Portarlington Rock Wall Fishing

Portarlington Rock Wall forms a safe harbour for boats and adjoins the Portarlington pier.

The Rock Wall has added a new dimension to fishing Portarlington. It’s now possible to move beyond the pier and cast out into much deeper water and offshore reefs.

That shifts the available fish species catches and sizes available.

While once the pier structure was the best fishing I’d have to say my recent experiences suggest the Rockwall offers a wider variety of species and catches.

Portarlington Rock Wall Fish Species

Those fish species include the flathead, trevally, pinky snapper, squid, Australian Salmon and many more.

The easiest access to the Portarlington Rock Wall is via the pier.

Though the southern wall can also be accessed directly by land.

While the pier tended to get crowded fast the Rock Wall is large enough to cater for a larger number of anglers.

Recently a lot of additional work has seen some shelters added.

While the addition of the ferry has made the area busier the rock wall has really added some fantastic opportunities for accessing the reef just offshore.

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
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
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

Bait & Tackle

I recommend a paternoster rig here. Though a running sinker will certainly work. Definitely use that berley, too!

Bait-wise – the usual saltwater baits for Port Phillip Bay include pilchards, prawns, whitebait, pippies, squid and of course chicken.

Soft plastics seem to work well, with paddle tails being a popular choice. I’ve seen motor oil colours work well, but also the Nuclear Chicken colours have been effective for me here too.

Whether you’re using bait or lures I strongly recommend berley. If you’ve read several of my articles then I’m probably starting to sound like a broken record. But berley is one of the most important tools for success. I also firmly believe in using attractants on bait and lures!

My choice of rods on the rock wall would be a minimum of 8 to 9 feet with a preference for something at least 10 to 12 feet long. This will give you some casting distance, getting you out into deeper water and the reefs.

I wouldn’t fish with heavier than a 15lb to 20lb mainline, personally. 10lb would be my lower limit. In terms of a leader, anything over 15 lbs should be fine.

Fishing Portarlington Rock Wall Review Summary

Used to be you’d see all the fishos crowded onto Portarlington Pier.

Nowadays the Rock Wall sees a lot of focus – and for good reason.

My advice is to try both.

If the squid is on then fishing Portarlington Pier is going to work well.

The same can be said for Bream and Mullet.

Go where the fish are.

If the Salmon are breaking the surface off the rock wall then you’re in for some great action.

On the other hand, if there’s a good blow from the west or south-west then in the warmer months some good Snapper models come in close.

Don’t forget to have a crack at Bream within the harbour area. Some good hunting grounds here, too.

Pros

• Day Trip From Melbourne
• Great Accommodation Options
• Choice Of Fish Habitats
• Family Friendly (Children Under Strict Supervision)

Cons

• When The Fishing Is On It’s Really On – But Can Be A Long Time Between Bites Other Times
• Busy During Holiday Periods