Thu Sep 05 by: Archer Hume
Estuary perch is a close relative of Australian bass, found in coastal estuaries and lower reaches of rivers in southeastern Australia. It's known for its similar appearance to Australian bass.
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Table of Contents
Estuary perch (Percalates colonorum) is often confused with Australian bass due to their similar appearance. They have a deep, laterally compressed body with a large mouth and eyes. Estuary perch tend to have a more silvery coloration compared to the golden-bronze of Australian bass. These fish are primarily found in estuarine environments and the lower reaches of coastal rivers, rarely venturing far into freshwater. Estuary perch are ambush predators, feeding on small fish, crustaceans, and other marine invertebrates. They are popular among anglers for their strong fighting ability and tendency to hit lures aggressively. Fishing for estuary perch is often done in estuaries and coastal lagoons, with many anglers using lures such as soft plastics and hard-bodied lures. They can also be caught on bait, with live baits like prawns or small fish being effective.
In Victoria, there are specific regulations for estuary perch fishing. While there is no specific minimum legal size mentioned for estuary perch in the given information, it’s important to check local regulations. For Lake Bullen Merri, there’s a combined bag limit of 5 for Australian bass, estuary perch, and hybrid species. In all other Victorian waters, there’s a combined bag limit of 5 fish for Australian bass and estuary perch. Always verify current regulations before fishing.
To catch estuary perch in Victoria, focus on estuaries and the lower reaches of coastal rivers. Use light to medium spinning gear with 4-8 lb line. Cast lures such as soft plastics, hard-bodied lures, or small surface lures around structure like jetties, rock walls, or submerged vegetation. For bait fishing, use live baits like prawns or small fish on a light running sinker rig. Dawn and dusk are often productive times for targeting estuary perch.
When it comes to fishing for Estuary Perch, 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 Estuary Perch, as both baits and lures are equally effective.
For the best chances of success, try using Prawns 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.
For those who prefer bait fishing, here are the top 5 options that have consistently produced results for Estuary Perch:
For artificial lure enthusiasts, here are the 5 most effective options that have been proven to work wonders for Estuary Perch:
Anglers in Melbourne and Victoria have numerous opportunities to catch Estuary Perch. We've compiled a diverse list of locations across Melbourne and Victoria where anglers have reported success in catching Estuary Perch. 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 Estuary Perch. 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.
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Ah Youngs Campsite is a riverside camping area that provides direct access to prime fishing spots on the Buckland River.
Besides Estuary Perch, Ah Youngs Campsite is home to various fish species such as Australian Bass and Redfin.
To learn more about fishing in Ah Youngs Campsite, read more here.
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The Bemm River is a significant waterway in East Gippsland, known for its excellent fishing opportunities and scenic beauty.
While Estuary Perch is commonly spotted, other species like Australian Bass, Bream (All Species) and Flathead can also be found at Bemm River.
To learn more about fishing in Bemm River, read more here.
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The Fitzroy River Estuary offers excellent fishing for various estuarine species in a scenic coastal setting.
Fitzroy River Estuary boasts a diverse fish population. In addition to Estuary Perch, the waters are inhabited by Australian Salmon, Mulloway and Flathead.
To learn more about fishing in Fitzroy River Estuary, read more here..CNrcrc6r_Z1dag3h.webp)
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The lower reaches and estuary of the Franklin River provide a productive fishing environment with a mix of freshwater and estuarine species.
Visitors to Franklin River (lower reaches & estuary) may observe Estuary Perch along with other species such as Bream (All Species) and Mullet.
To learn more about fishing in Franklin River (lower reaches & estuary), read more here.
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A diverse estuarine environment where the Glenelg River meets the sea, offering a mix of freshwater and saltwater fishing opportunities.
Glenelg River Estuary isn't just known for Estuary Perch. Other fish species found in these waters include Bream (All Species), Mullet and Australian Salmon.
To learn more about fishing in Glenelg River Estuary, read more here.Because there are so many great places to catch Estuary Perch in Victoria, it is hard to give them all the attention they deserve. Here are some more locations where Estuary Perch is a primary target species:
While Estuary Perch 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 Estuary Perch 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.
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The estuarine section of the Barwon River provides a unique fishing experience with a mix of freshwater and saltwater species.
Besides Estuary Perch, Barwon River (Estuarine Section) is home to various fish species such as Mulloway, Bream (All Species) and Mullet.
To learn more about fishing in Barwon River (Estuarine Section), read more here.
Source: egcma.com.au
The Genoa River is a pristine waterway in East Gippsland, offering excellent opportunities for freshwater fishing, particularly for Australian bass.
While Estuary Perch is commonly spotted, other species like Australian Bass, River Blackfish and Bream (All Species) can also be found at Genoa River.
To learn more about fishing in Genoa River, read more here.
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The estuarine section of the Maribyrnong River, downstream of Solomons Ford, is a prime location for targeting estuarine fish species.
Maribyrnong River Estuary boasts a diverse fish population. In addition to Estuary Perch, the waters are inhabited by Bream (All Species) and Mullet.
To learn more about fishing in Maribyrnong River Estuary, read more here.
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A Heritage River Area with varied fishing environments from mountain streams to lowland reaches.
Visitors to Thomson River may observe Estuary Perch along with other species such as Brown Trout, Australian Bass and European Carp.
To learn more about fishing in Thomson River, read more here.Yes, estuary perch has a bag limit in Victoria. In Lake Bullen Merri, the bag limit is a combined total of 5 for Australian bass, estuary perch, and hybrid species. In all other Victorian waters, there's a combined bag limit of 5 fish for Australian bass and estuary perch.
The given information does not specify a size limit for estuary perch. However, it's important to check current local regulations as size limits may apply.
Estuary perch is a close relative of Australian bass, found in coastal estuaries and lower reaches of rivers in southeastern Australia. It's known for its similar appearance to Australian bass.
When targeting Estuary Perch with artificial lures, anglers have found success with the following options: Soft Plastics, Hard Bodied Lures, and Surface Lures.
For those who prefer bait fishing, the top choices for Estuary Perch are: Prawns, Small Fish, and Shrimp.
Anglers looking to target Estuary Perch in Victoria should consider these popular fishing spots: Ah Youngs Campsite, Barwon River (Estuarine Section), Bemm River, Fitzroy River Estuary, and Franklin River (lower reaches & estuary).
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