Piers of Mornington by Dan Lee

The southern Mornington Peninsula is unique in offering an abundance of pier based fishing alternatives.

With nine or so significant piers and a number of smaller and private structures it boasts more fishable piers than anywhere in the state. And with the influx of the summer crowds, many of whom do not have access to boats, we thought it a great opportunity to do the rounds and examine what is on offer at each!

Pier fishing is a great way to introduce the family to fishing but can also yield some serious bags of fish for the more experienced angler. Personally what I love about it is its simplicity. Armed with a 7' 2-4kg light graphite spin stick and a matching 2500 size reel, you are ready to tackle 90% of what you will encounter on the pier.

Take a bag of plastics, a few squid jigs, a couple of paternoster style rigs and you are set for a day treading the boards, getting amongst some fantastic land-based action and all without the hassle of a boat to clean at the end of the experience!

So let's check out the variety of locations on the peninsula.