Faq

– Where is Queenscliff and How do I get there?

Queenscliff is famous for its fishing and charters. Once a quaint fishing village, its now a popular destination for all types of fishing enthusiasts. See here for directions…

 

– Where do I get a Recreational Fishing Licence from?

Any body fishing Queenscliff or surrounds will require a license. Click here for more information…

 

– Should I bring my own tackle and bait?

No, we supply all fishing equipment, however if you have a lucky rod you would like to use, you are welcome to bring it along.  But keep in mind, all our gear is serviced after each trip, line replaced, and kept in top condition…we would hate for you to lose the BIG ONE because your gear fails!

 

– Will you clean my fish?

Yep, all fish is cleaned, bagged and ready to pop on the BBQ that afternoon, or into the freezer while you explore all Queenscliff has to offer!

 

– Do I need to book a group or can I come as single?

We can take group bookings, or we regularly take single bookings on charters.  The choice is yours…

 

– Sea Sickness…will I get sick while we’re fishing?

Everybody is different, with every day being different on the water. We suggest prevention is better than the cure. So call into your local chemist before the trip & purchase Avil, Travel Calm or Kwell  Take one the night before & then ensure that you take the tablet at least 1 hour before boarding for your charter. (Of course, always follow directions on the pack!

Also have a good breaky prior to taking the medication. Taking a tablet while on the boat won’t help you at all.

This may sound a little odd but putting one ear plug also helps to combat sea sickness, it is to do with Inner Ear and Balance, which is the predominate cause of motion/sea sickness.  Use the two in conjunction for ultimate protection.

 

– Food & Drink…what should I bring?

We do not supply any food on board, unless prior catering arrangements have been made. Both our vessels have
BBQ facilities, however these are available for use on Private Charters only. If you wish to use these on a Private Charter, please advise when making the booking. We do not have any sort of reheating facilities on board an boats. We also recommend bringing water or soft drink or whatever other drinks you may like. Alcohol is permitted in moderation, a 3 can maximum for passengers on individual charters applies.

Our crew request that you do not bring any Bananas! As they are extremely unlucky!

 

– How much deposit do we need to pay?

We require a 30% deposit upon booking with the balance owing on the day either credit card or cash. Bookings are fully transferable and can be rescheduled with reasonable notice. We require at least 14 days notice for cancellations. Refunds are not available. In the event of cancellation due to weather or minimum numbers not met, your trip will be rescheduled to another date at your convenience. Conditions apply.

 

– Where do you depart from? Can you pick up from Portsea?

We depart from Harbour St Queenscliff or the Sorrento Pier. Please advise us at the time of booking which departure point you prefer.

 

– Would it be possible to get a private charter and how many people do we need?

Yes, Private Fishing Charters aboard the Sport boats require payment for 13 passengers. Cost will depend upon the length of the charter booked.

 

– Do you supply a lunch on the 8hr and 9hr trips?

No, we don’t supply a lunch, but you are welcome to BYO any other food you require for the day.

 

– Can we bring alcohol on the boat?

Yes, but in moderation! A 3 can maximum applies to all pasengers on individual charters. Remember the skipper is responsible for all people onboard the boat, and if he deems you too intoxicated to fish, and asks you to sit down and take a time out, you will be required to follow requests.  You will be asked to cover any damages or loss of equipment due to intoxication.

 

– What about Weather and our cancellation policy?

In the event of bad weather some trips will need to be cancelled. We will call you the night before after 5.30pm to advise if a morning trip is not going ahead and in the morning after 7.30am if an afternoon is not proceeding.

Fishing License

A Recreational Fishing Licence (RFL) covers, all forms of recreational fishing in all of Victoria’s marine, estuarine and freshwaters.

Unless you are exempt, a RFL is required when taking, or attempting to take, any species of fish by any method including line fishing, bait collection, gathering shellfish, yabby fishing, prawning and spear fishing.

Who is Exempt?

You will not need a licence to fish if you are:

1. under 18 years of age;
2. 70 years of age or over;

or a holder of a :

1. Victorian Seniors Card;
2. Veterans’ Affairs Pensioner Card;
3. Veterans’ Affairs Repatriation Health Card coded (TPI)
4. Commonwealth Pensioner Concession Card coded either (DSP), (DSP Blind), (AGE), (AGE Blind) or (CAR)

What happens if I don’t have a licence?

Fisheries Officers will be on patrol to ensure fishers hold a valid licence. These officers regularly partrol people fishing Queenscliff waterways, including charter boats and penalties apply for fishing without a licence.

How do I obtain a licence?

You are able to purchase a license online from DEPI Website HERE or from any one of 980 retail businesses throughout Victoria, including most tackle shops. A list is also available from the DEPI Website. Shell Touch Outlets also are able to sell 28 day or 2 day licenses.

How much is a license?

3 Year License – $103.95

1 Year License – $38.40

28 Day License – $21.85

3 Day License – $10.00

The RFL may be purchased to come into effect on a future date for up to one year from the actual date of purchase. A RFL may not be loaned or transferred to another person.

