Frequently Asked Questions
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Cancellations
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Q: What if the weather is bad on the day I've booked?
A: In the case of unsafe or unfishable weather, you will be notified and the charter will be cancelled and another date arranged.
General
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Q: How much does it cost to Book a Fishing Charter?
A: Port Phillip Bay Snapper Fishing Charters (October-December)
Midweek Book the Boat $1440 Min 8 Passengers
Weekends Book the Boat $1600 Min 8 Passengers
Midweek Additional Passengers $180pp up to 10 Passengers
Weekend Additional Passengers $200pp up to 10 Passengers
Individual or a Single Spot $180 Midweek & $200 Weekends
Port Phillip Bay Snapper - Whiting - Squid Fishing Charters (January-April)
Midweek Book the Boat $1440 Min 8 Passengers
Weekends Book the Boat $1600 Min 8 Passengers
Weekend Additional Passengers $200pp up to 10 Passengers
Individual or a Single Spot $180 Midweek & $200 Weekends
Port Phillip Bay Yellow Tail King Fish & Tuna Fishing Charters (January-April)
Book the Boat $2400 Min 8 Passengers
Additional Passengers $300pp
Individual or a Single Spot $300 Weekends $300
Portland Southern Blue Fin Tuna Fishing Charters (May - July)
Midweek Book the Boat $2400 Min 8 Passengers
Weekends Book the Boat $2800 Min 8 Passengers
Additional Passengers $300pp Midweek and $350pp Weekends
Individual or a Single Spot $300pp Midweek and $350pp Weekends
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Q: How can I contact Reel Time Fishing Charters?
A: Post P.O Box 4480 Langwarrin VIC 3910
Email is the fastest and quickest way to get all your needs attended to ASAP.
Email Contact us Click here ----} reeltimefishing
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Q: I did not receive my Booking confirmation email?
A: This can happen for lots of reasons especially with Hotmail emails, the best and quickest way to get your booking confirmation email, is to email us via the website with your correct email or another email address if the one you used did not work properly we will get that and re-send it straight away.
Also in an emergency you can easily go to our Fishing Charter Pages and as long as you received your booking reference number this assures you that your payment went through and your booking was made, simply make sure you go to the correct charter you booked and all the departure instructions will be there also.
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Q: What is the maximum amount of people allowed on board?
A: Port Phillip Bay Snapper Fishing Charters (October-December)
Min 8 Max 10 or you can simply choose to Book an Individual Spot and Join a Group.
We do not put more than 8 Passengers on our Individual Charters in Melbourne & Port Phillip Bay
Port Phillip Bay Snapper - Whiting - Squid Fishing Charters (January-April)
Min 8 Max 10 or you can simply choose to Book an Individual Spot and Join a Group.
We do not put more than 8 Passengers on our Individual Charters in Melbourne & Port Phillip Bay
Portland Southern Blue Fin Tuna Fishing Charters (May - July)
Min 6 Max 10 or you can simply choose to Book an Individual Spot and Join a Group.
We do not put more than 6 Passengers on our Individual Charters in Portland.
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Q: Do I need to organise a whole group to book a Fishing charter?
A: No, we understand that it isn't always possible to organize a whole group, Which is why we also offer Individual Charters. Reel Time Fishing Charters has Designed such a great Fishing Charter Booking System to make it very simple for you to join a Group.
We have plenty of dates available for all species such as Snapper, King George Whiting, Squid, Yellow Tail King Fish, Wrass, Gummy Shark, Blue Fin Tuna and will make more Individual Fishing Charters available as they fill and we require more dates.
Always happy to help!
You simply pay per person and we fill the group! check availability -
Q: Are kids welcome?
A: Yes, as long as they are supervised by a parent/guardian. We believe that kids are the future of fishing and we certainly encourage them to get into the sport!
However, children under 7 years of age are not recommended. -
Q: How do I book a Fishing Charter?
