Victorian Rock Fishing

Most rock walls are located off coastal ocean spots, bay or estuaries in Victoria.

Some freshwater opportunities exist, but they are nowhere near as common in my experience.

In the ocean bays and estuaries, common species include flathead, bream, mullet, both immature “pinky snapper” and adult snapper.

While a long rod (12 foot or longer) is good for casting out into reefs just offshore a smaller setup is often more nimble and easier to manage.

For most people, I’d recommend a 9-foot general purpose spinning rod with matching reel.
My preferred rigs are either paternoster, running or a combination “break-off” rig when targeting snapper and flathead in challenging, snag prone areas.

A break off rig allows the sinker to break off when retrieving a fish, should it get snagged in crevices, kelp beds etc

A lot of people use traditional baits very effectively.

These include pipis, pilchards, squid, mullet, beach worms, prawns etc.
Others flick lures and have significant success.

One of my own personal favourites is chicken liver.

While hard to keep on the hook (I wrap mine around the hook in elastic thread available at tackle shops) it is a very bloody bait and tends to attract both pinky snapper, adult snapper and flathead successfully. Often reducing the amount of burley I need to deploy.

This, as always depends on conditions and the species you are targeting.