Fishing from structure

Have you ever been to a new fishing spot only to be put off by the countless anglers already there showing the tell-tale signs they haven't caught a thing? A lot of fishers can easily identify a good fish holding structure but they just don't know how to fish it properly. These areas require a little more technique than just tossing out a prawn and hoping for the best.

Structures can be pontoons, bridges, wharfs and even rock walls. All of which can be successfully fished with the correct guidance and preparation.

The most common error anglers make is to head on down to their local tackle shop and pick up a bag of prawns for bait before considering where they're going or what they're targeting. Prawns are fantastic bait, but only when used in the proper area and for the right quarry. Using the correct bait is essential for success, otherwise the chances of hooking up on a lovely fish is zilch.

The best way to gauge the most suitable bait is to grab a cast net and see what is swimming in the area. Generally, whatever baitfish you catch in abundance is what will work best. In my local area, bony bream and poddy mullet are the most commonly netted baitfish. If you do not own a cast net, chat with your local tackle store who will be able to hook you up with a bait that works.

Rigs are the next stumbling block anglers face. The local pontoons are riddled with sharks and large barramundi, so the normal 6lb standard line on the small weekender combos may not work too great. Your rigs will ultimately depend on the predator species around the structure.