A: Book online using our convenient and secure Online Booking Calendar
How to Book a Portland Blue Fin Tuna Fishing Charter
How to Book a Port Phillip Bay Snapper Fishing Charter
How to Book a Port Phillip Bay Whiting/Squid Fishing Charter
How to Book a Port Phillip Bay Yellow Tail King Fish Fishing Charter
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Q: Do I need to pay a deposit to book a Fishing charter?
A: Yes, all fishing charter bookings require a deposit in order to secure a booking.
Port Phillip Bay Fishing Charters require a $200 deposit when booking the boat or a $50 deposit if booking a spot on an Individual Fishing Charter or Tuition Charter.
Offshore Portland Southern Blue Fin Tuna Fishing Charters & Melbourne Yellow Tail Fish Fishing Charters require a $400 deposit when booking the boat or a $100 deposit if booking a spot on an Individual Charter.Visa/MasterCard is accepted.
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Q: How can I purchase a Fishing Charter gift voucher?
A: Purchase a Gift Voucher Online
You can purchase a Reel Time Fishing Charter Gift Voucher for any Value that will never Expire. Perfect Christmas Gift, Birthday, Father's day, or just a Special Occasion and for a Loved One.
Once a year we do specials especially just Before Christmas and Fathersday these Gift Vouchers are a MUST BUY DEAL with a huge Saving of $80 but these Gift Vouchers have an Expiry Date, unlike our Standard Gift Vouchers!
Our Gift Vouchers will cater to all Species such as Portland Tuna, Melbourne and Port Phillip Bay, Westernport Snapper, King George Whiting, Squid, Yellow Tail King Fish, Wrass to name a few!
Note: All Gift Voucher purchases are non-refundable.
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Q: How big is the Fishing Charter boat/Vessel?
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Q: Do I need a fishing licence to board Reel Time Fishing Charters?
A: Yes, unless exempt, the Victorian Government requires all anglers, including clients on fishing charter vessels, to be in possession of a current Victorian Recreational Fishing Licence.
Click here for more info on Victorian Recreational Fishing Licences
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Q: Where does Reel Time Fishing Charters launch from?
A: Snapper Fishing Charters (October-December)
Port Phillip Bay
Carrum Boat Ramp - Patterson Lakes
Launching Way
Carrum, Victoria
Melways Reference: 97 E6
Click here for detailed maps and directionsSnapper - Whiting - Squid Fishing Charters (January-April)
Port Phillip Bay, Mornington Peninsula
IMPORTANT AS WE CHANGED DEPARTURE LOCATION - We depart Daily from the Martha Cove Boat Ramp, yes. When you turn into Bruce Road the Boat Ramp is straight ahead.
Martha Cove Blvd, Safety Beach
Melways Reference: 150 H10
Click here for detailed maps and directionsKingfish Fishing Charters (January -April)
Port Phillip Bay, Mornington Peninsula
IMPORTANT AS WE CHANGED DEPARTURE LOCATION - We depart Daily from the Martha Cove Boat Ramp, yes. When you turn into Bruce Road the Boat Ramp is straight ahead.
Martha Cove Blvd, Safety Beach
Melways Reference: 150 H10
Click here for detailed maps and directionsPortland Bluefin Tuna Fishing Charters (April-June)
Southern Ocean
Portland Boat Ramp
Lee Breakwater Road
Portland, Victoria
Click here for detailed maps and directions -
Q: What fish do you target?
A: Reel Time Fishing Charters seasonally target!
October - December: Port Phillip Bay Snapper Fishing Charters, Patterson Lakes, Carrum, Launchingway, Melbourne, Victoria
January - April: Port Phillip Bay, Melbourne's Yellow Tail King Fish Fishing Charters, Victoria's Hardest fighting fish, Martha Cove on the Mornington Peninsula.
January - April: Port Phillip Bay, Snapper - Whiting - Squid Fishing Charters, Daily from Martha Cove on the Mornington Peninsula.
