The city is enjoying a bonanza as hundreds of visitors bring their boats to chase southern bluefin tuna and other large fish off the continental shelf.

However, Warrnambool is missing out on the action because its launching area is inadequate, with some fishermen describing it one of the worst in Victoria.

Warrnambool Mayor Michael Neoh yesterday said there were opportunities to gain from the tuna boom by improving Lady Bay's launching facilities.

He said funding was available to reconfigure the boat ramp this year.

Glenelg Shire Mayor Geoff White said the council was keen to capitalise on the influx and was looking to build an extra boat ramp and car parking.

"We can't just sit on our hands. We are obliged to help develop this new tourism source," he said.

"Portland's reputation as a big game fishing venue has been established and people are travelling enormous distances with their boats." Portland's $527,000 ramp project will have an extra launching lane, floating pontoon, lighting and bollards.

User group spokesman and tackle shop proprietor Chris Hall told The Standard the extension would reduce traffic jams.

During the Easter weekend there were more than 1000 launchings and queues of vehicles stretched for about a kilometre.

"The council has finally woken up to what's going on down here and the benefits that big game fishing brings," Mr Hall said.

Last week three men from the Mornington Peninsula caught a 123-kilogram tuna off Portland - just shy of the record.