The Thrill of Targeting Australian Bass
Are you passionate about fishing? Targeting Australian bass along the stunning East Coast of New South Wales promises an engaging experience that connects you with nature and the excitement of the chase.
These beautiful freshwater fish are commonly found in rivers and dams, and they even venture into brackish waters to breed. As an iconic native sport fish of southeast Australia, they are well-loved not only for their spirited fights but also for the remarkable environments in which they thrive. There's something refreshing about fishing in remote areas, surrounded by the beauty of nature, while hooking into these resilient natives.
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The Australian bass migrates between freshwater rivers and saltwater estuaries for spawning, making it a prized catch for anglers and an essential part of this region’s ecosystem. When it comes to targeting these fish, various techniques and lures can bring exciting results. Whether you opt for surface fishing, soft plastics, or hard-bodied artificial lures, you'll discover strategies that suit your style.
For those keen on sight fishing, prime seasons like Spring and Summer on the Mid North Coast provide excellent opportunities to watch them hunt down prey, especially when they strike at the surface. It’s an experience that keeps anglers coming back for more.
Recently, I embarked on a fishing trip with some adventurous friends, and we set out to explore a remote stream known for its bass population. Our goal was to capture this journey on film, showcasing the incredible locations where these fish can be found and their impressive ability to take larger lures.
Upon arrival, we were greeted with ideal conditions—thanks to some overnight rain, the stream level was perfect with just the right amount of flow. Paddling our lightweight canoes upstream, we targeted the tail of mild rapids and the structural cover provided by sunken logs, which attract fish looking for shelter.
As we cast our hard-bodied artificial lures, we experimented with different retrieval techniques. We found that the bass were responsive at times to a rapid retrieve and other times to a slower, twitching motion that mimicked bait fish. Throughout the day, we consistently caught healthy bass over 40+ cm in length. While we didn’t hook any record-breakers, we were thrilled with the condition of the fish we caught.
From a content creation perspective, capturing the strikes on film was both exciting and rewarding. We utilized drones, high-quality cameras, and GoPros to document the action from various angles. Observing how these fish aggressively attacked our lures revealed their impressive feeding habits and resilience in the wild.
When preparing for these fishing adventures, I recommend using a rod that combines a sensitive tip with enough backbone to manoeuvre fish out of structure. The Gladius Rod excels in this regard! Pairing it with 30lb Tough Trace ensures you can recover your lures and successfully land fish from snags. Additionally, the Hyperglide Braid is ideal for precise casting, making each throw count.
So, if you’re looking for an enjoyable fishing experience, gather your gear and head to the stunning waters of NSW. Targeting Australian bass is not only about the catch; it’s about connecting with nature and embracing the adventure along the way.
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