Mastering Lure Fishing for Brim in Australia: Expert Techniques and Tips

Updated at: 09/05/2025

Australia boasts a diverse range of waterways teeming with brim, a highly sought-after gamefish known for its spirited fight and delicious flavour. Lure fishing offers an exciting and rewarding way to target these elusive creatures, but mastering the technique requires understanding their behaviour, selecting the right lures, and employing effective strategies. From mastering the art of casting to understanding the optimal retrieve, success hinges on a nuanced approach that goes beyond simply throwing a line in the water. This isn't just about catching fish; it's about connecting with the environment and experiencing the thrill of the chase.

This comprehensive guide will take you through a step-by-step process, unraveling the secrets to mastering lure fishing for brim in Australia. We'll delve into the specifics of lure selection, effective casting techniques, understanding brim behaviour and habitat preferences, and ultimately, landing that prized catch. Prepare to refine your skills and unlock a new level of success in targeting these remarkable Australian fish.

Safety Guidelines

  • Always check local regulations before fishing for brim. Size and bag limits vary by location and season.
  • Be aware of your surroundings. Snags, slippery rocks, and strong currents can be hazardous. Wear appropriate footwear and consider using a life jacket, especially when fishing from boats or unstable banks.
  • Handle brim carefully to avoid injury to yourself and the fish. Use appropriate tools for removing hooks and return undersized or unwanted fish to the water gently.

Methods: Targeting Brim with Soft Plastics

Tools Needed

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Locating Brim

    • Locate brim by finding sheltered areas with hard structure and shade (boat ramps, jetties, pontoons, rock walls).

  2. Rigging for Depth

    • If brim are suspending high, use a lightly weighted jig head and slowly drift the plastic through them.
    • If brim are holding deeper, use a heavier jig head to get the plastic to the bottom.
    If brim are holding deeper, use a heavier jig head to get the plastic to the bottom.
    Rigging for Depth

  3. Casting and Initial Contact

    • Cast to where the fish are, watch your braid for taps or relaxation as the jig hits the bottom.
    Cast to where the fish are, watch your braid for taps or relaxation as the jig hits the bottom.
    Casting and Initial Contact

  4. Retrieving the Lure

    • Jiggle the plastic off the bottom and wind up the line, keeping it tight throughout the retrieve.
    Jiggle the plastic off the bottom and wind up the line, keeping it tight throughout the retrieve.
    Retrieving the Lure

  5. Adjusting Lure Size

    • Experiment with plastic sizes; sometimes they prefer larger (3-4 inch), other times smaller.

Tips

  • The moment the jig starts hitting the bottom you'll see it start tapping or relaxing.
  • Keep your line tight throughout the retrieve, letting it get back to the bottom and repeating the process.

Methods: Targeting Suspended Brim with Lightly Weighted Soft Plastics

Tools Needed

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Presentation

    • Cast accurately into the shade, right against the structure where the fish are.
    • Keep your line slack and let the plastic drift into the zone where the fish are.
    Keep your line slack and let the plastic drift into the zone where the fish are.
    Presentation

  2. Detection and Hookset

    • Watch your line for bites; when it speeds up, strike.

Tips

  • Accurate casting is key to success.

Methods: Targeting Brim with Hard Lures

Tools Needed

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Lure Selection

    • Choose a bibbed hard body lure that will reach the depth where the fish are likely holding.
    Choose a bibbed hard body lure that will reach the depth where the fish are likely holding.
    Lure Selection

  2. Casting and Placement

    • Cast to the zone, getting it as close to the fish as possible.
    Cast to the zone, getting it as close to the fish as possible.
    Casting and Placement

  3. Retrieve Technique

    • Use a slow and steady retrieve with occasional pauses or twitches.
    Use a slow and steady retrieve with occasional pauses or twitches.
    Retrieve Technique

  4. Bottom Contact/Structure Interaction

    • Ensure the lure hits the bottom in shallow water or occasionally hits hard structures when targeting suspended fish.
    Ensure the lure hits the bottom in shallow water or occasionally hits hard structures when targeting suspended fish.
    Bottom Contact/Structure Interaction

Tips

  • For surface lures, use a walk-the-dog style retrieve with long casts, keeping the rod tip towards the sky and using a slow, continuous wind.
  • Lipless cranks can be slow-rolled in shallow water or jigged in deeper water.

Read more: Fix Bent Soft Plastic Lures: A Quick and Easy Guide

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Using the Wrong Lure

Reason: Bream are picky eaters and selecting an inappropriate lure color, size, or type can drastically reduce your chances of success. They can be sensitive to water clarity and light conditions.
Solution: Match your lure to the prevailing water conditions and the likely prey fish in the area.

2. Insufficient Patience and Slow Retrieval

Reason: Bream often require a slow, deliberate presentation of the lure to trigger a strike. Rushing the retrieve can cause the lure to appear unnatural and fail to entice a bite.
Solution: Employ a slow, steady retrieve, pausing frequently to allow the lure to sink and settle naturally.

FAQs