Frequently asked questions

Geelong Fishing Charters offers recreational bay fishing charters in Corio Bay departing from Geelong. We do not offer open water fishing charters as it takes too long to go out past the heads and the water is often far choppier than in the bay. During our charters you can always see land and generally speaking, the water is fairly calm. Our focus is on an enjoyable day out on the bay. 

Our schedule includes the following types of shared fishing charters:

• 2 hr short charters which are suitable for children under 6 years old
• 2 hr friendship charters which are suitable for children of all ages who are recipients of NDIS funding and focus on connecting with other children over a common interest
• 4 hr regular charters which are suitable for all ages and skillsets
• 3 hr snapper charters (min age 12yrs +)
• 6 hr gummy/snapper charters (min age 12yrs +)

We also offer private charters with sole use of the boat for your group. These are perfect for hens’/bucks’ parties, family reunions, Christmas work break-ups, team-building activities, school groups, friendly get-togethers and Spreading of the Ashes. They are only scheduled on request, so please contact us if you would like to discuss a particular date:

• Private charters for between 3-6 hours (up to 12 people)
• Private charters for between 3-6 hours (up to 20 people)

All our bay fishing charters are designed to be walk-on/walk-off experiences so include: 

• All bait
• Fishing rods & tackle (reels, hooks, sinkers, etc..)
• Tea/coffee/hot milo
• A good selection of food (cakes or donuts to start, BBQ sausages in bread, fried onions, coleslaw, unlimited snacks, sweet to finish)
• Any fish you catch, cleaned, filleted, and packed on ice for you to take away

We also provide sanitiser, suncream, wet wipes, buckets of water to rinse your hands off in, and hand towels!

We actively encourage people of all ages to participate in our fishing charters, so there is no minimum (or maximum!) age limit to join our 2-hr short charters or our 4-hr regular (family-friendly) charters. The youngest child we have ever taken out was 3 weeks old – and the oldest person, nearly 100 years young!

At Geelong Fishing Charters, we pride ourselves on putting safety above all else.

Despite life jackets not being required by law to be worn on board the vessel due to its larger size, we have a comprehensive range of life jackets on board for use in case of an emergency.

We have just replaced all our older model SOLAS life jackets with BLA Inflatable Manual Life Jackets Level 150 with additional light and whistle affixed. These adhere to the highest Australian standards, being lightweight and durable, water resistant, and comfortable. 

Although not required by law, we also carry a full range of children’s life jackets suitable for a variety of body weights including one for a small baby under 5kgs. 

On board our vessel, the Sidewinder I, we carry operation certification certificates issued by AMSA (Australian Marine Safety Authority) which acknowledge the vessel is seaworthy.

The Sidewinder I was originally built to be a commercial fishing vessel (for crayfish), so she has been constructed to withstand heavy weather conditions offshore. As we only run recreational fishing charters in Corio Bay, which harbours considerably milder conditions, the effect of the tides and weather is greatly reduced, allowing for a far more comfortable experience and one which is perfectly suitable for young children aswell.

Recently, we cut a dive door into the side of the boat allowing participants to walk on board rather than having to climb several steps over the side. Although no-one has ever slipped and fallen previously, this new and easier form of access, eliminates any risk from falling whilst boarding and makes it easier for anyone with mobility issues to board.

Every year, the Sidewinder I, undergoes an annual survey which is similar to a Roadworthy Certificate for a car and is not allowed to operate unless all required criteria is fulfilled. 

This year, we have voluntarily replaced the starter motor and all four engine batteries as a precaution to further minimalise the possibility of breakdown. 

We have also invested in a portable marine power station to provide jumpstart battery back-up as well as a power source for phones to remain charged. 

The engine – a GM Detroit V692 – is serviced annually and at required service intervals. 

The Scale F First Aid Kit (for offshore vessels) on board, contains everything required to administer general first aid and both Brian and Tracy have first aid certification.

