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.

Snapper numbers are increasing dramatically now, especially in Melbourne’s big bays, but note that snapper fishing is now closed in SA. Good mulloway are appearing in many estuaries, with big fish in the surf on western SA beaches. Yellowfin whiting are aggregating in SA and southern WA. Garfish and crabs both improving in size and quantity, as well.

Snapper season remains closed in Cockburn and Warnbro Sounds and the demersal finfish closure continues. Interest in crayfishing ramps up sharply later in the month and boat ramps become very busy as a result. Beach fishing along the entire coast is a great option now for mulloway, tailor, herring, whiting, sharks and snapper. Trout activity slows in the fresh as temperatures rise although redfin continue to bite.

November is another great month inland, although temperatures are rising fast. Golden perch or yellowbelly continue to bite well, especially further south. The closed season for Murray cod continues on rivers and dams and cod should not be targeted. However, in those impoundments where cod fishing is allowed, this can be a great month. Trout fishing continues to be excellent as insect activity increases, although warming waters can begin to dampen trout activity, especially at lower altitudes and later in the month.

The “build up” is in full swing now, with very hot, sticky weather and the increasing chance of storms. Fortunately, barramundi, threadfin, jacks and saratoga love these conditions and are biting well, although the barra season closes at the beginning of the month on the QLD east coast. Offshore, the mackerel run is slowing, but many good fish will still be caught. Reef fishing is excellent, but check for periodic reef fish closures in QLD waters. The giant black marlin run continues along the outer Barrier Reef with the best action moving south now.

Weather and seas are warming and more anglers are hitting the water. November is an excellent month for snapper, especially south of Newcastle, and kingfish numbers are also escalating rapidly, along with smaller pelagics like salmon and bonito. Offshore, yellowfin tuna and albacore can be present in good numbers at times, along with a few mako sharks. Mulloway are more active and readily available now. In the estuaries, flathead fishing continues to be very good, although the larger fish will begin dispersing upstream later in the month, especially further north. Whiting now begin to bite very well and may even begin to hit lures. Bass and estuary perch fishing is excellent further upstream.

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.