Tackle Tactics » Tips-Techniques » Saltwater-Estuary » Regional Reconnoiring for Big Bream

Regional Reconnoiring for Big Bream

Ash Hazell

Since moving from WA to Melbourne, and starting up Barrow Boys Brewing, I regret that fishing has taken a back seat for me. The occasional flick around my local Yarra and Werribee Rivers have been enough to keep me from getting too rusty but they've not been enough to satisfy my longings for dirty big bream... the type that you pull from tight structure on ultra-light line, triggering a few missed heart beats in the process. It's technical, adrenaline filled fishing, where the objective is to fill my memories (and memory cards) with big bream, rather than my freezer. So, when given the invitation to head into Eastern Victoria with my mate 'Mods and explore some new ground, I just couldn't refuse.

We loaded the kayaks and gear, a few days' solid and liquid rations, cameras and high hopes, then set off on the long drive. Getting there just before sunset meant we had time to scout the area for water flow, clarity and launch spots, and then rig up for an early start.

Being out of it for a few months, there were some new lures to test out and so it was the ZMan 2.5" Slim SwimZ and 3.5" GrubZ that would be first wetted when I hit the water. Not knowing much about the system we were pedalling into, there was a mix of excitement and that back-of-the-head fear that we would be sourly disappointed. It didn't take long to put that fear to rest, with the first good bream in my net after a dozen casts.

When fishing new systems, it's crucial to give attention to the particulars. With the heavy unseasonal rain we followed east, this was even more important. The flow was strong enough that the paddle upstream was noticeably more difficult and the volume of fresh water created a halocline/thermocline that could be distinguished with sonar. The further upstream we were, the deeper the barrier and the deeper the bream seemed to be feeding.

Because of this, we focussed on the lower-mid reaches of the river. Being far shorter than the Murray, it wasn't too hard to find the more productive water. We quickly realised how snaggy the system was and had to adjust our fishing style so we weren't losing lures every dozen casts. It was a fine balance to stay in the strike zone without touching the bottom. When this balance was found, the results were good.

In the meantime, the scenery was amazing and we were so stealthy on the kayaks that the wildlife, including a large water dragon, didn't seem bothered by our presence at all, keeping an eye on us but never behaving like they were alarmed. This is one of the benefits and joys of kayak fishing, where a slow bite can still be a rewarding day on the water.

Thankfully we didn't have to rely on terrestrial entertainment because there was plenty of action below the water. Bream were plentiful and persisting through the smaller fish was rewarded by their parents and occasional grandparents being fooled by our careful presentations.

The real treat for the weekend for me was hooking up to a species I've never tussled with before. I was working a reedy bank with a steep drop off and picking up the occasional bream on the ZMan 3.5" GrubZ in Motor Oil colour, a proven fish catcher in cloudy conditions, rigged on a TT Lures Hidden Weight System (HWS) jighead. An ambitiously placed plastic, in amongst the reeds, was twitching its way back to me when it was slammed on the pause. All I could do was hold on and thumb the drag as the unfamiliar fish in unfamiliar waters gave my lure a tour of the submersed reeds. Knowing there was no chance of pulling it back through with only 4lb leader, I went in hoping for the best. It wasn't hard to locate the fish as it pulled my line through the grassy reeds. In a spectacularly awkward fashion, I net-paddled my way over to it and searched the stalks for what I hoped was the biggest bream of the trip. A few missed attempts with the net and I managed to see it in the darkness, just able to get below it and safely into the mesh. It took me a few seconds to realise it wasn't a bream, but instead my first estuary perch, at approximately 50cm... I was stoked!

The variety of structure, fish and scenery, along with the challenge of cracking the pattern was just what I needed to revive my drive for this action packed, yet relaxing sport and we're already planning the next trip to another far away system.

Cheers!
Ash Hazell