Business Details
Melbourne's Premier Fishing & Diving Charters
The Reel Thing is a family-owned business dedicated to delivering exceptional fishing and diving experiences in Melbourne. With a passion for maritime adventures, we specialise in exclusive charters tailored to individual and group needs, ensuring every trip is both thrilling and memorable. Our experienced team prioritises safety, comfort, and customer satisfaction, operating a modified vessel designed for optimal stability and ease of use.Whether targeting snapper, tuna, or sharks, or exploring underwater treasures, we provide expert guidance and top-tier equipment. Our seasonal Christmas Lights Tour offers a unique opportunity to witness Patterson Lakes' renowned water-based light display, available for a limited three-week period annually. Committed to quality, we cater to divers, fishermen, and families seeking unforgettable bay or open-sea excursions.
Services
Fishing Charters
Diving Charters
Snapper Charters
Tuna Charters
Shark Fishing
Christmas Lights Tour
Private Group Charters
Abalone Diving
Crayfish Expeditions
Scallop Hunting
Highlights and features
- We offer exclusive, private charters tailored to your group's needs.
- Our experienced skipper ensures safe and thrilling maritime adventures.
- Custom-built vessel designed for optimal fishing and diving comfort.
- Seasonal Christmas Lights Tour provides a unique Melbourne experience.
- Family-owned service prioritising customer satisfaction and safety.
Services
Fishing Charters
Our fishing charters provide exclusive access to Melbourne's prime deep-sea fishing grounds. Target species include snapper, tuna, and sharks aboard a stable, purpose-modified vessel. Expert guidance ensures both novice and experienced anglers enjoy a productive and exhilarating experience while prioritising safety and comfort throughout the journey.
Diving Charters
Diving charters focus on harvesting abalone, crayfish, and scallops in Victoria's rich coastal waters. Our vessel's design facilitates easy entry and exit for divers, combining adventure with practicality. Safety equipment and expert local knowledge ensure a rewarding experience for recreational divers seeking shellfish and marine life.
Christmas Lights Tour
This seasonal tour showcases Patterson Lakes' iconic water-based Christmas light display. Available for three weeks annually, the tour offers a festive family-friendly experience. The vessel's layout provides optimal viewing while navigating the illuminated canals, creating lasting memories for guests of all ages.
People
Mark Ratchford
Skipper
Mark Ratchford, our experienced skipper, brings decades of maritime expertise to The Reel Thing. With in-depth knowledge of Melbourne's waters, he ensures every charter prioritises safety, comfort, and adventure. His passion for fishing and diving shapes our customer-centric approach.
Questions
What fishing species can I target with The Reel Thing?
We specialise in snapper, tuna, and shark charters, with seasonal availability for optimal catches.
Are diving charters suitable for beginners?
Yes, our diving expeditions cater to all skill levels, focusing on abalone, crayfish, and scallops.
When is the Christmas Lights Tour available?
The tour runs for three weeks annually, typically in December, with bookings essential.
Can I book a private charter?
All charters are exclusive to your group, with options for individual or private bookings.
Reviews (4)
Josi Kutzner
Jan 26, 2021
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I surprised my boyfriend with a fishing charter on port Phillip bay early this year. This company was catching my eye because of all those good reviews. I booked a trip and the lady in the office was super friendly and helpful. She even advised me to book a morning charter because that was our best chance to catch some snappers. We enjoyed our time on the boot with Mark. He is a funny and helpful skipper and he tried his best to get us a good chance of catching fish. He even put so much effort into it that we stopped at several fishing spots. I highly recommend booking with this fishing charter
Gloria Murasa
Nov 12, 2020
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Extremely rude treatment of customers, yelling over the phone and blatant lying. Cancelling trips multiple times and taking money for a service not provided. When investigating this company we were also being told by a member of the public that they haven't been operating for a few weeks now. Seems like they are operating nothing but a scam to take money from unsuspecting tourists. Do not throw your money away by booking through them!!
Neenz Keremeta
Nov 06, 2020
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We had the 10am charter New Years Day 2021 & it was the best way to start the year! Mark & Brando are legends for giving up their NYs day and they gave us a great first time charter experience .They just went above & beyond to get us a good feed, moving to different markers as needed .(Snapper ,flathead & rock cod were the flavour for us) Easy vibes for booking it right to the end of the charter! We highly recommend and will definitely be booking more charters with them in the future. (Minus the bananas Lol) Thanks guys
Jurgen Mosch
Oct 05, 2020
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Can Not recommend at all. Husband and wife are both extremely unprofessional to deal with, kept cancelling without notifying me and refused to refund my $150. Zero customer service. Had a much better experience with StKilda charters, spend your money with them instead!
