A popular seaside village on the Gippsland Lakes, Lakes Entrance’s marinas and jetties serve one of Australia’s biggest fishing fleets. The main channel is fringed with pretty gardens, wooden sculptures, shops, restaurants and accommodation. Pop across the footbridge and you’re into vast sand dunes, which cascade down into Bass Strait.

‘Lakes’, as it’s known locally, offers plenty of saltwater fishing options. There are four major lakes feeding the main lake, and marlin are targeted offshore. The region produces snapper, bream, tailor, luderick, perch, flathead, garfish and mullet. There are a lot of small fish in the lake system, so fish with live baits early and late in the day for best results. More fish in the lakes have fallen to prawn baits than anything else. Salmon and shark fishing from the surf beaches is also productive.