Phillip Island Fishing

Phillip Island is a fisherman’s paradise with heaps of fishing spots, stunning views and heaps of fish species. This guide will cover everything you need to know about fishing on Phillip Island, from the best fishing spots and seasonal information to techniques and bait. Whether you’re an old salt or a beginner, Phillip Island has a fishing adventure for every type of fisherman.

Fish Within the Rules

Phillip Island has plenty of fishing, but you need to respect the local fishing regulations. A recreational fishing licence is required for all anglers 18 and over and can be purchased at fishing outlets, online ads or police stations. Knowing the local rules on minimum sizes, seasonal closures, and species limits will ensure the waters are sustainable for future generations. Whiting enthusiasts should note the size requirements for King George whiting, gummy sharks, and Australian salmon, as well as the rules for elephant fish and pinkie snapper.

Best Fishing Spots

Phillip Island has heaps of fishing spots, each with its own unique experience and fish species. Here are the best places to cast a line.

Cowes Jetty (Cowes Pier)

Cowes Jetty is a favourite among locals and tourists alike, great access to many fish species. The pier is perfect for beginners and families as its easy to get to and relatively calm water. You can catch squid, King George whiting and sometimes gummy sharks from the pier, makes it a great and convenient option.

Rhyll Jetty

Rhyll Jetty is another great spot, especially for snapper and flathead. This spot is also good for crabbing and a more relaxed fishing experience. The water is calm and there are amenities nearby, makes it a comfortable and rewarding fishing destination.

San Remo Jetty

San Remo Jetty is famous for its fishing history, great for those who want to catch Australian salmon, squid and trevally. Located near the San Remo Fisherman’s Co-op this spot is a must try fishing experience and watch the local pelicans being fed daily – a unique experience for visitors.

Cape Woolamai

Cape Woolamai is rugged and a fishing experience in nature. Famous for surf fishing, this spot is great for big Australian salmon and snapper during the right season. The surf at Cape Woolamai is perfect for those who want a thrill but require a bit more experience and strength due to the waves and tides.

French Island and Elizabeth Island

Accessible by boat French Island and Elizabeth Island is a secluded fishing experience away from the main tourist areas. These islands are known for their rich waters with snapper, gummy sharks and King George whiting. If you have a boat these islands are some of the best fishing on Phillip Island, with stunning views and plenty of fishing.

Squid Fishing Secrets

Squid fishing is big on Phillip Island in the spring and early summer. Squids are everywhere around the jetties and piers, especially Cowes and San Remo. Use squid jigs and night fishing with a light will attract more squid to your line. Squid fishing is a great activity for families, squid bite quick and are good to eat.

Techniques and Tips

Fishing on Phillip Island involves many techniques for different species, locations, and tides.

Surf Fishing

With its surf beaches and sand patches Phillip Island is great for surf fishing, especially Woolamai Surf Beach and Smiths Beach. Basic surf style outfits, strong leader lines and larger sinker rigs are recommended for surf fishing, soft plastics or fresh bait.

Pier Fishing

Pier fishing at Cowes and Rhyll is good for smaller species like silver whiting with light tackle. During school holidays the piers can get busy so fishing off peak is recommended. Using bait like fresh fish on ice or blue bait will increase your chances of catching a good bag.

Rock Fishing

Phillip Island’s rocky coastline, around the Nobbies, is great for rock fishing. Popular baits are fresh squid and blue bait. Rock fishing requires safety gear like life jackets and awareness of water temp and wind direction.

Boat Fishing

For deeper water and more species, boat fishing around Phillip Island is unbeatable. Boat ramps at Rhyll and San Remo give access to the productive fishing grounds around the Bass Strait, where you can target bigger species like gummy sharks, King George whiting and snapper. Local fishing charters offer guided trips so even beginners can experience deep-sea fishing.

What’s Biting? Species You Can Catch

Phillip Island has many species of fish for land-based and boat anglers.
Snapper
Snapper is a popular species among anglers and is found in the deeper water around Phillip Island in spring and summer. Snappers are found near reefs and sand bars, so boat anglers using 8-12 leaders and star sinkers are in for a good catch.
King George Whiting
Known for their taste, King George whiting are caught near Rhyll and Cowes Jetty. Whiting rods with soft plastics or fresh bait are recommended, and sand patches are the best places to find this species.
Gummy Sharks
Gummy sharks are great for their boneless fillets and are found in the deeper water near French Island and Elizabeth Island. Use strong leaders and fresh bait like blue bait or fresh squid in Western Port Bay.
Australian Salmon and Trevally
Both are active and fight hard, so they are popular with anglers. Australian salmon are big in winter and common along surf beaches like Cape Woolamai. Light tackle and bait fishing with squid or Bass Yabbies will increase your chances of a catch.

Fishing Seasons

Fishing on Phillip Island is productive all year round, with each season having its own opportunities. Spring and summer are snapper and gummy shark time, and autumn and winter are King George whiting and Australian salmon time. Water temperature changes fish behaviour, and local tackle shops’ fishing reports give you real-time updates on conditions and species activity.