Quite a variety of fishing experiences can be gained at Williamstown, its extensive shoreline provides for fishing off a pier, shore or rocks.
The prized catches of the area are Southern sea garfish and gummy sharks, both of which can be dumped into your boat in bountiful amounts.
Other popular fish to the area include King George whiting, snapper, black bream, and flathead. Popular bait used in the area includes worms, pilchards, whitebait and even lures.
Fergusson Street Pier is a popular place to catch Mullet Salmon, flathead and over the warmer months good snapper catches are reported usually in the hours around high tide. Fishermen also report good catches of bream and silver trevally from the pier when fishing close to the pylons.
Williamstown is home to quite a few fishing charter businesses which will take you out into Port Phillip Bay, with all the gear you need. This will pretty much guarantee you your catch for dinner. There are also businesses that hire boats in the township too.
The mouth of the Yarra River is also a popular land base fishing location for many people wanting relaxing day fishing. There are a few jetties to try and plenty of river bank. The Williamstown breakwall is also very popular with whiting and snapper being good catches here.
There are several areas designated marine parks around the Williamstown area that fishermen should be aware of. Jawbone Marine Sanctuary covers 30 hectares and the Point Cook Marine Sanctuary is south of the township. Please ensure you know the rules and remember your safety when planning your fishing expedition and last of all don’t forget your fishing licence.
For boaties, there is a good boat ramp at Altona, although very busy on weekends. There is also the popular Warmies Boat Ramp that can be found off The Strand in Newport. This boat ramp has parking for about 55 vehicles with trailers.
Plenty of attractions can also be found in Williamstown if not only for the sweeping views of Melbourne’s city but also for the port. You can visit several historic ships and the old sewage pumping station which now houses the popular museum “Scienceworks”.
Williamstown will continue to be a tourist destination over the next few years with plans for redevelopment of the port and city park area into marinas, restaurants and heritage areas.
