reef fishing charter snapper season fishing port phillip bay mornington peninsula

Sorrento's Fishing Crew Since 1986

About Rip Charters

Four decades of fishing Port Phillip Bay and Bass Strait, and still chasing the next great catch. Get to know Rip Charters, Sorrento's local family of skippers and crew.

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Local Knowledge Matters

Hook up and unwind with Rip Charters…

Locally owned and operated and located in picturesque Sorrento on the Mornington Peninsula, Rip Charters was established in 1986 so is this year celebrating 40 years experience fishing Port Phillip Bay and Bass Strait, we are the leaders in Charter Fishing in Victoria.

At Rip Charters we’re fishing all year round and our speciality is following the seasons to suit the best catch of the day. Troll for salmon or try casting for some Big Red Snapper, anyone can do it.

Or if it’s the big ones you’re after, our ocean swells are home to sharks such as Mako, Blue Whaler and Threshers. Whiting, Squid and various other reef fish are common amongst our catch, there is also that special time of year when the King Fish arrive, certainly a prized catch, in general the variety will astound you.

Join our experienced skipper and crew aboard our 42ft Fly-bridge sports fisher licensed to fish Bass Strait and Southern Port Phillip Bay

Our boat Big Blue is specially furbished for your comfort and safety. It is designed and rigged for fishing and fully covered for all weather conditions to ensure your fishing experience is uninterrupted by sun or rain.

We Have Answers

Questions?

Can we bring alcohol on the boat, what's the policy?

Some key notes regarding alcohol, alcoholic consumption and behavior:

• Rip Charters and its vessels subscribes to responsible drinking and if a passenger attempts to board the boat and the skipper deems them already intoxicated, they will refused entry .
• Being on a boat is not a license to get outrageously drunk. As with licensed venues (like pubs and hotels), intoxicated passengers will not be tolerated and may cause a charter to be terminated without refund.
• Beer is permitted in cans, 2/3 cans per person over 5hrs is acceptable.
• No bottles of clear spirits will be allowed onboard (ie tequila, vodka, gin, whisky etc) and definitely no shooters.
• Drinking water is required on all boat charters (at least one bottle per person).
• Ice boxes are provided on all vessels, so you don’t need to bring any eskys with you. However, you will need to bring your own bags of ice to keep your drinks cool.
• Treat our boats like you’d treat your own house. Keep it clean!
• Rubbish bins and bin liners are provided on both our charter boats. Please use them! Boat crew will dispose of empty containers at the end of the cruise, but if you leave a mess on the boat, you will be charged for the clean up afterwards.

What about Weather and our cancellation policy?

In the event of bad weather some trips will need to be cancelled. We will call you the night before after 5.30pm to advise if a morning trip is not going ahead and in the morning after 7.30am in an afternoon trip is not proceeding.

Would it be possible to get a private charter and how many people do we need?

Yes, Private Fishing Charters require payment for 12 passengers. Cost will depend upon the length of the charter booked.

Where do you depart from?

We depart from the Sorrento Pier or Harbour St Queenscliff (private charters only). Please advise us at the time of booking which departure point you prefer.

How much deposit do we need to pay?

We require a 30% deposit upon booking with the balance owing on the day either with credit card or cash. Bookings are fully transferrable and can be rescheduled with reasonable notice. We require at least 14 days notice for cancellations. Refunds are not available. In the event of cancellation due to weather or minimum numbers not met, your trip will be rescheduled to another date at your convenience. Conditions apply.

Food and Drink? What should I bring?

We do not supply any food on board. Both our vessels have BBQ facilities on board however these are only available on private charters and if you wish to use these, please advise at time of booking. Tea and coffee are available on both boats. We do not have any sort of reheating facilities on board our boats. We also recommend bringing water, as well as soft drink or what ever other drinks you may like. Our crew request that you do not bring any Bananas as they are extremely unlucky!

Sea Sickness: will I get seasick while we're fishing?

Everybody is different, with every day being different on the water. We suggest prevention is better than the cure. So call into your local chemist before the trip and purchase Avil, Travel Calm or Kwells. Take one the night before and then ensure that you take the tablet at least 1 hour before boarding for your charter. (Of course always follow directions on the pack). Also have a good breaky prior to taking the medication. Taking a tablet while on the boat won't help you at all. This may sound a little odd but putting in one ear plug also helps to combat seasickness, it is to do with Inner Ear and Balance, which is the predominate cause of motion/sea sickness. Use the two in conjunction for ultimate protection.

Do I need to book a group or can I come as a single?

We can take group bookings, or we regularly take single bookings on charters. The choice is yours…

Will you clean my fish?

Yep, all fish are cleaned, bagged and ready to pop on the BBQ that afternoon, or into the freezer while you explore all Sorrento or Queenscliff have to offer!

Should I bring my own tackle and bait?

No, we supply all fishing equipment, however if you have a lucky rod you would like to use, you are welcome to bring it along. But keep in mind all our gear is serviced after each trip and kept in top condition….we would hate for you to lose the big one because your gear fails!

Where do I get a Recreational Fishing Licence from?

Anybody fishing Sorrento or Queenscliff or surrounds will need a fishing licence which can be purchased online.

Where is Sorrento or Queenscliff and how do I get there?

Sorrento and Queenscliff are famous for fishing and charters. Both quaint fishing villages and now popular destinations for all types of fishing enthusiasts. See here for directions.

      EXCELLENT  
   Based on 47 reviews 
    
 
 
 
   
 
 
       Posted on Google  
   
   Nick Mann 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. An excellent experience - can highly recommend. We did the 4hr School Holiday session 11.30 - 3.30 and it was ideal for my 11 year old. We took home plenty of snapper and flathead and about five other species were caught by people on the boat. The boat, the crew and the equipment was all first class. I've done lots of charters and this was the best. Thanks.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Peter Jones 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Just completed my fishing charter a great present I’ve had for a while.I  Had a great day with a great bunch of  guys  caught a good number of species ,was an all out great day and skipper made sure we all went home with a feed Il be definitely heading out with again them sooner than later this time  cheers guys
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Morad Alhajasad 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Great trip.
Great crew
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Angelina Esen 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We are not experienced and caught heaps of fish - all types. Friendly crew.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Rom 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Great time.  Will go back again
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Paul Hasenkam 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Theo and his crew are fantastic.  We had a great day out and they really looked after us and we caught plenty.  Would recommend them and we will be back again for our next trip!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Yvonne Sherrington 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Had a great day fishing with Rip Charters. I had  my 2 grandchildren with us (10 & 12) and we all had many catches. The crew were so helpful and knowledgeable and on hand to unhook the fish straightaway and cleaned and filleted our catch ready to take home. Highly recommended!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Angus Robertson 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Absolute cracking experience! Theo and Jack great people and knew their stuff. Highly recommend
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Michael Sayer 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Would not use this charter again disappointing
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   D Mc 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Great day.m. Good fishing within the bay, with plenty of stops and plenty of fish. Thanks to the crew for making it a fun trip. Plenty of good eating tonight 🎣
  
 
  
  
 
 
     Verified by Trustindex  Trustindex verified badge is the Universal Symbol of Trust. Only the greatest companies can get the verified badge who has a review score above 4.5, based on customer reviews over the past 12 months. Read more