Last fact-verified Thu, 30 Apr 2026 · Operator website
Key facts
| Vessel | Due South and Strait Shooter — 60-foot Westcoaster Sportfish (Due South) and 41-foot Steber Sportfish (Strait Shooter) |
| Capacity | 8 to 20 passengers |
| Departure points | sorrento |
| Target species | snapper , king george whiting , squid , gummy shark , yellowtail kingfish |
| Fishing licence | Confirm at booking |
| Operating season | Year-round at Sorrento. King Island multi-day expeditions January to March; Portland tuna runs March to July. |
Who this suits
Groups of 10 or more wanting to fish together on a single platform; corporate bookings; serious offshore anglers chasing mako, blue shark, and tuna in Bass Strait; multi-day expedition fishing to King Island and Portland. The 60-foot Due South can hold position in conditions that push smaller charters off their marks.
Who it doesn't suit
Solo anglers or couples paying full per-person rates on an under-filled session; Proline's pricing economics work best at high capacity. Anglers chasing the multi-ramp flexibility of an operator like I'm Hooked; Proline is anchored at Sorrento. Anyone needing a budget-tier session at the lower price brackets.
What this charter actually is
Proline has operated out of Sorrento Pier since 1991, making it one of the longest-running fishing-charter businesses on the Peninsula. The product is defined by the vessels: Due South, a 60-foot Westcoaster Sportfish, and Strait Shooter, a 41-foot Steber Sportfish, the largest fishing-charter platforms in Victoria.
Fleet size means Proline operates in a segment no other Peninsula operator reaches. Groups of 15 to 20 passengers, corporate functions, shark fishing into Bass Strait, multi-day offshore itineraries to King Island and Portland. The standard bay product (five-hour snapper and whiting sessions departing Sorrento Pier) is solid, but the real differentiator is what becomes possible when you need a vessel large enough for a substantial group or a serious offshore trip.
Why we chose this charter
One specific reason: Proline is the only operator on the Peninsula that can put 15 or more people on the water together, on a vessel purpose-built for offshore work, with a three-decade track record. If your group exceeds 10 passengers or you want to fish Bass Strait for mako sharks, there is no comparable alternative at Sorrento.
The caveat is cost structure. The group-booking model means solo anglers or couples are paying a premium unless the session fills. The per-person rate at capacity is competitive ($100 to $290 per person depending on session); at half-capacity it is not. For groups who can fill the boat or split the cost between an even number, the value proposition is clear.
Prices may change. Confirm current rates directly with the venue or operator before booking.
The trip format
The standard bay session is five hours from Sorrento Pier, typically morning or afternoon. The target on bay sessions is snapper during October to December, shifting to KGW, calamari, salmon, and flathead in the off-season. The snapper method is anchor and burley over known structure in Port Phillip Bay south and southwest of Sorrento. The vessel’s size means it can hold position in conditions that push smaller trailer boats off their marks.
Shark trips (8 to 10 hours) depart Sorrento and run into Bass Strait targeting gummy shark, mako, and blue shark. These sessions require offshore comfort and extended travel time to the grounds. Return timing is at the skipper’s discretion based on sea conditions.
King Island trips (January to March) and Portland tuna runs (March to July) are multi-day itineraries; contact the operator directly for current scheduling and pricing.
Guests arrive at Berth 1, Sorrento Pier, at least 15 minutes before departure for gear allocation and safety briefing.
Operator and vessel
The operation traces a family fishing heritage to the 1840s; the current Proline business was established in 1991. Both vessels hold Marine Safety Victoria commercial vessel registration. 35 years at the same berth at Sorrento Pier is itself an editorial signal: a charter business does not persist at a premium location through successive tourism cycles without a reliable product.
The specific strength is the offshore capability. Both vessels can cross Bass Strait safely in conditions that would prevent smaller charter boats from departing. Both are described as suitable for wheelchair access; confirm specific boarding requirements at Sorrento Pier with the operator at booking.
What’s included
Rods, reels, bait, and tackle on standard sessions. On shark trips, heavy tackle and traces are provided. Food and drinks are not included on standard sessions; the operator can advise on what provisions to bring for longer offshore trips. A tip of $10 to $20 per person for a productive session is customary but never expected.
Species this charter targets
- Gummy Shark · Year-round; October to March most productive in Western Port
- King George Whiting · January to April (Port Phillip Bay)
- Snapper · October to December
- Southern Calamari · March to June (autumn aggregation)
- Yellowtail Kingfish · December to March (summer warm-current visitors)
Frequently asked questions
How big are the vessels?
Two vessels. Due South is a 60-foot Westcoaster Sportfish with flybridge, large deck, sheltered cabin, toilet, and commercial-grade safety equipment, capacity up to 20 passengers. Strait Shooter is a 41-foot Steber Sportfish with cabin and toilet, fishing deck, and sheltered areas for offshore crossings.
Can Proline accommodate corporate or large-group bookings?
Yes. The fleet size is the operator's structural advantage; no other Peninsula charter can put 15-plus passengers on a single purpose-built fishing vessel. Corporate bookings typically require more lead time for catering and invoicing. Contact the operator directly for a quote.
Does Proline run shark fishing trips?
Yes. Eight to ten-hour trips into Bass Strait target gummy shark, mako, and blue shark. These sessions require anglers comfortable with offshore conditions and extended travel time to the grounds. Heavy tackle and traces are provided. Return timing is at the skipper's discretion based on sea conditions.
Do I need my own fishing licence?
Confirm directly with Proline Charters at the time of booking whether guests are covered for the day or required to BYO licence. Most licensed Victorian charters cover guests, but confirm in writing rather than assuming.
What about King Island and Portland trips?
King Island multi-day itineraries run January to March; Portland tuna runs March to July. These are expedition-grade trips with their own pricing and minimum-numbers requirements. Contact the operator directly for current scheduling.
What is the cancellation policy on offshore trips?
Confirm the exact refund and transfer policy at the time of booking. Offshore cancellations due to Bass Strait conditions are more common than bay cancellations; the operator's policy on offshore weather holds is important to confirm before booking a shark or King Island trip.
Compare other Peninsula charters
- I'm Hooked Fishing Charters · Licence covered
- Reel Time Fishing Charters
- Western Port Fishing Charters
Browse all Peninsula fishing charters, or the fishing tours hub for charter-as-curated-experience options.