Mud Island covers a wide area in the southern end of Port Phillip. Its surrounds are pristine and have huge fishing potential for a whole host of species including King George whiting. Check it out on a map before heading out and leave from Sorrento boat ramp.
May and the upcoming winter months are a great time to fish this area for whiting. You can catch plenty of fish here in January and February, but they tend to get bigger and bigger as the year goes by. Early morning is good and I like a run-out tide.
As there is very little tidal flow in this area, you can use an extremely light outfit. I like the Shimano Prowler Light Nibble Tip coupled with a Shimano Nexave 2500 reel and 3kg Asari line is more than ample.
Even though I tend to use paternoster rigs for whiting as a rule, I like to use a simple running sinker rig in this area. The trace is made of 8lb Nitlon Fluoro Carbon and is around 60cm in length.
Attach it to the main line via a small Optia black rolling swivel. The hook is a custom size six whiting circle I have just found (it is a real gem) and I always run two Instinct orange beads and some pink tube as attractant.
Use polarised glasses to find the sand patches in amongst the weed.
Fish in around 4-6m of water. Cast baits out behind the boat and try to aim for sand holes. Fill a berley cage with cut pilchard, fish oil and pellets, lower it to the bottom and shake it regularly. I normally let the fish hook themselves and then all I have to do is wind them in.
Fresh squid is a real plus in this area. Try to make a cocktail bait with squid strips and either pipi or mussel. Whiting can be sneaky little suckers. They will come in and steal the soft bait from the hook only to be lured back by the squid. Got ya!
Watch your weather around Mud Island, as it is a fair way from shore. Don’t forget to stop at some of the man made structures on the way out to see the seals. The kids will love it.
Shell your mussel and pipi in advance and cut squid strips. When you get onto a hot bite, it is a real advantage.
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Preparing the days catch from Mud Island for an upcoming episode of IFISH with Tackle World. Whiting, flathead, calamari and scallops are all on the menu. Subscribe to www.ifishtv.com.au for our newsletter for show times on our Mud Island feature.
