Stony Point Jetty Squid Fishing: Mastering the Western Port Current

Stony Point Jetty is a high-intensity Western Port squid fishing location on the Mornington Peninsula side of the system. It is very different from the calmer Port Phillip Bay piers. Here, deep water, heavy tidal flow and ferry traffic shape almost every decision.

This is a heavy-current eging spot. When the tide is running hard, standard eging can become almost impossible. But anglers who learn the timing and stay connected to the jig can be rewarded with large, thick-hooded Western Port calamari.

For the broader local structure, start with Melbourne Squid Fishing and Western Port Squid Fishing.

Deep Water and Western Port Flow

Stony Point sits beside deep channel water. It feels more tidal and oceanic than many bay piers, and that current is the main challenge.

At mid-tide, the water can move so quickly that a normal jig simply planes up in the water column instead of sinking. You might feel tension, but that does not mean the jig is fishing near the bottom.

If your jig is not reaching depth, you are not really fishing Stony Point. You are just drifting a lure through moving water.

The Mud Factor and Cleaner Water

After heavy rain, parts of Western Port can become murky, especially toward the north-western side of the system.

At Stony Point, look for high-tide windows that bring cleaner, saltier water in from the Bass Strait side. Cleaner water gives the jig more visibility and makes line control easier to read.

Before leaving home, check the Eging Tactical Radar for tide, wind, rain and local water movement.

Strategic Window: Slack Water and Night Sessions

The main fishing window is the 60 minutes around the tide change: roughly 30 minutes before and 30 minutes after high or low tide.

That slack-water period is when the current slows enough for the jig to sink properly, hang naturally and stay in the strike zone. Outside that window, you can still fish, but you need heavier gear and better line control.

Night eging can be productive because Stony Point has ferry-terminal lighting. Squid often sit in the shadows of the large pylons or under the structure, waiting for baitfish to be pushed past by the current.

Squid Jig Size and Nose Weights

A size 3.5 is the minimum starting point at Stony Point. On many days, a 3.5 deep model or a size 4.0 jig is more realistic.

This is also one of the better Victorian locations for clip-on nose weights. A 2g to 5g nose weight can help a jig cut through the current and reach depth when a standard setup keeps riding too high.

Use extra weight when:

• the line sweeps sideways before the jig sinks
• you cannot feel bottom or depth changes
• a standard 3.5 is not staying connected
• the tide is moving faster than expected

If the current slows at slack water, remove the weight and fish the most natural presentation you can control.

For more technical context, read the Squid Jig Size Guide and Squid Jig Sinking Rate Guide Australia.

Line Setup for Heavy Current

A practical Stony Point setup is PE 0.8 to 1.2 braid.

Thinner braid like PE 0.8 can actually be useful here because it has less surface area for the current to push, helping the jig sink straighter. Heavier PE 1.0 to 1.2 gives more strength when working close to pylons or heavier squid.

Choose based on how much structure pressure you expect and how much current you need to cut through.

For setup detail, read Best Line for Squid Fishing Australia and the Squid Fishing Leader Guide.

Managing Line Belly

The biggest mistake at Stony Point is letting the current create a huge bow in the braid.

Once that belly forms, you lose contact. You will not know whether the jig touched bottom, hit weed, lifted in the flow or got grabbed by a squid.

Cast up-current into the direction the tide is coming from. Let the jig sink as it drifts back toward you. By the time it reaches the water in front of you, it should be closer to the bottom and easier to control.

This is not a maximum-distance spot. It is a connection spot.

Pylon Hunting

Many squid at Stony Point hold close to the big timber pylons and terminal structure.

Drop the jig vertically along the pylon line and work it through the water column. Think of it as controlled structure fishing rather than blind casting. The goal is to keep the jig close enough to the ambush zone without letting it get buried or swept into danger.

At night, focus on shadow edges created by the ferry lights. Squid often sit just outside the light and move into the brighter water to hit baitfish.

The Best Squid Jig Australia guide is useful here because you need a jig that sinks predictably and stays stable under pressure.

Colours for Stony Point Jetty

In clean water, natural baitfish, prawn and darker natural patterns can work well.

At night or in deeper water, glow, purple, red foil and orange are practical choices because they stay visible around the pylons and shadows. If the water is dirty after rain, go louder with glow or high-contrast colours.

For the full system, read Squid Jig Colours Australia.

Ferry Traffic, Landing and Safety

Stony Point is a working ferry terminal for Cowes and French Island traffic. Stay clear of the ferry berth, watch your casting arc and never cast into the path of incoming or outgoing vessels.

The ferry wash can be dangerous, especially if you are focused on a hooked squid or standing near the edge. It can also stir baitfish, but do not let that distract you from safety.

The pier is high and the water is deep. A long-handle landing net or squid gaff is mandatory. For Stony Point, think 4m to 5m landing reach rather than a short casual pier net.

For landing gear, read the Best Squid Gaff Australia guide.

Recommended Gear

For Stony Point, build around depth, current and landing reach:

• Shop RUI Squid Jigs
• Open Eging Tactical Radar
• Shop 3.9m Telescopic Squid Gaff

FAQ

What is the best tide for Stony Point Jetty squid fishing?

The 60 minutes around slack water is the key window, roughly 30 minutes before and 30 minutes after high or low tide.

What squid jig size should I use at Stony Point Jetty?

Use size 3.5 as the minimum. A 3.5 deep model or size 4.0 is often more practical when the current is strong.

Should I use nose weights at Stony Point?

Yes, when the current prevents the jig from reaching depth. A 2g to 5g clip-on nose weight can help keep the jig in the strike zone.

Is Stony Point Jetty safe to fish around ferry traffic?

It can be fished safely only if you stay clear of ferry movement, avoid casting near vessels and pay attention to ferry wash and terminal activity.