Best tide times for kayak fishing near St Andrews Beach, VIC

Kayak Fishing Guide for St Andrews Beach, VIC

Located on the southeastern coast of Australia, St Andrews Beach in Victoria offers exciting kayak fishing opportunities. To maximize your catch, it’s essential to understand the best tide times, fishing seasons, and to be well-prepared with the right gear and safety precautions.

Ideal Tide Phases for Kayak Fishing:

Best Tides: Look for changing tides, especially the last two hours of the incoming tide and the first two hours of the outgoing tide. These periods often trigger feeding frenzies among fish species.

Species-Specific Tides:

For Snapper and Mulloway, focus on the incoming tide, especially during peak flow rates.
For Australian Salmon and Silver Trevally, the outgoing tide can be more productive.

Fishing Seasons in St Andrews Beach, VIC:

Year-Round: Flathead, Flounder, and Whiting can be caught throughout the year.

Summer (Dec-Feb): Peak season for Snapper, Mulloway, and Gummy Sharks.

Autumn (Mar-May) & Spring (Sep-Nov): Excellent for Australian Salmon and Silver Trevally.

Winter (Jun-Aug): Target Snapper and Mulloway as they move closer to shore.

Gear Tips for Kayak Fishing in St Andrews Beach:

Rods & Reels: Medium to heavy action combos (3-6 kg) for general species. Heavier setups for Gummy Sharks and Mulloway.

Lures/Baits:

Soft plastics (e.g., curly tail grubs) for Flathead and Snapper.
Metal slices and small jigs for Australian Salmon.
Fresh baits (e.g., squid, pilchard) for Mulloway and Gummy Sharks.

Kayak Setup: Ensure your kayak is equipped with:

Rod holders
A small anchor or anchor trolley system
Storage for gear and catch

Safety First:

Weather Check: Always check the forecast before heading out. St Andrews Beach can experience strong southerly winds and rough seas.

Visibility: Wear bright, reflective clothing to enhance visibility to other watercraft.

Personal Flotation Device (PFD): A must-have. Ensure it’s Coast Guard-approved and worn at all times on the water.

Safety Kit: Carry a basic kit including a first aid kit, a VHF radio or a reliable phone in a waterproof case, and a repair kit for your kayak.

Buddy System: Preferably fish with a partner. If solo, inform someone of your itinerary and expected return time.

Final Tips:

Respect local fishing regulations, including bag limits and size restrictions.

Practice catch-and-release fishing to help conserve fish populations.

Be mindful of your surroundings and other beach users.

By following this guide, you’ll be well on your way to enjoying a productive and safe kayak fishing experience near St Andrews Beach, VIC. Tight lines!