May - July: Victoria's Portland Southern Blue Fin Tuna Fishing Charters, Portland-South West Coast of Victoria.
January - April: Port Phillip Bay, Melbourne's King George Whiting/Squid Fishing Charters, Martha Cove on the Mornington Peninsula.
January - April: Port Phillip Bay, Melbourne's Gummy Shark Fishing Charters, Martha Cove on the Mornington Peninsula.
January - April: Port Phillip Bay, Melbourne's Wrass/Parrot Fish Charters, Martha Cove on the Mornington Peninsula.
August - September: Westernport Snapper Fishing Charters, Victoria, Melbourne, Hastings
August - September: Port Phillip Bay, Melbourne's King George Whiting/Squid Fishing Charters, Martha Cove on the Mornington Peninsula.
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Q: What do I need to bring on the day?
A: All bait, tackle, and top of the range rods and reels are supplied. Safety equipment is above and beyond marine safety standards with life jackets, flares, first aid, radios, and full LED lighting. A qualified Skipper and Deck Hand.
You need only bring your own food, drink, and a current Victorian Recreational Fishing Licence
A hat, weatherproof jacket, sunscreen, sunglasses and a coolbox to take fish home in, is also recommended
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Q: Do you supply lifejackets, first aid, etc?
A: Yes, our vessel is regularly updated with all the latest safety gear and first aid in accordance with the regulations of Marine Safety Victoria.
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Q: Can we bring our own tackle?
A: Yes, you are welcome to bring your own gear, but there really is no need as Reel Time provides all the best gear that is suitable to the job at hand.
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Q: Can I bring a GPS on board?
A: Absolutely not!
It is considered an insult to the skipper and strictly prohibited on Reel Time Fishing Charters. If the skipper has suspicions that a GPS is being used, the charter will immediately cease and all monies paid will be non-refundable.
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Q: Is alcohol allowed on board?
A: Yes, however, we do have a three can limit for bay charters as you need to be alert and of sound judgement whenever you are on the water.
Alcohol is not recommended at all for offshore charters.
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Q: Do you supply food & drinks?
A: Unfortunately we no longer offer any catering so please ensure you bring your own food and drink (including plenty of water).
However, Subway Platters have been very Common safe easy and well priced.
Reel Time Fishing Charters runs a highly recommended Fishing Charter, We are very well known for catching a large amount of fish on most of our Fishing Charters, This means that if we are not Catching Fish we are Moving so there is Practically no time for BBQ'S unless we feel that is the Customers Request to not be concerned about catching fish and they would rather enjoy the day relaxing and having a BBQ then let as no Prior we will be happy to accommodate you.
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Q: Is there a toilet on board?
A: Yes, we have toilets on both of our Vessels.
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Q: Am I guaranteed to catch fish?
A: No, unfortunately we can’t guarantee that every customer will land a fish, as there are so many factors that can affect the day such as air pressure and wind direction.
However, we can guarantee that you will be fishing aboard a well fitted boat with reputable skippers whose aim it is to get you on the fish everytime!
Check out our photo gallery for some great results
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Q: What payment methods do you offer?
A: We accept Visa/MasterCard to pay a deposit.
We accept Visa/MasterCard to pay the balance, you can simply do so by clicking here using your Reference Number https://reeltimefishing.com.au/shop/pay-balance.php?
If you would like to pay the balance on credit card, please contact us on 0438 302 093 at the latest a day before the charter as the Skippers do not have payment facilities onboard.
If you wish to pay on the day we only accept cash payment.
Charters must be paid in full before departure.
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Q: Do you accept Bartercard?
A: Unfortunately, Reel Time Fishing Charters no longer Trade with Barter Card and will no longer be accepting Barter Trades.
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Q: Do Reel Time Fishing Charters clean our catch?
A: Only for Portland Southern Bluefin Tuna charters
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Q: What time of day is the best time to go fishing?
