Fishing Around

Species
Australian Bass
Legal size: 30cm
Bag limit: 2

Best Time
Year Round
Spring can provide a very exciting reaction bite

Recommended Bait/Lure
Bass will take live shrimp, worms and even frozen saltwater yabbies.
Lures like spinner baits, lipless crank baits, soft plastics, bibbed minnows, Ice Jigs and small surface lures are quite effective. Most of these work all year round, but the Spinnerbaits and lipless crankbaits work particularly well for the reaction bite in spring.

Tackle World Tip/Technique
Bass are found in dams and waterways east of the Great Dividing Range, they are very aggressive and will take lures on the constant retrieve or with plenty of twitches and pauses, which will keep the lure in the strike zone longer, increasing your chances. These fish are best caught on light gear. Rod of 2-10lb, 1000-2000 size reel and 4-10lb line. An extra hook (stinger) on spinner baits can also dramatically improve hook up rates. A closed season applies to Australian Bass throughout Queensland Creeks and Rivers from 1st June to 31st August (This does not include Stocked Impoundments)

Species
Golden Perch
Legal size:30cm
Bag limit:10

Best Time
Year Round. Best in warmer months

Recommended Bait/Lure
Best baits are live baits like shrimp, crays and worms. Frozen salt water yabbies also work well. Lures like hard body minnows, lipless crank baits and spinner baits all work well.

Tackle World Tip/Technique
Golden Perch can be found in dams and waterways west of the Great Dividing Range and you can target these fish, by casting towards snags, tree roots, lying timber and even weed beds as these fish will be found under or very close to these structures. They can also be caught trolling drop offs, creek and river beds in impoundments. Light to Medium gear is recommended. Rod of 6lb-15lb, reel of 2000-4000 size and 6-20lb line.

Species
Murray Cod
Legal size: 60cm-110cm
Bag limit:2

Best Time
Can be caught year round but autumn and spring are best

Recommended Bait/Lure
Cod will take larger baits as these fish can grow well over the metre mark. Baits like live crayfish, large shrimp, blood worms work well. Big hard body lures and large spinner baits are a preferred lure for most anglers

Tackle World Tip/Technique
Murray Cod are found in dams and waterways west of the Great Dividing Range, these fish will usually not move far from their structure, and lures will need to be cast or trolled close to this structure with heavier gear. Rods of 10-20lb, reels of 2000-4000 size and line 10lb- 30lb is a guideline. Big spinnerbaits with Colorado blades work well, as they produce large vibrations and move slowly through the water. Be aware that the Murray cod cannot be taken from the Barwon, Macintyre or Dumaresq Rivers from the 1st September to 30th November.