🎣 Secret Fishing Spots in Port Phillip Bay (with GPS Coordinates & Best Times)

Port Phillip Bay is one of Australia’s premier fishing grounds, offering everything from snapper to squid, flathead to whiting. While many anglers know the popular ramps and piers, locals often keep the “honey holes” to themselves. Here’s a guide to some of the lesser-known (but highly productive) fishing spots around Port Phillip Bay — complete with GPS coordinates and the best times to fish them.

📍 1. The “Fawkner Deep” – Snapper Central

• GPS: 37°53.200' S, 144°54.800' E

• Target Species: Big Snapper, Flathead, Pinkies

• Best Times:

  • Season: October–December is prime snapper season

  • Time of Day: Early mornings and late afternoons

  • Tide: Fish the turn of the tide for best action

• Why it Works: Deep water and tidal flow funnel bait schools right through here — reds love it.

📍 2. Mud Islands Edge – Whiting & Gummies

• GPS: 38°15.900' S, 144°43.000' E

• Target Species: King George Whiting, Gummy Sharks, Squid

• Best Times:

  • Season: Whiting bite hard Nov–April; Gummies in summer evenings

  • Time of Day: Whiting best on rising tide mornings; Gummies after sunset

  • Tide: Drifting along the incoming tide produces better results

• Why it Works: Sandy shallows for whiting by day, deeper channels for gummies by night.

📍 3. Mornington Wide – Mixed Bag Territory

• GPS: 38°13.300' S, 145°00.200' E

• Target Species: Snapper, Salmon, Flathead

• Best Times:

  • Season: Snapper Oct–Dec; Salmon schools pass through winter months

  • Time of Day: Dawn sessions are most consistent

  • Tide: Fish best at slack tide when currents ease

• Why it Works: Reef patches and sandy channels create a reliable mixed fishery.

📍 4. Clifton Springs Reef – Squid & Snapper

• GPS: 38°07.700' S, 144°34.500' E

• Target Species: Southern Calamari, Snapper, Pinkies

• Best Times:

  • Season: Squid fire year-round, peak spring–autumn; Snapper Nov–Jan

  • Time of Day: Squid are best in overcast mornings; Snapper bite harder at dusk

  • Tide: Squid like slack water; Snapper respond on the incoming tide

• Why it Works: Reef and weed beds = natural habitat for squid and ambush points for reds.

📍 5. Sandringham Breakwall Drop-Off

• GPS: 37°58.500' S, 145°00.800' E

• Target Species: Snapper, Flathead, Trevally

• Best Times:

  • Season: Snapper peak late Oct–early Dec; Trevally late autumn–winter

  • Time of Day: Best after dark or very early morning

  • Tide: Fish the last hour of run-in tide for snapper

• Why it Works: The drop-off creates a natural feeding edge — predators patrol here at night.

🛥️ Extra Tips for Fishing Port Phillip Bay

• Tides Matter: Most hotspots fire around tide changes — plan your trip accordingly.

• Wind Direction: Northerlies often flatten out the bay, making fishing more comfortable.

• Berley Smart: Whiting and snapper respond well to a consistent, light berley trail.

• Respect Bag & Size Limits: Check current Victorian regulations before keeping fish.

Whether you’re chasing a big red, a feed of whiting, or a bag of fresh calamari, these GPS-marked secret fishing spotsgive you the inside edge. Time your trip right, and you’ll turn good sessions into unforgettable ones.