A: There is no easy way to answer this question as there are so many variables that can affect the day such as wind, air pressure and moon phase. The 'best time' to fish changes from week to week. However, our strike rate at any time of day is excellent as we only target species in their peak seasons.
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Q: Can I bring bananas on the boat?
A: If the Myth is correct and you want to higher the chances on catching fish we suggest NO bananas haha
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Q: Do we keep the fish that we catch?
A: Yes, providing the numbers comply with bag limits.
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Q: What if I can't make it on the date I have booked?
A: We accept cancellations two weeks prior to your charter, providing that you book another date. Any cancellations after this will unfortunately void deposit.
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Q: Do we keep fishing once we've caught our bag limit of the target species?
A: We do everything we can to maintain sustainable fishing and at times we will continiue to catch and release depending on the species and water depth. This decision is at the skipper's discretion.
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Q: How much for a Portland Blue Fin Tuna Charter?
A: Book the Boat is a Minimum of 6 Passengers Weekends $1800 Midweek $1500 Save $300 When you Book Midweek.
Individual's or Single Spot is $300pp
Subscribe to our News and Promotions to receive Specials.
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Q: How much for a Port Phillip Bay Snapper Charter?
A: Book the Boat is a Minimum of 8 and Max 10 Passengers $150pp Midweek and $165 Weekends
Individual's or Single Spot is$150pp Midweek and $165 Weekends Oct-Dec
Subscribe to our News and Promotions to receive Specials.
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Q: How much for a Port Phillip Bay King George Whiting Charter?
A: Book the Boat is a Minimum of 6 Passengers $750
Individual's or Single Spot is $125pp
Subscribe to our News and Promotions to receive Specials.
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Q: How much for a Port Phillip Bay Squid Charter?
A: Book the Boat is a Minimum of 6 Passengers $750
Individual's or Single Spot is $125pp
Subscribe to our News and Promotions to receive Specials.
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Q: How much for a Port Phillip Bay Gummy Shark Charter?
A: Midweek Book the Boat $750 Min 6 Passengers
Weekends Book the Boat $750 Min 6 Passengers
Additional Passengers $125pp
Individual or a Single Spot $150
Subscribe to our News and Promotions to receive Specials.
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Q: How much for a Port Phillip Bay Yellow Tail King Fish Charter?
A: Book the Boat is a Minimum of 6 Passengers $1200
Individual's or Single Spot is $200pp
We Recomend 6 on our Yellow Tail King Fish Charters, However more is fine if it is a Group Booking!
Subscribe to our News and Promotions to receive Specials.
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Q: What is the season for Port Phillip Bay Snapper?
A: We Target Port Phillip Bay Snapper Daily from Carrum/ Patterson Lakes Annully Between October & December
We conduct 3 trips per day 5AM - 10:30AM - 3:30PM
All fishing Charters/Trips Go for 5 HRS
We also Target Port Phillip Bay Snapper from January to April Anully Departing Martha Cove on the Mornington Peninsula.
We conduct 2 Trips Per Day Morning Trip Departing at 6AM Evening Trip Departing at 3PM
These Charters run for 6hrs
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Q: What is the season for Port Phillip Bay Yellow Tail King Fish?
A: Melbourne's Yellow Tail King Fish Charters are ran in Port Phillip Bay Victoria between January 1st until April 30th.
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Q: What is the season for Portland Southern Blue Fin Tuna?
A: Victoria's Portland Southern Blue Fin Tuna Fishing Charters are Ran From May 1st to July 31st every year. Bookings Essential !
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Q: What is the season for Port Phillip Bay King George Whiting & Squid?
A: Victoria's King George Whiting & Squid Fishing Charters are Ran in Port Phillip Bay, Between Jan 1st to April 30th
Melbourne's Bread & Butter Fish
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Q: What is the season for Port Phillip Bay Gummy Sharks?
A: Victoria's Port Phillip Bay Gummy Shark Fishing Charters are ran between Jan 1st to April 30th Annully.
