Best tide times for kayak fishing near Aireys Inlet, VIC

Kayak Fishing Guide for Aireys Inlet, VIC

Located on the stunning Great Ocean Road, Aireys Inlet offers exceptional kayak fishing opportunities. To maximize your catch, we’ve put together this comprehensive guide, covering the best tide times, fishing seasons, essential gear, and crucial safety tips.

Ideal Tide Phases:

Peak Fishing Tides:

Changing Tides: 1-2 hours either side of the tide change (incoming or outgoing) for increased fish activity.
Low Tide: Exposes structure like reefs and weed beds, ideal for targeting species like snapper, whiting, and flathead.
High Tide: Allows access to shallower areas and estuaries, perfect for catching bream, mullet, and estuary perch.

Avoid:

Dead Low/High Tide: Typically results in sluggish fish activity.

Fishing Seasons in Aireys Inlet:

Summer (Dec-Feb): Focus on species like snapper, gummy sharks, and flathead in warmer waters.

Autumn (Mar-May): Excellent time for whiting, bream, and the start of the snapper season.

Winter (Jun-Aug): Target species like bream, mulloway, and sharks in the cooler months.

Spring (Sep-Nov): Enjoy a mixed bag of species as waters warm up, including snapper, whiting, and flathead.

Gear Tips:

Kayak: Stable, fishing-specific kayak with storage for gear.

Fishing Gear:

Rods: Medium to heavy action for species like snapper and sharks.
Reels: Spooled with at least 200m of 15-30lb monofilament or braid.
Lures/Bait:
- Soft plastics (e.g., curly tail grubs) for flathead and snapper.
- Small jigs or bait (e.g., pipis, squid) for whiting and bream.
- Larger baits (e.g., salmon fillets) for sharks and mulloway.

Safety and Miscellaneous:

PFD (Life Jacket): Always worn.
First Aid Kit: On board.
Communication Device: Water-resistant phone case or VHF radio.
Navigation Lights: For early morning or late evening fishing trips.
Fishing License: Ensure you have a valid Victorian Recreational Fishing License.

Safety Considerations:

Weather Check: Always check forecasts before heading out.

Solo Fishing: Inform someone of your itinerary, including launch and expected return times.

Marine Life: Be aware of your surroundings; Aireys Inlet is known for its marine biodiversity, including seals and dolphins. Maintain a safe distance.

Respect the Environment: Practice catch-and-release fishing where possible and adhere to local size and bag limits to conserve fish populations.

By following this guide, you’ll be well-equipped to enjoy the rewarding experience of kayak fishing in Aireys Inlet, VIC. Remember, safety and sustainability are key to a successful and enjoyable fishing adventure. Tight lines!