Regarding the weather, we have several paid weather apps to check the wind strength and speed, and receive the weather alerts from the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM). Should warnings be issued or the forecast seem too unpredictable, any charters scheduled at this time are cancelled and rescheduled. 

Indeed, as all charters are weather-dependant, their departure is confirmed the day before at around 6pm by text message. 

Please note: we do run the charters when it is raining unless there are thunderstorms with lightning occurring prior to departure.

Most definitely! Whilst we were closed this winter, we cut a dive door into the side of the boat so that now it’s possible to open the “door” and simply walk right on!

Whether you need a cane or walking frame, have a dodgy knee, broken foot, are a little unsteady on your feet, or even use a compact wheelchair, you can now still access the boat and join our charters! 

Please note: the toilet on board is not an accessible toilet. Its size is similar to that of one on an aeroplane. 

Yes, of course you can! That’s precisely what our shared charters are for!

Our charters are as welcoming, inclusive, friendly, and fun for individual men and women as they are for the children, families and group bookings! We will provide as much help as you require – so please don’t be too afraid or intimidated to ask. 

Suitable for people of any age, novices, amateurs and experts alike – we aim to provide a fun day out for everyone on board!

Nevertheless, if you are particularly concerned about any aspect, please feel free to contact us and we will be happy to discuss ways to assist you.

As the number of places on board the boat is limited, even if you don’t fish, you still need to pay the applicable price for the ticket category you fall into (adult, 10-15yrs, u10yrs). 

Brian, our very experienced captain and fisherman extraordinaire knows Corio Bay exceptionally well and has a collection of over 50 favoured spots to visit which are varied and added to over the season.

Depending on recent fishing reports, experience with previous charters, weather conditions, results of the fishfinder and a host of other aspects determines which spot is selected on a given day.

General areas that we could visit include Limeburners Bay, Stingray Bay, Avalon, Pt. Wilson, Corvette Hole, the channel, St. Helene’s, Pt. Henry, and the Northern Spoilgrounds.  

Locations such as Clifton Springs, Portarlington, and St. Leonards can take up to 2 hours to reach so are too far away to include in the charters departing from Geelong.  For the same reason, we are unable to arrange a secondary pick up from any of them. Indeed, the most practical and central pick up point is the Geelong Waterfront.   

In order to maximise the amount of time spent fishing on each charter, travel time is limited to 20-25 minutes on the 4-hr regular family-friendly charters. In this time, we travel approximately 2-3 nautical miles which is approximately 3-5 kms. 

For the shorter 3-hr snapper charters, the travel time is only around 15 minutes and for the longer 6-hr gummy/snapper charters, the travel time is approximately 45 minutes to our first fishing spot. 

We can see land at all times during the charter.

When you catch fish, of course! 

However, generally speaking dusk and dawn (sunrise and sunset), over a tide and during warmer weather are all aspects that can give you a slight advantage with your fishing…

Add to that, the scientific aspects such as moon phases, barometric pressure and wind strength and direction which also play their part…

And top it off with whether the fish are actually hungry and biting on the day…

And if all of those things work together, then that’s the best time for catching a fish! 🙂 

Naturally, at Geelong Fishing Charters, we try to take all these factors into consideration when scheduling our fishing charters, to give you the best chance to take fish home at the end of the trip! 

(So no – for those of you asking – we don’t guarantee you will catch a fish…but we try really, really, really hard to make sure you do!)

Many people underestimate what Corio Bay has to offer. There are so many different species of fish to catch:

• Flathead
• Snapper
• Southern Rock Cod
• Tailor
• King George Whiting
• Silver Whiting
• Gurnard
• Australian Salmon
• Garfish
• Snook
• Trevally
• Snotty Trevally (Blue Warhou)

Of course, then there are the sharks…

• Gummy Shark
• School Shark
• 7-Gill Shark

There are also a couple that we don’t keep, even if we catch them:

• Banjo Shark
• Port Jackson Shark
• Sting Ray

As well as a few that we do not target but sometimes pick up anyway:

• Octopus
• Squid

And if we are super-lucky and it’s a calm day, we sometimes see dolphins playing!

