Improve your Catch Rate
Fishing for different species of fish in different parts of the country requires a range of different fishing techniques. Working out which one to use in a specific area includes a bit of research from places like magazines, websites, and perhaps the best source of information; talking to a local tackle store or a fishing guide in the local area.
Each species of fish in our ecosystem feeds differently at different times of the year, with changes to the water temperature being one of the biggest factors on fish feeding behaviour.
Certain species of fish live and feed in different parts of the water column. For example, a flathead will do most of its feeding right near the sea floor, so putting your lure or bait in its strike zone is a must. This differs greatly to a blue fin tuna which will do a lot of its feeding near the surface of the Continental Shelf of Australia, following bait and currents.
Below are some tips for catching some different species of fish that can be found in Australia.
Flathead
Where? Estuaries, rivers and bays
When? Warmer parts of the year, but check your local guides for rules and regulations on targeting them,
Rods/Reels? 2,500 spin reel with a 2 to 6 lb rod
Baits? Pilchard and squid
Lure? Soft plastics with a nice wiggly tail works a treat in most brands
Tuna
Where? Continental shelf and some inshore areas (if the bait is there, as they need to eat 1/3 of their body weight a day)
When? Varies on different areas, but Victoria and New South Wales through the winter months, with a few showing up in later months
Rods/Reels? Tiagra 50W with a 24 kg rod for big tuna and a 10,000 size reel on a 40 to 60 lb spin rod for smaller models
Baits? Pilchards and any live bait they are feeding on
Lure? Skirted lures and deep divers
Snapper
Where? Port Phillip Bay and Western Port Bay, as well as nearly all offshore reeds surrounding the coast of Australia
When? November to April in the bays and offshore nearly all year round
Rods/Reels? 5,000 size reel on a 15 to 25 lb rod
Baits? Pilchards, squid silver whiting and live baits
Lure? Micro jigs as well as minnow based soft plastics
King George Whiting
Where? Port Phillip Bay and Western Port Bay, as well as offshore reefs from South Australia into Victoria
When? All year round
Rods/Reels? 2,500 spin reel with a 2 to 6 lb rod
Baits? Pippi, mussel and squid
Lure? Worm based soft plastics
Gummy Sharks
Where? Oceans and bays
When? All year round
Rods/Reels? 6,000 size reel with a 20 to 30lb rod
Baits? Salmon, squid, pike or anything nice and smelly
Lure? Never landed one on a lure before
