Point Richards Boat Ramp Portarlington

Portarlington Fishing

The Point Richards Boat Ramp Portarlington is located just outside of Corio Bay, directly onto Port Phillip Bay.

While now free to use, sadly like so many other Victorian Boat ramps, Point Richards boat ramp could use some TLC.

On my last visit, one lane was only usable with a four-wheel drive, while the other was choked with washed-up seaweed that looked as if it’d been there for months.

Ramp Overview

In terms of access, once launched, you’re on the cusp of Corio Bay, within Port Phillip. There’s plenty of flathead, pinkies and snapper action to be had. As well as calamari, Australian Salmon, Trevally and even gummy sharks.

Keep an eye out for the big container ships and tankers coming out of the Geelong port system.

They are too big to move out of your way and too darn big to “slam on the brakes.”

I don’t recommend fishing off boat ramps unless a designated area is available. Give the boaties some room!!

Beyond basic courtesy, they do pay their boat & trailer registrations after all! The beach area adjoining the boat ramp, however, is fine for shore-based fishing.

Use a beach rod or surf to get out from the shallows. Keep lines reasonably light. Choose a sinker according to conditions. Just enough to keep it down on the bottom without too much drift. Either a running sinker or a paternoster will work just fine here. Don’t forget berley. Either use a berley cage in place of a sinker – or a berley bucket staked out with a rope and left to wash around in the surf.

ayak Launching Point Richards Boat Ramp

Look – you certainly could launch from the boat ramp.

But given the great beach launching available right around this area you may want to consider forgoing the hustle and bustle and taking that option.

That’s tended to be my own preference.

Just keep in mind that when squalls blow up in this area they do so with little warning. So keep an active eye on Meteye – please!

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
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
Flathead Platycephalus 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 Salmon Arripis 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
Whiting Sp	Generic Name for a number of Whiting Species found in Australia. Bait:
Mullet Mugilidae 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 Bream Acanthopagrus 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
Gummy Shark Mustelus antarcticus	Larger species are caught in Port Phillip & Western Port during April to July. With the Peak Month considered too be May. Bait: Flathead Fillets, Mullet Fillets, Pilchards, Squid, Squid Hoods, Squid Tentacles, Whiting Fillets