WHITING CHARTERS
King George whiting: Victoria's finest table fish, and a lot of fun on light gear. It is very common to bag out when Mal takes you to the spots only he knows about.
Fast, Fun and Delicious
Whiting fishing is a lot of fun and they make for great eating. The traditional season is December to April, but King George whiting can be caught all year round in Port Phillip and Western Port if you know where to look, and Mal does. It is very common to catch your bag limit on a charter.
In season Mal runs two charters a day and the boat is often booked well in advance. Early in the season the charters often leave from Hastings, where the fishing is best, and swap to Carrum later on. Mal will always be in touch to let you know where your charter is departing from.
Come prepared for around five hours on the water. There is a toilet on board. Bring something for the sea spray and be ready to get a little dirty dealing with the fish. Read Mal's guide to catching whiting before you come.
Duration
Up to 5 hours on the water
Capacity
No minimum, up to 8 passengers
Season
Best December to April, caught all year
Departure
Carrum or Hastings
Whiting Season
Where the whiting are and what else turns up on the grass beds through the year.
King George Whiting
Victoria's most prized table fish. Found over the grass beds and sand patches of both bays, best from December to April.
Calamari
Squid share the same weed beds as the whiting and are caught alongside them all year. Superb eating and the best snapper bait there is.
Flathead
A reliable bycatch on the sand between the weed beds, and the makings of great fish and chips.
Off-Peak Whiting
From May to October the whiting are still there. Mal's Mixed Bag charter chases whiting, snapper or squid, whatever is biting on the day.
The Schedule
- 1
Meet at the boat ramp at Carrum or Hastings
- 2
Hit the open waters of Port Phillip or Western Port Bay
- 3
Anchor up on the grass beds and get the berley going
- 4
Change location if the school moves on
- 5
Head back home with a bag of whiting
Departure Time
5 AM · 10 AM · 3 PM 4 Oct to 1 Feb
6 AM · 11 AM 2 Feb to 3 Oct
Pick the departure that suits when you book.
What to Bring
- Sunglasses and hat
- Drink bottles of water
- Sunscreen lotion
- Packed lunch and snacks
- Weatherproof jacket and older clothes
- Esky in your car (we bag your fish)
Fishing Licence
A valid Victorian fishing licence is required unless you are exempt. Available online at vfa.vic.gov.au.
Common Questions
When is the best time for whiting?
December to April is the traditional season, when the fish are biggest and thickest on the grass beds. They can be caught all year though, and outside the peak the Mixed Bag charter gives you the best chance.
Do you clean our fish?
We bleed them once caught and have them placed on ice to keep them in the best condition, then bag them for you at the ramp.
Do I have to fight the fish by myself?
You can take it in turns. We always leave that question to the person on the rod.
What size will the fish be?
There are minimum sizes and bag limits set by the Victorian Fisheries Authority. Everything undersized goes back. Our Fishing Tips page has the details for each species.
What is the minimum age for children?
In the bays, we recommend children aged 5 and above. Whiting on light gear is a great first fish.
Do I have to wear a life jacket?
Life jackets are on board for everyone. In the bays it is your choice once we are under way; through the heads they are compulsory.
Ready to Fish?
Book a seat or take the whole boat. Whiting on light gear is as much fun as fishing gets.
Bay Charter · Whiting
From $200 per person
- All bait and tackle included
- Up to 5 hours on the bay
- Fish bled, iced and bagged on board
No minimum group size. Book for yourself or take the whole boat for up to 8 people for $1,550.
Outside the peak? See the Mixed Bag charter →