South Gippsland (East) Fishing Guide: Top Spots, Fish & Best Tackle in Victoria

#1 – Agnes River Estuary, South Gippsland East

The Agnes River estuary provides a productive fishing ground for various estuarine species in a coastal setting.

Agnes River Estuary is home to various fish species such as Bream (All Species), Flathead and Mullet.

#2 – Franklin River (lower reaches & estuary), South Gippsland East

The lower reaches and estuary of the Franklin River provide a productive fishing environment with a mix of freshwater and estuarine species.

Franklin River (lower reaches & estuary) is home to various fish species such as Estuary Perch, Bream (All Species) and Mullet.

#3 – Tarra River Headwaters, South Gippsland East

The headwaters of the Tarra River offer a picturesque trout fishing experience in a forested mountain setting.

Tarra River Headwaters is home to various fish species such as Brown Trout and River Blackfish.

#4 – Wilsons Promontory Streams, South Gippsland East

The streams of Wilsons Promontory offer a unique fishing experience in a pristine wilderness setting, with a focus on native species.

Wilsons Promontory Streams is home to various fish species such as River Blackfish, Australian Bass and Short-Finned Eel.

#1 – The Australian Bass

The Australian Bass is a popular freshwater sport fish native to coastal rivers and streams in eastern Australia. Known for its fighting spirit and delicious flesh, it's a prized catch for many anglers.

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.

#2 – The Brown Trout

Brown trout (Salmo trutta) is a popular freshwater game fish in Victoria, known for its fighting spirit and delicious taste.

How to catch Brown Trout

In Victoria, Brown trout can be caught using various techniques. Fly fishing is popular, especially with wet flies imitating aquatic insects or dry flies during insect hatches. Lure fishing with small spinners, soft plastics, or hard-bodied lures can also be effective. Bait fishing using worms, maggots, or small fish can work well in some areas. Early morning or late evening fishing often yields the best results. Focus on deep pools, undercut banks, and areas with cover in rivers and streams. In lakes, target drop-offs and weed beds.

#3 – The Estuary Perch

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.

How to catch Estuary Perch

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.

#4 – The Flathead

Flathead are bottom-dwelling predatory fish known for their distinctive flat head and body shape. They are popular among recreational anglers in Victoria for their tasty flesh and sporting qualities.

How to catch Flathead

To catch flathead in Victoria, try fishing in areas with sandy or muddy bottoms, such as estuaries, bays, and coastal waters. Use light to medium tackle with 4-6kg line. When bait fishing, use a running sinker rig with a small sinker and present the bait on or near the bottom. For lure fishing, soft plastics, small hard-bodied lures, and metal blades work well. Retrieve lures slowly along the bottom, mimicking the movement of small fish or prawns. Fish during incoming tides or around dawn and dusk for best results.

#5 – The Mullet

Mullet are a family of coastal fish found in Victorian waters. They are known for their silvery bodies, forked tails, and tendency to swim in schools.

How to catch Mullet

To catch mullet in Victoria, use light tackle with small hooks (sizes 6-10) to match their small mouths. A simple running sinker rig or a float rig can be effective. Berley (chum) the area with bread or bran to attract schools of mullet. Fish close to the bottom or near the surface, depending on where you spot the fish. Patience is key, as mullet can be cautious feeders. Try fishing in estuaries, river mouths, and along sandy beaches. Early morning or late afternoon are often the best times to target mullet.

#6 – The River Blackfish

The River blackfish is a freshwater fish native to south-eastern Australia, known for its dark coloration and elongated body.

How to catch River Blackfish

To catch River blackfish, focus on fishing during dusk, night, or early morning when they are most active. Use light tackle and fish close to structure such as fallen logs, undercut banks, or dense vegetation. Bait fishing with worms or small yabbies can be effective, as can slowly retrieving small soft plastics or hard-bodied lures. Be patient and persistent, as these fish can be shy and require a delicate approach.