Autumn estuary tactics by Phil Bennett

As we edge into Winter we move into an interesting time for estuary fishing. It's when cooling temperatures inspire some traditional Winter species like bream and blackfish to think about the upcoming spawn run and feed heavily.

And the warm water species like flathead and whiting slow down a tad and reposition themselves in the estuary system - though there's still time for that one last big feed before slowing right down.

Mullet are also grouping up in huge numbers, heading to the lower reaches as they get ready for their spawning run. "But who chases mullet?", I hear you say. Jewfish, that's who! So if you're mad about mulloway, you should be starting to get real excited now.

BREAM

There aren't too many people who don't enjoy chasing a few bream. From seasoned anglers who grew up catching these tasty fish on chicken gut cast from a trusty timber hand reel to the tournament crew in high-powered boats and scented plastics and top-shelf threadline outfits.

For me, bream fishing is somewhere in the middle and at this time of year things really start to fire for these sporty silver fish.

One of the most important keys to consistently catching bream at this time of year is simply being where the fish are.

As obvious as that sounds, many people still head the wrong way when looking for early Winter bream, with plenty of anglers making the mistake of heading up-river or to the back of their favourite lake system.

At this time of year many bream are getting ready for their annual spawn run and have been edging their way down river for the past month or two before grouping together in the lower reaches.

Bream, prior to the spawn run, will be very keen to hit baits and lures.

They usually like to feed up before the big event and those bombing the lower reaches of the river or lake with gun lures like small blades and scented soft plastics will usually score plenty of quality fish.

The bait crew will be flicking out lightly weighted cut mullet, tuna, herring or pilchards as well as prawns, nippers and various crabs.

Just stick to the lower reaches and fish prime times of dawn and dusk.

BLACKFISH

While blackfish are considered a Winter species, it's fair to say they usually don't become too active until very late in the season.

Naturally, the further north you head to fish, the later the run will be.

So to consistently catch luderick during the early part of Winter you have to work a little harder.

Those fishing estuary systems south of Port Macquarie will find the luderick season plodding along nicely, with a good mix of solid 'bronzies' that have moved in from the headlands, and ever-present smaller river fish that have moved down the system to join them.

Those north of Port Macquarie will be scratching away at the remnant stocks of last season, mainly finding small river fish in the mid to lower sections of the estuary. Our time will come, just not a for a few months yet...