Please click here if you would like to pay for the license online.

Recipes

What better way to finish of a day out on one of our Queenscliff charters, then whipping up a feast in the kitchen!  Here are a selection of some fantastic recipes that will go great with any seafood!
Some Basic Tips on cooking with Fish! Only ever quickly rinse fish in fresh water just before you start to prepare your fish. Before filleting any fish, cool down in fridge as this makes flesh firmer and easier to deal with. To keep Calamari tender soak in milk and Sodium Bicarb for approximately 20 minutes, then rinse and prepare in what ever method that you want. Fresh Shark – Place fish on a cake cooling tray and place in baking tray. Put this in the bottom of the fridge over night so that the water drops away from the fish. This will make the flesh firmer and much easier to handle. Then you can eat fresh or freeze……Shark is one fish that is best NOT eaten on the day of the catch…Let it sit as above for a few days. Australian Salmon this fish is best eaten fresh, as it doesn’t freeze well. Fantastic fish for sashimi & sushi rolls. Great cooked quickly so it’s still moist. Remember when marinating with Lemon or Lime, that this will cook the fish slightly so don’t marinate for too long
Crumbed Fish ½ cup Cornflake crumbs ½ cup Bread crumbs 1 tsp Parsley flakes Salt & Pepper ½ tsp Moroccan spice 1 tsp Parmesan cheese 1. Tossed until mixed well. 2. Rinse fish – shake or wipe off excess water 3. Place in crumbs and press down well. No need to put milk and flour on fish. 4. Shallow Fry in HOT Olive oil. 5. Turn fish when golden brown.	Baked Fish 1. Place whole fish on foil, ensuring you’ve sprayed it with oil. 2. Cut lemon, onion, and tomato into slices. 3. Place a combination of the lemon, onion and tomato inside and on top of fish 4. Grind Salt & Pepper and pour some white wine on fish and enclose foil parcel 5. Cook on moderate oven for 10 minutes or until the whites of the eyes are opaque 6. Serve with Rocket Salad.
Fish Patties Fish of you choice – Salmon is Great! Potato White onion Parsley Herbs – Lemon Pepper Breadcrumbs 1 egg 1. Boil peeled potatoes 2. Steam fillet of Salmon (boneless) 3. Combine chopped onions, Salmon and potato 4. Place in herbs, salt & pepper, chopped parsley and egg – mix well 5. Roll in breadcrumbs and cook in shallow oil until golden brown.	Rocket Salad Rocket Mix – Washed and spun dry Diced Tomato Thinly Sliced Red Onion 1 tsp Mixed spice Pinch Cinnamon 1/2 Tsp of White Vinegar 1 Tsp Olive oil Salt & Pepper Place diced tomatoes & onion into bowl……add spices, salt & pepper & toss well Add rocket, toss well again, then add vinegar & oil
Yoghurt Salad 1 Small Tub Natural Yoghurt 2 Lebanese Cucumbers Diced or Sliced 1 tsp Dried Mint 2 Garlic Cloves Salt & Pepper Crush Garlic, peel cucumber. Mix all ingredients in bowl, refrigerate and serve cold.	Potato Salad Chats/ Red Potatoes Red Onion Diced Olive Oil Vinegar Salt & Pepper Fresh Parsley (Dried is ok also) 1 tsp Mixed spice ½ tsp Cinnamon Lemon Zest Boil potatoes until cooked, drain, rinse & cool. Add onion, mix well with oil, vinegar, salt & pepper, spices garlic & lemon into a bowl. Can be served warm or cold.
Bean & Tomato 500gms green beans top & tail ends then cut into half Tinned Tomato Red Onion Salt & Pepper Mixed Spice Cinamon Garlic Saute onions with salt, pepper & spices. (this will enhance the spices) Add crushed garlic & cook until golden brown. Add beans and stir. About 2-3 minutes should do it. Add tomato and mix well. Cover & cook fro further 10 minutes until beans cooked & tomato drops down Serve warm or cold……place in dish and drizzle with small amount of olive oil	Tahini Garlic Sauce Great accompaniment for any fish dish 2 tbsp of Tahini Lemon 2 Big Cloves of Garlic Salt & Pepper Water Put Tahini into bowl, slowly adding small amounts of water. This will make the Tahini thicken, so continue stirring quickly to keep smooth. Add garlic & lemon …continue to stir. Add salt.  Add more water if not thick enough.
Creamy Garlic Sauce 1 Garlic Cluster Salt & pepper Olive Oil Mortal & Pestel needed Peel garlic & cut slightly, place into mortar. Add salt & continue to pound until becomes pasty. Add small amount of oil & keep stirring until becomes a creamy paste. This will keep in the fridge to be used at a latter date.	Caper Butter Quarter to Half Jar of Capers 75g Butter Chopped Fresh Dill Salt & Pepper Melt butter in Pan, careful not to burn. Allow to cool, and then crush capers into butter, and add a little of the juice from the Jar.  Add Dill, and Salt and Pepper.  Best with white fleshed fish, such as Bream, Trevally or Whiting.

