Bob’s Bay Fishing: Walk-In Shore Fishing on Picton Harbour

Last updated November 2026

Bob’s Bay is a small beach reserve on the eastern shore of Picton Harbour, reached on foot along the Lower Bobs Bay Track from Shelly Beach.

Deep water runs close to the rocky edge, and the Interislander and Bluebridge ferries pass just offshore. A local angler rates it worth the walk, fishing at dusk with plenty of burley and small livebaits under a float.

At a Glance

Location

Victoria Domain, eastern shore of Picton Harbour, about 1 km north of Shelly Beach

Type

Small beach with a narrow rocky shoreline and deep water close in

Water

Picton Harbour, inner Queen Charlotte Sound (sea)

Likely catches

Snapper, blue cod and tarakihi in the inner Sound (blue cod closed 1 September to 10 January); spotties; stingrays common in the harbour

Best time

Dusk, on an outgoing tide, according to a local angler

Access

Lower Bobs Bay Track from the north end of Shelly Beach, about 1 km, walking only

Toilets

At Shelly Beach and at Bob’s Bay

Dogs

On a leash in the reserve

Tide port

Picton (LINZ standard port)

Rules

MPI Challenger, Marlborough Sounds Area; no licence needed for sea fishing

More About Bob's Bay

Bob’s Bay Reserve is part of Victoria Domain, the bush-covered headland on the eastern side of Picton Harbour. The shore here is a narrow rocky edge below steep bush, with deep water close in. The council describes the beach as a good spot for picnics and swimming, and kayakers use it too.

The Lower Bobs Bay Track follows the harbour edge from the northern end of Shelly Beach. It undulates, with some short, moderately steep sections and steep bluffs beside parts of the track. Higher up, other tracks link the bay with Victoria Domain’s ridge road.

Picton is the South Island terminal for the Cook Strait ferries, and the ferry lanes pass close offshore. The inner Sound has been fished hard for a long time: snapper, blue cod and tarakihi are still caught, but stocks are lower than in the outer Sounds.

How to Fish Bob’s Bay

What locals do

A Picton angler on a fishing forum says Bob’s Bay can be worth the walk from Shelly Beach. Their advice: burley heavily, fish an outgoing tide at dusk, and use small livebaits under a float. The water is deep close to the rocks, so a long cast is not needed.

What to catch

• Snapper: still caught in the inner Sound, though stocks are lower than in the outer Sounds. Dusk is the time to try.
• Spotties: a beginner’s fish, often caught around Picton.
• Blue cod and tarakihi: present in the inner Sound but mostly caught from boats. Blue cod are closed from 1 September to 10 January.
• Stingrays: common in Picton Harbour, so expect them on bottom baits.

What to bring

It is a walk in, so travel light: one rod, a bucket of burley, bait, a torch for the walk out after dusk, and a landing net. Buy bait and ice in Picton before you set off.

Getting There and Facilities

• On foot: the Lower Bobs Bay Track starts at the northern end of Shelly Beach on Waikawa Road and runs about 1 km to the bay. Allow 20 to 30 minutes each way. You can also reach Shelly Beach from the Picton foreshore over the Coathanger Bridge.
• Track conditions: undulating with short, moderately steep sections, and wet and muddy in winter. It is not suitable for wheelchairs or mobility scooters, and mountain bikes are not allowed.
• Toilets: at Shelly Beach and at Bob’s Bay.
• Dogs: allowed on a leash in the reserve.
• Camping: not allowed in the reserve.
• More to do: for the walk, swimming and picnics, see our Bob’s Bay guide.

Rules and Safety

• Area: Bob’s Bay is inside MPI’s Marlborough Sounds Area in the Challenger region. No licence is needed for sea fishing, but the Sounds rules apply.
• Blue cod: closed in the Marlborough Sounds Area from 1 September to 10 January inclusive. Other species can still be fished.
• Set nets: set netting is banned in Queen Charlotte Sound, apart from a limited flatfish exemption from 1 April to 30 September.
• Ferries: the ferry lanes pass close to this shore. Stand well back from the water’s edge as a ferry passes. If you fish from a kayak or small boat, keep clear of ferries and stay out of the main port working area, as the council’s Navigation Safety Bylaw 2025 requires. Everyone in a boat 6 m or shorter must wear a lifejacket.
• Swimmers: from Labour Weekend to Easter the buoyed area at Shelly Beach is reserved for swimming.
• Track: watch for the steep bluffs beside the track and supervise children closely. Take a torch if you plan to fish into dark.

Official Sources for Bob's Bay

Common Questions

Where is Bob’s Bay?
On the eastern shore of Picton Harbour in Victoria Domain, about 1 km north of Shelly Beach along the Lower Bobs Bay Track.

How do I get to Bob’s Bay?
Walk the Lower Bobs Bay Track from the northern end of Shelly Beach on Waikawa Road. Allow 20 to 30 minutes each way.

What can you catch at Bob’s Bay?
Snapper and spotties from the shore, with blue cod and tarakihi in the inner Sound. Stingrays are common in Picton Harbour.

When is the best time to fish Bob’s Bay?
A local angler recommends dusk on an outgoing tide, with plenty of burley and small livebaits under a float.

Do I need a licence to fish at Bob’s Bay?
No. Sea fishing needs no licence, but the Marlborough Sounds rules apply, including the blue cod closed season from 1 September to 10 January.

Are there toilets at Bob’s Bay?
Yes. There are toilets at Bob’s Bay and at Shelly Beach.

Can I take my dog to Bob’s Bay?
Yes, on a leash.

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Sources and data notes 1

• Tides today: Tide predictions: LINZ (CC BY 3.0 NZ).