We can arrange to cater times around Tides and moon phases as these Sharks like to feed also in both Day Light Hrs and After Hrs so we can cater a fishing charter to suit you Phone Bookings Only.
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Q: how do I get my Invoice or Reciept for my Fishing Charter Booking?
A: When you Book your Fishing Charter Online you will Automatically Recieve your Invoice in your Email .
For Tax Purposes Perfect for company's holding Team Building Excurtions.
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Q: How many hours does a Port Phillip Bay Snapper Fishing Charter go for ?
A: Port Phillip Bay Snapper Fishing Charter October-December Patterson Lakes/Carrum/Launching Way run for Max 5HRS
Port Phillip Bay Snapper Fishing Charter January-April Martha Cove Mornington Peninsula run for Max 6 Hrs
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Q: How many hours does a Port Phillip Bay Snapper - Whiting - Squid Fishing Charter go for?
A: style="padding-left: 30px;">Port Phillip Bay Snapper - Whiting - Squid Fishing Charters January-April Martha Cove, Mornington Peninsula run for Max 5.5 Hrs but generally 5 Hours
unless the skipper feels that they have caught to man-fish we will call it early to avoid damage to the fish and wastefully killing of fish
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Q: How many hours does a Port Phillip Bay Yellow Tail King Fish Fishing charter go for?
A: Port Phillip Bay Yellow Tail King Fish Fishing Charters go for Max 8 Hrs
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Q: How many hours does a Portland Blue Fin Tuna Fishing charter go for?
A: Portland Blue Fin Tuna Fishing Charters run for Max 8 Hrs
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Q: Will i get seasick?
A: Unfortunately we have no control over who gets sick and who doesn’t. Precautions can be taken to reduce the chance though. Seasick tablets (start taking the night before), magnets and ginger are some of the remedies. Refraining from a big night at the pub prior to your charter is also a good idea.
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Q: Is smoking permitted?
A: Smoking is permitted on the rear deck
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Q: How is the catch divided?
A: The catch is usually divided evenly. In the case of larger or trophy fish these are kept by the angler who caught them.
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Q: I've Never Been Fishing Before, is that Ok?
A: Yes, we assist all anglers attain a good fishing technique in a fun team environment.
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Q: How Far Out to Sea would we go?
A: Port Phillip Bay/Westernport Bay Half Day trips: up to 25 kilometres, mostly 1 to 15 kilometres, it depends on the weather, target species and what's on the bite. Portland Tuna Full Day trips: up to 40 kilometres, depending on the fishing season.
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Q: What is the Bag Limit and legal size for Snapper in Port Phillip Bay, Melbourne, Victoria
A: Snapper in Victoria, Port Phillip Bay no more than 10 Snapper per person/per day with only 3 allowed larger than 40cm.
Legal Size Limit is 28cm
Fish must be kept whole or in carcas form.
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Q: What is the Bag Limit and legal size for Yellow Tail King Fish in Port Phillip Bay, Melbourne, Victoria
A: Yellow Tail King Fish in Victoria, Port Phillip Bay no more than 5 Yellow Tail King Fish per person/per day.
Legal Size Limit is 60cm
Fish must be kept whole or in carcas form
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Q: What is the Bag Limit and legal size for King George Whiting in Port Phillip Bay, Melbourne, Victoria
A: King George Whiting in Victoria, Port Phillip Bay no more than 20 King George Whiting per person/per day with only 3 allowed larger than 40cm.
Legal Size Limit is 28cm
Fish must be kept whole or in carcas form.
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Q: What is the Bag Limit and legal size for Southern Blue Fin Tuna in Portland, Victoria
A: Blue Fin Tuna in Victoria, Portland no more than 2 Blue Fin Tuna per person/per day.
Fish must be kept whole or in carcas form.
