Kerferd Road Pier is an excellent fishing spot in Melbourne, located about 4 km from the city. It offers a simple and easy-to-access pier that produces the usual fishing species on Port Phillip Bay. Anglers can catch a variety of fish species, including snapper, flathead, flounder, trevally, mullet, and calamari.
One of the highlights of fishing at Kerferd Road Pier is the occasional big snapper that can be caught, especially during a big blow(Westerly Wind is the secret). However, the vast majority of catches are smaller pinky snapper and flathead. As a general rule of thumb, fish the rising tide for snapper and pinkies, then the low and running out tide for flathead. Keep in mind that these rules are never hard and fast, and fishing success depends on various factors such as weather conditions, water temperature, and time of day.
When fishing at Kerferd Road Pier, many fishers prefer to use pilchards, raw chicken breast, and squid as bait. However, other baits such as whitebait, bluebait, prawns, and soft plastics can also be effective. Motor-oil color paddle-tails are a popular choice for targeting flathead. Using a paternoster rig with bait or a running sinker can be effective in different situations.
Since Kerferd Road Pier is close to the city, it can get pretty busy, split between folks fishing and people sightseeing. Parking can be challenging on weekends and public holidays, especially in warmer weather. While parking is not free beachside, there is some free parking in the backstreets. It pays to arrive a little earlier, especially during the warmer months when the pier can get crowded later in the afternoon and early morning.
Regarding fishing tackle, lighter tackle is generally recommended for fishing at Kerferd Road Pier. However, during a big blow when snapper come in close, heavier tackle is in order to handle a snapper rig and cast it. A beach rod with a snapper sinker and chunky baits on a paternoster rig can be effective in such situations. Otherwise, a light spinning rod with a line under 10kg (5 or 6kg often better) and light sinkers can be used.
When it comes to fish species, pinky snapper (juvenile snapper), flathead, Australian salmon, whiting, mullet, and southern black bream can be found at Kerferd Road Pier. Pinky snapper and Australian salmon are more prevalent during the warmer months, while flathead is much more prevalent during the same period. Whiting and mullet can sometimes be the only game in town during cooler weather. Southern black bream can become less active during winter, but their activity picks up in late August and remains active during the warmer months.
In conclusion, Kerferd Road Pier fishing is an excellent option for those looking for a fishing spot close to Melbourne. It offers a variety of fish species, including snapper, flathead, and Australian salmon, and is easily accessible. However, it can get crowded, and parking can be challenging, especially on weekends and public holidays. But with the right bait and tackle, you can have a great day of fishing at Kerferd Road Pier.
