Phillip Island’s fishing culture stretches far beyond the catch. From the jetties in Cowes, Newhaven, Rhyll and San Remo to charter boats and experienced local fishers, people head to the water in search of much more than dinner.
Many fishers use the pastime to wind down, gather their thoughts and escape the pressures of everyday life. It’s a way to reconnect with nature, spend time with friends and family, and strengthen their connection with the local community. While the excitement of catching a fish never dulls, the sense of belonging and serenity associated with the water keeps many coming back.
Local fisherman Geoff has lived on Phillip Island for five years but has fished the Island’s waters during holidays for the last 30 years, having grown up in the Gippsland region. He said some of the greatest rewards come from helping people through fishing, whether by supporting their mental health, sharing knowledge or donating fish to the local food bank.
“Fishing isn’t always about catching fish. It’s the mental serenity, the inner peace that it brings. It’s what it does for people. It’s a community,” Geoff said.
He said there’s a welcoming environment rather than a competitive one, regardless of age or experience.
Robert has fished around Phillip Island for about 17 years, mostly around Ventnor and Berry’s Beach. After initially building a holiday house on the Island, he recently made Phillip Island his permanent home. Robert said the local fishing community was exceptionally friendly, introducing him to people he otherwise wouldn’t have met.
Whether it’s watching the lines disappear, enjoying the stillness of the water or experiencing quiet mornings and beautiful evenings, he said the experience is more important than the fish.
Robert was introduced to fishing by his father and, looking back on those fishing trips, said, “You either go home with a fish, or you have a relaxing experience.”
Amanda was introduced to fishing as a child by her grandfather, a professional fisherman, and has fished Western Port regularly with her partner Terry for the past 12 years. She has also organised ladies’ fishing charters for the past six years. For Amanda, the excitement of an unexpected catch is part of what keeps her coming back.
“The tug is my drug,” she said.
Local charter owner Craig’s decades-long surfing career came to a halt after an accident, but fishing allowed him to maintain his connection with the ocean.
“It doesn’t matter whether I’m above it or below it; I’ll always be on it,” he said.
Craig added, “I yearn for the ocean again.”
The experiences of Geoff, Robert, Amanda and Craig demonstrate there is no single reason why people are drawn to fishing on Phillip Island. For some, it’s the community and relaxation, while for others it’s the rush of catching a fish.
Whatever brings them to the water, it isn’t always the fish that keeps them coming back, but the lifelong connection to the ocean.