Terms and Conditions

These terms apply to all trips and voucher purchases. In accepting your booking you agree to our terms and conditions.

Please arrive 20 mins prior to departure in order to avoid disappointment as we do not wait for late customers. Please do not bring Bananas, and enclosed footwear is a must!

Payments:
– For individual and small group bookings payment is required in full using a credit card over the phone.

– For Private Charters a 30% deposit is required to make a reservation when booking using credit card, bank transfer or cheque.

– Final payment on the day either credit card or cash.

– Bookings are fully transferable and can be rescheduled with 14 days notice.

– Refunds are not available.

– The person making the booking is responsible for the payment of the entire amount. Bookings made must be paid for i.e. If a booking is made for 6 persons and only 5 arrive for the trip, the full booking for 6 must be paid for, unless the space can be filled.

Booking Terms and Conditions:
– You MUST provide a mobile number whereby you are contactable either the night before or the morning of your trip.

– Minimum numbers for a trip to proceed are 7 aboard Big Blue and Rip Runner.  Gamerec Charters reserves the right to cancel a trip if minimum numbers are not met.

– All cancellations or changes to numbers not given with 14 days notice will be held accountable for the total cost.  Prices are subject to change without notice.

Check in Times:
– To keep faith with other guests DEPARTURE TIMES FOR ALL TRIPS ARE EXACT.  Please allow plenty of time for Summer traffic and delays finding a carpark.

Cancelled Trips:
– Transfers to another charter date will be issued when a trip is cancelled due to:

Gamerecs skipper deems the weather conditions as unsafe.

Unforseen circumstances outside of Gamerecs control.

Recreational Fishing Licence (RFL):
RFL are required in all Victorian waters. Gamerec Charters has made disclosure of this requirement by website and booking confirmation. Should Department of Primary Industries Fisheries officers board our vessel during the trip, any passenger without a RFL is solely responsible for his/her RFL and any ramifications from such inspection. These licenses are available for purchase online from the Department of Primary Industries Fisheries.

Weather:
All trips are subject to suitable weather conditions. Gamerec Charters reserves the right to cancel and re schedule a trip due to bad weather.  On some occasions the trips will be called the day of the trip when the weather changes are outside of our control. From time to time the weather can change quickly and a reschedule may be necessary at short notice. The skipper has the right to cancel if it is deemed unsafe for boat, crew and customers. We don’t cancel unless we are absolutely confident we have all information regarding the weather. It is our aim to maintain a safe environment for our customers. It is not our intention to spoil your day. Some days it is possible to start the trip, and the weather changes we can try to fish inside the Heads if skipper deems this to be a safer option.

Behaviour and Conduct:
It is a requirement that all Customers behave in a respectful manner whether that be prior to, during or after the charter, having full consideration for other passengers, Harbour users and its immediate vicinity. Obscenities and unruly behaviour will not be tolerated under any circumstance and may result in your booking being cancelled and payment forfeited.
Our Staff have all been selected for their expertise in their field. As workers they are not to be insulted, sworn at, abused or defamed. The skipper reserves the right to cancel any trip or return to any port, any individual (without refund) where staff are being harassed and or abused.
Any equipment lost due to negligence will be charged new replacement costs and or cost’s incurred in damage repair to the boat. This payment will be taken from the credit card supplied for security purposes.

Alcohol:
On any charter, having consideration to other passengers a couple of cans per person may be consumed.  It is permissible for a small amount of alcohol to be brought aboard for personal consumption – a small amount is considered no more than 3 cans per person. It is always requested that any alcohol brought onto the boat be in cans. The Skipper has the right to refuse to allow alcohol to be brought onto the vessel. This will only happen when the skipper believes consumption of alcohol could result in unsafe behaviour whilst onboard the vessel.
Any passenger which arrives clearly under the influence of alcohol will be refused boarding of the vessel and no refund will be issued, furthermore we reserve the right to cuff off any passenger from drinking during a charter and any argument in the matter will result in the trip being cancelled and water police notified.
The Skipper reserves the right to terminate the trip without refund.

Drugs:
We do not accept illicit drugs onboard our vessel. If a person is found in possession of an unknown substance or a non prescribed drug, the trip will be cancelled and water police notified.
Gift Vouchers:
Clients who miss the boat by arriving too late will forfeit their voucher. Clients who hold gift vouchers, book on and do not attend their chosen trip will forfeit their gift voucher. Issued gift vouchers are not transferable for either cash or Credit and money will not be refunded under any circumstances. Gift vouchers expire within 12 months of original purchase.

GPS (Global Positioning System):
All personal GPS or satellite plotting devices are banned from our vessel/s. Any device found on board will be confiscated, all details of such device deleted and returned to the owner at the completion of the trip.

Spirit of Fishing:
Our team love fishing and we genuinely want to show our customers a good time. Fishing is a sport of chance and many variables outside our control determine our catch rate. Gamerec Charters does not guarantee every customer catches a fish. We do not tolerate negative or poor – spirited fisher people.