Bass fishing fans in New South Wales and Queensland have a reason to celebrate. The winter closure is over, and Australian Bass season is open. From Queensland’s northern rivers to the streams of New South Wales, anglers are getting ready to chase one of Australia’s most exciting freshwater fish.
Australian Bass, sometimes called freshwater perch or eastern freshwater perch, are known for their strong fight and adaptability. Adults can be silver, green, or bronze, and females are usually bigger than males. They live in both freshwater and estuaries, often hiding near fallen trees, rocks, or underwater debris. Bass eat insects, crustaceans, tadpoles, and small fish. This makes them a real challenge for anglers of any experience.
Every year, Australian Bass are protected from 1 June to 31 August while they move downstream to breed. This break helps keep wild bass populations healthy, so anglers know they’re fishing in a sustainable way. With the season now open, it’s time to enjoy the thrill of catching these prized fish again.
Bass fishing has become much more popular across Australia, especially in inland dams stocked by fisheries and local angling groups. Catch-and-release is recommended in native streams, while stocked dams are great for those wanting to keep fish within legal limits. Bass respond well to bait, fly, and lures, and their sudden strikes can make any fishing trip memorable, whether you’re after a big one in a remote stream or just spending a day at a local dam.
If you want to get the most out of this season, Shimano has a full BFS (Bait Finesse System) setup for precise bass fishing. The Ascenza BFS and Artiesta BFS rods are designed for sensitivity and control, and they pair well with Shimano’s BFS reels like the SLX BFS, Calcutta Conquest BFS, and Curado BFS. This gear helps anglers cast small lures accurately, which is key when fishing for smart bass in tough spots.
When it comes to lures, Shimano provides options for every bass angler. The Squidgies soft plastics, including the new Glimma, Bug, Lobby, Grub, and the ever-popular Prawn Wriggler deliver lifelike action and profiles that bass find irresistible. For those who prefer hardbody lures, the Bantam Ligen is a versatile choice, perfect for enticing aggressive strikes in both shallow and deep water. Paired with BFS rods and reels, these lures give anglers the ultimate toolkit for tackling any bass scenario this season.
From remote streams along the New South Wales/Victorian border to stocked inland dams closer to the city, this season promises thrilling action for anglers of all levels. With the right gear, patience, and a touch of finesse, there’s no better time to experience the excitement and challenge of Australian Bass fishing.