Fishing in Port Stephens

Black jewfish are a large, nocturnal estuary predator found in the tidal rivers and estuaries of northern Australia from the Kimberley through to central Queensland, prized for both their size and exceptional eating quality. Large live mullet and catfish baits fished in tidal holes and deep channel bends produce the best results during low light periods.

Bream and whiting are staple estuary species found in tidal waterways, estuaries and bays throughout coastal Australia, targeted with small baits such as prawns, worms and nippers on light gear. Bream in particular offer a surprisingly strong fight for their size and can be highly selective, making them a challenging and rewarding target.

Dusky flathead are one of Australia's most popular estuary targets, ambushing prey from sandy and muddy substrates in estuaries, bays and tidal flats from Queensland to South Australia. Soft plastic lures worked slowly along the bottom with a lift-and-drop retrieve are devastatingly effective and provide excellent sport on light tackle.

King George whiting are South Australia's most prized table fish and are found in the shallow seagrass beds and sandy bays of Gulf St Vincent, Spencer Gulf and the Yorke and Eyre peninsulas. Fishing fresh peeled prawn, pippi or bluebait on small hooks with running sinker rigs over clean sandy ground produces consistent catches of these delicately flavoured fish.

South-east Queensland's impoundments, including Lake Somerset, Wivenhoe and Borumba, hold trophy Australian bass and golden perch that provide exciting lure fishing throughout the cooler months. Working surface lures and vibes around submerged timber and rocky points at dawn and dusk produces explosive strikes from quality fish.

Redfin perch are a highly regarded sport fish in southern Australian impoundments, schooling over submerged structure and rocky points in lakes throughout Victoria, SA and the ACT. They are aggressive biters that respond well to blade vibes, small soft plastics and Tassie Devil lures retrieved at mid-depth, and provide fast-action fishing when located with a sounder.