Alright, legends—let’s talk bass fishing, Aussie style. This ain’t just about chucking a line in and praying to the fish gods. Nah, it’s about knowing where to look, what to throw, and how to outsmart these slippery buggers. Whether you’re a seasoned angler or just having a crack, a bit of know-how will turn you from a hopeful caster into a proper bass whisperer.
So, grab a cold one, rig up, and let’s get stuck into some top-notch yarns on how to hook into these feisty fish—while keeping things 100% legal and sustainable.
Where to Find Bass in Australia
Dams & Reservoirs
Australia is home to some ripper impoundments stocked with Aussie bass, and these still waters can hold some serious trophy fish. Whether you’re up north at Lake Tinaroo, out west at Glenbawn, or anywhere in between, the trick is to find the structure—submerged timber, rock walls, and drop-offs are prime bass hangouts. Slow-rolling soft plastics or twitching a suspending hardbody lure near these areas is the go.
Rivers & Creeks
Natural waterways like the Brisbane River, Shoalhaven, and the mighty Murray are prime bass country. These fish love hanging near snags, eddies, and deep pools, just waiting to ambush their next feed. Your best bet? Fish early morning or late arvo when they’re on the chew. Keep an eye on any surface action—there’s nothing like watching a bass come up and belt your lure right in front of you!
Bass Fishing Through the Seasons
Spring
Once the water starts warming up, bass get fired up. They’re moving out of the deep and into the shallows, making this the perfect time to target them. Work hardbody lures or soft plastics around weed beds and rocky edges, and you’re in with a shot.
Summer
The heat drives bass deeper during the day, so early mornings and late evenings are prime time. Surface lures are an absolute weapon at dawn and dusk, especially in calm conditions. Once the sun’s up, it’s time to switch to deeper running lures or vertical jigging around structure.
Autumn
As temperatures drop, bass start feeding up before winter. They’ll be hunting along drop-offs and submerged ledges, so focus on these areas. Slow-rolling soft vibes or working deep-diving crankbaits will tempt even the wiliest of fish.
Winter
Bass slow right down in winter, and so should you. Deep water is where they’ll be holding, so patience and a finesse approach are key. Light lines, small plastics, and a painfully slow retrieve will be the difference between a donut and a winter giant.
Other Bass Fishing Tactics
Drop Shot Rigs
When bass are sitting deep and not playing ball, a drop shot rig keeps your lure right in their face, tempting even the laziest fish into having a crack.
Suspending Hardbodies
A slow-floating or suspending hardbody worked near snags can trigger aggressive strikes. A twitch-pause retrieve is the trick—give it a few twitches, let it sit, and be ready for that hit.
Finesse Fishing
On those tough days when the bass seem to have lockjaw, downsizing your gear can be the difference between a ripper session and a whole lot of casting practice. Light lines, tiny plastics, and subtle retrieves can turn things around.
Stay Legal & Look the Part
Bass fishing in Australia comes with a few important rules—know your bag and size limits, respect the closed season (1st June – 31st August in rivers and creeks), and always check local regulations before heading out. Nothing ruins a good session like a chat with a ranger when you’re doing the wrong thing!
And while you’re at it, make sure you’re geared up properly. Mad Keen has got you covered with sun-smart fishing shirts and polarized sunnies to keep you cool and comfortable on the water.
Now, get out there and make some memories—tight lines, legends!