PLEASE NOTE: This planner is intended as a guide only. Trends indicated in this calendar are subject to seasonal variations and changeable climate patterns. For more up-to-date and specific information, always talk to the staff at local tackle shops in the regions you visit. ALSO, be sure to stay across all current rules, regulations and seasonal closures* in the areas where you intend to go fishing.

It’s very important to note that new and sometimes temporary or fixed-term closures, restrictions and bans apply to certain recreational fisheries around the country, and that these can and do change over time, often with little advance warning. Examples include (but are certainly not confined to) restrictions on the snapper fishery in SA, the Spanish mackerel fishery in QLD, and the demersal (bottom or reef) fishery in WA.

MAKE SURE YOU ARE COMPLETELY AWARE OF THESE CLOSURES AND RESTRICTIONS!

Ignorance of the law is no excuse. Talk to the staff in local tackle shops and visit the on-line sites of relevant fisheries management authorities for updates.

The snapper bite slows noticeably now and many fish leave the bays and gulfs to head offshore, but some of the year’s biggest snapper are typically caught this month. Salmon fishing continues to improve on most surf beaches. Kingfish and Samsons and are available offshore, especially in SA and southern WA, while increasing numbers of southern bluefin tuna (including the odd jumbo) are present in many waters. This is often the best tuna month in Tasmania. Some big swordfish will also be landed this month. The larger winter run of King George whiting are coming on the bite now, bream are hitting well in the estuaries and flathead are still available on many beaches and in the SA’s gulfs, as well as around Kangaroo Island.

Weather and winds generally settle this month. Good snapper are biting on the inshore reefs, along with dhufish, Samson fish and kings offshore. The annual salmon run is now in full swing, sometimes reaching Perth metro’ waters and beyond. Abundant herring (tommy ruff) are also on tap. Further north, mid-west waters are fishing especially well. Ballooning for mackerel from the shore becomes a very good option in easterly breezes. This is also prime time for giant trevally in the far north.

The annual run-off has slowed or stopped, but barra continue to bite well throughout the north, along with black jewfish, fingermark (golden snapper), mangrove jacks and threadfin. The two biggest barra tournaments of the year (the Barra Classic and Barra Nationals) are usually staged this month in Top End waters. Mackerel and tuna are increasingly available offshore, along with some smaller black marlin, sailfish and a full range of reef species.

Offshore, waters are cooling, but the more settled weather of May typically heralds some of the year’s hottest action on yellowfin tuna, albacore and mako sharks. A few marlin may still be present, especially further north, as well as large Spanish mackerel and some smaller spotties. Anglers targeting broadbill swordfish should be deep-dropping big baits on heavy tackle. Kingfish numbers decline a little now, but their sizes often increases. Good snapper and morwong are biting on the reefs. Salmon, tailor and bream are available in the surf, while drummer, groper, bream, blackfish (luderick) and trevally dominate rock fishing catches. Flathead, bream and tailor should still be biting well in the estuaries, and some bigger mulloway (jewfish) are also on tap.

The first major frosts of late April or early May often herald some of the year’s finest Murray cod fishing, especially for larger specimens. Golden perch and other native species are slowing down now, but trout are still biting well in many lakes and those rivers that remain open (check local regulations). The brown trout spawning run is well underway in many cooler waters.

Shimano Australia Fishing (SAF) and Steve Starling (River & Sea Pty Ltd) accept no liability whatsoever for injuries, loss, expenses, legal prosecutions or any other damages or inconvenience caused or contributed to by adherence to the general advice offered in this calendar, whether due to negligence or otherwise arising from the use of, or reliance on, that information. Before acting on any general information of this type, carefully consider the appropriateness of the information provided, and any specific circumstances applying at the time. In particular, it is incumbent upon the individual using this general advice to be fully aware of all current rules and regulations, as well as all other existing conditions or potential issues.