As the sun reaches its zenith, signalling the start of our maritime escapade, my friends and I, aboard our respective Haines fishing boats, set sail into the heart of Port Phillip Bay. The excitement is palpable, the anticipation bristling. We cast off from Mornington and head southwards, our spirits buoyed by the prospect of the day’s adventure.

Our expedition is a testament to the sheer variety that Port Phillip Bay offers. This is no ordinary fishing trip. Our aim is to reel in three types of marine species in one day – Snapper, Squid, and Gummy Shark. It’s a challenging feat, but with the right gear and a bit of luck, it’s one we are confident of achieving.

The first weapon in our arsenal is a pair of Shimano Sargasso Reel 6000 and Terz Rod. This combination, armed with a Running Rig 60lb leader with a Snell Lumo Reedys 187 Hook, is our secret weapon for catching Gummy Sharks. The strength and durability of this set-up make it perfect for hauling in these powerful predators.

Next, for the Snapper, we use two Shimano rods of 6-8kg and a Baitrunner 6000 equipped with a Reedys ULTRA Rig Scallop. The versatility of this gear allows us to effectively target the Snapper, a species known for its elusive and unpredictable nature.

Our bait of choice? Pilchards and fresh Squid. With their irresistible scent and texture, they prove to be the perfect lure for our targeted species. Each cast is a promise of the potential catch that lies beneath the surface, the bait sinking into the depths of the bay, waiting for a bite.

The first few hours into our expedition are promising. I make the first catch of the day – a 1.5kg Snapper that takes the bait with an enthusiastic tug. Despite the thrill of this initial success, I decide to release this first Snapper, setting the pace for a day of catch and release.

A Spectacular Fishing Adventure in Port Phillip Bay

Our journey is punctuated by moments of breathtaking natural beauty. A pod of dolphins gracefully approaches my boat, their sleek forms slicing through the water. In awe, I quickly launch my DJI drone into the air, capturing some beautiful footage of these marine acrobats in their natural habitat.

Riding high on this magical encounter, I decide to pull up the anchor and head further south. As the tide begins to run in, we start targeting Squid. We find a spot abundant in seaweed – a favourable habitat for Squid.

Over the next hour, I work the same area, methodically casting and reeling. The efforts bear fruit, with the catch of 10 Squid, one of which stands out for its significant size. This accomplishment, coupled with the beauty of the bay around us, brings a sense of fulfilment that only true fishing enthusiasts can understand.

As the day wears on, I anchor up around 4 PM, preparing for the final phase of our expedition. The last few hours of the tide provide the perfect opportunity to hunt for larger prey. As the day slowly transitions into evening, I land a hefty Snapper weighing about 4kg and a Gummy Shark of approximately 10kg. These substantial catches cap off an already successful day, adding to the growing sense of accomplishment.

With the setting sun painting the sky with hues of red, orange and purple, it’s time to head home. The anchor is hoisted for the last time, and I steer the boat towards Mornington, the day’s impressive catch safely stowed away. The sunset creates a mesmerizing backdrop, a fitting end to an extraordinary fishing adventure.

Each cast, each catch, and each release of this day paints a picture of the immense diversity that Port Phillip Bay offers. It’s a testament to the resilience and patience of fishing, the thrill of the chase, and the satisfaction of a successful haul.

Our video captures this unforgettable adventure. It takes you through our preparations, the choice of gear, the anticipation of the first bite, the thrill of the catch, and the decision to release. It’s a testament to the beauty of Port Phillip Bay, a chronicle of a day filled with camaraderie, anticipation, and a shared love for fishing.

Experience the thrill, the excitement, the highs, and the lows of this one-day fishing adventure in Port Phillip Bay. Catch the Snapper, reel in the Squid, and chase the elusive Gummy Shark. Embark on this journey with us, experience the thrill of the catch, the beauty of the release, and the unforgettable memories made along the way.

And remember, each cast is an invitation to an underwater world, each tug a promise of what lies beneath, and each catch a story waiting to be told.

Squid Jigs I used

Epic One Day Catch: Snapper, Squid, and Gummy Shark – An Unforgettable Fishing Adventure in Port Phillip Bay