Australian Bass Fishing in Melbourne & Victoria: Where to Catch, Tackle & Tips

Introduction

The Australian Bass (Macquaria novemaculeata) is a medium-sized fish that typically grows to 30-40cm in length and can weigh up to 3kg. It has a deep, laterally compressed body with a large mouth and prominent eyes. The coloration can vary from silver-grey to golden-bronze, often with a darker back and lighter belly.

Naturally found in coastal rivers and streams from Queensland to Victoria, Australian Bass are known for their catadromous lifestyle, meaning they migrate between fresh and salt water. They spend most of their lives in freshwater but move downstream to estuaries to spawn during winter.

In Victoria, Australian Bass are found in various river systems, including the Snowy, Bemm, Genoa, and Mitchell rivers. They prefer habitats with structure such as fallen timber, undercut banks, and overhanging vegetation, which provide both shelter and feeding opportunities.

Fishing for Australian Bass can be challenging but rewarding. They are known for their aggressive strikes and strong fighting ability, making them a favorite among sport fishers. Bass fishing is particularly popular in the warmer months when the fish are more active and feeding heavily.

What restrictions are in place for Australian Bass fishing in Melbourne?

In Victoria, fishing for Australian Bass is subject to regulations to ensure sustainable populations. Anglers must have a valid Victorian fishing license. There is a bag limit and a minimum size limit in place. It’s important to check the current Victorian Recreational Fishing Guide for the most up-to-date rules, as they can change. Some waters may have specific local regulations. Catch and release is encouraged to maintain healthy populations.

How to catch Australian Bass

To catch Australian Bass in Victoria, focus on structure-rich areas in rivers and impoundments. Early mornings and evenings are often the most productive times. Casting near fallen timber, rocky outcrops, or overhanging vegetation can be effective. Both lure and bait fishing work well. When using lures, try a slow retrieve with occasional pauses to entice strikes. For bait fishing, use light tackle and small hooks. In estuaries during their winter migration, fishing with soft plastics or live baits can be successful.

What should you fish with for Australian Bass?

When it comes to fishing for Australian Bass, your choice of bait or lure can greatly impact your success. Based on the preferred fishing methods for this species, you can find success with nearly anything when fishing for Australian Bass, as both baits and lures are equally effective.

For the best chances of success, try using Live Worms as bait or fishing with a Soft Plastics. Remember to always check local regulations and adjust your fishing strategy based on the specific conditions and seasons in your fishing area.

The Top 7 Baits to Use for Australian Bass

For those who prefer bait fishing, here are the top 7 options that have consistently produced results for Australian Bass:

• Live Worms
• Garden Worms
• Crickets
• Minnows
• Small Fish
• Shrimp
• Prawns

The Top 7 Lures to Use for Australian Bass

For artificial lure enthusiasts, here are the 7 most effective options that have been proven to work wonders for Australian Bass:

• Soft Plastics
• Hard Bodied Lures
• Surface Lures
• Spinnerbaits
• Blades
• Curl Tail Grubs
• Paddle Tail Swimbaits

Where to catch Australian Bass in Melbourne

Anglers in Melbourne and Victoria have numerous opportunities to catch Australian Bass. We've compiled a diverse list of locations across Melbourne and Victoria where anglers have reported success in catching Australian Bass. From popular fishing spots to lesser-known gems, there's a variety of options to explore.

Below, we've highlighted some of the best places to cast your line for Australian Bass. Each location offers its own unique features and challenges, so be sure to research the specific conditions and best practices for each spot before your visit.

More Great Locations

Because there are so many great places to catch Australian Bass in Victoria, it is hard to give them all the attention they deserve. Here are some more locations where Australian Bass is a primary target species:

• Kennedy's Weir
• Lake Glenmaggie
• Macalister River
• Mitchell River
• Moyhu Riverside Park

Other places to catch Australian Bass

While Australian Bass are not the main target at these locations, they can still be caught here. If you're looking for more of a challenge or want to try your luck in different settings, these spots might be worth exploring. Keep in mind that fishing for Australian Bass in these areas may require different techniques or patience, as they're not as abundant as in the primary locations. However, this can add an exciting element of surprise to your fishing experience.

Additional Secondary Locations

For the sake of brevity, we can't provide detailed descriptions for every location where Australian Bass might be found. However, to give you a comprehensive overview, here's a list of additional spots where anglers have reported catching Australian Bass, even though they may not be the primary target species in these areas:

• Gunbower boat ramp
• Lower Tambo River
• Snowy River
• Thomson River
• Thornton Beach
• Upper Nicholson River
• Wilsons Promontory Streams

FAQs about Australian Bass fishing in Melbourne