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Q: What is the Bag Limit and legal size for Squid/Calamari in Port Phillip Bay, Melbourne, Victoria
A: Squid/Calamari in Victoria, Port Phillip Bay no more than 10 Squid/Calamari per person/per day.
Fish must be kept whole or in carcas form.
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Q: What is the Bag limit and Legal size for Gummy Sharks in Port Phillip Bay, Melbourne, Victoria
A: Gummy Sharks in Victoria, Port Phillip Bay no more than 2 Gummy Sharks per person/per day.
Legal Size Limit is 45cm from the rear gill to the start of the tail. (Not Overall)
Fish must be kept whole or in carcas form.
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Q: how can i get my catch or fish cleaned and packed to travel safely
A: Peter at The Big Fish Market in Carrum Downs.
For your records, their address is 2 Aster Avenue and phone number is 03 9775 1198.
Mr Google tells me this is about 10 minutes from your wharf.
They will do it for $3/fish and will then pack it in ice and provide a suitable container.
This will ensure your catch is kept fresh and can be taken interstate if needed.
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Q: Fishing Charter Deals in Melbourne
A: Keep an eye out for our yearly Fishing Charter Deals join up to our mailing list to receive huge savings on Fishing Charters in Melbourne.
•Fathers Day Gift Vouchers
•Christmas Gift Vouchers
•Gift Vouchers
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Q: Do we clean your catch - Fish ?
A: With all Melbourne Fishing Charters we do not clean your catch due to the high traffic volume of charters and the lots of new laws in place with keeping whole fish and arriving on land with whole
fish, also the lack of cleaning facility's around where we operate from.
however we do clean your Portland Tuna as part of the package as the are
big and it is a full day charter thank you
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Q: When you do we decide to cancel or postpone a charter
A: We try to cancel charters due to low numbers or bad weather, a few days before. Last-minute morning sometimes can’t be helped but we try extremely hard to avoid them sometimes the weather is unexpected and unsafe.
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Q: what's the minimum age permitted on a charter? Thanks!
A: We think that 4 years old and upwards is appropriate and from 4 to 10 should be accompanied by a parent, all children must have life jackets under the age of 8 years of you have your own please bring it if not we can arrange it.
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Q: How will i receive my Voucher after purchase
A: You will receive your voucher by email in PDF format, you can simply print it off if for a gift or just copy the code when making your booking.
If you do not receive your Gift Voucher with your email confirmation, please send us an email here and we will fix it for you as quickly as we can.
We do have hard copies that can be sent upon request
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Q: What are the deposit conditions?
A: A deposit must be made online to secure your Fishing Charter Booking
in the event that the charter gets canceled due to weather, or Low numbers you will receive a voucher in the amount that you paid originally to re-book
Or if you can not re-book simply reply refund to your cancellation email and we will refund you immediately
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Q: When Should i buy a Fishing Licence
A: We suggest that you DO NOT buy your fishing licences until the night before or the morning of the afternoon your fishing in case of last-minute cancellations due to low numbers or unsafe weather
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Q: What should i do if my charter that i have booked does not have enough people to operate ?
A: If the fishing charter you book still has low numbers to depart, you can either book the remaining spots to make sure there is enough people so that Reel Time can run the charter, or ask a few friends we can not guarantee that all Individual charters will fill, although you are with the best in the business and most of the time they do.
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Q: Where do we park for the day
A: Basically, we depart from all locations Portland, Carrum and Martha Cove using their Boat ramps, Parking is supplied but when the weather is good, it can be challenging so get there a little earlier and start from the closest point to the ramp and work your way backward.
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Q: How many eskies should we bring e.g do we actually need them on the boat or do you store the fish in ice somewhere on the boat and we only need them to transport home? If so maybe just one for food and drinks?
A: Your more than welcome to bring more ice to add to our collection for your catch in the boat fish box, bringing some food and drink ina small esky is perfectly fine. In some cases when people book the whole boat, they bring one big esky, however for Individuals pack as light as possible.