The Australian Bass
Autumn fishing techniques for Australian Bass are pretty much the same as those techniques used in the summer months. In fact, Australian Bass can be found in the same summer hid outs during the autumn months, prior to migrating downstream to spawn in the estuaries along the south-east coast of Australia.
They can be found in the rivers, creeks and streams that stretch up from the estuaries along the coast of Victoria and New South Whales. However, as many rivers are dammed, migration does not always happen in all rivers.
The main difference between the spring months and the summer months are the depths at which the bass can be found. As the water temperature heats up, Australian bass move into deeper water. As the temperature moves into the high 70°Fs, they move deeper and have a preference for water in the low 70°s to upper 60°s (approximately around 18°C to 21°C).
They can still be found hiding under overhanging brush, in and around sunken trees, around underwater obstacles and always in the shade during the day. It is in the shade that the Australian Bass wait to ambush their prey.
High Sun
In fact, the higher and brighter the sun is, the more the bass will retreat deeper, chasing after baitfish at these lower depths, or waiting out the sun and actively feeding at night if there are no prey fish at depth. Some novice anglers take this information to mean that fishing in newly shaded areas are great places to catch bass or areas that are generally on the edge of shade and light. However, nothing could be further from the truth. Australian Bass do not like well lit areas and in summer months. These border areas between shade and sunlight are often warm and void of any Australian Bass.
As much as the summer months heat up and become very warm, the nights and twilight hours are still dark and offer great fishing. This is when Australian Bass come alive and move out of hiding. They will often explore the habitat and go on binge eating excursions. The primary bass fishing baits and bass lures that work the best in the summer months are baitfish as Australian Bass spend a lot of time in the cooler deep waters. Insects also work well to as they are a popular food at night.
However, it is hard to find a bait, lure or tackle that will not cause an Australian Bass to strike at whatever you present to the bass. The main reason for seeking out the preferred tackle is to get that upper hand and get as many elements working in your favour.
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If the bass don't seem to be striking at your lure, then appeal to their sense of territory. Casting into their territory, a mere few feet from where they are to get them to strike out of defense. This is much easier to do during daylight hours as they are limited to their traditional hiding spots like sunken trees, along river banks and other sunken debris. However, at night they tend to move around where it can be difficult to locate them without a fish finder. At night, crankbaits are much more effective than regular lures.
Keep in mind that the characteristics of Australian Bass are not the only factors that effct how they are caught. Weather conditions also play a roll as do the interactions of animals and recreation water craft - forcing the bass to hide and avoid feeding until later on in the evening or night.
Other important factors in the feeding habits of Australian Bass are the feeding habits and movements of the baitfish and other prey. Most baitfish avoid much activity until late in the afternoon and evening as the sun begins to set and offer them more protection.
Night Fishing
Moreover, most insect activity occurs at night and the late evening. Australian Bass do not waste a lot of energy during the day when most of their prey is unavailable. Keep this in mind and combine the techniques here with Night Techniques to land that lunker bass.
The Australian Bass also strike at crayfish, small frogs and worms. In low light conditions, use spinners, spoons and crankbaits.
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