What we don’t want to see, is our unwanted mate, the Seal, who has stolen more than his fair share of fish off our lines over the past few years! 

We will however, accept Percy the Shag, who has discovered that it’s much easier to wait for us to throw back the under-sized fish than to fish for them himself.  

All in all though, even if there are perfect conditions and the fish are right there (we can see them on the fish-finder), sometimes they just don’t bite. 

The best approach to fishing is to enjoy the day out on the water, and if you get to take home something for dinner, it’s a bonus 🙂

We want you to catch fish!

We try very, very, very hard for everyone on the boat to catch fish. We take you to the right place, at the right time, with the right equipment, and with the right bait…but sometimes it just doesn’t happen. On those occasions, hopefully you will be able to appreciate the day out on the water, the copious amounts of food (and perhaps a drink from the bar?), being out amongst nature, and the enjoyment of the company of those on the boat…. and book for another time to try again!

Anyone aged 18-69 years old, requires a valid Victorian fishing licence to fish in Victorian waters, which includes Corio Bay. If you have a fishing licence from another state, it will not be valid in Victoria and you will need to purchase another one. Seniors cardholders may use their personal (not business) card in place. (However, if you are 60-69 years old and do not have a Seniors card, you will also need to get a fishing licence).

People who do not need a fishing licence (exemptions):

• anyone under 18 years old
• anyone 70 years and older
• concession cardholders (only for categories: CAR, AGE, DSP)
• veterans
• anyone identifying as an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander descendant

As an authorised VFA agent, we can arrange a 3-day licence for you on board the boat on the day of your charter for $10pp, the dates of which can be changed should your charter be cancelled or postponed due to bad weather. 

Alternatively, you can arrange a 3-day licence yourself for the same cost of $10pp, using the Services Victoria app here:

Buy a Victorian Fishing Licence Online | Service Victoria

However, if the charter is cancelled or postponed you will not be able to get a refund or have the dates changed, so please ensure you arrange it after receiving confirmation that the charter is going ahead.

No. We do not have a BYO licence so bringing your own alcohol is strictly forbidden.

However, you may purchase drinks from our licensed bar on board open from 9am-8pm Sundays through Thursdays and 9am-11pm on Fridays and Saturdays which stocks a healthy selection of reasonably-priced beers, cider, and pre-mixed spirits.

We also stock non-alcoholic beer, soft drink and bottled water on board for purchase.

Yes, there is a toilet aboard the Sidewinder I.

It is housed in a lockable space, approximately the same size as the toilet found on an aeroplane.  

Since our primary focus during shared charters needs to be on the safety of all the passengers on board, we are not able to devote our attention to individual children on the boat without compromising what we offer in terms of quality of service and safety of the experience. 

Therefore, we insist that for every child under 10 years old, there must be an adult  accompanying them. Equally, for up to two children aged 10-15 years, there must also be an adult accompanying them.

Unfortunately, this does mean that one adult may not bring 3 children on board at one time. 

And equally, that no-one under 18 years old may attend a charter on their own.

The only exception to this is a private charter, which can consist of a group of passengers of any age, provided at least two are adults and they take responsibility for their group.  

Yes and no.

Whilst we don’t specifically have a children’s party package, we are happy to accept a booking for a private charter which is predominantly children.

To discuss available dates and arrange a private charter, please call us on 0491 713 236. 

For all private charters, we require a deposit of $500 to secure the date, with the remaining balance due on or before the date of the charter. 

For children’s parties in particular, we also request at least two adults be present during the charter. 

Geelong Fishing Charters have the lowest prices of recreational family-friendly  fishing charters, not just in Geelong or Melbourne, but the whole of Victoria.

