Waratah Bay, Walkerville

Author: josh

Category: Destinations

Created on Monday, 24 May 2010 18:14

Written by Josh

Waratah Bay is one of Victoria's most renowned destinations for enthusiastic Whiting fishermen, most of them doing so from power boats. Aussie Salmon, Barracouta, Flathead, Snapper, Yellowtail Kingfish (late Summer) and Squid (Autumn) are also common captures here. Waratah Bay is a prime kayak fishing destination, due to boasting good access and more importantly, relatively good protection from westerly winds from many positions.

Access to Waratah Bay can be had via Walkerville North, Walkerville South, the top end of Waratah Bay, or from the less sheltered Sandy Point. The northern end is better protected from northerly winds, whereas the southern end is better protected from westerlies. There are a few more launching opportunities at the northern end, with only one car park (with limited spaces, so get in early) and launching spot in the south. There is a caravan park and shop at Walkerville North, but not in the southernmost region.

Kayak Fishing Waratah Bay

Assuming for a moment that you're at Waratah Bay for it's Whiting, bait fishing  with a #4 long shank or wide gape hook baited with nippers would be the go. Squid or pippies would suffice if nippers are unavailable (that tip from AKFF member Squidder). Prawns, Crab and Mussels would also likely produce the goods. Otherwise, it could be worth trying lightly weighted soft plastic lures - specifically in the form of worms for best results.

Drifting for Flathead will produce the goods on the right day, either offering a bait or bottom bouncing soft plastic lure (almost any would do for Flathead). Snapper can also be picked up with this method, as well as the occasional Gummy Shark. Trolling lures is probably the best approach for catching Aussie Salmon and Yellowtail Kingfish, with the best results likely to come from the southern end - specifically around Cape Liptrap. Inexperienced kayakers should be warned, however, that conditions can and do get pretty rough around the cape and it should probably only be approached in numbers and never alone.

Waratah Bay Summary

Waratah Bay is a place I could just keep coming back to. Not only does it have that fishy kind of vibe going for it, it's also relatively well sheltered from incoming west or northerly winds (particularly from the Walkerville approach). It doesn't seem to get too crowded with stinkboats or jet skis and there are plenty of table-worthy fish on offer. It really has a lot going for it, which is why I wonder why Melbourne based kayak fishermen don't frequent the area a bit more. It's close enough for a big daytrip, but far enough away to make you feel like you really did in fact get away.
Suggested GPS marks

How to get there

The northern end of Waratah Bay can be reached by turning off the Sth Gippsland Hwy at Meeniyan, continuing on through Fish Creek. Walkerville Nth & Sth can be reached by following the same road on from the Waratah Bay/Sandy Point turn off, or otherwise (quicker, depending on where you are coming from) from Tarwin Lower. (Click on the 'Map' tag on the Google Map below to see a road map).