Kingfish Fishing Victoria: Mastering the Rip (With Video)

Location Overview: The Rip for Kingfish Fishing in Victoria

The Rip, located at the entrance to Port Phillip Bay, is one of Victoria’s premier fishing destinations. Its strong currents and deep channels create a natural feeding ground for Kingfish. The area acts as a funnel, drawing in baitfish and attracting large predators. While the location is rich with opportunities, it requires preparation, as its turbulent waters can be challenging for inexperienced anglers.

Safety Tips for Kingfish Fishing at The Rip

Fishing at The Rip can be dangerous due to its strong currents, changing tides, and high boat traffic. Always check the weather and tides before heading out, and ensure your boat is equipped with all necessary safety gear. A crew of 2-3 people is highly recommended to manage the boat, handle the gear, and safely land fish. Proper preparation transforms The Rip from a challenging spot to a rewarding and safe fishing experience.

Essential Gear for Kingfish Fishing in Victoria

For this trip, we used:

• Rods: 10-15kg rods capable of handling the strength of Kingfish.
• Reels: 8000-10000 size spinning reels spooled with 50lb braid for strength and sensitivity.
• Leaders: 80lb fluorocarbon leaders to withstand abrasion from rocks and fish teeth.
• Terminal Tackle: Heavy-duty 6/0 Lumo 187 hooks, perfect for camouflaging in live squid bait.

Additionally, we used knife jigs ranging from 200-250 grams for vertical jigging and strong swivels rated at 120lb to handle heavy currents and powerful runs.

Live Bait Tips for Kingfish Fishing

Live bait is essential for targeting Kingfish. We caught 10 live squid using 2.5 size squid jigs around the area. Squid are abundant and make excellent bait when kept fresh and active in a live bait tank. If live squid aren’t available, drifting with squid strips is a reliable alternative.

In addition to squid, you can catch live slimy mackerel and yakka using Reedy’s Sabiki Rigs, available at your local tackle store. Pre-rigging live bait and keeping them ready in the live well ensures quick deployment when fish are spotted on the sounder.

How to Rig Up for Kingfish Fishing

For live bait rigs, we used:

• Sinkers: 16-ounce bomb-style sinkers attached to an easy rig or slider rig.
• Hooks: Twin 6/0 Lumo hooks tied with snell knots for secure bait presentation.

Thread the leader through the easy rig, attach the sinker, and tie the hooks securely. Hook the squid through the mantle and above the head to ensure it swims naturally in the current. These rigs are effective in The Rip’s strong currents, allowing the bait to stay at the desired depth and attract strikes from Kingfish.

Using the Sounder to Target Kingfish

Sounding around with your fish finder is crucial when fishing The Rip. Use the sounder to locate bait schools and Kingfish marks. Once you identify a promising target, drop your pre-rigged live squid directly onto the mark. Accurate placement and patience are key to enticing bites from Kingfish.

Best Timing for Kingfish Fishing at The Rip

Timing is everything. The slack tide is the easiest and safest time to fish, but the last hour of one tide and the first hour of the next are often the most productive for catching Kingfish. Plan your trip accordingly to maximize success.

Keep an eye on social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram where anglers frequently share updates about Kingfish activity in The Rip.

Top Techniques for Kingfish Fishing in Victoria

1. Drifting with Live Bait: Drifting along the channel edges allows the live bait to move naturally with the current, attracting Kingfish.
2. Vertical Jigging: Fast, erratic movements with heavy jigs can trigger aggressive strikes when live bait doesn’t work.
3. Sounder Targeting: Locate schools with your sounder and drop live bait or jigs directly onto them for the best chances of success.

The Fight

Hooking a Kingfish is an adrenaline-filled experience. These fish make strong, determined runs toward the bottom and submerged structures. Maintain steady pressure and avoid giving them any slack to land them successfully. Heavy-duty gear and patience are essential for winning the battle.

Lessons Learned

• Preparation is Key: The right gear, bait, and understanding of tides are essential.
• Stay Versatile: Be ready to switch between live bait, squid strips, and jigs depending on the conditions.
• Safety First: Respect The Rip’s strong currents and unpredictable waves.

Final Thoughts

Kingfish fishing in Victoria at The Rip is an unforgettable adventure. With the right preparation, techniques, and respect for the environment, anglers can enjoy thrilling battles and lasting memories. Don’t forget to check out our embedded video for additional tips and a closer look at the action.

My goal with this article is to help you catch a Kingfish successfully and safely, ensuring you enjoy this thrilling experience to the fullest. So, plan your trip, gear up, and experience the excitement of Kingfish fishing at The Rip!