Best tide times for kayak fishing near North Geelong, VIC

Kayak Fishing in North Geelong, VIC: A Comprehensive Guide

Located on the shores of Corio Bay, North Geelong offers exceptional kayak fishing opportunities. To maximize your catch, understand the local tide patterns, fishing seasons, and essential gear. Safety always comes first, so we’ve got that covered too.

Ideal Tide Phases for Kayak Fishing:

Peak Fishing Times:

Incoming Tide (Rising): 1-2 hours after low tide, perfect for targeting species moving into the bay’s shallow waters.
Outgoing Tide (Falling): 1-2 hours after high tide, ideal for catching fish as they exit the bay’s shallows.

Species-Specific Tides:

Squid and Mullet: Preferably during the peak of the incoming tide.
Flathead and Whiting: More active during the outgoing tide.

Fishing Seasons in North Geelong, VIC:

Summer (Dec-Feb): Excellent for catching Squid, Mullet, and Flathead.

Autumn (Mar-May): Prime time for Whiting and Mulloway (on occasion).

Winter (Jun-Aug): Focus on Squid and Garfish.

Spring (Sep-Nov): See a resurgence of Flathead and Whiting.

Gear Tips for Kayak Fishing in North Geelong:

Rods and Reels: Light to medium action spinning or baitcaster combos (2-4 kg) for Squid, Mullet, and Whiting. Heavier setups (6-10 kg) for Flathead and Mulloway.

Lures and Baits:

Soft plastics (curly tail grubs, paddle-tail lures) for Flathead.
Small jigs and squid jigs for Squid.
Fresh or frozen baits (pipi, squid, pilchard) for Whiting and Mullet.

Kayak Accessories:

Anchor or anchor trolley for stabilizing in currents.
Paddle leash and personal locator beacon (PLB) for safety.

Safety First:

Always Wear a PFD (Life Jacket): Ensure it’s Coast Guard-approved and fitted correctly.

Check Weather and Tide Forecasts: Before and during your trip. Corio Bay can experience sudden changes.

Visible at Dawn, Dusk, or Night: Use navigation lights or glow sticks on your kayak.

Communicate Your Itinerary: Leave a trip plan with a friend or family member, including your expected return time.

Respect the Environment: Practice catch-and-release fishing to conserve North Geelong’s marine life. Dispose of waste properly.

Before You Launch:

Ensure you have a valid Victorian Recreational Fishing Licence.

Familiarize yourself with local fishing regulations, including bag limits and size restrictions.

By following these guidelines, you’ll be well-equipped to enjoy the rich fishing experiences North Geelong has to offer from your kayak. Remember, safety and sustainability are key to a great day on the water. Tight lines!