier and rock wall.
The section just to the north of the pier – again not fished this. But it’s a great place for kayak fishing.
Then the area adjoining the nature reserve and caravan park. This is the section I’ll be dealing with in this article as I’ve found it the most convenient and fishable.
Portarlington Beach Fishing Overview
I recommend at and after dusk and then before and just after dawn can be great for flathead.
Rig either a paternoster or running sinker. Use a beach rod – 10 or more – to get out of the shallows.
Some pretty decent flathead are taken off this area each year.
Sometimes by campers located inside the caravan park – on the beach in front of them.
This is a great spot to introduce the kids to some evening flathead fishing from the beach.
Seriously – you can’t ask much better than that!
While camping here on several occasions I’ve reeled in flatties from the beach – right in front of the tent. As have other fishos I’ve seen who’ve stayed there.
The best times are before and just after dawn and the hours during and just after sunset.
The caravan park is well equipped with ample powered and unpowered sites. There’s a camp kitchen that’s well-appointed too. The all-important toilet blocks have always been spotless and well maintained.
One note. If camping with a tent or annexe directly in front of the beach please do be wary of sudden squalls!
Holding a large tent’s awning extension down by hand with the missus was an experience I’m not likely to want to repeat.
I have stayed in a tent several times and rented one of their cabins. I highly recommend this park for a night or more. It puts you in the centre of a variety of fishing action.
Portarlington Beach Target Fish Species
| Fish Species | Quick Info |
|---|---|
 Pinky Snapper (Juvenile Snapper)Mugilidae sp | Much more prevalent during warmer months. This name applies to juvenile specimens of Snapper. Bait: Bluebait, Chicken Breast, Flathead Fillets, Mullet Fillets, Mussels, Pilchards, Pipis, Prawns, Sandworms, Squid Hoods, Squid Tentacles, Whitebait, Whiting Fillets |
 SnapperMugilidae sp | Much more prevalent during warmer months. This name applies to juvenile specimens of Snapper. Bait: Bluebait, Chicken Breast, Flathead Fillets, Mullet Fillets, Mussels, Pilchards, Pipis, Prawns, Sandworms, Squid Hoods, Squid Tentacles, Whitebait, Whiting Fillets |
 FlatheadPlatycephalus sp | But much more prevalent during warmer months.. Bait: Bluebait, Chicken Breast, Flathead Fillets, Mullet Fillets, Mussels, Pilchards, Pipis, Prawns, Sandworms, Squid Tentacles, Whitebait, Whiting Fillets |
 Australian SalmonArripis trutta | Common for schools to move through, chopping up the water before moving on. Can be common during cooler months. Bait: Bluebait, Chicken Breast, Flathead Fillets, Mullet Fillets, Mussels, Pilchards, Pipis, Prawns, Sandworms, Squid Hoods, Squid Tentacles, Whitebait, Whiting Fillets |
 WhitingSp | Generic Name for a number of Whiting Species found in Australia. Bait: |
 MulletMugilidae sp | Can sometimes be the only game in town during cooler weather. Bait: luebait, Chicken Breast, Earthworms, Mussels, Pilchards, Pipis, Prawns, Squid Tentacles |
 Southern Black BreamAcanthopagrus butcheri | Can become less active during Winter. Activity picking up in late August. Active during warmer months. Bait: Bluebait, Chicken Breast, Crabs, Earthworms, Mussels, Pilchards, Pipis, Prawns, Sandworms, Whitebait |
Portarlington Beach Fishing Review Summary
The fishing and atmosphere in Portarlington make it one of my favourite overnight fishing destinations.
The township is not large, but well services with shops, restaurants and accommodation.
There are a number of fishing opportunities for land-based fishos right of the beaches and nearby pier and Rockwall.
I highly recommend it.
Pros
- Fish from within the Caravan Park.
- Good for supervised fishing with the kids
- Some good flathead taken at times
- Possible to fish from your campsite if you book a beach frontage site.
- Excellent park toilets, BBQs etc
- Very clean environment.
Cons
- Very busy in peak season. Can make fishing less attractive due to crowds
- Steer clear around “Schoolies” time
- There are no public toilets here. The caravan park does not allow non-guests access to theirs.
