Fishing Lorne
Local waters feature steep underwater cliffs and dense kelp forests that support high biological diversity. Tidal exchanges dictate active feeding windows along the exposed limestone rock platforms. Easterly weather systems push warmer current threads and schooling baitfish close to the headlands.
Shore anglers concentrate their efforts around the iconic timber pier and surrounding rock ledges. Long distance casting with metal spinners is necessary to intercept fast-moving schools of salmon and kingfish. Estuary enthusiasts fish the Erskine River mouth when heavy rains breach the coastal sandbar.
Boating operations center around the specialized boat hoist mechanism located at Point Grey. Deploying vessels gives anglers immediate access to deep offshore reef structures and pelagic transit lanes. Trolling diving hardbodies and skirted lures remains the most effective searching method.
Top 10 Species
Landbased
- LORNE PIER: Fish the deep water off the pier end using unweighted pilchards on ganged hook rigs. Cast metal slugs into the morning wash to intercept passing schools of Australian salmon. Drop squid jigs down the wooden pylons at night under artificial lights to catch calamari.
- POINT GREY ROCKS: Access this extensive rock platform at low tide to cast fresh baits into the white water. Use thick fluorocarbon leaders to prevent sharp limestone edges from slicing your fishing line. Suspend baits under heavy floats to target large sweep hiding within the kelp canopy.
- ERSKINE RIVER MOUTH: Target this small estuary system immediately after heavy rainfall breaks open the sandbar. Cast small soft plastics along the stone retaining walls to draw strikes from black bream. Use live bass yabbies drifted on light running sinker rigs for consistent catches.
- ST GEORGE RIVER: Walk the sandy estuarine banks to sight-cast at cruising fish in shallow pools. Pitch unweighted natural baits into the deeper holes located beneath the highway bridge. Maintain a low profile along the shoreline to avoid spooking pressure-sensitive estuary perch.
- ARTILLERY ROCKS: Hike down the steep track to fish this remote ocean ledge with heavy surf tackle. Cast whole fish fillets on wire traces to target bronze whaler sharks and large gummy sharks. Always fish with a partner here because landing heavy fish on the rocks is hazardous.
Offshore
- LOUTTIT BAY REEFS: Troll medium-diving hardbody lures around the 15-meter depth contour to find yellowtail kingfish. Watch your depth sounder for large bait balls suspended over broken reef patches. Switch to dropping heavy knife jigs once you pinpoint concentrated fish schools.
- THE 40-METER MARK: Run wider out into the bay to locate deep sponge gardens that shelter snapper. Anchor precisely upwind of the reef marks and establish a continuous berley trail. Use fresh squid heads on heavy paternoster rigs to secure quality table fish.
- POINT GREY INSHORE LEDGE: Drift along the 10-meter depth contour where kelp beds meet clean sand patches. Bounce lightly weighted soft plastics across the bottom to target sand flathead. Keep a trailing squid jig deployed behind the boat to catch passing calamari.
- CATHEDRAL ROCK OFFSHORE: Navigate carefully around the deep underwater drop-offs surrounding this ocean feature. Troll skirted lures during late summer to intercept migrating schools of southern bluefin tuna. Use heavy tackle to stop powerful fish from diving into sharp bottom structures.
- CUMBERLAND RIVER OFFSHORE: Position your vessel over the deep gravel beds located out from the river mouth. Set a sea anchor to slow your drift speed in strong coastal winds. Drop fresh fish strips on large circle hooks to target quality gummy sharks.
Hot Spots
- LORNE PIER END: The ultimate deep-water land-based platform for drifting baits to passing yellowtail kingfish.
- ERSKINE BRIDGE PYLONS: A reliable night fishing structure for extracting black bream on natural baits.
- POINT GREY WASH ZONE: Excellent rough-water territory for spinning metal lures at surface-feeding salmon.
- LOUTTIT BAY DROP-OFF: A highly productive trolling corridor for summer pelagics chasing bait schools.
- ST GEORGE SANDBAR: A visually clear estuarine spot for flicking lightweight lures at elusive perch.
Local Bait Tips
- SOUTHERN CALAMARI: Cast size 3.0 squid jigs from Lorne Pier into illuminated water patches at night. Work the jig with sharp upward rips followed by long slow sinks to trigger strikes. Dispatch harvested squid immediately and store dry on crushed ice.
- ROCK CRABS: Search exposed intertidal rock crevices around Point Grey during dead low tide. Flip small loose stones and capture crabs using heavy protective gloves to avoid pinches. Crack the hard outer shell slightly before threading onto hooks for sweep bait.
- PIPI HARVEST: Walk the wet surf zone along the beach south of the township during low tide. Twist your feet into the saturated sand until hard shells are felt beneath the surface. Extract pipis by hand and keep them cool in a bucket of clean seawater.
Boat Ramps
- Point Grey Boat Ramp, Lorne:
The Lorne – Point Grey boat ramp is situated off Ocean Road South at Point Grey in the Port of Lorne, providing direct access to the saltwater of Loutit Bay. The infrastructure consists of a single-lane beach launch ramp constructed of sand. Staging is supported by an adjacent jetty structure and a pedestrian staircase leading down the bluffs. While the launch is not tide-dependent, the primary navigational hazards are heavy Southern Ocean swells, exposure to open ocean wave action, and ongoing construction-related closures from a major precinct redevelopment scheduled through June 2026. On-site amenities include public restrooms, a public fish cleaning station, and improved public spaces delivered as part of the Lorne Aquatic and Angling Club (LAAC) redevelopment. Parking capacity is listed by Boating Vic at 50 car spaces, and the redevelopment will add a new Co-Op with a hospitality offering.
Bait and Tackle
- LORNE TACKLE & MARINE: Mountjoy Pde, Lorne VIC 3232 | Phone: (03) 5289 1244
- TORQUAY TACKLE & OUTDOORS: 14 Baines Cres, Torquay VIC 3228 | Phone: (03) 5261 4677
Basecamp & Accom
- Lorne Foreshore Caravan Park: 2 Erskine River Rd, Lorne VIC - Ph: (03) 5289 1382
- Cumberland Lorne Resort: 150 Mountjoy Parade, Lorne VIC - Ph: (03) 5289 2400
- Mantra Lorne: Mountjoy Parade, Lorne VIC - Ph: (03) 5228 9777
Emergency & Safety
- Lorne Sea Rescue (VMR Lorne): Point Grey Pier, Lorne VIC - Ph: (03) 5289 1000 / Emergency 000 - VHF Ch 16 / 67