Despite the growing cost of living, we have tried to absorb as many of these costs as possible, yet do not compromise on quality and believe we offer an experience which is both fun and affordable at the same time.

Therefore, we do not offer a discount for seniors.

Yes, we do! We accept one companion card per charter. To book, please contact us on 0491 713 236, quoting the Companion Card Number. The card will also need to be cited prior to embarkation and will allow one adult to join the charter free of charge when accompanying the cardholder. 

Please note: although a companion will not receive a fishing rod and is there to aid the companion cardholder during the charter, they will be entitled to any food/drinks provided during the charter. 

On board the Sidewinder I, we cater to the following dietary preferences, provided we are informed at least 48 hours prior to departure:

• Gluten-free
• Lactose-intolerance
• Vegetarian
• Nut allergy

Halal foods are not served on shared charters but are available on private charters.

Charters can be booked any of the following ways:

• Online via the website
• By calling 0491 713 236
• By texting 0491 713 236
• By leaving a voicemail on 0491 713 236
• By emailing us at info@geelongfishingcharter.com.au 
• By messaging us on FB messenger
• By messaging us on Instagram

The following payment methods are accepted:

• Online/digital payments
• Credit/debit cards 
• Cash (on board the boat only)
• PayID – please use our telephone number 0491 713 236
• Bank transfer
• AfterPay
• Gift vouchers

50% of the spots on every charter are available online with the remaining 50% sold via all other channels. In this way, people without access to the internet or who find using the internet difficult are also able to book charters.

Often during school holidays we will add in last-minute charters and these are advertised on Facebook and included on the Charter Information page on the website. 

At the beginning of the season, in the first week of August, the full schedule of dates is released which includes all shared charter dates scheduled from the end of August through until the middle of June the following year.

Naturally, the school holidays – particularly over the Christmas period – are very popular times to book so fill up quite quickly. 

Generally, the charters tend to book out approximately 3 weeks in advance for regular dates and 4-6 weeks in advance for popular dates. 

If you have a specific date you would like to book, we would urge you to confirm it as early as possible so as to avoid disappointment.

Sometimes we have last minute cancellations, and these are advertised on our Facebook page and listed on our website under the Charter Information page.

Should you like to be considered for a date which is already fully-booked, please send a text message or email requesting to be placed on the waitlist for that date.

Geelong Fishing Charters has a cancellation policy of 72 hours. 

If you contact us on 0491 713 236 to cancel or change the date of your charter with at least 72 hours’ notice, we will gladly reschedule your booking for another date in the future or keep a credit for you, indefinitely. Alternatively, if this does not suit, we will arrange a refund for you.

Please note: with regards to the above, for bookings made with gift vouchers, a refund is not possible, however the gift voucher has no expiry date so can be used for any scheduled charter in the future, subject to availability.  

Should you contact to us to change or cancel your booking within 72 hours’ of your charter departure time, we will endeavour to re-sell your spots and if successful, will be happy to offer you a credit to be used against a charter in the future.

If you miss a booked charter – due to illness, transport delay, accident, family emergency or other similar unexpected event –  or we are unable to re-sell your spots cancelled or changed within 72 hours’ of your charter departure time, unfortunately, we are unable to reschedule you on another one and you will forfeit any monies paid. If, however, we manage to re-sell your spots to someone else prior to departure, we are happy to provide a credit to you for a future scheduled charter date of your preference, subject to availability.  

As all charters run by Geelong Fishing Charters are designed to be walk-on/walk-off experiences, you need to bring very little with you on the day. However, there are a few items which will make the trip a little more pleasant for you.

If it is sunny, then bringing sunglasses and a hat is a good start. There is suncream on board the boat.

If it is cold – and please note, that on the water it is colder than on land – please bring a jacket. 

Please note: shoes or thongs are required to be worn at all times on board. If you arrive with bare feet, you will not be allowed to board the vessel. 

Hot drinks are included in the charter price however cold drinks are not, so please also bring some money with you if you would like to buy some during the charter.

