Bream

Bream are one of the most popular and widely targeted sport fish in Australia, prized for their hard-fighting nature, cunning feeding habits, and accessibility to both land-based and boat anglers. Found in estuaries, rivers, coastal lakes, and inshore reefs, bream are a year-round fishing option that provide an exciting challenge for anglers of all skill levels.

Species & Appearance

The two main species targeted by anglers in Australia are:

• Yellowfin Bream (Acanthopagrus australis): Recognizable by their silver body with yellowish fins, these bream are common along the east coast from Queensland to Victoria.
• Black Bream (Acanthopagrus butcheri): Found mainly in southern estuaries, black bream have a darker, bronze to greyish body and are more tolerant of freshwater environments.

Both species have deep, laterally compressed bodies, powerful jaws, and sharp dorsal spines, making them strong fighters for their size. Most bream caught by anglers range from 25 to 40 cm (10 to 16 inches), but they can grow over 50 cm (20 inches) and weigh up to 4 kg (9 lbs) in ideal conditions.

Habitat & Behavior

Bream thrive in tidal estuaries, mangrove-lined rivers, rocky shorelines, and inshore reefs. They often seek cover near structures such as oyster leases, jetties, bridge pylons, rock walls, and submerged snags, where they feed on crustaceans, mollusks, small fish, and marine worms. Bream are most active at dawn and dusk, particularly around tidal changes when food is more abundant.

Best Fishing Techniques

Bream are notoriously cautious feeders, requiring finesse and patience to hook successfully. Effective fishing methods include:

• Lure Fishing: Small soft plastics, hard-bodied crankbaits, and surface lures such as poppers and stickbaits work well, especially when retrieved slowly around structure. Natural colors like brown, green, and clear are often the most effective.
• Bait Fishing: Fresh bait such as prawns, yabbies, worms, pilchards, and chicken strips are highly effective. Light leaders and small hooks (size 2 to 6) help increase hook-up rates due to the bream’s wary nature.
• Fly Fishing: Bream can be caught on small shrimp and crab imitations, especially in shallow flats and estuary systems.

Prime Locations & Seasons

Bream are found along the entire Australian coastline, from tropical estuaries in the north to temperate southern waters. Popular fishing spots include the Hawkesbury River (NSW), Moreton Bay (QLD), the Gippsland Lakes (VIC), and the Swan River (WA). While bream can be caught year-round, they are most active in the warmer months (spring and summer) and during their spawning season in winter, when they school up in estuaries and coastal lakes.

Why Fish for Bream?

Bream offer a thrilling challenge for anglers due to their wary nature, powerful runs, and ability to fight above their weight class. Whether fishing from the shore, a boat, or a kayak, they provide an accessible and rewarding experience. With their abundance in Australian waters and willingness to take a variety of lures and baits, bream are an ideal target for both beginner and experienced fishermen alike.