Estuaries stand out as diverse and dynamic fishing locations, offering a wide array of opportunities for anglers. Depending on your geographical location and preferred techniques, a day in the estuary could lead to encounters with a variety of species, from whiting and bream to formidable jewfish or barramundi. While the excitement is palpable, fishing in estuaries can also be a puzzle, as these environments are constantly in flux due to factors like rainfall, temperature changes, and atmospheric conditions. Navigating these intricacies becomes more manageable by familiarizing yourself with key estuary hot spots and learning when to capitalize on them, ensuring a rewarding day of fishing more often than not.

ROCKWALLS
Man-made structures punctuate estuary systems, acting as magnets for fish. From rockwalls to jetties, bridges, oyster racks, and pontoons, these structures provide essential elements of shelter and sustenance, serving as focal points for various fish species. Rockwalls, in particular, are significant contributors to estuarine habitats, accommodating both large and small fish. Despite their appeal, rockwalls present challenges such as snags, strong tidal flows, and educated fish in popular systems. Success hinges on fishing the right section of the rockwall at the opportune time.

In general, rockwalls often yield the best results during a run-out tide, especially near the estuary mouth. Targeting the base of the rockwall, where boulders meet sand, proves effective, whether by drifting carefully weighted baits with the current or casting heavily weighted soft plastics. Larger species like mulloway or barramundi may be more receptive during the slack tide, particularly in deeper systems where it might be the only feasible time to access the rockwall's base. At the end of a rockwall, back-eddies created by the flowing tide can concentrate baitfish, offering additional opportunities.

BRIDGES

Bridges, another common man-made feature in estuaries, offer structure and cover for fish. Pylon supports beneath bridges serve as a food and shelter source, attracting species such as bream, luderick, mulloway, flathead, barra, and trevally. The shade provided by bridges is advantageous both day and night, with fish seeking refuge in shallow estuaries during daylight hours. Casting beneath the bridge or drifting baits along the light/dark edge created by overhead lighting at night can prove fruitful.

CHANNEL EDGES

Among the natural features, channel edges are crucial fish-holding areas in estuaries. These are defined lines where shallow water transitions rapidly into deeper waters. Optimal channel edges feature wide areas of shallow mud or sandflats that become exposed during a falling tide. As the tide retreats, the water carries a variety of fish-food over the channel edge, attracting larger fish. Timing is crucial, with the second half of the run-out tide and the beginning of the run-in tide being prime periods.

FLATS

Contrary to common belief, shallow waters over estuarine sand and mudflats are rich fishing grounds. Although the fishing window is limited to the few hours around high tide, flats can be highly productive. Successful approaches involve drifting and casting small lures or targeting small features like drainage channels and weed bed edges with natural baits. Given the spookiness of fish feeding on the flats, a stealthy approach and refined tackle are essential.

SNAGS & WEED BEDS

Any form of structure attracts estuary fish, and natural timber snags and thick weed beds are prevalent structures. Timber snags, like fallen laydown trees or mangroves, house various fish species. Fishing these snags with lures or baits can lead to success. Weed beds, on the other hand, serve as cruising grounds for predatory and browsing fish. Fishing along the edges of weed beds with baits or lures while continuously exploring new beds is an effective strategy.

ROCK BARS

Naturally occurring rock bars, solid rock structures found in estuary systems, are significant hot spots. Trolling over rock bars in deeper water or anchoring up-current and drifting baits towards the bar can yield excellent results. The use of electric motors and fishing vibes and soft plastics over fish soundings enhances the chances of success.

FEEDER CREEKS

Feeder creeks along estuary edges, draining into the main body, are common sights. On a run-out tide, predatory fish stack up at the mouth of these creeks to feed on baitfish, prawns, and other prey carried out by the current. Targeting the mouth of feeder creeks or lines between clean and dirty water during tide changes can be productive.

DEEP HOLES

Deep holes around rock points, branches, and steep banks serve as habitats for trophy fish in estuaries. While it's essential not to fixate on deep water, these holes can hold large predatory fish, especially during low tide or the middle of a sunny day when fish seek shelter. Patience and a thoughtful approach, whether using set baits or working lures through deep holes, can lead to trophy-sized catches.

In conclusion, mastering estuary fishing involves understanding the intricacies of each hot spot and considering factors like tide, structure, and fish behaviour. By adopting thoughtful and adaptive strategies, anglers can enhance their chances of a successful and enjoyable day in the estuary. Good luck!