Non-alcoholic drinks are always available.

Alcoholic drinks are available from 9am-8pm Sundays to Thursdays and 9am-11pm Fridays and Saturdays. 

Forms of payment accepted on the boat are:

• Cash
• VISA/ MasterCard (not AMEX or Diners) credit/debit cards
• Digital payments
• PayID
• AfterPay
• Geelong Fishing Charter Gift vouchers 

Should you need to bring a bag, please ensure (due to space restrictions) that it is a small backpack or handbag only. 

If you would like to bring your own rod, bait, tackle, food and drinks, we have no problem so long as you don’t bring any alcohol with you as we do not have a BYO licence. 

Please also note that as a rule, we don’t fish with lures on board because of the casting hazards of overhead casting. However, if you can safely cast underarm, then we do not have a problem with you fishing with your own lures either. 

If you have brought an esky with you, please leave it in your car due to space restrictions. We will give you your fish in a bag with ice to take away with you at the end of the charter.

Along the Geelong Waterfront (Eastern Beach Road), all metered parking is free of charge on weekends and public holidays, as well as before 9am and after 5.30pm on weekdays. Be aware that there are several loading zones at the bay end of Yarra Street which will incur an expensive fine if you park there.

Disabled parking is located at the bay end of Yarra Street. Please ensure your disabled sticker is clearly visible and check the signage for updated time restrictions, if any.  

Notably, there is 3-hr metered parking all along the waterfront (Eastern Beach Road) and all-day metered parking in the TOWNSIDE bays on Richie Boulevard.

The BEACHSIDE bays of Richie Boulevard (behind the ferris wheel) are 3 hrs free parking, however you must park front in (do not reverse in).

Additional parking options can be found here:

Parking options in Central Geelong – City of Greater Geelong (geelongaustralia.com.au)

Please call us on 0491 713 236 if you do not receive a text message by 8pm the day before the charter.

Our vessel is called Sidewinder I and all shared fishing charter departures leave from Wangim Walk – the wave attenuator – which you can find by travelling to the bay end of Yarra Street Geelong, walking to the front of the Wharf Shed Cafe, then going through the glass doors and onto the walkway that leads out into the bay. There are black bollards with white tops all the way along.

You can also find “Wangim Walk” with Google Maps. Its actual address is listed as 15 Eastern Beach Road.

On the day of a scheduled charter, we bring the boat over from her nearby mooring at the Royal Geelong Yacht Club, about 5-10 mins prior to departure, therefore you will need to arrive at Wangim Walk only 5 minutes prior to the listed departure time. 

Please do not worry if you cannot find or see the Sidewinder I tied up on Wangim Walk. If there are any problems or a delay, a text message will be sent to all participants. 

Depending on what other boats and ferries are moored on Wangim Walk will depend on where we pull up, so it is best to wait near the glass doors at the entrance and we will signal when we arrive for you to come and meet up with the boat. 

We would request that you do not call us in the 10 minutes leading up to departure time as we are often still preparing the boat and are unable to answer the phone at that time.

Although the Sidewinder I can legally accept a maximum of 20 passengers per charter (plus 2 crew), to allow a little extra room for everyone, we usually cap shared charter capacity at 16, offering up to 50% of that capacity to a single group.

If you have a group which is larger than 8 people, you are welcome to book a private charter, which would mean that you would have the entire boat for the sole use by your group.  

We also have two options:

• a private charter for up to 12 people
• a private charter for up to 20 people

and the duration of the charter can be between 3-6 hours.

If preferred, it is possible to have an all-inclusive charter which includes all alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks for the duration of the charter. 

To discuss availability and options for private charters, please contact us on 0491 713 236. 

We post all the photos taken during the charters on our website in the Gallery section, with some of them being featured on social media channels including Facebook and Instagram.

Should you not wish to have your photos uploaded to any of these locations, please simply let us know prior to the charter and we will refrain from doing so.