Why this pier, species and time?

Species seasonal reference

“Peak” means the months named in VFA’s recreational guide. A listed peak is not a closed season; fish can be caught outside it. Squid spawning peaks spring–summer in VFA research.

Pier-by-pier evidence table

The “species” entries show the published peak months where available. Site notes preserve local tide/time instructions. Angler reports describe individual observations and are not controlled studies.

Docklands / inner-city note: fishing is listed as permitted at Turning Basin, Enterprise Wharf and Southbank Public Wharf. NewQuay Marina, d’Albora Victoria Harbour, Yarra’s Edge and several commercial wharves are listed as no-fishing areas. Use only marked public spots and check current signs. River wharf wave/sea-temperature estimates are coarse.

Sources and evidence limits

VFA sources establish the primary species, seasonal windows and pier-specific tide/time advice. Angler accounts supplement habitat clarity, recent catches and practical observations; they are not used to claim statistical catch rates.

How the five-star rating works

For each eligible pier, the planner tests two-hour forecast windows every two hours from 04:00 to 22:00 local time and the selected species. “Any species” uses locally listed species with the best seasonal fit.

These transparent ranking rules are informed by published guidance, not experimentally fitted coefficients. The five-star rating is a planning aid, not a catch probability. Temperature and moon phase are context only; missing evidence is labelled rather than invented.

For each eligible pier and species, the planner compares two-hour windows from 04:00 to 22:00 local time. The five-star rating summarizes pier/species support, season, activity timing, tide match, practical forecast conditions (wind/gusts, modelled waves and rain, adjusted for pier exposure) and estimated drive time. Stronger local evidence, an appropriate season and tide, comfortable conditions and a shorter drive can raise the rating. Unsupported species receive no local-match credit. These are transparent ranking choices, not experimentally fitted catch-rate coefficients.